Since the Greek Islands are spread  out over two seas, the Ionian and the Aegean Seas.  The very best way to experience the flavors of Greece is by boat.  While the Greeks have been sailing for centuries there are still many islands that remain completely authentic and unspoiled.

One has many options when choosing to sail in Greece.  This will all depend on how long you can travel for, the time of year you choose and the type of yacht you charter.  Motor yachts being able to cover far more ground than sailing yachts.

7 Days in the Greek Islands

Day 1:  Athens is the obvious choice for starting a charter.  Marina Zea is the perfect atmospheric and far more central dock to be based in.  From here it is just a short ride to downtown Plaka area and the Parthenon where excellent guides are available for those that would like a tour around the historical sights.

Day 2:  With no rush to depart enjoy breakfast quayside before departing on a short cruise to Hydra.  This picturesque town’s only transport is either horse or donkey, depending on the budget.  An old fishing village before WWII and since becoming a charming tourist destination, enjoy a dinner ashore as you capitalize on the villages fishing heritage as well as it’s proximity to Athens.

Day 3:  Mykonos is a very photogenic town with it’s maze of narrow alleys bordered by traditional white cubic houses and is popular with the jet set and backpackers alike.  Although Mykonos is dry and rather barren, the island offers great beaches and an excellent nightlife for guests who like to dance the night away.  Anchoring out in the bay is preferable.  Just a short tender ride to shore allows you the freedom to come and go.

Day 4:  Mandraki is on the volcanic island of Nysyros and offers a village like charm.  The yellow moonscape of the volcanic crater has an excellent view and is a “must see”, as is the unique flora and fauna that flourishes in the volcanic soil.  Another historic site worth a visit is the ancient monastery the “Moni Panagias Spillianis” dating from the 15th century.  The monastery boasts a library housing several ecclesiastically significant works.   A relaxing afternoon comes to an end as the small town of Mandraki comes to life offering your guests Bars, Tavernas and shops and a true authentic Greek Atmosphere.

Day 5:  Tilos is one of the few remaining islands that has managed to avoid too much tourism.  Deserted beaches can still be found and the serenity of Greek Island life can still be admired.  Once inhabited by small elephants, their remains can be seen at the Harkadia Cave.  Tilos’ early Stone Age history was intertwined with the movements of these animals.  An excellent island for those that enjoy walking or strolling and an excellent way to view and enjoy the scenic charms and bird-life.  Anchoring in the sleepy bay Livadia and dine under the clear night sky with a bay bordered by a pebble beach.

Day 6:  Lindos town is perched atop the hillside overlooking a small natural harbor.  This provides very good shelter for boats and is only a short tender run ashore, followed by a climb uphill to the town (all on foot).  Unchanged in character since the days of the Knights of St John, the site of present-day Lindos is much older.  The traditional narrow cobbled streets is very much where the charm lies in this little town so high above the anchorage.  With plenty of bars and tavernas to quench your thirst and hunger after your climb.  For those a little more energetic, high above the town is the Doric Acropolis, which dates from the 5th century B.C and offers astounding views.  The Acropolis also provides access to the temple of Athena overlooking the sea.

Day 7:  Rhodes is about 30 miles north of Lindos.  The city is perhaps most famous as the place where the Colossus is said to have stood astride the harbor entrance.  The most significant feature of Rhodes now is the Citadel built by the Knights of St. John on the sight of the ancient acropolis.  Although the citadel has benefited from a little modern cosmetic surgery it still has astounding presence.  A lovely island to end your Greek vacation.

7 Days in the Ionian Islands

Day 1:  Flying into Corfu you will be met by your captain and escorted to your yacht docked at the NAOK yacht club on the south side of the Old Fortress.  Corfu town, the capital, is beautifully situated on a promontory on the east coast.  Anchoring in Garitsa Bay enjoy a light lunch before either heading out to explore the remains of a Roman Villa further south on the island in a charming fishing village of Benitses, or relaxing onboard and swimming off the boat.  With excellent nightlife and beautiful sand beaches Garitsa Bay is a good start to your Greek vacation.

Day 2:  A morning cruise with guests enjoying breakfast under way takes you the 35 miles south and east to Anti Paxos, a tiny island with a good and safe anchorage.  Sheltered waters make this an excellent spot to launch the water toys and have some fun in the sun.  An afternoon stroll offers the beauty of the serene shoreline.  A peaceful night at anchor, dinning under a star filled night is the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Day 3:  The next morning, move southwards 30 miles towards the mountainous island of Levkas with it’s stretches of golden beach.  Enjoy a lazy day here – it’s a gorgeous spot for sunbathing on the beach and enjoying the water for the afternoon.  Spend the night in Nydri before heading off the next morning.

Day 4:  A 32 mile cruise to Ithaca starts the 4th day.  Separated from Cephalonia by the Ithaca channel, this rock island is almost cut in two by the long Gulf of Molos which offers several marvelous anchorages.  Enjoy a picnic lunch on the uninhabited Atokos Island before cruising on to Zakynthos for the night.   For a quiet night anchor in Smugglers Cove or take in the nightlife and anchor off the port.  Excellent scenery and bathing beaches make this island very popular with holidaymakers.

Day 5:  Cephalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands is home of the limestone mountains.  Good beaches, tiny lakes, olive and cypress trees, mountain slopes and a fabulous local wine will be the main attraction.  Assos is a small fishing village on the western side and is a pleasant village to stroll around, as is the port town Fiskardo to the north.  From the bay, you have some good view of the Ithaca coast.

Day 6:  Leaving in the early hours of the morning your yacht will head the 80 miles to Paxos, an island so tiny and packed with trees and shrubs that it almost sees as if you are wandering through a garden as you walk up the hill to explore the Venetian castle that dominated the island.  Clad in dense olive groves and surrounded by a rocky coastline lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters, Paxos really is an island paradise and is aptly described as “nature’s little wonder”.  With the island being just 19 kilometers square, Paxos has an intimate charm that has escaped the blight of mass tourism.  If you crave peace and quiet or feel the need to retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern day living, Paxos proves to be the ideal “get away from it all”.  The quaint harbors of Gaios, Lakka and Loggos offer good overnight anchorages.

Day 7:  As your vacation draws to a close the short 30 mile cruise back to Corfu gives you the time to relax and contemplate your next yacht vacation.