Greek Island Village Anchorage

Imagine cruising on a crewed charter yacht through the crystal clear waters of a charter yacht location like Greece!  With over 6000 islands to visit on a crewed yacht charter itinerary in the Greek Islands, there is something for everyone.  Greece is a yacht charter destination that is a perfect location to visit on a crewed yacht charter, as many of the islands and many of the myriad of anchorages available can only be visited by a private charter yacht.  On a yacht charter through the Greek Islands you might find yourself the only visitor to a remote island or enjoying the isolated splendor of your own anchorage with no one else in sight.  Combine visiting islands in Greece that can only be visited by private yacht charter with visiting islands in Greece that we all know and love such as Santorini and Mykonos on your own private yacht charter on your own unique yacht charter itinerary, cruising where you want, when you want.

The over 6000 Greek Islands are divided roughly into five main island chains of the Ionian, Saronic, Cycladic, Sporadic and Dodecanese Island groups.  History through the many centuries from ancient to modern times has left a mark on each and every island and island chain, leaving something new to learn and see around every corner. 

Sunset over Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos

The Ionian Islands, in the Ionian Sea, are located along one of the major ancient trading routes and so have a strong Venetian feel as many of these islands were owned by the city state of Venice for over 300 years.  A minimum of one week is best to cruise from the southernmost island of Zakynthos to the northernmost island of Corfu.  The Ionian Islands are considered to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world which is certainly true about Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos, assuredly one of the most beautiful beaches to be found worldwide.    

Local Island Taverna

The Saronic Islands are close to Athens for a lovely yacht charter cruise in generally protected waters.  After boarding your charter yacht, within a couple of hours, you will be cruising into a whole different world; life in the Greek Islands.  The Saronic islands are very close to the Peloponnesian Peninsula mainland of Greece also offering lively harbors and historical sites to visit. 

Blue Domes of Santorini

The Cycladic Islands are probably the most well known and photographed of the Greek Islands and include the islands of Santorini and Mykonos.  With a distinctive style all their own, the Cycladic Islands are covered with white cubist style “sugar cube” buildings with windows, doors and domes painted cobalt blue, a signature of the Cycladic Island style.  Windmills are also common in these islands as this island group is exposed to the sultry Meltemi Winds that blow across the Aegean Sea.  If the Meltemi Winds, which can blow at anytime, blow too strongly, cruising on a crewed yacht charter in the Cycladic Islands might not be possible for your charter itinerary.  So while the Cycladic Islands can be the intended itinerary of any Greek Island yacht charter, this itinerary is not a guarantee as the Meltemi Winds, if blowing too strongly, may require another itinerary to be chosen for a cruise through the multitude of Greek Islands that are protected from the Meltemi Winds. 

Local Island Church

The Sporadic Islands are in the northern Aegean Sea and are probably the most remote of the Greek Islands, and therefore are the most traditionally reflective of age old Greek Island life.  The beautiful on location scenes from the recent hit movie “Mama Mia” were filmed on several of the Sporadic Islands.  The Sporadic Islands are set further apart from one another and require more cruising, however the untouched nature of these islands is well worth the extra effort. 

Rhodes Castle of the Grand Masters

The Dodecanese Islands are located along the Turkish Coast, and have a long history of interaction with this mainland, usually in confrontation and battle.  In fact the islands are so close to the Turkish mainland that they can be seen from Turkish villages and beaches.  Crusader castles can be seen dotting the island landscape along with ancient ruins.  These islands were also well known for sponge diving, and played a significant part in the religious history of this area.  Try a charter cruise along this string of Greek Islands only or include some of the Turkish mainland in a yacht charter itinerary when exploring and enjoying this area.   

With over 6000 Greek Islands waiting to be explored on a crewed yacht charter, the sky is the limit for choice of itineraries of what to do and see on a fabulous yacht charter cruise through the islands of Greece. 

Alonnisos Island - Quiet Anchorage

While there is a village called Alonnisos, or Chora on the island of Alonnisos, the main port on this island, when visiting by crewed yacht charter, is in the town of Patitiri, where ferry service only connects one with the mainland or other Sporadic Islands.  There is no airport, so visiting Alonnisos, the northernmost of the Greek Sporadic Islands, by crewed yacht charter is a great way to visit this very green spruce tree covered Sporadic Island.

Alonnisos Traditional Village

Mainly an agricultural island, the soil on Alonnisos supports the cultivation of olives, grapes, figs and almonds.  Throughout history Alonnisos was known for the quality of wines produced from the grapes grown on the island until recent history in the 1950’s when many of the vineyard vines were destroyed by a fungus.  The vineyards are slowly re-establishing however, and today local wines can be found on the island.  Life on the island was centered on the village of Alonnisos, with wine presses still hard at work, until a major earthquake in 1965 relocated many of the villagers to the port town of Patitiri.  The original village of Alonnisos, an old fortified village, is still inhabited, although not by as many villagers as before the earthquake, and is still well worth visiting for a feel of traditional Greek island village life at its very best.

Alonnisos is the only inhabited island within a group of islands that form the National Marine Park of Alonnisos.  The establishment of this national park marked the very first marine park created in Greece.  Besides the island of Alonnisos, the marine park includes the islands of Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura, Psathoura, Piperi, Skantzoura, along with 22 additional uninhabited islets and rocky outcrops offering excellent cruising areas in peace and quiet.  On a crewed yacht charter you could spend several days in the marine park. 

 Much work has been done within the Park to protect the Mediterranean Monk Seal, believed to be one of the most endangered mammals in the world.  A seal health center has been established on Alonnisos for support of the national marine park and the Mediterranean Monk Seal.  The marine park is a great area for bird watchers as several very rare species can be found and when spending time in the park cruising, one will inevitably see a variety of dolphin species and even whales swimming through the waters.

Alonnisos Marine Park Tranquil Water

While on a crewed yacht charter, you can not only visit and explore the island of Alonnisos, but also visit and spend time exploring the national Marine Park of Alonnisos, enjoying the many anchorages, beautiful waters and serene tranquil surroundings, and there is a good chance you may have a sighting of one of the rare Mediterranean Monk Seals. 

Skopelos Town

With no airport, visiting the island of Skopelos in the Greek Sporadic island chain by crewed yacht charter is one of the best ways to see this island.  Skopelos is one of the largest of the Greek Sporadic Islands, located between Skiathos and Alonissos.  A very green island, as are many of the Sporadic Islands, Skopelos is covered with cooling pine forests and surrounded by crystal clear water with many anchorages for a yacht charter visit to this lovely Greek Sporadic Island.

Skopelos Island local church

Supposedly founded in Greek mythology by one of the sons of Dionysus, Skopelos was always known throughout history for the production of great wines.  The island of Skopelos has been at different times under the rule of Athens, the Kingdom of Macedonia, Roman Republic, Byzantine Empire, the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire, and throughout this history, the villagers on Skopelos were continuously reputed to produce great wines and olive oils. 

Skopelos - Harborside Taverna

The main port, also called Skopelos or Chora, on the northern coast of the island, is a town of white washed traditional tile roofed structures with many wooden balconies, alleyways and walking streets ringing the old harbor.  Also of note, is Glossa village on the north western tip of the island, a tranquil traditional village.  The town of Skopelos has been decreed a “Traditional Settlement”, which requires that the town maintain the traditional architectural style for any renovations or new structures, retaining the old feel of the main harbor area of this island.  Along the waterfront is a tree lined promenade with restaurants and cafes shaded by plane and mulberry trees. And of course, the main harbor area is full of shops tucked into the tiny alleyways, however refreshingly on this island, there is a strong showing in the shops of local crafts including wood carving and pottery. 

Skopelos Anchorage

As a mountainous island with a lot of seaside cliffs, beaches are few and far between, and not all are sand, however the anchorages ringed by white cliffs, topped by green pine trees, all reflected in the clear waters below, are beautiful and tranquil and a great location for a refreshing swim.  One of the few beaches that are on the island, Kastani Beach, was featured in many of the beach scenes in the recently released movie “Mama Mia”.  Inland, this is a great island for exploring on foot, with beautiful green forests of pine trees, extensive olive groves, vineyards and fruit orchards, for hiking or just meandering through. 

Skopelos Island view

Visit Skopelos and relax surrounding by greenery, and beautiful clear water on a crewed yacht charter itinerary cruising through the Greek Sporadic Islands.

Skiathos and Bourtzi Island

Located about 45 miles off of the eastern coast of the Greek mainland, Skiathos, is a lovely island to include on a crewed yacht charter of the Greek Sporadic Islands.  The island of Skiathos has over 60 beaches and several of these fine sand beaches and the Old Port in Skiathos were set locations for scenes filmed for the recently released movie, “Mama Mia”.  A very rich green island, Skiathos should not be missed while on a crewed yacht charter of the Sporadic Islands of Greece.

Skiathos Beach

Even though the island of Skiathos is quite small in size, it is a popular island to visit due to the natural green beauty and the many beaches all with very fine sand.  Around the island, and included in the municipality of Skiathos are the islands of Tsougria and Tsougriaki, and the islets of Bourski, Maragos, Arkos, Troulonisi and Aspronisi.  All of these little islands and islets offer many secluded anchorages to visit and enjoy during a yacht charter cruise of the area. 

Skiathos Old Harbor

The Old Port, or the town of Skiathos was the original settlement on the island, although during more tumultuous periods in centuries past, the main town was relocated to Kasto, at the top of a large promontory which offered a safer haven for the villagers, during the age of piracy.  In the 1800’s after the War of Independence and the demise of piracy, the main town on the island of Skiathos was moved back to the Old Port. Kasto still remains as a village, however is still quite protected, with no roads leading into town.  The only way to access Kasto is on your own two feet with a 30 – 40 minute hike on the village trail or by the same village trail riding on the back of a donkey.

Skiathos traditional fishing boat

Skiathos is a beach island with verdant green pine forests covering the landscape up to the fine sand beaches, which are all lapped by crystal clear blue green waters.  There are anchorages all around the island, creating plenty of locations for great swimming and water sports.  Along the northern side of Skiathos are tremendous rock formations and sea caves just waiting to be explored by ships tender. 

Skiathos town

Skiathos is an island for relaxing, enjoying the lovely landscape, green pine forests, fine sandy beaches, clear water and local tavernas, for a slice of the slower side of life on a Greek Island while on your crewed yacht charter cruising in the Sporadic Islands of Greece. 

Corinth Canal, Greece

Built between 1881 and 1893, cutting across the Isthmus of Corinth, the Corinth Canal is still just as helpful a navigational aid today for a crewed yacht charter as for general shipping when built, and is still a busy commercial shipping canal.  Cruising through the Corinth Canal while on a crewed yacht charter in Greece, is not only a experience within itself, but also a cruising shortcut to access the Ionian Islands from Athens for a crewed yacht charter cruise of the Greek Ionian Islands. 

Corinth Canal Western Entrance

The Corinth Canal effectively connects the Aegean Sea with the Adriatic Sea, and separates the Peloponnesian Peninsula from the mainland of Greece.  Built all at sea level so as to avoid locks, the Corinth Canal is a deep cut into the landscape and was a great technological and engineering feat when built. The Corinth Canal is 6343 kilometers in length, 8 meters deep with sheer walls rising up 63 meters from the water level of the canal to the land surface.  The Corinth Canal was built at a width necessary for ship travel in the late 1890’s, however today is too narrow for some modern ships to enter. 

Corinth Canal - Yacht Cruising through

Traffic through the canal must be monitored for one way cruising only, and there is a cost to use the canal for each crossing.  Most crewed yachts available for charter are still in a size range to be able to cruise through the Corinth Canal, except for the largest of charter motor yachts.  Cruising through the Corinth Canal reduces the cruising time needed by at least 185 nautical miles to round the southern end of the Peloponnesian Peninsula to access the lovely Ionian Islands for a yacht charter cruise. 

Bells of the Monastery of St. John, Patmos

One of the northern most islands in the Greek Dodecanese Island Chain, Patmos has played an important part in history for centuries, and is a very compelling island to visit on a crewed yacht charter. Patmos is a beautiful island with lovely beaches and coastlines, however if interested in the history of Christian Religion, visiting the island of Patmos on a crewed yacht charter can be both time spent on a lovely Greek Dodecanese Island and time spent exploring an island featured in Christian Biblical history.

Monastery of St. John

The island of Patmos is claimed to have been the home of John the Apostle while writing the “Book of Revelations”. The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse have now been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In 1983 the island was proclaimed a Holy Island by the Greek Government. Patmos has remained an island of pilgrimage for those of various religious beliefs.

Monastery of the Cave of Revelations, Patmos

Skala is the main harbor and main town on the island, and the best location if arriving by sea to visit this island. It is hard to pass up a visit to the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, no matter what your religious beliefs might be, as an important part of world history. Perched on the very top of the island, the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian can be seen from any vantage point on the island. Originally built with fortress walls to protect the monks from marauding pirates, the monastery looks much like a castle complete with battlements with an opening from whence to pour boiling oil down on invaders. The Cave of the Apocalypse, where John the Apostle is said to have written the Book of Revelations, is now surrounded by the Monastery of the Revelations, with the sacred grotto on a lower level. A Monk is stationed inside the monastery to guide visitors to see this sacred grotto.

Patmos Taverna

The town of Skala is spread around the main harbor and offers boutique shopping opportunities. Surrounding the island are beautiful beaches and little bays offering secluded anchorages for quiet private on board time to include a refreshing swim during your visit to Patmos on a crewed yacht charter.

Zakynthos

Considered to have the loveliest and most photographed beaches in the world, Zakynthos is a natural stop on any crewed yacht charter of the Greek Ionian Islands. Zakynthos is the southern most main island in the Ionian Island chain and a perfecting beginning or ending port for a crewed yacht charter of the Greek Ionian Islands. Now a popular resort island, Zakynthos has a lot to offer any yachtsman visiting this island while on a crewed yacht charter from beautiful beaches and greenery to enjoy during day light hours to an active nighttime clubbing scene to enjoy after dark.

Olive Tree Groves, Zakynthos

The island of Zakynthos receives a goodly amount of rainfall each year resulting in a rich green vegetation covering the island and a strong agricultural economy producing export goods including olives and olive oils, grapes, citrus fruits, and the Zakynthos small and very sweet seedless currant called the Zante Currant. While exploring the island, enjoy the various scents in the wind and the bounty of local nature served up in the various local tavernas.

Sunset Over Shipwreck Bay

One of the most photographed bays and beaches on Zakynthos is Navagio, on the northwestern side of the island, also known as Shipwreck Bay. Anchor in the bay, surrounded by a tableau of white limestone cliffs, and white sand lapped by crystal clear waters reflecting the sun. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the waters wading ashore to spend time on the white sandy beach, the location of the shipwreck of the coastal trading vessel “Panagiotis” wrecked in the 1980’s with the remains still lying in the sand. On the southwest side of the island is the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, a nesting location for the loggerhead sea turtle, also known in Greece as “Caretta Caretta”. In June each year the female Caretta Caretta come to this beach to lay eggs, which after hatching approximately 50 days later, produce hatchlings or baby sea turtles that try to make their treacherous way across the sands to the seas.

Zakynthos - Island Caves

Along the west coast of Zakynthos are the Blue Caves and rock arches which have been eroded into the cliff sides by winds and seas. Only able to be visited by boat, this is a great area to explore in the ship’s tender threading through the various arches and cave areas over the dark blue waters that are highlighted in various shades of blue and green by the sunlight piercing through the rock formations and dappling along the surface of the water.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Zakynthos just like the other Ionian Islands, spent 6 centuries under Venetian rule. However Zakynthos also suffered two large earthquakes in recent history, one in 1953 and one in 2006, and unfortunately, much of the architecture left as a mark over the centuries from various civilizations was destroyed. Many of the buildings now have been built in this and the last century, however nothing can obliterate the beauty of the beaches, and waters surrounding Zakynthos, which is a great stop on a crewed yacht charter of the Ionian Islands of Greece.

View of Poros Island

Not very large, and just a stone’s throw off of the mainland of Greece, along the Peloponnesian Peninsula, the Island of Poros, is a natural stop on an itinerary for a crewed yacht charter while cruising in the Saronic Greek Islands. The main harbor is very protected and the new quay built recently offers ample stern to dockage for your charter yacht along the main street of Poros. Just south of the Saronic Island of Aegina and north of the Saronic Island of Hydra, include Poros in a crewed yacht charter itinerary of the Saronic Islands of Greece and the Greek Peloponnesian Peninsula.

Poros Island Clock Tower

The island of Poros is actually separated from the Peloponnesian Peninsula of the mainland of Greece by a narrow isthmus, merely 200 meters wide. Local small water taxis are available on either side for a crossing for a few Euros. The water taxis run from the main center of Poros, where life is the most active, along the quay with street side cafes and restaurants, and little shops along the main street and the walking street up on the hillside behind. The area is anchored by a large clock tower built in 1927 which is a landmark seen when arriving by water either into the main harbor or via the isthmus, and also offers an end stopping point for an exhilarating hike up the hillside from the harbor to the clock tower and a lovely view of the surrounding area.

Traditional Fishing Boats

The Archeology Museum of Poros offers exhibits of items found on Poros from Mycenaean to Roman times. Poros is surrounding by lovely little bays, anchorages and beaches including Love Bay, a crystal clear bay with a beach surrounded by pine trees. Poros is known as a very green island as there is dense vegetation, with many pine, and citrus trees. Poros is also a relaxed island where every day life continues in peace and quiet. Visit Poros on a crewed yacht charter and relax in a quiet anchorage along a beautiful beach with the green pines trees providing a cooling retreat.

Island of Aegina

Just off of the coast of Athens is the Greek Island of Aegina, a great island to visit at the start or finish of a crewed yacht charter cruise of the Greek Islands. While within sight of Athens, 17 nautical miles from Athens Harbor, the island of Aegina is a world away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Athens, with the immediate feel when cruising into the main harbor of the island on a crewed yacht charter, of the much slower life found in the Greek Islands. Part of the Saronic Island chain, Aegina is a great island to include while on a crewed yacht charter of the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea.

Named after Aegina, who was brought to the island by Zeus to escape the anger of her parents, this island, according to tradition, was the birthplace of Aeacus, son of Aegina and Zeus, who after death became one of the three judges of Hades. Aegina in ancient times was a rival for power with Athens, and during the first unification of modern Greece, was briefly considered as the capital of Greece. Aegina now is a traditional Greek Island with a bustling harbor in Aegina Town ringed by tavernas with fishing boats and caiques filled with fresh fruit bobbing in the harbor waters. Around the island are beautiful beaches and the crystal clear waters for which Greece is famous.

Temple of Aphaia

The ruins of the Hellenic Temple of Aphaia should not be missed for the views alone across the island and the sea, and as a photographic opportunity of beautiful Greek Hellenic columns framed by the blue Greek sky. And you may want to visit Palaio Chora, the ruins of the medieval city where the islanders, during this time period, took refuge from pirates. A city of once over 300 small churches, some 32 remain with frescoed interiors. And nearby is the quiet uninhabited island of Moni, with beautiful clean waters for swimming and water fun. For great seafood in a local taverna, swing around to the picturesque little fishing village of Perdika to anchor in the harbor.

Close by Athens, yet still miles away in feel and life style, Aegina offers either the first glimpse of Greek Island life or a last feel of Greek Island life at the beginning or end of a crewed yacht charter of the Greek Islands.

Aegina

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Corfu

One of the most northern of the Greek Ionian Islands, Corfu is an important and well known Greek Island and well worth visiting on a crewed yacht charter of the Ionian Islands in Greece. Corfu has an international airport, and therefore is a great island to begin or end a crewed yacht charter of the Ionian Island chain. With strong ties to the mythology and history of Greece, and strong ties to both the Venetian and British occupation of the island, Corfu is an exciting island to visit while cruising on a yacht charter in Greece.

Corfu Coastline

Corfu is said to be named after the beautiful mythological water nymph, Korkyra, with whom Poseidon fell in love, captured and brought to Corfu where their child, Phaiax, was born. Corfu, sitting off of the northwest coast of the mainland of Greece was long controlled by the Venetians, and was the scene of a numerous battles, and sieges, reflected today in the number of castles that dot the island country side.

Corfu, Venetian Citadel Fortifications

Old Town Corfu, built by the Venetians on a peninsula separated from the rest of the island by a natural gully that was dug into a moat, is a labyrinth of streets behind fortified walls. This is a colorful fun area to wander with narrow streets and little shops. Behind the town is the Esplanade and Citadel with an arcade filled with little restaurants and bistros.

Corfu - Old Street in Old Town

Nearby are the Neo Frourio (the new citadel) and Palaio Frourio (the old citadel), both also built by the Venetians and open for visitors to wander and explore. Also nearby is the Palaia Anaktora and gardens, once home to the King of Greece and now filled with museums surrounded by the beautiful gardens. And to the south of the city is the Achilleion, built by the Empress of Austria in the late 1800’s as a neoclassic tribute to Achilles, and now open to visitors as a museum.

 

Corfu caves in Paleokastrits Bay

The countryside of Corfu is dotted with olive trees and wildflowers and around the coastline are beautiful beaches with crystal clear water. Be sure to visit Paleokastrits Bay on the northwest side of Corfu overlooked by the 12th century monastery of Theotokos. Take the ship’s tender into the many caves washed into the shoreline of this bay with beautiful blue water.

Corfu Island Anchorages

While there are certainly Greek and Roman remains on Corfu, the overwhelming architectural style and feel is Venetian and neo classic as left from the Venetian and British periods of occupation. And surrounding all are the beautiful Greek waters with bays and anchorages to visit for a refreshing swim on your crewed yacht charter in the Greek Ionian Islands

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