With 8500 miles of coastline and thousands of islands to explore, Greece is one of the world's most popular yachting destinations. It is visually stunning, with white-washed houses contrasted against the deep blue of the sea, picturesque tavernas that line village waterfronts, rocky cliffs and mysterious sea caves, and shorelines dotted with ancient ruins that serve as reminders of past civilizations and a rich history with strong ties to the sea.The country comprises six major regions, three of which are the most popular for yacht charters due to their proximity to Athens and short cruising distances. The Cyclades, Ionian, and Saronic Island groups each have their own unique charms, drawing charter guests to return for new experiences. To help you choose the best destination for your Greek yacht charter, let’s explore each of these areas.<h2>Cyclades Islands</h2>The Cyclades include&nbsp;the very popular islands of Mykonos in the north and Santorini much further south. A week-long itinerary on a fast motor yacht can include the entire region, while on a sailing catamaran a 10-night charter will allow the necessary time to travel this distance. A few of the many highlights of the Cyclades include Milos, a volcanic island with spectacular rock formations, Naxos, the biggest island and a lively harbor town, Paros which has beautiful beaches and trendy bars, and quiet traditional Kea.Most charters embark from Athens where there is an excellent choice of sail and motor yachts. Plan to fly into Athens International Airport (ATH) and from there it is a short (30-45 minute) cab ride to the nearby marinas where your yacht will await you.&nbsp;When visiting the Cycladic islands, be mindful that the Meltemi winds can be particularly strong in July and August, so the ideal time to visit this region is in May-June and September-October. If you charter here during the height of the Meltemi, it is important to keep in mind that the conditions may require some flexibility with your itinerary, since the wind could make some passages too rough.Take a look at our sample round-trip <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.ritzycharters.com/greece-itineraries">itinerary</a> for the Cyclades Islands to learn more about this area.<img src="https://rc3.s3.amazonaws.com/Prod/blog/postimages/Naxos%20-%20Cyclades%20-%20Greece-1666970593.jpg" alt="">Naxos, Greece. Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci7-aXUoFlf/">@ohprettygreece</a>. Used with permission.<h2>Ionian Islands</h2>Located off the western coast of Greece, not far from Italy, the Ionian Islands are some of the most beautiful of the Greek Isles. In contrast to the Cyclades, the Ionian feature&nbsp;lush green vegetation, and amazing clear, turquoise waters.The most well-known of the islands is Corfu in the northern Ionian. Corfu coastlines have sandy and pebbled shores that, along with the surrounding lush greenery, create breathtaking scenery.&nbsp;Corfu is famous for its charming architecture with colorful buildings that date back to the Venetian period. The island’s historic town is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most beautiful and elegant ones worldwide.&nbsp;Nearby islands Paxos and Antipaxos boast glorious beaches and endless olive groves, and a more laid-back vibe compared to Corfu.&nbsp;In the southern Ionian, Lefkas (Lefkada) is connected to the mainland by a floating bridge and is easy to reach from the international airport in Preveza. Kefalonia, the largest island in the Ionian Sea features historic monasteries, wineries and quiet fishing villages. The beautiful island of Ithaca is&nbsp;the home of Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s Odyssey.With natural protection from the mainland, you will enjoy pleasant cruising conditions throughout the season. While the Ionian is a delightful destination throughout the season, it is particularly desirable if you're planning to charter in July and August when the Meltemi winds are blowing in the Cyclades.&nbsp;&nbsp;To visit the Ionian islands by sailing yacht, it is best to choose either the north or south islands. A one-way itinerary is another great way to see the entire region or make it a 10-night charter. Availability of charter yachts is more limited in the Ionian since the distance is too far to embark in Athens, although a fast motor yacht (20+ knots cruising speed) can embark from Athens and transit through the Corinth canal.&nbsp;To travel to the Ionian, plan your international flight into Corfu (CFU) in the north or Preveza (PVK) in the south. There are also domestic flights from Athens to Corfu but to reach the southern Ionian it is approximately a 5-hour drive, whether you rent a car or hire a driver.&nbsp;Some of the yachts based in Athens will relocate to the Ionian for a charter but most will require a repositioning fee to do so. Your broker can help you find the right yacht for an Ionian charter.Explore the interesting Ionian islands with this round-trip <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.ritzycharters.com/embrace-the-beauty-and-enchantment-of-the-ionian-islands">itinerary</a>, embarking and disembarking in Corfu.<img src="https://ritzy-do-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/Kefalonia_Ionian_Greece_1_1666971172_01d4356104.jpg" alt="Kefalonia - Ionian - Greece (1)-1666971172.jpg">Kefalonia, Greece. Photo by Dayle Reimer. Used with permission.<h2>Saronic Islands - Peloponnese</h2>The Saronic Islands are named after the Saronic Gulf in which they are located, just south of the Greek mainland and the northeastern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula. This is the closest region to Athens, so the availability of yachts is excellent. Here you will find calm waters, a relaxing atmosphere, and numerous historical treasures.&nbsp;The beautiful ancient port town of Nafplion is a highlight of this region. A walk around the narrow, paved streets of the Old Town is like a trip to the past. On top of a hill above the town is the fortress of Palamidi with an amazing view of the sea. Other popular ports include Aegina, known for the pistachios that grow here, Hydra where you can experience travel by donkey since no cars are allowed, the romantic Love Bay of Poros, and the green island of Spetses with its picturesque beaches.Because the islands are close together and naturally sheltered by the Athens peninsula, they offer protection from the Meltemi winds and short cruising distances. Keep in mind that if the conditions in the Cyclades become too windy for safe and pleasurable cruising, the captain may recommend a switch to the Saronic Islands during your charter.&nbsp;Explore our sample round-trip <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.ritzycharters.com/experience-greek-antiquity-on-a-saronic-islands-charter-yacht-trip">itinerary</a> for the Saronic islands to immerse yourself in these Greek jewels.<img src="https://rc3.s3.amazonaws.com/Prod/blog/postimages/Hydra%20-%20Saronic%20-%20Greece-1666971646.jpg" alt="">Hydra, Greece. Photo by Dayle Reimer. Used with permission.Are you daydreaming about Greece yet? There are countless yacht charter opportunities available. <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.ritzycharters.com/greece-yacht-charters">Inquire with our brokers</a> for help in selecting the best option for you!

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Greek Yacht Vacations: Understanding The Itineraries

Chartering a yacht in Greece is an amazing way to experience the beauty and culture of this stunning Mediterranean country. However, with so many islands to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to go. In this article, we will provide you with a quick recap of the highlights and key considerations for choosing your itinerary, taking into account factors such as weather conditions, crowds, yacht availability, time of travel, and other considerations.There are three main island groups where most charters take place. In relation to Athens and the mainland, they are:<ul><li>The Cyclades to the East in the Aegean Sea.</li><li>The Ionian Islands to the West in the Ionian Sea.</li><li>The Saronic Gulf and Peloponnese to the South.</li></ul><h2>The Cyclades&nbsp;</h2>Highlights:&nbsp;The Cyclades are the islands most people picture when they think of Greece, since this is where you find the iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, volcanic landscapes, and azure blue water. The very popular and well-known islands of Santorini and Mykonos make this the most requested itinerary. If you crave a lively scene with people-watching and a vibrant nightlife, then Mykonos and the Cyclades is your best Greek itinerary.&nbsp;<img src="https://ritzy-do-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/344568537_1585211648639642_3972056506339168491_n_5bc0f16032.jpg" alt="344568537_1585211648639642_3972056506339168491_n.jpg" width="1440" height="1800">Mykonos. Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrynLUtLvBw/">@ohprettygreece</a>. Used with permission.<h3>Considerations:</h3><ul><li>Easy access:&nbsp;Most charters depart from Athens. The marinas are a short distance by car from the international airport. Athens has excellent availability of charter yachts, more than any other port in Greece.</li><li>Summer meltemi wind:&nbsp;If you choose to charter in July or August, be prepared for the strong meltemi wind that blows in the Aegean Sea during the summer months. If the meltemi is particularly strong, the conditions could require flexibility with the itinerary and you may not be able to get to all the planned ports, since the wind could make some passages too rough. June and September are great months for Cyclades charters, to avoid the peak of the meltemi wind.</li><li>Longer sailing distances:&nbsp;For sailing yachts and slower (displacement) motor yachts embarking and disembarking in Athens, it is not feasible to include Santorini on a 7-night itinerary due to the distance and time required.&nbsp;As an alternative, choose a 1-way itinerary disembarking in Mykonos. From here it is just a 3-hour ferry ride to this unique port with many options for shoreside accommodations.</li></ul>See our 7-night sample Cyclades itineraries:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.ritzycharters.com/northern-cyclades-itinerary">Northern Cyclades Itinerary</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.ritzycharters.com/long-cyclades-yacht-charter-itinerary-with-mykonos-santorini">Long Cyclades Itinerary</a> (including Mykonos and Santorini)</li></ul><h2>The Ionian Islands&nbsp;</h2>Highlights: The Ionian is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Greek Isles, with lush green vegetation and amazing clear, turquoise waters. The most well-known island is Corfu in the north, famous for its charming architecture with colorful buildings that date back to the Venetian period, and the historic old town which is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the south, the beautiful island of Ithaca is the home of Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s Odyssey. Many charter captains who know all of the best places to visit in Greece, tell us the Ionian is their personal favorite.<img src="https://ritzy-do-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/photo_1666694421205_8707e1188edf_f6f1f109d9.jpg" alt="photo-1666694421205-8707e1188edf.jpg" width="870" height="580">Corfu. Photo by <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/vHVDWhXLO_A">Tobias Reich</a>.<h3>Considerations:</h3><ul><li>Calmer waters:&nbsp;The Ionian Islands are sheltered from the meltemi winds, making them a more comfortable option for charters in July and August. The water is also calmer, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.&nbsp;</li><li>Less crowded:&nbsp;The islands are less crowded than the Cyclades, making them a good choice for those who prefer quiet bays and quaint fishing villages.&nbsp;</li><li>Distance from Athens: The Ionian is located across the Gulf of Corinth, about a 4-5 hour drive from Athens International Airport (ATH) by rental car or a hired driver to Lefkada. Another option is to&nbsp;fly into Corfu (CFU) in the north or Preveza (PVK) in the south.</li><li>Yacht selection:&nbsp;The number of charter yachts that are based in the Ionian is far more limited than in Athens. However, many yachts are willing to reposition to the Ionian with a delivery fee.</li></ul>See our 7-night sample Ionian itinerary <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.ritzycharters.com/embrace-the-beauty-and-enchantment-of-the-ionian-islands">here</a>.<h2>The Saronic Gulf</h2>Highlights: This is the closest group of islands to Athens and, with easy access by ferry, some of the most lively year round.&nbsp; The picturesque islands include Hydra - where land travel is by donkey only, Poros, Spetses, and Aegina, famous for the pistachios grown there. If time allows, the ancient port city of Nafplion on the Peloponnese coast is fascinating and well worth the visit.<img src="https://ritzy-do-spaces.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/DJI_0161_cd9f02f330.JPG" alt="DJI_0161.JPG" width="2731" height="1536">Poros Port during the EMMYS 2023. Photo by German Liubitch.<h3>Considerations:</h3><ul><li>Calmer waters:&nbsp;These islands are sheltered from the meltemi wind, making them a good option for charters in July and August as well as the rest of the season.&nbsp;</li><li>Easy access:&nbsp;Many of the ports are within a few hours of Athens.</li><li>Shorter distances:&nbsp;The ports are relatively close together so the travel distances are shorter than the other itineraries, allowing more time for exploration ashore.</li></ul>See our 7-night sample Saronic Gulf itinerary <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.ritzycharters.com/experience-greek-antiquity-on-a-saronic-islands-charter-yacht-trip">here</a>.For a more in-depth look at Greece and the itineraries, <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.ritzycharters.com/greece-yacht-charters">click here</a>.If interested in chartering a yacht in Greece, be sure to <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.ritzycharters.com/greece-yacht-charters/find-a-yacht">check out our online portfolio</a> to go through&nbsp;the variety of options available in this destination.

How To Choose Your Greece Itinerary

Greek Yacht Charters. Rent Luxury Crewed Yachts For An Unforgettable Charter Vacation Experience In Greece.

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Greece is one of the world's most popular yachting destinations. The Cyclades, Ionian, and Saronic Island groups each have their own unique charms, drawing charter guests to return for new experiences. Read on to explore each of these areas.

Greece Yacht Charters | Motor Yachts, Catamarans & Sailing

Peak Season: June to August. Mid Season: May, September &amp; October. Low Season: November to April.

Best time to charter: 

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Athens. Santorini (Thira) International Airport. Mykonos International Airport. Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport, Corfu. Rhodes-Diagoras International Airport.&nbsp;

Closest Airports:

The Cyclades and Aegean islands experience the Meltemi winds in July and August. Charters in the Aegean are less likely to be affected by them in May and June and September and October. Charters in the Saronic islands, the Ionian islands and southern Peloponnese are more sheltered from the Meltemi.&nbsp;

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Greece Itineraries

Greece

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Greece has 9,000 miles of coastline and over 2,000 islands, just 170 of which are inhabited. There is no better way to see the Greek Islands and the coast of mainland Greece than on your own private yacht.The majestic isles of the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Sporades, and Ionians provide a picturesque and historic backdrop for a Greek sailing trip. Regardless of where your Greece charter begins, each area provides a distinct vantage point from which to enjoy the islands in tranquilly or in resort towns filled with white-sand beaches, sophisticated cuisine, and fashionable stores.

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Open-water crossings or voyages in tranquil gulfs and bays are options for Greece yacht charters, as is the opportunity to explore fascinating ancient ruins. When it comes to chartering in Greece, it all comes down to personal preference.Several of the islands have airports and quick helicopter access, making meeting your yacht a breeze. You may travel between the islands to visit hidden beaches, learn about each island's distinct local culture, and sample new food and goods every day.

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Greek Yacht Vacations: Understanding The Itineraries

How To Choose Your Greece Itinerary

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