Greek Islands

Greece is where yachting was born. Homer's wine-dark sea, Odysseus's islands, the gods of Olympus looking down from above — Greece carries the weight of Western civilisation lightly, wearing it as naturally as the sunlight that bathes its white-washed villages. A Greek island charter combines extraordinary natural beauty with 3,000 years of history, outstanding food, and an unhurried pace of life that is completely unique.

Why Charter Here

• Over 6,000 islands — the most diverse island hopping in the Mediterranean
• Iconic destinations: Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes
• Ancient history at every anchorage — Delos, Akrotiri, Rhodes old town
• Outstanding Greek cuisine and local wines from Santorini, Cephalonia, and Crete
• Consistent Meltemi winds in the Cyclades — perfect for sailing
• Ionian Islands offer calmer, greener alternative to the Aegean
• More affordable than French Riviera with stunning comparable beauty

Key Facts

• Best season: May – October
• High season: July – August
• Typical APA: 25–30% of charter fee
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Language: Greek

Key Ports & Anchorages

• Mykonos — Cosmopolitan, glamorous, and unmissable. Little Venice, the windmills, and a world-famous party scene. Anchor in Ornos Bay and take the tender to the beach clubs.
• Santorini (Thira) — The caldera of a collapsed volcano. Anchor inside the caldera and look up at the cliffs of Fira and Oia — one of the great views in the world. Sunset from Oia is legendary.
• Delos — Uninhabited sacred island in the Cyclades, birthplace of Apollo. One of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Anchor off and visit by tender.
• Corfu (Kerkyra) — Lush and green, with Venetian architecture and a sophisticated town centre. The Ionian Islands are calmer and more verdant than the Aegean.
• Cephalonia — Myrtos Beach — one of the most photographed beaches in Greece. Excellent local wine (Robola) and the caves of Melissani Lake.
• Rhodes — Medieval walled city (UNESCO), the Palace of the Grand Master, and excellent beaches on the southern coast. Gateway to the Dodecanese islands.

Local Highlights

• Watching the Santorini sunset from the water — the caldera view at dusk is incomparable
• Fresh octopus grilled on the harbour wall in any small fishing village
• Assyrtiko wine from Santorini — volcanic terroir, mineral and crisp
• Swimming in the thermal springs of Palea Kameni inside Santorini's caldera
• Exploring the ancient ruins of Delos by tender — a private archaeological experience
• Lunch at Notos Restaurant, Santorini or Spilia, Mykonos

Practical Tips

Greece requires a Transit Log (DEKPA) for foreign-flagged vessels cruising Greek waters — obtain from the first port of entry. The Meltemi wind blows strongly from the north in the Aegean from July to August — plan itineraries accordingly. The Ionian is calmer and better suited to motor yachts. Provisioning is excellent in Athens (Piraeus), Corfu, and Rhodes. Mooring fees are generally very reasonable compared to the Western Mediterranean.