The wonders of the Aegean Sea are impossible to resist, and there are few better ways to experience them than on a luxury yacht charter in the Greek islands. Enjoy the complete freedom of being able to drop anchor at will to swim and snorkel in champagne-clear waters, and to delve into the wealth of cultural treasures to be found on dry land as you disembark to explore the authentic charms of the Dodecanese Islands or the Peloponnese. Our luxury gulet cruises and private yacht charters in Greece all come with an experienced crew, and offer a fabulously personalised way to experience the Greek islands.
THE BEST TIME TO TAKE A YACHT CRUISE IN GREECE
Lying between the eastern waters of the Mediterranean and the sun-drenched western coast of Turkey, the Aegean Sea lends itself to rewarding yacht cruising throughout the extended summer season.
- May and October: Though temperatures are at their coolest during the low season months for Greek islands cruising, you can still enjoy long sunny days with plenty of daytime warmth – and far fewer crowds on the most popular islands.
- June and September: The shoulder season months are an utterly blissful time to experience the Greek islands, with glorious summer days, excellent sailing conditions, and not quite as many visitors as during the July and August peak.
- July and August: The school summer holidays bring the most visitors to the Aegean, and these months are certainly rewarding for enjoying endless sunshine on deck and irresistible opportunities for swimming. The fabled Meltemi winds are most prevalent at this time in The Cyclades, but the Ionian Sea, Saronic Gulf and the Dodecanese offer calmer conditions in their sheltered coves and bays.
LIFE ON BOARD
Our private yacht charters in Greece offer complete freedom for you to choose your own schedule during your cruise. Your captain will of course be on hand to make recommendations for the day ahead, but within that you are completely free to set your own pace.
After a relaxing breakfast on deck watching the Aegean waters sparkle and dance in the morning sun, you may sail on to one of the quieter islands of the Dodecanese to cycle through shaded pine groves, hike volcanic slopes, or stroll through white-washed villages to shop for local crafts. Lunch could be taken in an island taverna or back on board, before you sail on to a sheltered cove to while away hours enjoying refreshing swims, magical snorkelling, and perhaps some explorations by kayak or paddle board. In the evenings, the choice is yours. If you are looking for a taste of island life, your captain can recommend the best harbourside tavernas renowned for their authentic local cuisine and atmosphere. Alternatively, choose to dine on board in complete privacy and serenity, observing the stars eventually emerge in the endless night skies.
MEET THE CREW
Altair Yacht
From checking the conditions and suggesting activities for the day ahead, to the all-important navigation (and launching the sails, if the conditions are clear), the captain is at the forefront of your charter experience. He has likely been sailing through these waters for many years, so can also be called upon to recommend the best local restaurants for authentic Greek cuisine.
- A private chef accompanies all our luxury yacht charters in Greece, but how many meals you choose to have onboard is entirely up to you. A fresh and generous breakfast is included each day, and then you decide after that what you would like to do each day. Some vessels offer the option to add a half-board or full-board package in advance – otherwise you can let serendipity decide and add meals as you go. However often you choose to dine onboard, you can be assured that our preferred yachts and gulets are stringent when it comes to selecting their chefs, so delicious fresh regional and international cuisine is guaranteed.
- The lynchpin of operations both above and below deck, your deckhands make sure that every important detail has been taken care of. This could be driving the tender as you set out on a jet-skiing adventure, keeping the deck spotlessly clean, or delivering an ice-cold glass of wine to your lounger.
SAILING ROUTES IN GREECE
Our luxury yacht cruises in Greece are predominantly centred around the sheltered waters of the Dodecanese islands, or the Saronic Gulf and the Peloponnese. Expanding from Patmos in the north to Rhodes in the south, the picturesque Dodecanese islands offer fabulous sailing conditions, countless stunning beaches, and attractions on dry land ranging from tranquil forested islets to larger islands rich in history and showcasing life in Greece at its most authentic. The Saronic Gulf and the Peloponnese, meanwhile, offer blissfully calm sailing conditions during times of higher winds in the Greek islands, as well as picturesque, car-free islands and irresistible beaches. Read more about our suggested sailing routes or contact your yacht and gulet specialist to design your perfect Aegean adventure.
PLACES TO DROP ANCHOR
From UNESCO-protected castle monasteries and picture-postcard, white-washed villages to volcanic slopes fringed with olive groves, and the most pristine of bays, the Dodecanese islands and the Peloponnese coastline offer a quintessential immersion into the Greek islands. Just some of the highlights include:
- Hiking to the volcanic crater of Nisyros, or simply strolling through its tranquil villages and along its laidback seafront promenades
- Discovering the cultural wealth of Patmos, scattered with UNESCO world-heritage gems, picturesque villages, and inviting waterfront tavernas
- Embracing the natural beauty of Leros, one of the greenest islands of the Dodecanese where you can cycle through olive groves and peaceful pine forests
- Uncovering the rich history of Lipsi and swimming in its sparkling bays
- Marvelling at the dramatic cliffside fortress of Monemvasia
You are free to discuss your sailing route with your captain in advance so that he can learn more about your interests and preferences. You can then sit back and allow the wonders of the Aegean to unfold.
