Charter Experts: Discover Greece With IYC London
Charter Experts: Discover Greece With IYC London
For the team at IYC London, Greece is a destination they know inside and out. This is the first installment of IYC’s new blog series ‘Charter Experts,’ which takes you inside IYC’s offices worldwide. Behind our global network and many offices is the accumulated expertise of our consultants, who are closely tied to the destinations they recommend.
The IYC London office brings extensive knowledge to one of the Mediterranean’s most popular yacht charter destinations, Greece and its islands. The London team has guided countless clients through the Greek islands, matching the right yacht to the right itinerary. With their combined charter market experience that spans decades, firsthand familiarity with Greek waters, personal connections to the country, and close ties to IYCs’ Greek-founded roots, the London team offers local expertise with an international perspective.
Here we share the London offices’ insight, expertise, and advice when it comes to planning the ultimate Greek yacht charter this summer:
Key Takeaways
- Greece is one of the most in-demand yacht charter destinations, offering over 6,000 islands and a season from May to October.
- IYC London Team combines decades of charter experience with firsthand knowledge and strong local connections to design tailored itineraries.
- Guests are shifting toward authentic, experience-led cruising, moving beyond traditional hotspots to regions like the Ionian and Saronic Gulf.
- Each itinerary is built around guest preferences, balancing iconic destinations with lesser-known islands and hidden anchorages.
- Competitive VAT rates allow a greater share of the budget to be allocated to the overall charter experience.
Why Greece Is A Leading Yacht Charter Destination
Greece is one of those Mediterranean destinations that is naturally suited to yacht chartering. A true playground for cruising, with over 6,000 islands and islets, and a season that stretches from May to October, combined with a fleet of yachts to suit every budget and size, it consistently, and rightly so, makes the top of wishlists of charter clients worldwide.
Alice Newnham, IYC London-based Charter Consultant, notes: “Greece remains one of the most requested yacht charter destinations for a variety of reasons. Greece is a crowd pleaser, and suits families, couples, and friends, meaning that quite literally everyone can enjoy this country.”
From secluded bays and dramatic coastlines to harbors and timeless island towns, Greece provides countless experiences. “Endless islands, quaint towns, stunning bays, dramatic coastlines, and warm smiles from the Greeks themselves are just some of the reasons why clients return to Greece.” adds Bobby Bigio, IYC London-based Charter Consultant.
Beyond the sheer variety of experiences, Greece also presents welcoming financial and practical benefits for chartering. Its competitive VAT rates are a significant draw, meaning more of a client’s budget can focus on the experience. Bigio adds: “Clients are also attracted by the incredibly competitive VAT rates, which can mean 15% more of your budget can go towards the yacht.”
Clients are prioritizing authentic experiences, moving away from crowded, busy hotspots and seeking access to lesser-known islands beyond places like Mykonos, while also valuing the authenticity and local insight that a Greek crew brings to the charter experience.— Abigail Davies, IYC Charter Consultant
Greece’s Best Yachting Itineraries
While the hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini remain iconic, the London team is also seeing a clear shift in what clients are looking for. Increasingly, clients want to move away from the well-trodden path, and that is where the IYC team's genuine knowledge makes all the difference.
“Clients are prioritizing authentic experiences, moving away from crowded, busy hotspots and seeking access to lesser-known islands beyond places like Mykonos, while also valuing the authenticity and local insight that a Greek crew brings to the charter experience." explains Abigail Davies, IYC London-based Charter Consultant.
Greece’s diversity adds to its allure, and no two itineraries need to be the same. Nenham adds: “Greece offers such a wide variety of cruising areas that the itinerary can be completely tailored, for example, the energetic islands of the Cyclades to the greener, more family orientated Ionian - or the easy, calm cruising of the Saronic Gulf.”
For inspiration and example, the team outline that the Cyclades can deliver both iconic nightlife and quieter alternatives, with islands like Paros and Antiparos offering relaxed vibes, with those who venture there enjoying isolated bays, traditional dining, and a slower pace of life. The Saronic Gulf itineraries, known for their accessibility, offer charming coastal towns for relaxed cruising. Meanwhile, the Ionian chain appeals to those seeking greener landscapes and sheltered sailing conditions.
Endless islands, quaint towns, stunning bays, dramatic coastlines, and warm smiles from the Greeks themselves are just some of the reasons why clients return to Greece.— Bobby Bigio, IYC Charter Consultant
How IYC London Shapes The Perfect Itinerary
Wherever you wish to cruise in Greece, the IYC London team’s role goes well beyond recommending a simple route. They work as true, trusted advisors, taking time to understand exactly what each client wants their charter to feel like.
“When planning a charter in Greece, I always start by understanding what the client wants their trip to feel like, whether they’re looking for lively islands, quiet anchorages, cultural exploration, or a mix of everything - and more importantly, who’s onboard.” says Newnham.
“It’s about balancing their preferences with opportunities to introduce places they may not have considered. The goal is to create an itinerary that reflects their pace, interests, and travel style, ensuring they experience both the iconic beauty of Greece and the charm that makes each island unique.”
Davies also emphasizes this authentic experience: “Including a balance of hidden anchorages, authentic dining, and world-famous landmarks is where our tailored recommendations truly elevate a Greek yacht charter.”
Current trends are also shaping the kinds of itineraries clients are requesting from the London team. Newnham notes: “Clients are increasingly drawn to lesser-known islands and more experience-led itineraries, combining cruising with authentic culture, cuisine, and hidden anchorages. I have seen an uptick in the Ionian and clients wanting to experience the Corinth Canal.”
The Advantage Of London Expertise
What sets the IYC London team apart is the depth and authenticity of their connection to Greece - both professional and personal. As part of a Greek-founded company, the London office works closely with colleagues on the ground, providing access to trusted crews, local insights, and up-to-date knowledge of what is happening across the island.
“Being based in London gives us a strong advantage when recommending destinations, as we work closely with an international client base,” says Davies. “We also travel regularly to the Mediterranean, including Greece, which allows us to experience destinations first-hand and build relationships with crews.”
That hands-on approach extends beyond professional insight. “We’re a short flight to the Mediterranean, giving us the chance to get out frequently to meet the crews and inspect the yachts on behalf of our clients. These are places we go ourselves for our own holidays.” says Bigio.
For Newnham, the connection is personal as well; having lived in Greece herself, she brings a nuanced cultural understanding of the destination. “It allows me to speak about the destination in a more authentic and personal way, and to help clients picture what their experience will actually feel like beyond the itinerary. Being able to combine that personal insight with the perspective of advising London-based and international clients means I can recommend charters that truly match what they are looking for from their time in Greece.”
When planning a charter in Greece, I always start by understanding what the client wants their trip to feel like, whether they’re looking for lively islands, quiet anchorages, cultural exploration, or a mix of everything - and more importantly, who’s onboard.— Alice Newnham, IYC Charter Consultant
Let IYC London Create Your Ideal Greek Yacht Charter
Greece offers something for everyone, if you are looking for the iconic glamour of the Cyclades, the quieter alternatives in the Ionian, or the charm of the Saronic, the IYC London team has the expertise, connections, and passion to turn your charter ideas into an extraordinary itinerary.
With combined experience, firsthand knowledge of Greece, and a network of trusted crews and operators, our London consultants are ready to curate a charter itinerary just for you and your group this summer. Contact them today to begin planning.
More To Explore
Greece is a land of myth and legend, treasured for its myriad islands and pockets of serenity. The scenery is comprised of white-washed dwellings, churches with brilliant turquoise shingles, and rolling verdant hills.
Greece and its islands have become increasingly popular over the years for those visitors wanting to explore the charming fishing villages, embrace a laid-back lifestyle, and indulge in top-tier Mediterranean cuisine while hopping over to islands with glamorous beach clubs and sunset-perfect backdrops.
An archetypical yachting destination, thanks to its near-endless coastline and thousands of islands to explore, Greece continually makes all who visit fall in love with the country.