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. Blending a rich history and culture, fresh and delicious Mediterranean food, a warm welcome, stunning beaches and endless coves and islands to explore, Greece truly has it all. A superyacht is the perfect base to explore Greece, allowing easy access around the beautiful waters and islands. Every Greek island or mainland destination has a flavor of its own, and with so many choices on offer no itinerary will ever be the same.
Here are IYC’s top reasons why Greece is a must-visit for a luxury superyacht charter this summer.
Culture vultures will delight in Greece, which is positively soaked in culture with history everywhere you turn. From large notable ruins, such as the Acropolis, Olympia or Delphi, to tiny historic sites, Greece is a country that is rich with history, mythology and culture.
Your IYC charter broker can help you plan an itinerary around particular key sites, or if you’d rather go with the flow your crew can recommend cultural highlights for every destination. Greece’s many cultural highlights include Sounio, home of Poseidon’s Temple, Naxos, which features a ruined temple and Venetian castle, and Epidavros, with its Ancient Theatre.
Greece is perfect for island-hopping – with literally thousands of islands to explore, many only accessible by water, a yacht is the perfect base to jump from island to island, exploring a new anchorage every day.
The Ionian and Cyclades islands are an enduringly popular choice for yacht visitors and with seven main Ionian islands, including elegant Corfu and laid-back Kefalonia, and over 220 Cyclades islands, including Paros and Mykonos, the possibilities are endless.
And of course, don’t miss the iconic Santorini, with its iconic white-washed buildings juxtaposed against a striking blue sea.
Greek cuisine is bursting with flavour and is fresh, fresh, fresh. Make sure you sample seafood straight from the sea, at a beachfront taverna with waves lapping near your table.
Everywhere you go local delicacies will be on offer – why not try the Symi baby shrimp, fried and then eaten whole, or the pure simplicity of fresh honey, olive oil and sheep’s milk yoghurt? The taste of Sicomada – a cake made from figs, almonds, pepper, cinnamon and wine – will tantalizingly linger long after you’ve washed it down with bitter Greek coffee.
Wander through local markets and take your produce back to the yacht, where your chef will prepare you a delicious meal that makes the most of all the regional flavours and cooking styles.
Crystal clear waters pair with unspoiled stretches of sandy beach throughout Greece. Take your pick from a busy, vibrant resort beach or a deserted stretch of sand where you are the only visitor.
Greece is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, many of which can only be reached by tender, with picture-perfect coastlines to marvel at. Come ashore with a beach picnic, or take a walk along the beach to stretch your legs.
At the end of the day retreat to your yacht to enjoy one of Greece’s spectacular sunsets. There is no better way to round of the day than sitting on the deck of your yacht, watching the sun set with a fresh cocktail or cool glass of local Greek wine in hand.
Greece offers something for everyone, no matter what type of yacht charter you are after. Whether water lovers, culture seekers, party animals or those seeking wellness and relaxation, Greece has it all.
Busy islands like Mykonos, which has a vibrant nightlife, are perfect for those who enjoy the energy of bustling destinations, while off the beaten track destination such as Folegandros and Amorgos are ideal for those looking to relax and escape the demands of the real world.
It is so easy to move around Greece by yacht, meaning it is easy to tailor a charter to every guest so that there is an activity or destination to excite everyone on board. A highly varied and versatile destination, Greece offers so much to her visitors.
Greece has an extended summer season, with warm weather and plenty of sunshine from May to October. June, July and August are the hottest months and the peak of the Greek yachting season.
May, September and even October are ideal for those looking to visit the Greek Islands in the quieter months and experience the “authentic” Greece.
To plan your own Greek yacht charter, contact the IYC Greece charter team here.
For more information on IYC’s range of services please contact the IYC office most convenient to you. IYC has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Miami, Nantucket, Great Lakes, London, Monaco, Greece, Russia, Croatia, Montenegro, Scandinavia, and Malta.
To contact an IYC office click here.
Photos by Luisa Brimble on Unsplash .