Few places inspire like the alluring Greek Islands. Saturated in ancient legend, awash with secret coves and reaching ever new gastronomic heights, the plethora of islands are a charter mainstay among the yachting elite. From May 2021, Greece’s pine-covered hillsides and sandy beaches are reopening in time for a superyacht summer of island hopping adventure, and IYC’s fleet of thrilling charter yachts will leave you spoilt for choice.

The Cyclades is arguably the most famous of the island groups in the Aegean, and the star of its show is Santorini. Here, arresting sunsets and winding white-washed stucco buildings stand in stark contrast to sapphire blue skies and turquoise church domes. But it’s the mythological temples, terraces and sacred lakes scattered across the uninhabited island of Delos that brings the archipelago’s mythology to life. A trip to the Delos Archaeological Museum, only accessible by boat, will reveal historic exhibits and intricate antique mosaics.

The islands’ close proximity makes sailing between them in a single day easy. Recognized from afar by its landmark 16th-century windmills, Mykonos’ constant sea breeze makes it a sailor’s paradise. For those looking to enjoy world-renowned DJs yet avoid the seasonal crowds, Ios is where the younger generation now head. For downtime, the volcanic island of Milos is enveloped in a gleaming white lunar landscape and boasts over 40 exotic beaches. Laidback and off the beaten track, it offers colorful fishing villages and tavernas that serve mouth-watering delicacies pulled straight from the glistening sea.

Often described as Greece’s “Emerald Isles”, the Ionian Islands are where verdant green landscapes tumble down rugged, mountainous hillsides into the azure Ionian Sea. Drop anchor at Mandraki Harbor, a striking 15th century port on Corfu or head to Myrtos beach, one of the prettiest coves in the world located on Kefalonia, the largest island in the Ionian chain. Here, vast pine forests cloak the rugged limestone hiking trails where ten of the mountain peaks soar above 5,000 feet.

When exploration beckons Zakynthos, a nesting site for endangered logger head turtles won’t disappoint. Its iridescent blue caves are a snorkeler’s paradise. Nearby Ithaca, the birth place of Odysseus, offers artisanal boutiques and 2000-foot altitude views from the Monastery of Panagia Kamariotissa.

For something a little different, the Dodecanese islands boast a rich legacy founded upon Greek, Roman and Byzantine heritage. Merging robust gastronomic flavors with medieval churches and castles, this region goes against the tide of a typical Greek charter. On land, rock climbing enthusiasts should venture to Kalymnos. At sea, Leros offers an abundance of shipwreck scuba dives, including Queen Olga, one of the Greek Navy’s most legendary destroyers. For a wellness slant, the laidback island of Patmos, also known as the “Island of the apocalypse”, is famed for its spiritual vibe.

Welcoming back international visitors in May 2021, few places rival such charter diversity as the vibrant Greek islands. Escape with IYC and find your freedom on the seas.

For more information about IYC’s full range of services, including Sales & Purchase, Chartering, Yacht Management, New Construction, Charter Management, Crew Placement, Yacht Agency Services and Insurance & Claims Management contact our team.