The mention of Greece immediately brings to mind images of Mediterranean beauty, white houses, bright flowers, ancient ruins and always, the sea. A near perfect description would be English author Laurence Durrell’s; ‘(we hit) the pure Mediterranean blueness of the true Aegean: a sea with depth and tone, that swallowed and gave back the sky; a sea that belonged to the waterless islands and grey windmills, to the olive-trees and the statues.’

Whether it is the Aegean, Ionian or sea of Crete, the best way to pay tribute to the Greek seas is to sail atop them, on a private superyacht. The reasons are not just whimsical, but practical too. Trying to explore the islands by land either leaves you based on one island and only visiting other islands in close proximity for day trips, or constantly packing and repacking, ferrying from one island to another as soon as you have settled in the last. The only way to truly access the thousands of islands Greece boasts is by yacht. Having your base on water allows you to enjoy the luxury surroundings of a superyacht, unchanging from day to day, whilst experiencing the unique cultures and landscapes of each island.

With most islands only a few hours from Athens; several with airports and easy helicopter access, you can be enjoying the traditional white houses of the Cyclades or the green Venetian inspired landscapes of the Ionian after just a short journey. You can truly imagine it as it was in ancient times, the olive groves and arid cliffs appear unchanged for millennia, and visitors can explore infinite number of ruins and archeological sites. The sea itself is the perfect spot for watersports, and the fruits of the sea can be enjoyed from the excellent local tavernas.

Isolated from each other, the on-land culture is unique to each island, with every village celebrating it’s own festivals and traditions, many predating Christianity. Visitors can take advantage of this by visiting certain islands in time for their annual celebrations. The friendly locals are happy to share their area’s history and artisan products, such as pottery and leather goods which can be purchased right where they were made.

With many islands huddled close to each other, the term island hopping truly comes into its own when you are on a superyacht, with the ability to sail between islands to explore secluded beaches, unique local culture and the freshest local food in a single day.

Boat access is essential particularly for the uninhabited islands such as Poliegos. Inaccessible coves that visitors on land can only gaze at longingly, are yours for the taking; a new private beach every day if that is what you are looking for. Inhabited but quiet islands such as Amorgos, Folegandros and Koufonisia are perfect for lazy days eating and swimming. Equally, if the cosmopolitan islands such as Santorini and Mykonos are more the Greek experience you envisioned, visiting them by sea gives you a unique vantage point, allowing you to experience the lively atmosphere whilst retiring to the privacy of your private superyacht when you want a moment’s peace.

To create your bespoke Greek charter experience today, contact the IYC charter team. For more information about yachting destinations in Greece click here.