Peloponnese
Peloponnese Yacht Charter Guide
Still a secret of Greece the small peninsula of the Peloponnese is not a heavily cruised area. Escape the crowds and discover the special ambience of this enchanting sailing destination. With a yacht charter in the Peloponnese, you can moor up in historic ports, relax on some of the best sand beaches in Greece, and explore hiking trails through beautiful mountains. The region is the home of legends, filled with the stories of Hercules, Paris of Troy, and the Argonauts and tangible history in the ancient ruins of cities and Ottoman fortresses. The peninsula is a foodies heaven; being cut off by the mountains and gorges means that the region has its own autonomous gastronomic culture. Locals are so passionate about food that they hold a festival to commemorate the summer eggplant harvest. A perfect blend of the best of the good life, the Peloponnese is a truly special destination.
Best Time To Visit: May to September offers the most pleasant weather.
Key Cruising Areas: Circumnavigating the pleated coastline of the peninsula is a lovely cruising trip. Further afield, this is an ideal starting point to sail to the Aegean or Ionian Islands.
Don’t Miss: The cave networks in the Peloponnese intrigue visitors and geologists alike. Take a tour of the caves in Diros where the reflections of amazing rock formations ripple in the water or explore the stalactites and white and red rock cascades of Kastania caves.
Best Spots for Wining and Dining: The pretty port of Gerolimenas has a history built on cuisine, with an economy based on selling quails to French restaurants, and the town retains its passion for gastronomy. Sample the innovative twists on authentic cuisine at the restaurant of the hotel Kyrimai, where the chefs promise an experience like no other, which you will enjoy at sea level, where waves lap the rocks beside you.
Best Local Dish: The food in the Peloponnese is some of the best in Greece. Most of the food is locally sourced, fresh, and brimming with olive oil, lemon, honey, and seasonal vegetables. The seaside town of Kardamili is filled with charming tavernas and cafes – try the meze at Lela’s Taverna for home-cooked food with a stunning sunset view.
Local Culture: The Peloponnese is a place of legends – the home of Agamemnon and the site of Hercules’ fight with the Nemean lions, relics of history and legends can be seen throughout the region. As well as the impressive ancient stadium, Olympia is filled with temples to the gods – visit the ancient ruins of the Temple of Zeus, built in the 5th century BC.
Best Beach:Â The tiny island of Elafonissos is a little taste of the Caribbean in Greece. White and pink sands, sparkling clear water, and a charming village make this an excellent spot to spend an afternoon.
IYC recommends: For a beautiful afternoon, head inland and hike a section of the Menalon trail in Stemnitsa. Walk alongside streams, across wooden paths that fuse with twisting branches, past ancient stone bridges and a stunning gorge. Stop at the Katholiko Taverna for some well-earned homemade food.
More To Explore
With its impressive mountains, sunny coastlines, and myth-laden islands, Greece is one of Europe's most spectacular hiking destinations. In recent years, the country's islands have been investing in revitalizing the country's signposting age-old trails. Whether you’re scrambling through dramatic gorges, tracing coastal paths, or climbing peaks once believed to belong to the gods, every route offers the chance to uncover ancient ruins, wild herbs, and secret beaches along the way. Here are some of our favorite trails to head to while in Greece:
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.But there is a more authentic side to the Greek islands beyond the well-known hotspots. With over 2,000 islands across the Aegean and Ionian seas, there is plenty of chance to veer from the trodden paths and experience the coastlines like a local. Here, we have put together a guide to some of the lesser-known Greek Island to cruise and their best-kept secrets:Each island also has its own character to match your mood. Car-free Hydra has drawn artists for decades with its serene, bohemian pace. Mykonos pairs beautiful beaches with iconic beach clubs such as Nammos and Scorpios. Symi charms with its neoclassical harbour and clifftop acropolis ruins, while remote Alonissos sits within a protected marine park — its waters home to monk seals, dolphins and world-class diving.
Sunsets are undoubtedly best experienced at or near the sea. Thanks to Greece and its islands, there are plenty of incredible spots to watch the sun dip below the horizon at the end of the day spent exploring or simply relaxing into the Mediterranean way of life. The golden lights and soft shades complement Greece's backdrops, from romantic sunsets in charming villages and atmospheric ones over the ancient ruins to magical sunsets on the coastline. Greece has a whole host of spots to gaze at the sunset, easily accessed by a luxury yacht charter; here are six of the best places to watch the sun go down this summer:
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: