Spotlight on Greece: Part One. Charter The Cyclades
The Greek islands are found in two seas, the Ionian and Aegean, with the majority resting in the Aegean. Each island group offers that magical Greek atmosphere and its own personal charm, and of course endless blue sea. It would take more than a lifetime to do each of them justice, so instead let IYC guide you through some of the finest islands in Greece with our two-part guide to the best locations for a Greek islands yacht charter, and the best yachts on which to enjoy them.
The most famous of the island groups in the Aegean is the Cyclades, and for good reason. The name Cyclades refers to the circular formation of the islands around the central sacred island of Delos and Greek mythology tells of the Cyclades nymphs being turned to stone by an angry Poseidon. Today these islands are some of the most beautiful in Greece.
Santorini may be the most beautiful island of all. Its famous white and blue villages perched on the edge of a sea filled crater look like they are straight from a postcard. Watching the sun set over this beautiful island on the luxurious deck of 92’6’’ (28.3m) M/Y Blade 6, cocktail in hand, is an unforgettable experience. Another highlight is to discover the island’s volcanic past at the archeological site at Akrotiri, the Minoan civilization engulfed by a huge eruption in the 16th century BC.
Mykonos needs no introduction: it is the place to party, to see and be seen in the summer season. For a yacht that looks the part, 179’6’’ (54.7m) M/Y Rare Find is a real head turner with her deep blue hull and sweeping teak decks. The only rival to her Instagram-worthy good looks is the crystal clear water in which she is anchored.
The small island of Kea is a well-kept Greek secret, the second home of choice for the Athens elite. As a result, dining is excellent. Have the crew take one of 39.7-meter 130’3’’ (39.7m) M/Y Parvati’s two good-looking Novurania tenders into Porto Koundouros to enjoy it.
After a morning in the waters of the Mediterranean making the most of 144’4’’ (44.17m) M/Y Bliss’s long list of water toys, stay on board and luxuriate in the upper deck jacuzzi, or head to shore instead to do the same in one of the many natural thermal pools on Kythnos and Milos.
Koufonisia is made of two small islets. Kato Koufonisi, the lower of the two, is uninhabited and holds some of the best beaches and natural harbours in Greece. Anchor up and enjoy the isolation.
The warm northerly Meltemi winds that blow in the Cyclades in the summer months makes for perfect sailing conditions. So if you see sails when you think of Greek island hopping, then a charter on either 78’ (24m) S/Y Gigreca or 131’ (39.93m) S/Y Aristarchos is the answer. Gigreca is one of the finest sailing yachts available for charter in Greek waters. A luxury performance sloop built by the Italian Sea Group, she boasts sleek lines and excellent performance levels under both sail and engine. Her experienced crew are experts on the islands and will create an unmatched itinerary for those really wanting to explore this ring of beautiful islands. S/Y Aristarchos is the only Swan yacht based in Greek waters, and she cuts a striking figure with her jet blue hull and impressive sails, delivering a truly luxurious sailing charter experience.
To plan your own Greek island charter, contact our IYC charter team today.
Click here for part two of ‘Spotlight on Greece.’
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, and Scandinavia. To contact an IYC office click here.