Cyclades and Ionian Islands

Yacht charter in Greece

Greece offers 2 main cruising grounds, the Cyclades from Athens and the Ionian Islands from Corfu. A typical week on board explores one or the other with a captain and crew.

Charter season: May to October
Athens to Mykonos: 95 nm direct
Embarkation ports: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu

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Cruising in Greece

Departing from Athens, the yacht can anchor off Cape Sounion, with views of the Temple of Poseidon. Kea is the closest of the Cyclades to Athens, 40 nm from Alimos Marina. The route then runs through Mykonos, Paros and Naxos to the caldera of Santorini.

The Ionian Islands lie off the west coast of Greece. They are among the greenest islands in the country, thanks to high rainfall and lush vegetation. The climate is generally cooler and the winds often more moderate. Kefalonia is known for its Robola wine and Lefkada for its air-dried salami. Charters embark in Corfu and cruise down the island chain to Zakynthos.

A longer charter can combine the Cyclades and the Ionian Islands.

Where to go

Mykonos and Delos
Mykonos is known for its bare hillsides and well-preserved architecture. Delos lies a few nautical miles away. This UNESCO-listed sacred island is considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Santorini
Santorini's caldera was shaped by successive major eruptions over hundreds of thousands of years. The yacht cruises through the caldera, with views of Oia at sunset. The island is a 50-minute flight from Athens.
Milos
Milos is known for its lunar landscapes and colourful sands. Its hidden sea caves are best discovered from the water. More active guests can dive among the caves of Kleftiko.
Hydra
Hydra lies in the Saronic Gulf, close to Athens. Here the only transport is on foot, by water taxi or by donkey. From Athens, the Saronic Gulf offers an alternative to the Cyclades when the weather calls for it.
Corfu
Corfu is the starting point for the Ionian Islands. Its Old Town is UNESCO-listed. The island also has its fortresses and the Achilleion Palace. Gouvia Marina sits in a sheltered bay 7 km from the airport.
Paxos and Antipaxos
Paxos lies 30 nm from Gouvia Marina on Corfu. Neighbouring Antipaxos is home to the beaches of Vrika and Voutoumi.

When to go to Greece

Janoff season
Feboff season
Maroff season
Aproff season
Mayshoulder season
Junpeak season
Julpeak season
Augpeak season
Sepshoulder season
Octshoulder season
Novoff season
Decoff season

High season runs from June to August, when temperatures are high and the restaurants and sites are open. The sea is still relatively warm in May and from September to October. Anchorages are quieter then and evenings cooler.

In summer, the meltemi blows across the Aegean. It builds in the afternoon and eases at dusk. It is strongest and most persistent in July and August, above all in the Cyclades. Sheltered by forested hills, the Ionian Islands enjoy a gentler breeze at that time.

7 days in Greece, day by day

Each itinerary lasts 7 days, with guests disembarking on day 7. The captain adjusts the stops to the wind on the day, particularly the meltemi in the Cyclades.

Athens to Santorini through the Cyclades

Day 1
Athens
Guests embark at the marina, then the yacht heads to a first anchorage on the coast of Attica.
Day 2
Kea
A call at Korissia, on the closest of the Cyclades to Athens.
40 nm from Alimos
Day 3
Mykonos
Guests enjoy the beach clubs, then Little Venice.
70 nm from the previous stop
Day 4
Paros
The yacht calls at Naoussa or Parikia.
Day 5
Naxos
Ashore, guests visit the Portara and the Venetian kastro.
Day 6
Ios
A call at Ios before continuing to Santorini.
Day 7
Santorini
The yacht cruises through the caldera, with views of Oia. Guests then disembark in Santorini, where the charter ends.

Corfu to Zakynthos through the Ionian Islands

Day 1
Corfu
Guests embark in Corfu and visit the Old Town. The yacht then anchors on the north-east coast.
Day 2
Paxos and Antipaxos
The yacht anchors off the beaches of Vrika and Voutoumi.
30 nm from Gouvia
Day 3
Lefkada
A stop off the beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni.
Day 4
Meganisi
Guests discover the Papanikolis Cave.
Day 5
Ithaca
The yacht calls at Vathy or Kioni.
Day 6
Kefalonia
A call at Fiskardo. The island is also home to Myrtos Beach and Lake Melissani.
Day 7
Zakynthos
Guests visit the Blue Caves, then disembark on Zakynthos, where the charter ends.

Cruising distances

Athens (Alimos) to Kea	40 nm
Kea to Mykonos	70 nm
Athens to Mykonos	95 nm
Santorini to Milos	70 nm
Corfu (Gouvia) to Paxos	30 nm
Lefkada to Paxos	50 nm

Good to know

Laganas Bay on Zakynthos is home to loggerhead turtles. Navigation is prohibited in certain areas of the marine park. Where it is permitted, speed is limited to 6 knots. The captain plans the call in line with the park's rules.

Yachts in the Eastern Mediterranean

The yachts presented here are offered for charter in the Eastern Mediterranean. Our broker will confirm availability and shape the itinerary with you.

Alfa

70 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €700,000 per week

Vassa

68.8 m12 guestsFeadship

From €595,000 per week

Loon

67.5 m13 guestsIcon Yachts

From €550,000 per week

Vertigo

67.2 m12 guestsAlloy Yachts

From €360,000 per week

Calex

67 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €680,000 per week

Triumph

65.4 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €650,000 per week

Artisan

63 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €645,000 per week

Pink Shadow

58.3 m12 guestsDamen Yachting

From €510,000 per week

Illusion V

58 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €350,000 per week

Frequently asked questions

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When is the best time for a yacht charter in Greece?

In July and August, should you choose the Cyclades or the Ionian Islands?

In the Cyclades, the meltemi is strongest in July and August. The Ionian Islands generally have cooler conditions and more moderate winds than the Cyclades in July and August.

Where does a charter begin?

Starting from Athens gives the most flexibility with the weather, towards the Cyclades or the Saronic Gulf. Guests embark at Alimos, Flisvos or Lavrio. A charter can also begin or end in Mykonos or Santorini. For the Ionian Islands, guests embark in Corfu.

Is one week enough?

A typical week explores one of the 2 cruising grounds, from Athens to Santorini through the Cyclades or from Corfu to Zakynthos through the Ionian Islands. Combining both takes longer.

Can the Athens marinas accommodate large yachts?

Alimos is the largest marina in Greece, on the Athens Riviera. Flisvos has 310 berths, more than half of which can accommodate yachts over 30 m. Lavrio offers direct access to the Aegean.