The perfect private luxury cruise holiday
Greece yacht charter is the perfect private luxury cruise holiday. Nicholson Yachts offers a wide choice of charter yachts and cruise itineraries.
With over 6,000 islands in the Aegean and Ionian Sea combined, a Greece yacht charter takes island hopping to a whole new level. Greece comprises six major island groups. Each is determined by geographic location: Cyclades, Sporades, Dodecanese, Saronic, Ionian Island, and North Aegean Islands.
Immerse yourself in the local culture with a Greece yacht charter holiday. Cruise through sparkling turquoise waters. Here you can experience a bygone era. All islands are rich with ancient landmarks, pristine beaches, clear blue water and a vibrant culture. Of course, there is regional Mediterranean cuisine to sample. As a result each island has its own unique story to tell.
Highlights: Santorini and Mykonos
A private luxury cruise through the Cyclades leads to the buzzing islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Explore the Western coastline of Greece cruising through the Ionian Islands. Visit the infamous Shipwreck beach on Zakynthos. Noted for its pristine stretch of sandy beach and deep turquoise waters, Zakynthos is home to some of the best diving in the world. Undoubtedly, any island group you choose to discover will offer an exciting history lesson and vibrant cultural experience.
Greece Charter Yacht Itineraries
With over 6,000 islands to explore, Greece offers a variety of private luxury cruise itineraries. If you find it hard to make choice, then contact Nicholson Yachts. We can match you with the right charter yacht and cruise itinerary for you.
If flying into Athens, the Saronic and Cyclades Islands are the most convenient. Accordingly, they are the most popular Greece yacht charter destinations. These islands are easy to reach. As a result there is much to explore within a week's time frame. Beginning your Greece yacht charter in Athens to either Ionian or Dodecanese Islands requires at least 10 to 14 days minimum. However, both the Ionian and Dodecanese Islands have international airports. Thereby allowing easy access to embark and disembark.
Saronic Islands - Located 25 miles from Athens.
Major islands include: Poros, Hydra, Spetses, Aegina.
Because of their proximity to Athens, the Saronic Islands were one of Greece’s first island vacation destinations. As a result, they remain a popular cruising destination today. Recommended time frame of 5-7 days.
Cyclades Islands - Located 45 miles southeast of Athens.
This island group consists of 220 islands, the major islands are:
Mykonos, Santorini, Sifnos, Serifos, Naxos, Paros, Antiparos, Delos, Amorgos, Milos, Folegandros.
These islands are further apart than Saronic Island group and because of this, the distance should be considered when chartering a yacht. Additionally, the wind is another point to consider. Because the Cyclades are located in the center of the Aegean Sea, they lie unprotected by the mountainous mainland. When meltémi kicks up, it results in rough weather and potential for the Port-Authorities to impose sailing bans. This is a strong, seasonal north wind of Force 5 to 6, sometimes higher. The meltémi usually occurs in late July through August.
Dodecanese Islands - Located in southeastern Aegean Sea.
12 Islands located about 250 miles from Athens. If you begin from Athens, then it requires at least two weeks of charter time. Major islands include: Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, Symi
Sporades Islands - Located in the Northwest Aegean Sea.
Islands: Skiathos, Skopelos, Skiros, Alonissos.
Ionian Islands - Located off the West Coastline of Central Greece
Situated to the south of Peloponnese. Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxi, Kythira.
The Ionian Islands are approximately 200 miles from Athens. If departing from Athens, the transit requires an expensive transit through the Corinth Canal and charterers should plan for a 10-14 day charter minimum.
Greece Charter Yacht Season
April through October
Peak season is early July into late August.
Let Nicholson Yachts plan your Greece Yacht Charter
With so many islands, itineraries and activities to choose from, it's best to have an expert charter agent to help you. Nicholson Yachts can help you plan every part of your private luxury cruise. From yacht selection to itinerary to activities, Nicholson Yachts will help you every step of the way.
Greece Charter Vacation Activities
Saronic Islands Activities:
- Explore Plaka District in Athens
- Donkey ride in Hydra
- Explore Aegina, Greece’s original capital
- Explore the famous Lemon forest in Poros
- Windsurf in Paros
- Diving in Agistri
- Amphitheatre in Epidavros
Cyclade Islands Activities:
- Akrotiri in Santorini
- Mystique Spa in Santorini
- Scuba Dive in Nea Kameni and Santa Maria Wreck in Santorini
- Scuba Dive Anna II Wreck in Mykonos
- Nammos Beach club in Mykonos
- Cruise to Delos, an uninhabited island full of archeological delights
Sporades Islands Activities:
- Visit the Church of Agios IonnisKastri in Skopelos. Also known as the Mamma Mia church, this is where some scenes of the movie were filmed.
- National Marine Park of Alonissos. This is an animal sanctuary and an important breeding ground for many species of fish, birds, reptiles and mammals.
Ionian Islands Activities:
- Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach the infamous sandy cove home to an iconic shipwreck and dramatic cliffs.
- Blue Caves on Zakynthos
- Diving off of Lefkada Island
- Paxos Music Festival in September
- Old Town of Corfu (UNESCO Heritage Site)
- Melissani Caves
- Explore Vlicho Village in Lefkada
Dodecanese Islands Activities
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rhodes
- Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights - Rhodes
- Acropolis of Rhodes
Plan your Greece Yacht Charters here
Nicholson Yachts welcomes your inquiry. For U.S. citizens seeking guidance on travel to Greece, the current information is available from the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Greece. However, we are always on hand to answer your questions when planning a private luxury cruise anywhere in the world.
