It’s a place where chalky, whitewashed walls, colourful rooftops, olive groves, vineyards and classical ruins perch above picturesque harbours and deserted coves.
It is a home of shipwrecks, sunsets and sandy beaches, of honeymooners and romantic escapes. From the slow, traditional rurality of Syros to the ‘destination glamour’ of modish Santorini, the varied delights of this close-packed archipelago are easily accessible on a week’s charter from Athens. From uninhabited hideaways to bustling holiday resorts, and from beaches and seascapes to history and hedonism, a well-chosen Greek yacht charter has the capacity to satisfy your desires like few other destinations.
With a near perfect climate to match its natural beauty, this dramatically mountainous island is a renowned walking destination as well as a hub for beachgoers and a treasure trove of archaeological remains. If Kavos provides the all-night party scene, Corfu Town provides a charming blend of old and new. From a buzzing marina, delectable restaurants and a selection of shops, all alongside old cobbled streets.
The compact islands of the Paxi archipelago rarely feature on Ionian charter yacht itineraries, yet their dramatic caves, intimidating limestone cliffs and glorious beaches make them some of the most memorable cruising grounds in the entire region. Paxos, the main island, offers the lovely Mongonissi Beach, plus plenty of sheltered coves so you can explore the rock formations or anchor up for some watersports; and Antipaxos, the second largest island, is a renowned hotspot for local wines.
The renowned Ionian island resort of Zakynthos is a classic Greek cocktail of hedonistic party venue, untouched coastal paradise and authentic island lifestyle. The liveliest nightlife is to be found at Laganas, where the long strip of bars and clubs draws international partygoers in their thousands; for seclusion, the west coast is ideal; and for somewhere in between, Alykanas in the northeast is a great place to perch in a comfy waterfront taverna, munching on souvlaki and sipping cold beer.