Yachting under the Greek sun

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We take a closer look at the world’s most favorite yachting destination.

As a country, Greece is blessed with both a breathtaking natural panorama and an ancient civilization. With thousands of islands, large and small spread across the azure Aegean and Ionian seas, luxury yachting has become a phenomenon. Many call it an aquatic paradise.

The quintessential “Greek seas” is synonymous with images of pure exquisiteness and ethereal beauty. Moreover, the fact that the government is so proactive, the country offers by far the best in terms of maritime infrastructure and logistics. No wonder the 3,000 and more islands that make up the Greek archipelago have become the world’s most favorite yachting destination.

I am compelled to quote the immortal words of Nikos Kazantzakis, who once said: “Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean Sea”. How true, the world knows it!

COVID 19 situation & Greece

As the scars of the pandemic gradually fade, the Greek government has made the bold decision to reopen its borders from June 15, 2020, and as of May 15, 2021, international travel is open to visitors wishing to visit this beautiful country. . . However, it is mandatory for all travelers to complete the passenger tracking form before 11.59pm the day before their arrival in Greece.

Yachting under the Greek sun

In Europe, Greece is a country that stands out and it would not be out of place to confirm that Greece has withstood the pandemic better than many other European countries. In Greece, the number of Covid 19 cases reached 466,441 which resulted in 12,846 deaths as of July 22. In addition, 44.18% of the population has already been vaccinated.

The yachting phenomenon has evolved harmoniously in large part because there are still many pristine and unexplored islands, tempting the sensory nerves of the rich and famous to embark on pleasure trips. The hallmark of yachting in Greece is total seclusion, relaxed and hassle-free.

Yachting under the Greek sun

Unspoiled beaches, secluded coves, coastal caves with rocky headlands and a bewildering array of stunning natural vistas make Greece the world’s most sought-after yachting destination.

Very few countries are blessed with both natural splendor and ancient civilization. Consider for example the capital of Athens – the city that can rightfully claim to be blessed with the most fascinating history in the world, an ethereal city adored not only by mankind but also by divinity. This captivating capital of Greece has witnessed the origin of civilization. India aside, Athens and Greece have been the birthplace of some of the most cautious and far-sighted men who have shaped global society since ancient times.

Yachting under the Greek sun

The city of Athens is ideally perched on the prefecture of Attica and extends to the peninsular region of central Greece. Athens is wonderfully surrounded by rolling mountains with Ymmytos, Pendeli and Parnitha being the most important. The best part about being in Athens is that it is a year round destination and blessed with a healthy climate and lots of sunshine.

Athens seaside

If you love the beach, you just need to hop on a tram or a car to reach the coastal town of Paleo Faliro, which is just 30 minutes from the Syntagma area. The gentle Mediterranean Sea and the Saronic Gulf are visible from Poseidon Avenue. The 2004 Olympics have had a huge impact in popularizing charming towns like Paleo Faliro, Alimos, Agios Kosmas, Kalamaki, Elliniko, Glyfada, etc… extending all the way to Varkiza.

Yachting under the Greek sun

The Mikrolimano and Zeas marinas ideally located in the port city of Piraeus also offer excellent seaside hospitality and entertainment.

When it comes to high-end yachting facilities, Flisvos Marina, commonly referred to as the “Athenian Riviera”, like the “Côte d’Azur”, has become a highly sought after yachting area with stunning views. on the sea, luxurious yachts and expansive catwalks par excellence. The whole area is full of award-winning restaurants, cozy bars and countless shopping possibilities.

In the immediate vicinity of Flisvos Marina is another, albeit much smaller, yachting site – the Marina alimou which meets the demanding needs of mid-budget yacht enthusiasts. The essence here is on the gastronomy. Try American cheeseburgers at Kitchen Bar and Skippers for intoxicating cocktails right next to the dock.

Yachting under the Greek sun

You will be spoiled for choice as Greece offers a wide variety of yachting destinations to choose from. Besides Athens, which also happens to be the entry point for most international yacht enthusiasts, the elegant Cycladic islands of Mykonos and Santorini renowned for their picturesque sugar-lump villages and eclectic parties in the sporadic group of islands. from the north – blessed with the ‘Emeralds of the Aegean’ label offering wonderful anchorages is a really tough and delicate decision when it comes to choosing the right yachting destination.

There are also the lesser known Saronic Islands, which are quite spellbinding; the lush Ionian Islands; the Dodecanese Islands, full of culture and fascinating alcoves to face.

Yachting under the Greek sun

Recreational season and weather patterns

In Greece, the months of May to mid-October, the sky is blue and the average temperatures vary between 26 ° C and 30 ° C. July and August two of the gems Mykonos and Santorini are at the peak of their festivity. If you prefer seclusion and a quieter atmosphere, yachting might be ideal during the months of May, September and October. During these three months, the crowd is smaller and the atmosphere is much calmer.

Yachting under the Greek sun

Strong winds prevail in the Cyclades and the Aegean Islands during the months of July and August. Yachting in the Aegean Sea is ideal in the months of May and June and again from September to October. Watch out for yachting in the Sporades in August when the winds are strong enough.

The Saronic Islands and the southern Peloponnese islands are more or less protected from strong winds due to their geographic arrangement. The weather conditions of the Ionian Island group on the west coast are ideal for boating. However, avoid yachting in the peak summer months.

Yachting under the Greek sun

Itineraries – Best Choices

Outside the capital of Athens, the Saronic Islands, Poros and Hydra are great options thanks in large part to the quintessential Byzantine castles, spectacular anchorages, and fascinating harbors.

The Cyclades are indeed the much sought after “Superyacht Destination” of Greece and Santorini in the far south of the Cyclades and ideally located at a distance of 150 nautical miles from Athens is a draw. Mykonos commonly referred to as the Ibiza of Greece, Syros and Kea off the beaten track are fabulous options.

Yachting under the Greek sun

The legendary Peloponnese, located near Athens, has always been a favorite of Greek royalty. Here, history and nature intertwine in a perfect embrace.

Northwest of the Aegean Sea, the sporadic islands made up of Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros are ideal for luxury yachting.

Many yacht enthusiasts opt for yachting on the west coast of Greece, the Ionian Islands – Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Meganisi, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos (Zante) are all the rage among yachting aficionados. There are also the ethereal Lefkadas, Meganisi, the ancient and happy Kefalonia and Zakynthos. The latter in particular is magical.

Cost of yacht charter in Greece

What is the price of chartering a yacht in Greece? Well, during the lean season it could be US $ 1,500 per day and US $ 10,800 per week. Yachts in Greece are mostly loaned with a captain on board and if one opts for ultra-luxury pleasure craft they will subconsciously be fully equipped.

Professional yacht companies

World charter

World charter is a name to be reckoned with. Ranked among the world’s elite yacht charter companies. Renowned for their high quality service and professionalism in the highly competitive yacht charter industry. Charter World is a London based yacht charter company with offices around the world.

Burgess Yachts

Burgess Yachts have been in business since 1975 and a renowned super yacht charter company for vessels over 30 meters. The company was founded by Nigel burgess, a world-renowned solo ocean racer with obsessive attention to detail and a passion for the sea.

Key words:
Olympic Games 2004, Agios Kosmas, Alimos, Alonissos, Athenian Riviera, Athens, Burgess Yachts, Charter World, Cocktails, Corfu, COVID-19, Elliniko, EUROPE, Flisvos Marina, food, Côte d’Azur, Glyfada, Greece, Hydra, India, Ithaca, Kalamaki, Kefalonia, Lefkas, Londo, Marina Alimou, Meganisi, Mykonos, Nigel Burgess, Nikos Kazantzakis, Paleo Faliro, Paxos, Peloponnese, Poros, Restaurant, Saronic Islands, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros, superyacht, Kingdom -U, USA, Varkiza, YACHT, Zante
Subhasish Chakraborty

Subhasish Chakraborty has worked as a travel journalist for the past two decades and has contributed to the writing of numerous international in-flight magazines from renowned airlines such as Cathy Pacific, Dragon Air, Bhutan Airlines, Air Asia, Airport Authority of India and many others. He was also involved with the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) as a consultant.

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