Greek Yacht Charter: Between myths and legends

In the Ionian archipelago, lush green islands of pine and wildflowers are scattered through a bright turquoise sea. Rugged mountains and olive groves surround Venetian palaces and ancient temples, and sheer limestone cliffs fall away to some of Europe’s best beaches and glimmering sea caves.

Rich in history and Greek myth, the Ionian Islands make excellent high season cruising due to their minimal summer winds, with rustic waterfront tavernas and glamorous restaurants creating the perfect mix of authentic Greek island life and superyacht decadence. Here’s a sample 7-day charter itinerary for the Ionian Islands

DAY 1: CORFU

Begin your yacht charter in Corfu, where Venetian palaces, Parisian arcades, and British colonial architecture sit against a stunning backdrop of blue-green sea and the mountains of distant Albania.

Spend the morning strolling through the UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town, before joining your charter yacht at midday and getting underway for the enchanting island of Antipaxos, where soft sandy beaches are framed by rugged white cliffs and rolling vineyards.

Enjoy your first Greek islands swim off the back of your yacht, swimming ashore to enjoy a cool drink at one of the beachside tavernas at Vatoumior Vrika beach. Drag yourself away to take a short trip to the twin island of Paxos, where you can explore the glowing blue caves in the late afternoon before heading to the charming port town of Gaois for the night.

DAY 2: LEFKADA

After a leisurely breakfast on deck and a morning swim, the yacht will cruise to Lefkada, where rugged hills and deep green forests meet golden beaches and water an almost shocking shade of blue. Have lunch in the pretty fishing village of Agios Nikitas before exploring the magnificent beaches of the west coast, including the dramatically beautiful Egremni, which is backed by towering cliffs that continue all the way down to Cape Lefkatas in the south.

If time allows, there are some gloriously pretty islands scattered offshore, including Skorpios, a popular mooring spot and the burial place of Aristotle Onassis, the man who launched the superyacht industry.

DAY 3: ITHACA

The Ionian Islands are rich in classical myth, and nowhere is this more so than Ithaca. The pretty island is thought to be the birthplace of Homer’s hero, Odysseus, and he spent a decade trying to get back to it in his epic quest.

Covered with olive groves and pretty villages, Ithaca is a tranquil place to wander through history, hike up Mount Nitiro, or simply drop anchor off the coast and swim in the emerald waters. Head to Vathy, the island’s capital, for an afternoon wander through the picturesque streets followed by a delicious seafood meal at one of the waterfront tavernas.

DAY 4: KEFALONIA

The yacht will depart early for the cruise to Kefalonia, the spectacularly beautiful island that provided the film backdrop for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.

One of the most incredible sights on Kefalonia is the Melissani Cave, which has been flooded by a lake and glows an ethereal, haunting blue. We suggest a midday trip to make the most of the light, before adjourning to the colorful village of Fiskardo for a delicious meal.

Your afternoon can take many forms: relaxing on the beach at Mirtos, exploring the ruined medieval capital of Ayios Georgios, or hiking up Mount Enos for breathtaking views of the Ionian chain.

DAY 5: ZAKYNTHOS

Ah, Zakynthos. Is this the most beautiful island of them all? That’s for you to judge, but it can’t help being a contender, with its dazzlingly blue waters, sheer cliffs, and pretty villages. We advise starting the day quite early at the famous Shipwreck Beach, so you can have this splendid place to yourself before the crowds of day-trippers arrive.

Tender or swim ashore through the electric-blue water, looking up at the vast sweep of cliffs hemming in the beach, huge smuggler ship rusting into the sands. This whole stretch of the West coast is thrillingly dramatic, with blue sea caves and archways perfect for swimming and kayaking, and loggerhead turtles floating by the yacht as you eat lunch at anchor.

DAY 6: CORINTH

This is a full day at sea, but what a day it is. No one ever forgets to cruise through the Corinth Canal on a superyacht, the sheer cliffs rising up either side, the yacht narrowly inching its way through a passage cut deep through the Greek mainland.

The scenery at either side of the 4-mile channel is also spectacular, with the mountain ranges of ancient history in the distance and friendly pods of local dolphins jumping in the yacht’s bow wave. It’s definitely a day to remember.

 DAY 7: ATHENS

After waking for a final morning swim off the back of the yacht at one of the Saronic Gulf Islands, you’ll cruise to Athens, a city of such ancient wonder that you’ll almost certainly want to linger a day or two after disembarking your yacht.

For more information please contact our charter experts.