Which islands should you visit on your charter yacht trip to Greece?

Sailing in Greece means sun, wind, good food and invigorating light. But this playground is divided into numerous islands, each more interesting than the last. Depending on the time you have available, you’ll have to choose between wild landscapes, tourist spots and discovering all kinds of things.

Greece, the country of 6,000 islands

Three groups of islands stand out. The Ionian Islands, in the western part of Greece, are an archipelago of paradise, steeped in the story of Ulysses, as well as the incredible island of Ithaca.

In the eastern part of Greece, in the Aegean Sea, the Aegean archipelago is much larger, more eclectic and with many more islands. You can travel between Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, and discover the crossroads of populations and civilisations that have forged our modern history. You’ll find the famous little islands with the immaculate white houses that feature on so many postcards.

Finally, the Saronic Islands, nestling in the Gulf of Athens, retain all the charm of ancient Greece. Sailing at the foot of this city is an unforgettable experience.

And if you don’t have much time, take the Corinth Canal, an incredible experience of a passage between two worlds!

The Ionian Islands, cradle of travellers

This heavenly archipelago lies between the heel of the Italian boot and the west coast of Greece.

Corfu, the Italian influence

The northernmost and largest island, Corfu, is a former Venetian trading post. All the architecture on this island, and the others too, is Italian in style, so much so that Italy’s influence and maritime power have underpinned its presence here for centuries.

Ithaca, cradle of Greek history

Ithaca offers you the chance to stop off on the island of Ulysses. The bay of Frikes, in the north-east of the island, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful bays in the Ionian Sea.

There are restaurants serving delicious dishes, and you can enjoy dining with your feet in the sand. This very sheltered bay invites you to an unforgettable evening.

Visiting Ithaca is a delightful experience. Small shops and local establishments rub shoulders with the many hiking trails, which will take you to a small church with a breathtaking view, or an Orthodox temple shrouded in silence.

Nature is preserved here, and the white sandy beaches are protected. This island is the perfect change of scenery.

Discover the dynamism of Cefalonia

Further south of Ithaca, towards Cefalonia, you’ll find a more urban life, with many sites to visit, such as the citadel of Assos.

Cefalonia welcomes you with its colourful houses, cheerful market and unspoilt nature. This little-known island will surprise you with its landscapes of cypress and olive trees, crystal-clear waters and rugged coastline.

Ask your crew to drop you off in Fiskardo Bay, to the north-east of the island. It’s a magical village, and the bay is very pleasant for dinner on board. Argostoli, the island’s capital, is also a charming stopover.

The Ionian islands are not limited to these two: Lefkas, Zante and many more await you.

The Aegean islands

The Aegean Sea stretches between Greece and Turkey, and is closed off to the south by Crete. There are countless islands here, grouped into three archipelagos: Cyclades, Sporades and Dodecanese.

The Cyclades are the most emblematic, with their world-famous postcards. The wind is strong here, and the famous Meltem, which shakes your stomach, also opens the door to long sailings in perfect sunshine.

Whether you’ve chosen a magnificent sailing yacht to be in tune with the waves, or a motoryacht for the comfort of a grand hotel, discovering the Cyclades under sail is without doubt the most exhilarating sailing you’ll ever experience.

There are so many islands that it’s impossible to list them all. But Andros and Mykonos are undoubtedly the most beautiful postcards in the Aegean. Folklore, gastronomy, nightlife and the peace and quiet of deserted coves – nothing is missing. As for the Sporades islands, Skopelos is and will remain one of the most beautiful Greek islands.

A dream set on water, and if you have the time and a boat capable of racking up the nautical miles, don’t hesitate and explore all the islands of the Aegean.

If you want to enjoy a unique maritime experience, and if you’re not too pressed for time, suggest that your ship’s crew sail through the Corinth Canal. The passage through this canal is undoubtedly a foretaste of the Suez Canal, but it has the great quality of taking you from one paradise to another!

Greece has so many islands that it’s impossible to be exhaustive, but you can rely on the crews of our ships, who know this sailing area as well as their boats. Trust their advice!