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Island hopping - sailing the Greek islands
5 MINS READ
19 Feb 2015

When touring the Greek Islands the possibilities and choices of locations to visit are endless. Scattered in the Aegean Sea are an impressive amount of incredible islands to visit each with their own characteristics and distinct personality. 

When exploring the Greek Seas guests will have the chance to absorb the different landscapes, architecture, history, and culture available in each region. 

While sailing the Aegean Sea these amazing islands are there for you to conquer. Experience the rich classical heritage, romantic ambience, and excellent food offered on the beautiful islands. 

book your greek islands hopping week

 

 

Island hopping Greek islands

 


What makes yacht charter the greek islands an interesting idea?


 

1. The fact that you can visit more islands than when traveling with the ferry because you do not have to follow a certain time schedule.

2. You do not have to worry about finding a place to sleep on an island as you are sleeping inside the yacht.

3. You do not lose time packing and unpacking as all your things are unpacked inside your cabin. You only have to unpack one upon arrival and pack again before you disembark.

4. You do not have to worry about arranging everything in advance and spend too much time organizing. All you have to do is find the yacht that suits your needs.

5. You do not have to worry about following the scheduled plan in case the weather is bad, and there are no ferry connections between the island (rarely happens in the summer but it is possible in the Cyclades because of the very strong Meltemi winds). You can adjust your schedule according to your needs or the weather conditions. If you like an island more, you can stay for an extra night and skip another one.

6. On the sailing yacht you have a fully equipped kitchen and refrigerator so that you can have most of the snacks on board avoiding this way extra costs in snacks and lunches.  

7. The overall cost of a charter (skippered charter) per person is more than 2 times less than the cost of the same itinerary scheduled with ferry and hotel overnights.

8. There can always be an extra bed (even if this is on the saloon bed of a sailing yacht) for a friend who decided to join you last minute. 

9. On your way to the next island you can stop at any beach, isolated or crowded in order to have a swim, or snorkel, relax, or have a snack or lunch.  

10. There isn’t a limitation on your choices, one day you can choose a super crowded beach and the next a completely isolated one, only reachable by boat. One day you can select a ‘party’ island full of people and nightlife, and the next visit the smallest and calmer port that you can find at the area. One night you can moor at a port and the next stay on an anchorage; have a late night swim and a romantic dinner under the stars. Different daily options, and different island options can combine a perfect sailing week.

11. Completing the above reason of what makes 'sailing in the greek islands' a great idea is the fact that you can also have different tastes every day. Each island and destination (at the mainland, Peloponnesus etc) has a special local recipe (sometimes even more than one) that you can try. The herbs and spices of each place make even the taste of the same dish different from island to island, from place to place. Local cheese (especially Feta) tastes differently from one location to another. One more reason that will make your island hopping experience unique.    


Where is the best place to visit?


If you land in Athens (as for some countries this is so far the only possible solution) you can start from Alimos marina (also known as Kalamaki) towards the Cyclades or the Saronic area. The Saronic area sounds like a boring place as most of the areas and islands are not so commonly known (or famous like Mykonos and Santorini) but all the professional non-Greek skippers who come and sail here for decades think of this as the best place to go sailing to. The area is sheltered, the winds are light, the destinations are closer and the sailing hours per day less than in other locations and the options are really numerous, especially if you have more than a week to spend on your sailing vacation.   


But are there enough islands to visit?


Aigina, Agkistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses are the 5 biggest ones that you can visit, but also places like Ermioni makes you feel like if you are on an island when they are not. Those are 6 destinations to go to for a week, and experience your first sailing holiday in Greece


Can I start in Athens and visit the Cyclades islands?


Yes of course, even in a week time you can sail to the Cyclades and back and visit 5 or more islands. For details you can read our suggestions here.  It is more enjoyable to spend two weeks in the Cyclades and visit much more places. 95% of our guests say that one week is not enough and that next time they will come for a two weeks sailing vacation in the Cyclades. People who have chartered a yacht for one week and spend another week at an island after they went back contacted us and told us that they should have spent their entire holiday on board. This tells me that island hopping was more fun than just a week on an island.

This explains why island hopping ( greek island sailing) is a good choice and easily experience on a sailing yacht.  The only thing that you have to do now is find your available dates, suitable flights and the yacht and come to Greece to experience it.  

Cyclades Greece

 

Witness well-preserved stone homes, exquisite sights, secluded beaches, and hundreds of beautiful bays.

Enjoy unique hikes and the opportunity to observe some truly exceptional archeological masterpieces which are all within hand reach!!! Dazzling white houses, white-washed little villages, blue-domed chapels, incredible sunsets, and a unique array of sceneries with sapphire blue surroundings await discovery. Come experience true Greek Culture, Spirit, and History!

The Greek Isles are famous around the world for their undisputable beauty, incredible diversity, and their capability to please all visitors regardless of the style of vacation they are looking for. Greek Island Hopping is an experience that shouldn’t be missed when visiting this stunning nation. Greece is home to 200 inhabited and incredible islands to discover. So when deciding where to visit, the best recommendation would be hopping within a group of islands that are closely situated to each other. From there you may choose to visit another group of islands which you can then also explore depending on the duration of your charter. Seeing as your charter will begin in Athens, you are spoiled with the choice and flexibility of selecting from the 2 major island groups of the Cyclades and Saronic Gulf.

The Cyclades is probably the most famous island group in Greece where iconic whitewashed square-shaped homes, alleyways, and buildings are situated. Not to mention the beautiful white churches with blue domed roofs which usually have an impressive view of the surrounding areas and sea.

There are around 27 islands located in the Cyclades region, made up of 20 larger islands and 7 smaller ones. They all have their fair share of resemblances, however, each possesses a unique atmosphere and characteristics upon arriving and exploring them.

All are blessed with gorgeous landscapes and each island has its own beautiful beaches and swimming areas. Some islands have more greenery while others may be rustic and dry but still retain their own incredible untamed beauty. When visiting the Cyclades region it will be quite easy when it comes to island hopping seeing as most of them are in close distances to each other. The Cyclades often experience ruff winds and adverse weather conditions, which can interfere with plans concerning itineraries during an island hopping vacation. As explained earlier each island has its own character despite the fact all of them share common similarities.

The Saronic Islands are situated close to Athens and are just as beautiful as the Cyclades, possessing their own distinct architecture and charm. Their convenient distance and calm seas make them an ideal island-hopping destination. They are also a perfect solution for those who planned to go to the Cyclades but had to change course due to rough winds or adverse weather conditions. These are beautiful islands with a range of different landscapes and views. For instance lush green pine forests and a beautiful variation of beaches will impress guests during their island hopping charter. Less mainstream and touristic to the Cyclades, they provide insight and an authentic sense of the Greek Lifestyle.

This is a very popular region for Athenians longing to get away from everyday life in the city. Seeking to relax and recharge in the sublime blue waters of the Saronic Gulf. There are six islands in the group made up of Salamina, Aegina, Agistri,  Poros,  Hydra, and Spetses. Hydra and Spetses are the most famous of this group of islands.

Seeing as the waters in the Saronic are sheltered by land it is a perfect option for first-time sailors and those seeking to have a relaxed and smooth sailing vacation. As mentioned earlier, their close proximity to Athens makes it easier to visit them all in the span of a few days and enjoy the individuality available on each island.

When planning your charter it is always best to review and select your desired locations upon arrival. This allows you to plan in accordance to the weather conditions present during your cruise. Not setting predetermined expectations alleviates the chances of disappointment when weather conditions make it difficult to reach certain destinations. This is especially true when heading towards the Cyclades which can have fierce winds and force you to moor in a secure area stuck in one island for more time than you bargained for.

Come enjoy delicious Greek meals onboard your private terrace of the Mediterranean while sipping on a cold beverage, wine or cocktail. Let the sea breeze awaken the senses as your mind gets accustomed to the serene rhythm and atmosphere of the beautiful layout and setting of the Greek Islands.  All this and more awaits on your Greek Island Hopping charter. 

 

When on a Greek yacht charter, the most popular activity would be what most call island hopping. Scattered in the Aegean Sea are a remarkable amount of incredible islands to visit, each with their own charm and distinct personality. While exploring the Greek Seas visitors will have the chance to observe the diverse landscapes, architecture, history, and culture offered by each location. Expose yourself to the rich classical heritage, romantic ambience, and excellent food offered in these breathtaking areas. Witness well preserved stone homes, exquisite sights, secluded beaches, and hundreds of beautiful bays.

Enjoy exceptional hikes and the opportunity to see some truly remarkable archeological masterpieces which are all within hands reach!!! Stunning white houses, little villages, blue-domed chapels, incredible sunsets, and a select array of sceneries with sapphire blue backdrops await your discovery. Come experience real Greek Culture, Spirit, and History!

The Greek Isles are renowned around the world for their unquestionable beauty, unbelievable diversity, and ability to satisfy all guests regardless of the style of vacation they are looking for. Greek island hopping is an experience which shouldn’t be missed when visiting this gorgeous nation. Greece is home to a vast amount of incredible islands to visit. So when considering where to go, the best advice would be hopping within a group of islands which are closely situated to each other. From there you may select to visit another group of islands, depending on the duration of your charter. Seeing as most charters will begin in Athens, guests are spoiled with the choice and flexibility of selecting from the 2 major island groups of the Cyclades and Saronic.

The Cyclades is the most renowned island group in Greece, where legendary whitewashed square shaped homes, pathways, and buildings are situated. Not to mention, the beautiful white churches with blue domed rooftops, which usually have extraordinary views of the neighboring areas and sea. There are roughly 27 islands located in the Cyclades region, which include 20 larger islands and 7 smaller ones.

They all have their fair share of similarities, however each has their own special atmosphere and characteristics upon arriving and exploring them. All are blessed with stunning sceneries and each island has its own lovely beaches and swimming areas. Some islands have more greenery, while others may be rustic and dry but still retain their own incredible untamed beauty. When visiting the Cyclades area it will be relatively easy when it comes to island hopping. Seeing as most of them are in close distances to each other. The Cyclades often experience rough winds and adverse weather conditions, which can sometimes interfere with plans concerning itinerary during your Greek Island Hopping adventure.

The Saronic Islands are located close to Athens and are just as fabulous as the Cyclades with their own distinctive architecture and charm. Their appropriate distance and calm seas make them an excellent island hopping destination. They are also a flawless solution for those who planned to go to Cyclades but had to change course because of opposing weather conditions. These are beautiful islands with a variety of different landscapes and views. For instance, the lush green pine forests and a beautiful variation of beaches will impress anyone during this exceptional vacation.

This is a very popular region for Athenians who desire to get away from everyday life in the city. Seeking to relax and recharge in the sublime blue waters of the Saronic Gulf. There are six islands in the group made up of Salamina, Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses. Hydra and Spetses are the most famous of this group of islands. Seeing as the waters in the Saronic are shielded by land it is a perfect choice for first time sailors and those looking to have a calm and smooth sailing vacation. As mentioned earlier, their close proximity to Athens makes it easier to visit them all in the span of a few days.

When planning to island hop it is always best to evaluate and choose your desired locations upon arrival. Allowing you to plan in accordance to the weather conditions present during your charter. Not setting predetermined expectations alleviates the chances of disappointment when weather conditions make it challenging to reach certain destinations. This is especially true when heading towards the Cyclades, which can have fierce winds and force you to anchor in a secure area leaving you stuck in one area for more time than you bargained for.

Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. It is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. An island hopping experience in Greece is a great way to experience the beauty of the country and its beliefs.

When island hopping in Greece, you'll get to visit some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. You can explore the white sandy beaches, picturesque villages, and breathtaking landscapes of these islands. Experiencing traditional Greek culture, cuisine, and hospitality unlike ever before!

 

 

 

 

 

   

click here to book a yacht for a yacht sailing week in Greece