As we enter the warmer spring months, and leave the cooler days behind us, yachting enthusiasts around the world are starting to consider their first big yacht charter of the year, thinking long and hard about a destination.
Greece, Croatia, and the south of France promise almost uninterrupted warm days and sunshine from June to September, making them perfect for late spring/early summer yachting.
Recently, we wrote about St. Tropez as well as Cannes, and they make for incredible yachting destinations, but this year, no single locale speaks to the quintessential yacht rental Mediterranean experience quite like Greece and its surrounding islands.
The cosmopolitan allure of Mykonos, Santorini’s breathtaking sunsets, and the serene seclusion of lesser-known gems like Milos and the untouched Folegandros are just a few of the pristine areas on these islands waiting to be explored.
Meanwhile, Greece hosts a variety of sailing regattas, events, and festivals throughout the year, attracting sailing enthusiasts from around the world. Yachters can participate in races, regattas, and flotillas, or simply soak up the festive atmosphere and camaraderie of the sailing community.
Yachting in Greece is a unique journey through history, and if you want the most out of your nautical journey, here are just a few of the wondrous sites on offer to experience the best yacht charter Greece has to offer.
Unmatched Sailing Conditions
Greece offers excellent sailing conditions, with consistent winds, calm seas, and short distances between islands, making it ideal for both experienced sailors and novice yachters. Greece benefits from prevailing winds that are generally predictable and reliable, making for excellent sailing conditions. The Meltemi, which blows from the north during the summer months, provides ideal conditions for sailing and adds an element of excitement to the sailing experience.
The Greek islands also boast a mild Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The long sailing season, typically from April to October, provides ample opportunities for yachting enthusiasts to explore the Greek waters in favorable weather conditions.
Finally, Greece offers a diverse range of sailing routes, catering to different preferences and skill levels. From the tranquil waters of the Ionian Sea to the challenging winds of the Aegean, yachters can choose routes that suit their preferences and desired level of adventure.
The Stunning Shorelines of Crete
Crete boasts a diverse coastline with sandy beaches, hidden coves, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect choice for those looking for an island-hopping adventure. Yachters can explore secluded anchorages and remote beaches that are inaccessible by land, offering privacy and tranquility.
Crete is also steeped in history and culture, with archaeological sites, ancient ruins, and Byzantine churches scattered across the island. Yachters can visit the Palace of Knossos, the ancient city of Phaistos, and the historic towns of Chania and Rethymno to immerse themselves in Crete’s rich heritage.
With several ports and marinas along its coastline, Crete provides yachters with convenient facilities and services. Whether docking in Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, or Chania, yachters can find berthing options, fuel stations, provisioning services, and other amenities to enhance their sailing experience.
The Scintillating Cyclades
The Cyclades archipelago comprises over 200 islands, each with its own unique charm and character. From the iconic white-washed buildings of Santorini to the rugged cliffs of Milos and the pristine beaches of Paros, yachters can explore a diverse range of islands, each offering its own distinct definition of beauty and attractions.
These islands are famous for their iconic architecture, characterized by whitewashed buildings with blue-domed roofs and narrow cobblestone streets. Yachters can explore charming villages such as Oia, Mykonos Town, and Naoussa, where they can wander through labyrinthine alleys, visit traditional tavernas, and admire picturesque vistas.
The Cyclades islands also pack a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. Yachters can visit ancient archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, and Venetian castles, or attend traditional festivals and cultural events that celebrate the region’s vast catalog of traditions.
Passing Through the Corinth Canal
Corinth is known for its varied archaeological sites, which include the Temple of Apollo, the Acrocorinth hill fortress, and the ruins of the ancient city itself.
One of the major draws for yachters is the Corinth Canal which cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, a land bridge that connects the Peloponnese peninsula with the remainder of mainland Greece. The canal effectively separates the Greek mainland from the Peloponnese, transforming it into a virtual island.
The canal is cut through solid rock, and its walls rise at a steep angle to a height of approximately 79 meters (259 feet). The precision required to carve through the challenging terrain means that it was a miracle accomplishment at the time it was made, and there have been no engineering marvels to match the canal since it was carved out of the living rock in the 19th century.
For yachters, the spectacle of large ships slicing perfectly through the confined waterway adds to the canal’s allure, making Corinth a must-see and must-sail destination.
Unleash the ENTOURAGE
Of course, you can’t cruise the Greek Islands without the proper vessel, and if you’re curious about how to charter a yacht that delivers on style, comfort, and luxury while also firing on all pistons of performance, you’ll want to choose the 197′ (60m) Amels ENTOURAGE.
The second of the Amels 60 Limited Editions, ENTOURAGE delivers on design with an exterior by Espen Øino and an incredible interior by Canadian-based design studio Burdifilek.
The overall design of the ENTOURAGE focuses on the onboard experience, and so Burdifilek reversed the structure of the staircase to emphasize a more eye-catching and spacious passage. “I think the staircase is beautiful and very innovative,” says Arie Midavaine, Project Manager at Damen Yachting.
“The structure is on the outside and tucked away – which is substantially different than previous Amels models and gives much more space to move around. The ceilings are also beautiful and are free of domes – a feature that the Owner brought in from his experience in real estate.”
“It’s an extremely well-optimized design,” says Espen Øino of Espen Øino International. “Together with the Amels team, we invested a lot of time fine-tuning the Amels 60 design, really looking back at the Limited Editions past … She looks beautiful.”
ENTOURAGE features accommodation for 12 guests in 6 staterooms, a full complement of water toys and tenders, and is serviced by 13 experienced crew members.
An Experience Built Just for You
Whether you’re relaxing with the gentle tide or exploring the Mediterranean’s tucked-away reefs, private coves, and lush landscapes, a superyacht charter in Greece is the perfect escape from the mundane.
Moran Yacht & Ship has spent 30 years building, managing, and designing unforgettable yacht charter experiences for people who demand more from life. People who expect luxury and performance in their yachts. People like you.
Get in touch with us to start your dream yacht charter Mediterranean style.