Greece yacht charters

Levitha

Levitha is not the most obvious choice for anyone visiting Greece. It doesn’t have the party lifestyle of Crete, it’s not as geared-up for tourists as Rhodes, and it lacks some of the distinctive elegance that draws so many to Santorini. Levitha is small, relatively uninhabited, and there are no hotels, resorts, water parks, horse riding schools, or car rentals to greet you.

However, Levitha has something that few other Greek islands have, something that every tourist can appreciate and that no one will forget in a hurry. Levitha has charm—it’s a modest island inhabited by a single family that operates more like a large family estate than a Greek island.

But don’t think for a minute that you’re somehow trespassing by visiting Levitha, because that’s simply not the case. Not only are the islanders more than happy to greet tourists, but they greet thousands of them every year and welcome them to their family restaurant. They are personal tour guides, chefs, servers, and locals all rolled into one.

The great thing about Levitha is that it feels like you’re visiting friends, and if you’re been to the island more than once then you might be—the islanders never forget a friendly face.

We have included stops at Levitha on several of our sample sailing itineraries. It may have seemed like an odd choice at first glance (although hopefully not for anyone who has read what we wrote above) but it’s the perfect island to visit after experiencing the hustle and bustle of islands like Kos and Rhodes.

It’s like stopping off to see old friends after taking a road trip to a busy city. No matter where you go, if you have some time to spare and you want to see a different, friendlier and more humble side of the Greek islands, then make time for a visit to Levitha.

Patmos

Patmos is a small island of great significance, as it’s here that the Book of Revelations is said to have been written. The last book of the bible is accredited to the disciple John, who apparently received his vision while staying in a cave on the island.

This cave can be seen by tourists visiting the island and that, in addition to the wealth of churches and monasteries, is why Patmos has become a hotspot for Christian pilgrims. You don’t need to be religious to enjoy Patmos though as there is an aura of peace and elegance that everyone can appreciate, regardless of their religious preference.

This is why we recommend that sailers plot a course for Patmos when sailing a charter in the region. It’s located in the Dodecanese, which means it tends to be overshadowed by the busier islands of Kos and Rhodes, but Patmos also attracts hordes of tourists every season, with its population of less than 3,000 exploding every Spring and Summer.

In days gone by Patmos didn’t have a great deal to offer tourists looking to actually stay on the island. The accommodation was bare, lacking comfort and luxury—the sort of place you’d expect a monk to stay and not a high-paying tourist. This has changed in recent years though and Patmos is now more than capable of catering for high-paying tourists looking for something a little more luxurious.

If you find yourself on the island of Patmos make sure you visit the local museums, churches and monasteries—there is a lot of history to see and a lot of spirituality to immerse yourself in. Once you’ve done all of that then you can spend some time on the beaches, because like all Greek islands Patmos is surrounded by pristine rocky beaches and crystal clear seas.

Leros

The island of Leros is located in the Dodecanese region, a stone’s throw away from islands like Lipsi, a little further away from islands like Rhodes, and about 200 miles away from Athen’s main port. This makes it fairly accessible, which is why you’ll see a number of tourists on this island every season, even though it’s relatively small.

One of the biggest features on Leros is the Knights of Saint John castle, which was built during the medieval age. This castle and the surrounding area will give you a taste of what life was like in the middle-ages in Greece, something that you rarely get to experience in other parts of the country.

You can also see your fair share of ancient Greece as well, as this island played an important role in the Peloponnese Wars nearly 2,500 years ago, before falling under the command of the famous Spartan civilization. Leros has also been under the control of Alexander the Great, the Romans and several modern civilizations, so there is shortage of history waiting to be unearthed on these rocky shores. You can learn all about it by visiting the sites directly or by dropping into one of the island’s museums.

Some of the best kept historic buildings on Leros are those built by the Venetians and Byzantines, including churches and monasteries. It also has dozens of miles of pristine coastline, as well as the promenade of Lakki, all of which makes for a great walking or cycling tour.

If you’re taking a sailing charter in the Dodecanese region, then make sure you put a pin on the island of Leros and stop by at some point. You can find more information on our charters by using the menus above—we even have some recommend itineraries in the Dodecanese that will show you the best that this region, and Greece on the whole, has to offer.

Lipsi

Lipsi is one of the more unusual islands in the Aegean sea. Also known as Leipsoi, this island is located between the islands of Samros and Leros in the Dodecanese region and is well worth a visit by anyone taking a sailing charter in this region.

Lipsi offers visitors access to a slower pace of life, one that focuses less on grand activities and luxury accommodation and more on local food and culture. Visitors to the island should drop by the local shops and restaurants to sample the wealth of great food and drink that is made here. This includes the island’s very own Greek honey, which is produced from wild thyme, as well as it’s own cheese, which is known as touloumotyri. This cheese is somewhat similar to the Greek cheese mizithra, which Greeks like to add to spanakopita and to sprinkle liberally over pasta.

There are also grape vines on the island, which means one thing: wine. Grab a bottle of the local vino to enjoy with a little cheese and honey as you chill on the beaches and watch the sun go down.

No visit to the island of Lipsi is complete without a little nourishment and a lot of sunshine, but visitors should also drop by the local churches and monasteries. These pristine buildings will unlock a spiritual side of you that you may not have thought existed, and they’ll also teach you about the history of the island and the Dodecanese region.

Hikers will also get a kick out of Lipsi as there are some great walking trails. These trails include a path that stretches for nearly 1,000 meters and connects one part of the island with another—make sure you pack your walking boots if you plan on traversing this path for yourself. Some of that local honey won’t go amiss either, it’ll give you all the energy you need to slog onwards.

Amorgos

The Cycladic island of Amorgos is the oasis of tranquility and authenticity, ideal for vacationers wishing to spend time relaxing on its beaches and hiking numerous hilltops. The island’s most famous beach, Agia Anna, used to be a filming site of “Le Grand Bleu” film. Picturesque villages of Chora, Aegiali and Katapola are worth exploring from within and the surrounding viewpoints.
Walking paths crisscrossing Amorgos lead to traditional villages, lovely landscapes and surprising spots. You can see Hozoviotissa Monastery, the top attraction of the island, both from land and sea, and it is a spectacular sight indeed. Shining white against the enormous cliff in its background, it is one of the most photogenic sites in the Cyclades.

Ios

Ios Island is one of the nightlife centers the Cyclades archipelago is famous for. Due to the fact, the majority of visitors to Ios are young people yearning to spend days by emerald waters and nights enjoying beach parties. Mylopotas Beach, near the island’s scenic capital of Chora, is one of Ios’s hotspots synonymous for nightlife, soft sand and crystal-clear waters.
The island of Ios isn’t famous only as a party destination. Amazing beaches, with Manganari among the most incredible ones, and 365 churches make for exceptional vacation opportunities. Also, relics from ancient (Skarkos – an early Cycladic settlement) and Byzantine (Palaiokastro) times offer insights into different stages in the history of the island.

Paros

The Cycladic island of Paros combines everything a modern traveler looks forward to – amazing beaches, sightseeing, nightlife and affordable shopping (especially compared to nearby Mykonos). The island’s settlements feature traditional Cycladic architecture, while its beaches offer extensive water sports opportunities (kiting and windsurfing). The waters around Paros also offer exceptional diving among shipwrecks and reefs.
Golden-sand beaches are available throughout Paros Island, while a network of Byzantine paths traverses scenic landscapes leading to traditional villages. Parikia, the capital, and Naoussa are the main settlements of Paros, renowned for fine dining, attractive shopping and nightlife.

Nisyros

Situated between Tilos and Kos in the Dodecanese, Nisyros is a small island with a big heart and a wealth of ancient and modern history for visitors to explore. If you’re taking a sailing charter in the region the we recommend making a stop at this island, but it can also be visited on a day-trip from one of the near-by islands and some guests even choose to fly in by helicopter—the next big thing to arriving on your own personal yacht.

Nisyros is a volcanic island and there are still some indications of this destructive history today, including the Stefanos crater, which is said to have been formed over 100,000 years ago. The winds on this island can also be very strong thanks to something known as the Etesian winds, which leaves its mark on the island’s western and eastern perimeter during the summer months.

Don’t let that put you off though—this is no longer an active volcanic region and they don’t even get that many earthquakes.

Nisyros also plays a unique role in Greek history and mythology. It was apparently formed when Poseidon ripped off a piece of neighboring island Kos and threw it at a retreating giant, and it was of great importance to the ancient Greeks, who built an acropolis here over 2,500 years ago, and the Knights Hospitaller, who settled here in the 14th century.

Obviously, there are no remains of that great mythological battle between the sea god and a fleeing giant, but visitors to the island can still see some ruins that are over 2,500 years old and they can also see a lot of the medieval history left by the Knights Hospitaller.

There are also a number of beautiful churches and monasteries on the island of Nisyros, in addition to an ancient castle. In other words, there is more than enough to sate the appetite of any history-hungry tourist.

Astypalea

The island of Astypalea is part of the Dodecanese. It’s small, totaling less than 100 square kilometers, but it still attracts plenty of tourists and provides them with a multitude of activities.

Astypalea played a key role in the history of this region. It was the birthplace of Onesicritus, a Greek historian who accompanied Alexander the Great throughout his campaigns, and it has also been home to several early Greek tribes, before becoming part of the Byzantine and Venetian empires in later centuries.

Some of this ancient history remains on the island today, and the best place to see and experience it is in Astypalea Castle. This landmark was built on the highest point and it looms over the island. It requires a lot of walking and climbing to reach, but once there it provides visitors with some of the best views in the region and is the perfect place to watch the sun set on an evening.

The town of Astypalea, also known as Chora, is also a breathtaking site. Again, it requires a lot of walking for anyone looking to see every inch of it, and there are also many hundreds of steps to climb, but its beauty can rival that of the more famous Santorini, making it well worth the effort.

There are a number of rocky beaches around the island where guests can relax and unwind, and there are also some great bars and restaurants to partake in Greek cuisine and chat with some of the locals.

If you are taking a sailing charter in the Dodecanese region then make sure you plot a course for Astypalea. It may not have the bustling activity and tourist-centric attractions of Kos and Rhodes, but it has a charming elegance all of its own that makes it well worth a visit.

Tilos

Tilos is part of the Dodecanese group of islands and sits between the two most popular islands in this group: Kos and Rhodes. It’s not as big as these two islands and it doesn’t attract anywhere near as many tourists, but it has a charm all of its own and there are plenty of reasons why you would want to set sail for this small island in the Aegean Sea.

Tilos has been described as everything from “Small and Quiet” to “Insignificant”, but those who have actually been there know it as “A Hidden Gem”, and once you pay a visit you’ll understand just what they mean.

Like all Greek islands, Tilos is naturally beautiful, with crystal clear waters, rising mountain peaks, and panoramic views of the beautiful Aegean Sea. But it also possesses an untouched, unspoiled quality that you won’t find on any neighboring islands, or any other Greek islands for that matter.

This is because Tilos isn’t swarmed by tourists every year and it hasn’t destroyed its natural beauty in order to make way for bustling ports, airports and resorts. It is the perfect island for visitors looking for a little more solitude, a little more natural beauty, and a lot less activity. That’s why we recommend it as a stop to anyone taking a charter in the Dodecanese, and as a day-trip for anyone spending a prolonged period of time on the islands of Kos or Rhodes.

Its status as an untouched and unspoiled islands means Tilos is perfect for hikers and explorers, but there’s also plenty to see for anyone who appreciates the natural world. Not only is there a rich cornucopia of natural flowers and fauna (including some delicious culinary herbs) but the island is also a refuge for a number of rare birds and for an abundance of beautiful sea-life.

It’s basically a protected, secluded nature park in the middle of the Aegean sea, albeit one that you can visit for free and enjoy at your leisure.

Kalymnos

Kalymnos is one of the richest islands in Greece, and it’s also the third largest in the Dodecanese region. It’s only a dozen miles south of Kos and is popular with domestic travelers as well as international ones.

The history of Kalymnos is diverse and visitors to this island can immerse themselves in this history with a visit to the Castle of Chora or the old town. Both of these locations provide some direct insight into the history of the island and will keep all ages happy. There are also a couple of museums on the island with exhibits that showcase the island’s ancient and modern history.

A lot of great and important archeological finds have been made on the island of Kalymnos over the last century or so, including Mycenaean pottery that dates back over 3,000 years. A lot of the most valuable finds were acquired by the British Museum and are therefore no longer on the island, but the stories remain, and visitors can also see many other pieces that are just as old and just as integral to the history of this region.

The sponge industry used to be huge in Kalymnos, not unlike Symi. However, this changed in the 1980s when a disease destroyed crops and left the famed Kalymnos sponge divers a little out of pocket. There are still sponges harvested locally though and there is also a sponge factory that sells these local sponges in addition to many imported ones.

If you visit the local museums you can also learn about the Kalymnos sponge trade, but there’s more to this island than sponges. Visitors to the island can strap on their climbing gear and take part in the climbing and bouldering activities that are available all year round, or they can pay a visit to the local parks, beaches and museums.

Symi

Symi, which can also be spelled “Simi”, is an affluent, beautiful, and somewhat unique island located in the Dodecanese region of Greece. It’s not one of the biggest, not by a long stretch, but it’s still popular with tourists and once you step foot on the island and drink-in all that natural beauty you’ll understand why.

There is a lot to see and do on the island of Symi, but many of the sights and activities revolve around sponges. In the 19th century Symi became one of the biggest sellers of natural sponges in Greece, all of which were scavenged from the seabed by local divers. It was a dangerous business and it required a lot of nerve, thus earning these sponge-divers the respect of islanders across Greece.

The history of this profession can be seen and studied in all its glory in the local maritime and archeological museums, where you’ll also get to see some ancient sponges for yourself. You can also buy some of these sponges—picking up the perfect memento of your time on the island.

It’s worth noting, however, that this trade is not what it was and very few sponges are actually still harvested in and around Symi. Most of the ones you will find in the local shops have been imported and there are no divers trying their luck—in fact, there are actually very strict rules that prohibit diving around the island and there is also a distinct lack of diving schools and activities.

Still, those sponges and the sponge industry in general made this island what it is today (it became hugely rich and popular because of this trade) and you’ll be able to witness this history for yourself.

The main reason people visit Symi today is to enjoy some solitude, as the island has plenty of beaches, bars and other relaxing activities.

Kos

Kos is the third largest island in the Dodecanese and a must-visit for anyone booking a charter in the region. It attracts thousands of tourists every season, most of which congregate on the island’s beautiful beaches, and tourism is by far the biggest industry on the island.

There is a lot of ancient and modern Greek history to discover in Kos. This island was first mentioned by Homer in his Iliad and it was colonized by some of the earliest known Greek tribes, before becoming involved in the Greco-Persian wars many years later.

A lot of this history can be seen throughout Kos, with ruins of castles, palaces, and an ancient odeon. The island was also inhabited by the Romans, Ottomans, Byzantines and Genoese, and snippets of this history can also be discovered in the island’s ruins, architecture, and many museum exhibits.

You can immerse yourself in all of this by partaking in one of the island’s tours, including sunset tours by 4×4, or private tours at any time of day. They will show you the best of Kos and they’ll make sure you witness all the natural beauty of this island as well, giving you ample opportunity to snap some memorable pictures for your scrapbook.

There’s much more to Kos than ancient history. Modern Kos is an island paradise, with gorgeous beaches, great bars, and a host of fun activities. There is plenty of great food to sample, including some locally grown produce. Kos grows some of the best figs, olives and almonds in all of Greece, and you can also buy plenty of juicy tomatoes that are grown locally.

If you want something a little stronger, try the local wine or grab yourself a glass of chilled ouzo—just what you need to relax on an evening as you watch the sun go down.

Epidaurus

Situated in the Saronic Gulf, Epidaurus is an ancient city that attracts many modern tourists and plays a key role in the Peloponnese tourism trade. Epidaurus is best known for its ancient theater, which is what attracts many of those tourists in the first place, but there’s a lot more to see and do in this town of over 8,000 inhabitants.

The Ancient Theater itself is a spectacle that is sure to make even the most hardened of historians go weak at the knees. It is thought to be the most aesthetically and acoustically perfect theater in the ancient world and it remains every bit as beautiful today as it did when it was first built.

Tourists can walk up and down the steps of this open-air theatre and they can also visit the nearby archeological site and museum. The Epidaurus ancient theater also plays host to a number of theatrical performances and lectures thought the year, and it is the perfect place to experience an ancient Greek play as the ancients themselves would have experienced it.

One of the most astonishing aspects of this theater is its acoustics. Someone standing in the middle of the stage and talk and be heard throughout the stands—a feat of architectural brilliance that has inspired many other stadium and theater designers.

The ancient town of Epidaurus also played a key role in Greek mythology. It is said to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asclepius, who was the god of medicine in Greek mythology, and in ancient times it was also one of the centers of healing in the Greek empire. In fact, the healing center at Epidaurus (known as an asclepeion after the aforementioned Greek god) was praised all over the ancient world and was as well known to the Romans as it was to the Greeks.

Ermioni

Ermioni is a popular tourist destination located in the Peloponnese. Like all Greek islands, it played a key role in antiquity, building many of the ships that would become essential in both trade and war, and also producing a unique type of red pigment that was used to color the uniforms of Greek soldiers. The people of Ermioni also played a role in the Trojan war, as described by Homer, and in later centuries the island was conquered by the Romans and other civilizations.

It is a town that thrives on tourism and fishing, which means there is plenty for tourists to see and do here and there is also no shortage of seafood to try. The calm, turquoise waters that surround the island are regularly inundated with yachts, and on the 6th of January you’ll see a few of the locals diving in these waters as part of a tradition that also sees them visit houses in the town and offer well wishes to the locals.

This friendly atmosphere and laid-back culture epitomizes all that island life is all about in Greece, and Ermioni encapsulates the Greek love of life, food and tradition perfectly. It’s a small island with a big heart and a bigger history, and that’s why the island’s population explodes every tourist season.

If you find yourself on the island of Ermioni then be sure to visit he Castle of Thermisia, which was built by the Venetians and played an integral role in defending the island against pirate attacks. The Venetians influenced many islands in this region and they have left their footprints everywhere, which makes this a great place to visit for history students as well as anyone looking for some sun, sea and sand.

It’s also a good spot for aspiring ornithologists as Ermioni plays host to several beautiful species of migrating birds.

Aegina

Aegina is one of the largest islands of the Sardonic Gulf, famous for great beaches, cultivation of pistachios and Athena Aphaia, one of the most notable ancient temples of Greece. The island also has an extraordinary collection of Orthodox Christian churches, located in an inland ghost village of Paleohora. More so, Aegina Island used to be the capital of Greece for two years during the 1820s, when Greece fought to gain independence from the Turkish Empire.

Beaches of Aegina are suitable for every type of vacationer. Developed beaches with tourist facilities alternate with pristine ones. Some of them are ideal for children, while on others you will find deep waters in a matter of a few steps. Every September, the locals and travelers celebrate the Aegina Fistiki (Pistachio) Festival for four days, enjoying delicious food, theatrical performances and music.

Agistri

Agistri Island is a little neighbor to Aegina, lacking in tourist attractions, but making up for it with beautiful nature and great beaches. The island is especially popular among nature lovers who like to explore traditional villages and swim in clear waters. As you walk around, you will enjoy the abundance of pine and olive trees and pick wildflowers.
The capital of the island of Agistri is Megalohori, while the most popular holiday resort is Skala. Halikiada, located near Skala, Dragonera and Aponissos, on the western side of the island, are the best beaches of Agistri. Many coves featuring verdant greenery are also everywhere around.

Poros

Poros is another jewel of Argo-Sardonic, consisting of a small volcanic island of Sphairia and a much larger island of Kalavria. Poros Town, the capital of the island occupies a large part of Sphairia, with a small canal spanned by a road separating it from forested Kalavria. The main town of Poros is one of the most picturesque settlements of the Sardonic Gulf, facing mountainous Peloponnese on the other side of a narrow strait.
Verdant forests, attractive beaches and crystal-clear waters are the main reasons why travelers spend their holidays on Poros Island. Historical sites, such as Zoodohos Pighi Monastery and remains of Temple of Poseidon are a few places fans of history should check out here. Thanks to its mesmerizing beauty, many travelers consider Poros the best Sardonic island for exploring from the sea.

Hydra

Hydra is an elongated island stretching from east to west, whose residents don’t seem to like motor vehicles at all. Once you set foot on the island, donkeys prove to be the most efficient transportation option all over the island. Of course, nothing prevents you from starting your engine and exploring the coastline from the sea.
The island doesn’t have much greenery, which stone houses of Hydra Town, the main settlement of the Sardonic island, strongly imply. Another curiosity about Hydra is the claim that it has as many churches as a year has days – 365. Of course, don’t forget that the island boasts extraordinary beaches and coves, with Agios Nikolaos and Bisti being among the finest.

Spetses

Spetses, the westernmost island of the Sardonic Archipelago, is the island where, according to many holidaymakers, you will find the most exquisite beaches of the Sardonic Gulf. Scattered all over the island, they are accessible both from land (by bike, for example) and sea. Spetses Island also has a glorious naval history, epitomized in Laskarisa Bouboulina, a Greek heroine from the wars of the 1820s against the Turks.
Blue waters of the beaches, with green forests as a backdrop, make for exceptional swimming and diving, while cultural attractions of Spetses Town make for great sightseeing. Rich nightlife that promoted Spetses into a party island makes it an ideal place for a great holiday experience.

Delos

One of the most important religious places of the ancient Greek world with temples marking the birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Later, it was the treasury of the Athenian league – similar to Fort Knox. The site is often compared to Pompei. The Delos oracle was second only to the oracle of Delphi.

Kythnos

The island of simplicity with traditional Greek white-blue architecture and great views with windmills. Famous for Kolona Beach and hot springs in Loutra Bay (ideal for rheumatic, arthritic and gynecological conditions).

Sifnos

Sifnos is known for it’s scenic views from the Church of the Seven Martyrs. Ideal for a chill-out day, as there is not much else on the island. Your crew will likely take you to one of the secret tranquil places, trust them…

Naxos

You will remember Naxos. Visit the Apollo Temple (a few steps from the marina) and walk through the ancient city, where the time has stopped many moons ago. Especially beautiful after sunset. Try the local specialty: Sun-dried Grilled Fish.

Naxos, the geographical center of the Cyclades archipelago, is an authentic island whose residents are happy to hold onto their old traditions. On Naxos, you will find locals wearing the traditional outfit and cultivating olives and fruit. The highest peak of the Cyclades (1003 meters/3209 feet) towers over the largest and the greenest island in the archipelago.

Naxos has extraordinary beaches, traditional villages in the mountains, and fortifications reminding of the Venetian rule over the island. The attractive beaches, such as Migri Vigla, Agios Prokopios and Plaka, are suitable for families with young kids and water sports enthusiasts, windsurfers in particular.

Siros

Siros (Syros) is one of the few Cycladic islands that retained it’s French influence. It is probably the only place where you can find the Anise sausage. Also, the local laukoumi is delicious – it’s not the sweet sticky thing you might have tried. You would be wise to skip the capital Hermopouli and give your yacht crew a chance to impress you with one of the smaller bays.

Kea

Kea is an ideal yacht charter stop. Visit the well known Koundouros beach (or ask your crew for a more private beach) and see the ancient Karthea – a highlight of your visit to Kea.

Sounion

Cape Sounion, with it’s Temple of Poseidon, is a historical place from the Golden Age of Athens. Many stories are tied to it, because it is a place where the sailors would “say goodbye” before a long journey, as well as the first place upon sailing back. In one of the stories, the forgetful son Theseus forgets to change the black sails to white upon his return from the battle with the Minotaur. His father Aegeus believes his son to be dead and ends his life.

Athens- Eastern Peloponnese

Athens, named after it’s patron Athena, is best represented by the national motto “Freedom or Death.” It was (and still is) a hub for free thinkers and philosophers. It is often the start and end of your yacht charter. For a charter to the Cyclades, consider a start in Mykonos. Especially during Meltemi winds (main season), your Cycladic yacht charter could quickly turn into a Saronic yacht charter. There is a number of great marinas in Athens starting with Zea Marina, Athens Marina, Flisvos Marina, Marina Alimos, Agios Cosmas. Sometimes, Lavrion Marina is being included as a marina in Athens, mostly for practical reasons.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos is the third largest Greek island of the Ionian Sea. It is the only municipality of Ionian Islands regions and a separate regional unit. It spans an area of 156.6 sq mi (405.55 sq km) and has a 76 mi (123 km) long coastline. Like all similar names ending in -nthos, the name is Pelasgian or pre-Mycenaean in origin. According to Greek Myth, the island derives its name from Zakynthos, the son of the great Arcadian Chief Dardanus.

The Venetians have given the island a nickname “To fioro tou Levante,” which translates as “The Flower of the East.” With an international airport served by charter flights from northern Europe, Zakynthos is an excellent tourist destination. Small ports are available all over the island, with Porto Vromi in the northwest and Laganas in the south being among the most important ones. The principal port of the island is Zante Town, the capital of Zakynthos.

Steep cliffs line the western coast of the island of Zakynthos, while the eastern coast features many resorts, beaches, forests and views of distant hills. Such a diverse nature makes the island a favorite cruise destination. Main holiday resorts are Argassi, Tsilivi, and Laganas, which is also the party capital of Zakynthos and the entire Ionian Sea. Vasilikos Peninsula in the southeast has many exceptional beaches. Find Navagio, a shipwreck beach popular around the world, in the northwestern corner of the southernmost Ionian island.

Crete

Crete is the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean sea and the 88th largest island in the world. The region of Crete has one of the 13 top-level administrative units of Greece and it is constituted by Crete and a number of islets and islands. The population of the region was 623,065 as of 2011 and Heraklion is the capital and the largest city of the region.

Crete has a strong heritage of cultural traits such as poetry and music. It a plays a very significant part in the culture and economy of Greece. Minoan civilization (c. 2700–1420 BC) is currently regarded as the earliest recorded civilization in Europe and Crete was once the center of this civilization.

Rhodes

When it comes to the land area and island group’s historical capital, Rhodes is the largest Dodecanese island. It has a separate municipality within its regional unit, which is part of the South Aegean administrative region. The principal town of the island and seat of the municipality is Rhodes. The city of Rhodes had 50,636 inhabitants in 2011. It is located northeast of Crete, southeast of Athens and just off the Anatolian coast of Turkey. Rhodes is given a nickname: The Island of Knights which is named after the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, the co conquerer of the land.

Colossus of Rhodes, one f the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, makes Rhodes historically famous worldwide. The city of Rhodes also has The Medieval Old Town which has been declared as a World Heritage Site. Currently, it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Europe.

Corfu

Corfu is a Greek island located in the Ionian Sea. Located in the far northwest of Greece, Corfu is the second largest Ionian Island with various small satellite islands next to it. Along with the smaller islands of Othonoi, Mathraki, and Ereikoussa, the northernmost Ionian Island is a single municipality, spanning an area of almost 611.000 sq km. Of the total surface, the island of Corfu covers almost 593.000 sq km. The populace of the municipality is around 32,000. Corfu Town, the commercial, cultural and transport center of the island, is its capital.

Because of the abundant greenery, many travelers refer to Corfu as “Green Island.” Roughly extending from northwest to southeast, it boasts lush forests, high hills, and numerous beaches. You can find many churches and several fortresses throughout the island, as well as acclaimed museums in Corfu Town. Nightlife spots are predominantly available in the northern part of Green Island. The island’s capital is the main seaport and the port of call for cruise ships.

Santorini

Santorini (Thira) is a magical place like no other. Donkeys were used to climb the steep hill from the old marina. Nowadays, you are more likely to stay in the new marina on the other side of the city. The views are one of a kind. Just sit down, have a glass of wine and enjoy the most romantic views. Notice that the best time to visit Santorini is outside of the main charter season. If you are coming during the main season, consult a visit of Santorini with your crew, it might not be enjoyable.

Santorini Island is a synonym for luxury, colorful beaches and enchanting sunsets. The site of the mythical Atlantis was a place where an enormous volcanic eruption took place in the past. While walking the Caldera of Santorini, you actually look at a submerged crater of a giant volcano. According to recent scientific evidence, the activity of the volcano led to the demise of the Minoans around 1,500 BC. The remains of these peaceful seafarers exist on Crete and Santorini.

Especially popular among honeymooners and romantic travelers, the most famous of the Cyclades Islands features stunning black-sand beaches with water sports. Visiting rich archeological sites and museums, and exploring picturesque settlements are also among must-do things on Santorini.

Mykonos

Mykonos is located in Greece and lies between Tinos, Syros, Paros, and Naxos. It is part of Cyclades and covers an area of 33.0 square miles (85.5 sq Km) and elevates to 1,1119 feet (341 m) at its highest peak. There are 10,134 inhabitants (2011 census), most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. The town is also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek. Earlier, it was very common in Greece to mane the island after its principal town).

Mykonos, nicknamed as The Island of The Winds, is a major industry for tourism and it is well known for its vibrant nightlife and for being a gay-friendly destination with many establishments catering for the LGBT community. It also welcomes guests of different religions and nationalities with arms widely spread. Besides to party goers, Mykonos Island caters to other traveler communities, including families with children and water sports enthusiasts.

Heavenly beaches in the southern part of the island are, besides Mykonos Town, main hotspots on Mykonos. Passionate sightseers have what to look forward to, with many quaint churches spread throughout the island. The location of the archeological locality that used to be the site of the most important sanctuary dedicated to Apollo in the Cyclades is on neighboring Delos Island.