A Sunrise departure from Nafplion, three beautiful island stops, seabobs, jet skis, and e-foil, a chef-prepared Greek meze and Aperol Spritz at a secret beach bar – these were the highlights of our recent amazing 3-day Greek yacht charter.
DAY 1
07.00 We leave the dock in Nafplion as the sun rises behind the mountains
We all stepped onboard ANKA at 06.00 this morning. Although it’s very early, the air is cool, and the deck is wet with dew, we’re excited to be onboard, wanting to get as much out of the day as possible.
A moment after we step onboard, our luggage has been moved to our cabins, we have a coffee in hand, and the anchor is being pulled up. We are leaving the dock of beautiful Nafplion as the sun rises behind the mountains and the 1600s Venetian fortress at the top of the hill behind the old town. The scene is set for a true Greek sea odyssey.
It is an amazing feeling watching Nafplion shrink on the horizon, and the curves of the mountains change to the north, and soon there is nothing but deep blue sea ahead of us.
By eight o’clock, the sun has dried the dew off the deck, and half of our group has made themselves comfortable on the sunbeds, while others are sitting with the captain at the helm, getting a rundown of the controls and the route ahead.
We have been onboard for less than 2 hours, and we already feel right at home.
10.00 Breakfast is served on the flybridge
The breakfast table is set on the flybridge so we can eat in the sun with a 360-degree view of the sea around us. We sit down to a feast of home-baked croissants, finger sandwiches, sausages, sliced avocado, a beautiful fruit platter with grapes, strawberries, and pineapple, Greek yoghurt, and fresh pressed juice.
I have been looking forward to this moment for months. I usually eat my breakfast at my desk, something simple and quick, with my mind focused on work. This breakfast tastes like summer and holiday time.
12.00 We arrive at uninhabited Korakia Island and launch all the water toys
As soon as the anchor is down and a stern line has been swum ashore to the rocks, the crew lowers the beach deck, opens the garage, and starts launching the water toys.
We enjoy watching the big reveal while chatting about our goals for the day. I know I want to learn the efoil, so I’m stoked to see that they even have a practice board, which will make the process a lot easier.
Once the water toys are in, so are we. The sun is hot now, and the cool water is exactly what we came for. It is as clear as gin and we can easily see to the bottom. I feel like I entered a photo from a travel brochure.
A few minutes later, all the water toys are in use: three on the seabobs zooming around ANKA like dolphins, one on the efoil, the Australian – of course he is an expert, two in kayaks paddling to check out the mainland just north of us, and two on the jet ski making a wake that quickly knocks of someone on a paddleboard.
14.00 Lunch is served on the back deck
We play in the water until lunchtime, by which point we are very hungry. Lunch is served on the back deck with views of the beautiful island we are tied to.
I feel like I have already said this out loud a hundred times, but it is truly remarkable to actually be here. We no longer have to imagine; we are in the moment, and it is even more beautiful than what I had envisioned. I feel grateful.
After a beautiful lunch of fresh fish and Greek salad, we again get comfortable on the sunbeds while the crew start untying our stern line and pull up the anchor.
Captain Sokratis has given us some options for where to spend the afternoon and night. Spetses or Hydra. We chose Spetses as we can dock in the harbour and go for a walk around town.
16.00 We arrive at the dock at Spetses for an afternoon walk and a drink in town
The cruise to Spetses takes no more than an hour, and soon we dock stern-to the dock in the beautiful waterfront town, with its typical Greek whitewashed houses with red roofs and blue doors. The gangway is put in place, and we step ashore for our first land exploration on our Greek yacht charter.
Spetses is typical Greek in the best way possible, and we don’t have to walk far before we find the perfect waterfront taverna serving cold pints and Aperol Spritz.
Here we can sit and look over the turquoise sea and our yacht, which sits pretty on the dock. We are lucky to be here, and not a moment is taken for granted.
20.00 We return for dinner on ANKA after drinks ashore
While we sit, enjoying our drinks, the sun slowly sets behind the point, and the air finally becomes a little cooler. It is time to return to ANKA for dinner.
Tonight, I go to bed right at water level, I can see it outside the big windows of my cabin, shining blue from ANKA’s underwater lights; it is magical. The sound of the waves gently lapping on the hull lulls me to sleep, while all I can think of is how much I look forward to tomorrow.
DAY 2
09.00 We leave for a lovely cruise to Agistri Island
As we leave the dock at Spetses, John, Peter, and I go to the bow to feel the wind in our hair and watch what comes ahead. Coming from sailing smaller monohulls, I am not personally used to this speed, and it feels thrilling cutting through the water like this and watching the islands pass by like a film roll.
13.00 We arrive at Agistri and tie a stern line to the rocks
It is just over 40 nautical miles from Spetses to Agistri, around 3 hours at cruising speed. It is the perfect amount of time for us to eat breakfast and call home before we again drop anchor at an Island that deserves our full attention.
The anchor goes down, the stern line is swum ashore, it all runs like clockwork, and again we find ourselves tied to the rocks of a paradise island.
The only thing different from yesterday is the vegetation and the fact that we are all more familiar with the toys. And now the water skis are introduced.
15.00 A traditional Greek Meze lunch is served on the back deck
Yesterday, our chef asked us what we wanted for lunch, and we requested a traditional Greek meal. Now it is in front of us: a full Greek meze with fresh bread with olive oil, chicken skewers, grilled vegetables, Greek fava with caramelized onions, tomatoes drizzled with balsamic, mushrooms wrapped in zucchini, feta cheese, and the biggest green olives I have ever seen.
16.00 A game of Texas hold ’em unfolds, and the margarittas are served
After lunch, a few of us sit down around the table on the flybridge for a fun game of cards. And a round of delicious margaritas really set the mood.
18.00 We go ashore to check out a secret beach bar John discovered on his jet ski trip
What are we going to do with the rest of our afternoon? What about a trip ashore to the secret beach that John discovered around the corner when he went on his jet ski adventure earlier? Everyone is in!
It takes two dinghy trips to run us all ashore. The beach bar is a lucky find, and of course, they have cold beers, Aperol spritz, and even dolmades.
20.00 Dinner is served, and our award-winning Chef is celebrated
We were all wondering how our chef could possibly top last night’s sushi spread—it was one of the best we’ve ever had. But she did. And tonight, it felt only right to call her out and give her a round of applause for the incredible meals she’s created day after day.
The food you eat on a yacht charter is a huge part of the experience—something you’ll likely be talking about for months after. Maybe it’s because I come from a background of sailing on smaller boats, but I truly never expected to eat this well at sea.
DAY 3
10.00 We arrive in Athens
Unfortunately, all fun has come to an end. But on the bright side, I can say that our dreams of that perfect yacht charter vacation have come true, and we all go home with a memory of an adventure of a lifetime that will last forever.
Interested in Chartering ANKA?
ANKA is a 99-foot Princess motor yacht built in 2019. She is in excellent condition with a style mixing luxury with a playful Greek Nautical theme.
She accomodates up to 10 guests in 6 spacious cabins: One very spacious master cabin with big skylight, and 4 double cabins, which of 2 converts. All cabins have ensuites with big showers.
Highlights in ANKA is her extensive water toys selection including 3 seabobs, jet ski, kayaks, paddleboards and an efoil, her award winning chef, her strong crew who perform true Greek hospitality, and her excellent management who make sure everything works perfectly.
ANKA also charters in Italy, and will be between Greece and Italy this season.
ANKA
Ready to Plan Your Own Greek Yacht Charter?
With decades of experience both on land and at sea, John brings a rare depth of knowledge to yacht charter brokerage. A former Royal Navy navigator, shipbroker, and professional captain, John has sailed everything from large motor yachts to catamarans—including the one he crossed the Atlantic on with his wife.
Before joining DMA Yachting, he captained luxury day charters in Grand Cayman and spent over a decade in high-level shipping and finance in London.
Now based in Palma, John specializes in matching clients with the right yacht, destination, and crew—drawing on firsthand experience of the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
He’s fast to respond, clear in his advice, and always has your back. Whether it’s understanding weather conditions or planning the best itineraries, John is the calm voice you want in your corner.
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