A sailing yacht getaway: The right way to experience Greece

In the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19^th century tourist travel to Italy through France became fraught and dangerous. Europe’s noble and upper classes therefore needed a new country to explore on their grand tours. Sailing holidays to sun-drenched Greece became the staple of Europe’s elite during this period, and nearly 220 years on tens of thousands of holidaymakers are still enjoying this spellbinding country by boat. This article provides the ultimate guide to Greece by sail boat – but there’s no need to be too prescriptive about it: exploring Greece by yacht is all about going at one’s own pace.

Obtaining a boat

Unfortunately, very few of people have access to a top-quality yacht capable of navigating the Aegean Sea. Fortunately however, if aspiring sailors head over to the Borrowaboat website they can hire a yacht to suit any budget.

Those who have never steered their own full-size boat before can also hire a captain to navigate them from place to place. With a sea-faring mode of transportation sorted it’s time to look ahead to the onward voyage.

Here is the perfect itinerary for a sailing holiday in Greece, taking in the country’s famous Cycladic islands:

Day one – Naxos Marina

The ideal place to start a trip is on Naxos, the largest of Greece’s Cycladic islands and, according to mythology, the place where a young Zeus was raised. Arriving early will allow time to take in some of the island’s many ruins before relaxing on one of Naxos’s stunning white beaches in the afternoon.

In the evening, it’s a good time to head to the Taverna Dalas to enjoy the very best of the local cuisine, including the potent Kitron – a locally made lemon spirit. Best not to indulge too much though as tomorrow is the first day on the Aegean Sea.

Day two – Naxos to Mykonos

Those hiring seafaring help should arrive early to meet their crew and captain at Naxos Marina. From here they will set sail to Mykonos. Strong sailing breezes will see the boat dock at Mykonos by late afternoon, giving plenty of time to enjoy the sunset or explore the island’s famous nightlife.

What happens next is ultimately up to the group – this is their holiday after all…

Day three – Exploring Mykonos

The nearby island of Delos was sacred to the Ancient Greeks and is well worth a visit if culture and history are the guiding forces behind the trip. If it’s rest and recuperation that’s needed, Mykonos also has everything that could possibly be hoped for in that regard.

Visitors can the ancient, relaxing ritual of a hammam in Gingko Spa, enjoy stunning sunset views from Boni’s Windmill, or soak in the rays at the gorgeous Ornos Bay. There is no shortage of ways to relax on this sumptuous island retreat.

Day four – Mykonos to Paros

Holidayers may want to ensure they don’t drink too heavily on day three, as this is when the boat will be leaving Mykonos bright and early for the next destination: Paros.

This gorgeous little island will be reached by midday, which leaves just about enough time to explore some of its fine white marble streets. Keen photographers should keep their cameras at the ready to capture some of the stunning walkways and buildings that give Santorini a run for its money.

It’s the perfect time to eat well and sleep well as tomorrow brings a hectic day of traveling and sightseeing.

Day five – Paros to Antiparos to Ios

The island of Paros is surrounded by 73 square miles of uninhabited islands and islets, one of which is called Antiparos. Here visitors find an ancient acropolis to explore, along with beautiful azure waters that are just begging to be swum in.

Relaxation is the buzzword for the afternoon on Antiparos. It’ll be time to set sail once again when the sun is at its strongest, and then head to Ios, the birthplace of Homer – author of the Iliad.

Day six – Ios or Santorini

Santorini is one of those destinations many think they have to visit before you die, but so do millions of other tourists. Whilst the island is stunning and great for pictures, it’s also swarming with tourists so it may be worth avoiding in peak season.

Those after a quieter experience should spend the day exploring Ios, a popular but not as well-known island. Here there are plenty of opportunities for some really good pictures away from the throng of the crowds.

Day seven: Ios to Koufonissi

The final day of the trip will bring the boat to Koufonissi, one of the most charming of the Cycladic islands. This tiny ten-square-mile island is renowned for its secret coves, shockingly blue waters and breathtaking views.

Traveller can relax and unwind to their heart’s content before jumping back on the boat and setting sail for Naxos, which is where this particular Greek odyssey must come to an end. Sad, but what a brilliant week!

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