Greece, with its azure waters, historic historical past, and scrumptious delicacies, has lengthy been a dream vacation spot for vacationers worldwide. And what higher method to discover this Mediterranean paradise than on a yacht? Yacht Getaways in Greece provides an unparalleled expertise of freedom and luxurious, all set in opposition to the backdrop of the beautiful Ionian Sea. In this text, we’ll take you on a journey via some of the most enchanting ports, providing a glimpse into the value, tradition, and culinary delights that await you on this idyllic journey.
Yacht Getaways – Explore the Greek Islands
The Cost of Yacht Getaways in Greece
Embarking on a yacht getaway in Greece is a dream come true for a lot of, and it’s surprisingly accessible. Prices for yacht charters can begin at round 1450 euros per week, relying on the measurement and kind of yacht, the time of yr, and the particular route you select.
When you think about the value of lodges on the islands in Greece this can be a very cheap trip. The value consists of not solely the yacht itself but additionally the companies of a skipper and hostess/chef providing a hearty breakfast and lunch (together with beer and wine) every day plus the luxurious of a personal cruise via the Ionian Islands. Our crew Ana and Clara took care of each element from navigation, security, and making ready scrumptious Greek dishes on board.
We sailed proper into the enchanting cities on the Ionian Islands staying in the coronary heart of all the motion. For most of our ports, we might stroll proper off the boat and have been free to hike to hidden seashores, wonderful lookouts, or just take pleasure in a waterfront taverna to observe the sundown.
A Day in the Life on a Yacht Cruise
Each day we left port at about 8 am to beat the rush of tour boats to our swimming spots in the center of the sea. As our Skipper Ana cruised to our first cease, we loved a breakfast of fruit and bread with scorching espresso or tea whereas Clara ready our scorching meals. Breakfasts have been all the time one thing totally different and have been a scrumptious begin to the day to maintain our power up for the adventures forward.
Once breakfast was achieved, we selected a spot on deck to soak up the extraordinary views of the Ionian Islands. We had selections of cushioned lounges above, the trampoline beneath, lounges at the entrance, and seats and beds at the again.
We’d cease for a swim and leisure and whereas we have been frocking in the water, Clara ready our lunches. Lunches consisted of recent seafood, Greek Food, pasta, and salads. All have been served with our alternative of beer, wine, water, or glowing water. It really was a dream.
It was then on to our port of name the place we arrived every day early in the afternoon. Arriving after lunch gave us the good quantity of time to discover the city, do some purchasing, and go to a seashore or scenic lookout. Whenever we have been docked or anchored, we had entry to snorkeling gear, paddle boards, floaties, and tubes to take pleasure in the day in the crystal-clear waters.
Watch our Video – Yacht Getaways, the Best Way to See the Greek Islands
There have been two group meals, one at the starting of the cruise and one at the finish of our journey the place we went to a neighborhood taverna to bond over scrumptious Greek dishes and the relaxation of the evenings have been spent doing as we happy.
Exploring the Ionian Islands
The Ionian Explorer journey with Yacht Getaways begins by setting sail from the picturesque island of Corfu. We spent 3 days in Corfu earlier than our journey which allowed us to see all of the high points of interest of the Old Town that dates again to the eighth century BC! Corfu boasts a wealthy historical past, with Venetian, French, and British influences evident in its structure and tradition. Unlike the Cyclades Islands of Santorini or Mykonos, Corfu with its whitewashed buildings and blue domes, Corfu will remind you extra of Venice with pastel buildings and clay roofs. It is a shocking metropolis.
Before you embark in your voyage, be sure to take a while to discover the previous city of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and savor some conventional Greek delicacies in a single of its charming tavernas. Watch our full movies of Things to do in Cofu Old Town.
Embarkation of Yacht Getaways
We caught a taxi to the Gouvia Marina in Corfu that value €35 from Mon Repos Palace simply exterior of the Old Town. Prices are most likely cheaper from downtown. We met our skipper and host on the pier and so they led us to our 42-foot Catamaran the place we unpacked and loved a welcome drink and snacks.
The second you enter the boat, you understand you might be in for one thing particular.
About the Yacht
Our Yacht was half of the Superior Class which has 4 cabins for company that sleep 8 folks. The again cabins are bigger with extra space for storing, and a bigger mattress, and the bathe is separate from the bathroom.
The entrance cabins (the place we stayed) are smaller with the bathe being a component of the sink so we needed to bathe over the bathroom and sink. It’s not so dangerous as we showered exterior after swimming lots as nicely.
Prices are the similar for all cabins and are chosen on a primary come first serve foundation. The sooner you guide the higher cabin you get. So in case you are contemplating a Yacht Getaway, guide it in the present day! And be sure to ask if you’ll be getting the bigger cabin.
We didn’t thoughts our smaller cabin in any respect, and it was quieter being at the entrance as company sit round the desk in the again so you might be early to mattress, you could hear folks.
Packing for Yacht Getaways
Make certain to pack gentle for yachting in the Greek Islands. You don’t want lots of garments for a Yacht Getaways journey. There just isn’t lots of space for storing and closet house is restricted. There isn’t a spot to place your baggage, so both pack in small carry-on suitcases or a duffle bag that you would be able to stuff in the drawer beneath your mattress..
For days on the boat, you solely want bathing fits, shorts or a sarong. If you need to defend your self from the solar, pack lengthy-sleeved rash guard shirts which might be utilized in browsing. You can swim in these and it’ll hold you from getting a sunburn.
Nights are informal, so a sundress for girls and sensible shorts with a collared shirt for males are all you want for evenings.
Some important packing objects for Yacht Getaways we advocate are: Water Shoes Travel Towel Running Shoes (for mountaineering to seashores) Flip Flops A solar hat Sunglasses Chapstick A Dry Bag Waterproof holder in your telephone
Sailing the Ionian Sea
Our first evening on the boat was spent in Corfu. We left the marina and anchored in entrance of the Old Fort for beautiful views of the harbor. We ate on board and watched an impressive sundown as we loved a glass of Greek wine.
The journey often heads north to Kalami Bay the place company have the choice to go ashore and eat at a restaurant, nonetheless, the climate was extreme throughout our first evening, and our skipper determined to start out towards Paxos and search shelter on the different facet of the island. It was a good selection as a result of we watched a spectacle of lighting igniting the skies as we sat safely sheltered on our boat.
Lakka Paxos: Tranquility and Turquoise Waters
The subsequent morning was sunny and calm and we set sail from Corfu for a two-hour experience throughout the deep blue seas. It was heaven as we savored being on our personal sailboat watching the surroundings of the lovely islands.
Our first port of name was Lakka on the island of Paxos. This small, tranquil village is nestled inside a horseshoe-formed bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters. I believed that we’d be anchoring in the center of the bay like the different boats, however Ana pulled proper as much as the dock. I used to be overwhelmed with emotion. This place was so lovely, and we had the whole day to spend paddle boarding, mountaineering, and swimming. Plus, we have been staying the evening proper in the coronary heart of the village. I don’t suppose I might be happier.
We instantly hopped on the paddle boards to take a look at the seashores after which strapped on our mountaineering footwear in search of the secret seashore.
The secret seashore is a couple of 30-minute stroll from downtown Lakka. It is uphill on a paved highway earlier than hitting a single-observe rocky path all the way down to the seashore. Wear good operating or mountaineering footwear, and convey water, sunscreen, water footwear, and your bathing go well with. It is price the stroll.
The views from above are price the hike alone as we seemed down over the harbor stuffed with yachts. The blue waters in opposition to the colourful buildings of the waterfront made for an image-good postcard view.
Surrounded by lush greenery and charming olive groves, Lakka is the good place to calm down, swim, and take in the peaceable ambiance. You can take pleasure in a stroll alongside the waterfront and dine in a single of the seaside tavernas providing recent seafood dishes.
We had a bunch dinner in Lakka to get to know our yacht mates and crew and turned in for an early night in any case that enjoyable in the solar.
Logos Paxos: A Hidden Gem
As you proceed your journey, you’ll attain the charming village of Logos on the island of Paxos. This picturesque harbor is a hidden gem recognized for its serene ambiance and laid-again allure. Explore the village’s slim streets, go to native retailers promoting artisanal merchandise, and eat a seafood dinner at a taverna whereas watching the sundown over the harbor.
At this cease, you possibly can go for a hike, do some paddleboarding and swimming or hit the seashore. There is a good seashore with a seashore bar simply exterior city, however there’s additionally a small seashore close to the dock. And there are a lot of waterside cafes to take pleasure in an Aperol Spritz or two.
Gaios Paxos: Bustling Port and Greek Delights
Gaios, the capital of Paxos, is your subsequent vacation spot and this was our favourite. This bustling port city has lots of power with the occasion going into the wee hours of the morning alongside its waterfront promenade. If you need to keep on the town it’s straightforward to discover the city’s boutiques and cafes.
We recommend renting an e-bike or quad bike to get out to discover its most spectacular view, the Tripitos Arch. This unbelievable arch is situated about 3 km out of the metropolis which might simply be cycled on an e-bike. It is hilly and scorching, so we advise renting a an e-Bike to make the climbs simpler. You then hike 500 meters alongside a historic path to return out to a coastal path clinging to the facet of huge sea cliffs.
You can hike all the way down to the large arch that stands greater than 20 meters excessive (65 toes) and stroll over it. This just isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. If you might have a concern of heights, you’ll be feeling it. I had a bit of a panic assault on the market as we snapped images from the facet of a cliff. But I’m so glad that Dave helped me breathe via it and we saved on strolling over the arch to see it from totally different vantage factors. It was lovely.
There are a lot of seashores on the island to discover and by having an e-bike or quad bike you may get round rapidly to see some of them. The lengthy port full of huge yachts is price going for a stroll and you may take a brief hike to find the historic windmill close to Paxos arch. Be certain to take pleasure in some seafood at one of the native tavernas, or you possibly can savor flavorsome moussaka, grilled octopus, and baklava.
Anti-Paxos: Pristine Beaches and Azure Waters
Just a brief sail from Gaios, you’ll discover the paradisiacal island of Anti Paxos. This tiny gem is legendary for its sea caves, and beautiful seashores with powdery white sand.
The journey usually anchors in a secluded bay to, swim, snorkel, and revel in the unspoiled magnificence of this piece of paradise. Unfortunately, an enormous swell was coming in and we couldn’t go to the normal cease. But it offers us an excuse to return again sooner or later quickly as a result of it’s spectacular right here.
Parga: Mainland Greece’s Coastal Beauty
Leaving the Paxos islands behind, we sailed to Parga on the mainland in Epirus. Nestled in opposition to a backdrop of lush hills and cliffs, Parga is a colourful coastal city with a Venetian citadel overlooking the bay. We beloved this city. It was our second time visiting Parga and we have been shocked to search out that we loved it much more the second time. Usually, once we return to a vacation spot we’re disillusioned, not right here. We had extra resolve to purchase a home right here sooner or later!
In Parga, there are lovely seashores and lots of water sports activities together with parasailing, boogie boarding and water snowboarding. You can’t miss strolling up the citadel for views of the waterfront and city.
It was in Parga that we took half in a wine and olive oil tasting.
At the Old Olive Oil manufacturing facility we tasted totally different olive oils from the area and realized about the course of and historical past of olive oil manufacturing. We additionally realized that you must by no means purchase olive oil in clear containers. Metal or darkish glass are the finest selections. After testing our pallets on oil, we moved on to wines.
We tasted six wines from Greece and every was higher than the first! For €40 per particular person, the glasses have been 6 beneficiant pours for a tasting adopted by a full glass of our favorite alternative and a few bruschetta bread.
After our tasting, it was off to the waterfront to hitch the vigorous ambiance the place crowds have been eating at the native tavernas. We pulled up a seat and loved recent seafood and grilled lamb earlier than catching the water taxi again to our boat. (the water taxi is included in the Yacht Getaways journey)
Sivota: A Hidden Harbor
No journey via the Ionian Sea can be full with no go to to the hidden harbor of Sivota. This fishing village is surrounded by inexperienced hills and has an unbelievable swimming space proper in the center of a bay. People have been out in the Ionian Sea, paddle boarding, swimming, and kayaking with an space fully roped off from boats that linked the two sides. There is a seashore and resort, and you may lease boards and kayaks. We spent the afternoon swimming in the calm waters and savoring our meal of Greek mezes and native wines on the boat.
We then hauled up anchor to a quieter cove on the different facet of the bay the place we docked for the evening. We had our personal seashore and there was a restaurant simply seconds from our boat.
We walked into city which is a 15-minute stroll over a steep hill from our marina, however it was price seeing. There are a lot of eating places and retailers alongside the waterfront.
Back to Corfu
The subsequent day was a full day on the water as we stopped at the Blue Lagoon for some snorkeling, paddle boarding, and exploring the cave.
We left Sivota early in the morning to beat the tour boats from Paxos and Corfu and when the others arrived greater than an hour after we did, we have been grateful for the early rising. We had the cave, seashore, and clear waters all to ourselves. Once the large tour boats stuffed with day trippers arrived, we set sail for the excessive seas.
The waters have been calm and blue as we sailed in direction of Corfu. We took turns at the helm as Ana confirmed us methods to sail a ship. As we relished our final day on the yacht having fun with the sunny breeze, Clara ready our lunch which we ate in the waters instantly beneath the Old Fort of Corfu.
It was then one final dip in the sea earlier than heading again to the marina.
Our last evening was spent on board however we took a stroll to the city of Gouvia which was a simple 10-minute stroll to take pleasure in a meal exterior.
Our Yacht Getaway had come to an finish and we went to sleep as the mild waves of the marina rocked us to a peaceable slumber.
Sailing the Ionian Sea: A Blissful Experience
Sailing via the Ionian Sea is a blissful expertise. The sea’s mild waves, favorable winds, and quite a few sheltered bays make it a great vacation spot for a relaxed crusing vacation. Whether you’re an skilled sailor or a primary-time adventurer, the Ionian Islands supply a spread of crusing situations appropriate for all ability ranges.
Yacht getaways in Greece, notably via the enchanting Ionian Islands, supply a singular mix of journey, leisure, and cultural exploration. With costs beginning at simply 1460 euros, this dream trip has develop into an attainable actuality.
See Yacht Getaways to guide a cruise to the Ionian Islands,
Explore historic ports, sail the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, and take pleasure in the beautiful flavors of Greek delicacies. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a primary-time traveler, this Mediterranean odyssey guarantees unforgettable reminiscences and the magic of Greece at each flip of the bow.