Day 1
Greece
Greece
Discover the passionate, colorful, and intoxicating way of life that the Greeks have been perfecting for centuries.
A superyacht charter in Greece promises idyllic scenery in spades. Sitting at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa, Greece has been a mecca of civilization for millennia and a great place to bring your yacht. You will be impressed by the sacred terrain, drenched in sun and history dating back to 270,000 B.C. The Greeks boast a unique and lively culture and warm hospitality that is all their own. Beautiful white-washed towns are the perfect backdrop for lounging on the decks of your luxury yacht, enjoying local gastronomy and drinking ouzo, a dry anise-flavored aperitif that Greeks say “makes the spirit.”
History buffs will be in awe at Greece’s myriad of ancient treasures. Home to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the hilltop citadel and a variety of other precious fortunes, Athens is the capital of Greece and the veritable birthplace of the country. Here the tales of Grecian heroes and epic battles against the prevailing gods were born. The city also is claimed to be the birthplace of Western civilization. As you wander through the streets of antiquity, take in the history that abounds, enjoying and exploring every moment. Athens isn’t just old-world, however, as the city has grown a more cosmopolitan section. You can plan to spend a day ashore in the Psiri district of Athens, a trendy spot to shop, dine and enjoy a night on the town. Afterward, head back to the comfort of your yacht for a nightcap followed by a restful sleep in your beautifully-appointed stateroom.
Just south of Athens, you will find Poros, a small pair of islands in the Saronic Gulf. This archipelago is easily accessible from the mainland and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enter into a world of pure perfection on a Greece yacht charter. Despite its size, only 31 square kilometers, Poros is home to many irresistible beaches, fascinating archeological sites — including the Sanctuary of Poseidon — and a picturesque little town that will make you feel like you’re in a storybook. The laid-back atmosphere combined with lively tavernas makes Poros a must-visit while on a luxury yacht charter to Greece. Don’t skip a stop in Peloponnese, a stunning region in south Greece and an incredible location to explore and admire. There you will find ancient relics and ruins amongst ancient Olympia, where the first Olympics were held in honor of Zeus.
Thessaloniki is widely renowned as the cultural capital of Greece. Situated in Macedonia, the city is heaving with history. Ancient Byzantine walls surround the city and protect its museums, galleries and cultural enclaves. Foodies will appreciate the abundance of incredible restaurants found in Thessaloniki, where you can indulge in fantastic cultural delights and delicacies. Featuring the most incredible Grecian-style fare, diners will be delighted by the options available. Just south of Thessaloniki is the Halkidiki region, which is famous for its incredible sweeping views and beautiful beaches. Have breakfast aboard your luxury yacht, then spend your day lazing about the sand and enjoy lively nightclubs and bars in the evening.
Whether you charter a motor or sailing yacht in Greece depends on your preferences. Motor yachts are roomier, so you may prefer a motor yacht if you want a luxurious experience with plenty of space and amenities. If you are looking for an adventure and want to truly experience the Greek coastlines, then a sailing yacht is the right choice. Sailing yachts have advantages over motor yachts, such as lower fuel costs and quieter cruising capabilities. Sailing yachts are also the right choice for those wishing to enjoy the sheer thrill of harnessing the power of Mother Nature. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal boating preferences and if you desire the comfort and convenience of a motor boat.
The cost of a yacht charter in Greece will depend on the size of the vessel, its onboard amenities, and its year of delivery, as well as your chosen itinerary, length of charter, and time of year. Expect a one-week luxury yacht charter in Greece to start from US$50,000, with the world’s finest superyacht charters costing upwards of 1 million plus. Northrop & Johnson boasts an exquisite fleet of yachts for charter in the Mediterranean, including Greece. Our charter specialists will listen to your needs and then handpick a selection of vessels.
All yacht charters in Greece are subject to a VAT fee, with the VAT dependent on the length of the charter. Northrop & Johnson will advise on the total VAT cost and manage the payment for you, leaving you free to enjoy your time at sea.
The best places to embark on a Greece yacht holiday include Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, and Thessaloniki.
The best time to cruise a yacht in the Greek islands is spring – April to June – and autumn – September to October. These months are less busy than the peak months of summer, July and August, yet the weather is still warm, and there is little chance of rain. The sea temperature is at its warmest during September and October, having been warmed by the summer sun, making these months ideal for those wanting to maximize time on the water and make use of their yacht’s tenders and water toys. The winter months in Greece are cooler, with a much higher chance of rain, so they are the least popular months for a Greece yacht charter.
The wind in Greece is legendary. Known as The Meltemi, or the Etesian wind, it blows from the end of June through to the end of August. This dry northern wind blows mainly in the afternoons, which means that most motor yachts will move in the morning, while sailing yachts will harness the wind in the afternoon, when it is typically at its strongest, providing truly spectacular sailing conditions. The Meltemi only affects island groups in the Aegean Sea, not those in the Ionian Sea, which is too far west. Yacht captains boast in-depth knowledge coupled with state-of-the-art cruising and navigational technology, ensuring charterers are kept safe at all times and enjoy a comfortable cruise. They will also be able to adapt itineraries if needed.
Multiple groups can enjoy a yacht charter in Greece; however, Greece is an in-demand destination for families. This is because the islands of Greece offer something for everyone, ensuring amazing itineraries that will suit all in your group. The charter specialists at Northrop & Johnson boast in-depth knowledge of Greece and can tailor itineraries and experiences to meet your group’s needs.
Absolutely, luxury yacht charters are accessible for all, with itineraries and experiences tailored to meet the needs of all age groups. Greece offers fantastic experiences ideally suited to more mature charterers, including world-class museums and fascinating ancient ruins, many of which are UNESCO-listed sites. Additionally, Northrop & Johnson boasts a superb fleet of accessible yachts, ideal for those with mobility issues. An accessible yacht will feature wider passageways, providing ease of access for wheelchair users, elevators to all decks, easy-access shower facilities, larger gangways, and strategically placed handrails throughout the vessel. Contact our charter specialists today if you want to enjoy a yacht charter in Greece.
The best way to book a yacht charter in Greece is via a reputable yacht brokerage, such as Northrop & Johnson. As a leading global brokerage, we have access to a global fleet of luxury yachts for charter, including the finest superyachts for charter in Greece. Not only will our team connect you with your ideal vessel, but they will also work with the boat’s Captain to craft a custom crewed charter itinerary with bespoke experiences tailored to meet your needs.
Greece’s crystal-clear blue waters make it the ideal destination for making the most of your time on the water. Many luxury yachts for charter boast a fantastic selection of water toys. Typical water toys include snorkeling, scuba diving equipment, Jet Skis, water skis, kayaks, standup paddleboards, and inflatables. Many yachts will also boast a tender, making accessing small marinas, coves, and beaches effortless. No matter what water toys you desire when cruising the Greek islands, the team at Northrop & Johnson can help.
On a luxury yacht charter, you will be looked after by your private yacht’s crew. The number of crew will depend on the size of the vessel, but all luxury yacht charters will include, at the very least, a Captain, several stewardesses or stews, and deckhands. A luxury yacht may also include a trained private chef, qualified spa therapist, fitness trainer, sommelier, and watersports operator, such as a dive master. A yacht’s crew comprises highly trained and dedicated professionals who will provide exceptional service levels at sea, guaranteeing an incredible experience and a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. During a superyacht charter in Greece, you will also benefit from shoreside support from your charter broker at Northrop & Johnson.
Securing a reservation at the most exclusive beach clubs and restaurants in superyacht hotspots such as Mykonos and Santorini requires expert knowledge and know-how. Northrop & Johnson’s charter specialists boast a network of contacts, including with the world’s most exclusive restaurants and beach clubs, and will be able to secure a reservation at a time of your choosing. No task is too big or small for our team. Contact us today to book your vacation on the water.
There are multiple yacht slips available in Greece. The best way to find a yacht slip is to work with a reputable yacht brokerage like Northrop & Johnson.
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