Greece, with its azure waters, historic historical past, and scrumptious delicacies, has lengthy been a dream vacation spot for vacationers worldwide. And what higher approach to discover this Mediterranean paradise than on a yacht? Yacht Getaways in Greece provides an unparalleled expertise of freedom and luxurious, all set towards the backdrop of the beautiful Ionian Sea. On this article, we’ll take you on a journey by way of a few of the most enchanting ports, providing a glimpse into the associated fee, tradition, and culinary delights that await you on this idyllic journey.
Yacht Getaways – Discover the Greek Islands
The Price 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. Costs for yacht charters can begin at round 1450 euros per week, relying on the scale and sort of yacht, the time of yr, and the precise route you select.
When you think about the price of lodges on the islands in Greece this can be a very cheap trip. The associated fee contains not solely the yacht itself but in addition the providers of a skipper and hostess/chef providing a hearty breakfast and lunch (together with beer and wine) every day plus the posh of a personal cruise by way of the Ionian Islands. Our crew Ana and Clara took care of each element from navigation, security, and getting ready scrumptious Greek dishes on board.
We sailed proper into the enchanting cities on the Ionian Islands staying within the coronary heart of all of the motion. For many of our ports, we may stroll proper off the boat and had been free to hike to hidden seashores, wonderful lookouts, or just get pleasure from a waterfront taverna to observe the sundown.
A Day within the Life on a Yacht Cruise
Every day we left port at about 8 am to beat the frenzy of tour boats to our swimming spots in the course of the ocean. As our Skipper Ana cruised to our first cease, we loved a breakfast of fruit and bread with sizzling espresso or tea whereas Clara ready our sizzling meals. Breakfasts had been at all times one thing totally different and had been a scrumptious begin to the day to maintain our power up for the adventures forward.
As soon as breakfast was accomplished, 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 under, lounges on the entrance, and seats and beds on the again.
We’d cease for a swim and rest and whereas we had been frocking within the water, Clara ready our lunches. Lunches consisted of recent seafood, Greek Meals, pasta, and salads. All had been served with our selection of beer, wine, water, or glowing water. It actually was a dream.
It was then on to our port of name the place we arrived every day early within the afternoon. Arriving after lunch gave us the proper period of time to discover the city, do some purchasing, and go to a seaside or scenic lookout. At any time when we had been docked or anchored, we had entry to snorkeling gear, paddle boards, floaties, and tubes to benefit from the day within the crystal-clear waters.
Watch our Video – Yacht Getaways, the Finest Strategy to See the Greek Islands
There have been two group meals, one originally of the cruise and one on the finish of our journey the place we went to a neighborhood taverna to bond over scrumptious Greek dishes and the remainder of the evenings had 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 the high sights of the Outdated City 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. In contrast to 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’s a beautiful metropolis.
Earlier than you embark in your voyage, ensure that to take a while to discover the previous city of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, and savor some conventional Greek delicacies in considered one of its charming tavernas. Watch our full movies of Issues to do in Cofu Outdated City.
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 Outdated City. Costs are in all probability cheaper from downtown. We met our skipper and host on the pier they usually 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 recognize you’re in for one thing particular.
Concerning the Yacht
Our Yacht was a part of the Superior Class which has 4 cabins for friends that sleep 8 individuals. The again cabins are bigger with extra cupboard space, 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 part of the sink so we needed to bathe over the bathroom and sink. It’s not so unhealthy as we showered exterior after swimming lots as properly.
Costs are the identical for all cabins and are chosen on a primary come first serve foundation. The earlier you e book the higher cabin you get. So in case you are contemplating a Yacht Getaway, e book it at this time! And ensure 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 on the entrance as friends sit across the desk within the again so you’re early to mattress, you might hear individuals.
Packing for Yacht Getaways
Ensure to pack mild for yachting within the Greek Islands. You don’t want a number of garments for a Yacht Getaways journey. There may be not a number of cupboard space and closet house is restricted. There isn’t a spot to place your luggage, so both pack in small carry-on suitcases or a duffle bag which you can stuff within the drawer under your mattress..
For days on the boat, you solely want bathing fits, shorts or a sarong. If you wish to shield your self from the solar, pack long-sleeved rash guard shirts which are utilized in browsing. You’ll be able to swim in these and it’ll hold you from getting a sunburn.
Nights are informal, so a sundress for ladies and good shorts with a collared shirt for males are all you want for evenings.
- Some important packing objects for Yacht Getaways we suggest are:
- Water Footwear
- Journey Towel
- Operating Footwear (for climbing to seashores)
- Flip Flops
- A solar hat
- Sun shades
- Chapstick
- A Dry Bag
- Waterproof holder to your telephone
Crusing the Ionian Sea
Our first night time on the boat was spent in Corfu. We left the marina and anchored in entrance of the Outdated Fort for beautiful views of the harbor. We ate on board and watched a powerful sundown as we loved a glass of Greek wine.
The journey often heads north to Kalami Bay the place friends have the choice to go ashore and eat at a restaurant, nevertheless, the climate was extreme throughout our first night time, and our skipper determined to begin towards Paxos and search shelter on the opposite aspect of the island. It was a sensible choice 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 following 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 gorgeous islands.
Our first port of name was Lakka on the island of Paxos. This small, tranquil village is nestled inside a horseshoe-shaped bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters. I believed that we’d be anchoring in the course of the bay like the opposite 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 all the day to spend paddle boarding, climbing, and swimming. Plus, we had been staying the night time proper within the coronary heart of the village. I don’t assume I may very well be happier.
We instantly hopped on the paddle boards to take a look at the seashores after which strapped on our climbing footwear seeking the key seaside.
The key seaside is a few 30-minute stroll from downtown Lakka. It’s uphill on a paved street earlier than hitting a single-track rocky path right down to the seaside. Put on good operating or climbing footwear, and convey water, sunscreen, water footwear, and your bathing swimsuit. It’s well worth the stroll.
The views from above are well worth the hike alone as we appeared down over the harbor full of yachts. The blue waters towards the colourful buildings of the waterfront made for a picture-perfect postcard view.
Surrounded by lush greenery and charming olive groves, Lakka is the proper place to calm down, swim, and absorb the peaceable environment. You’ll be able to get pleasure from a stroll alongside the waterfront and dine in one of many 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 within 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 identified for its serene ambiance and laid-back allure. Discover the village’s slim streets, go to native outlets promoting artisanal merchandise, and eat a seafood dinner at a taverna whereas watching the sundown over the harbor.
At this cease, you may go for a hike, do some paddleboarding and swimming or hit the seaside. There’s a nice seaside with a seaside bar simply exterior city, however there may be additionally a small seaside close to the dock. And there are many waterside cafes to get pleasure from 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 a number of power with the occasion going into the wee hours of the morning alongside its waterfront promenade. If you wish to keep on the town it’s simple to discover the city’s boutiques and cafes.
We advise 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 town which may simply be cycled on an e-bike. It’s hilly and sizzling, 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 aspect of large sea cliffs.
You’ll be able to hike right down to the massive arch that stands greater than 20 meters excessive (65 toes) and stroll over it. This isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. In case you have a concern of heights, you’ll be feeling it. I had a little bit of a panic assault on the market as we snapped images from the aspect of a cliff. However I’m so glad that Dave helped me breathe by way of it and we saved on strolling over the arch to see it from totally different vantage factors. It was lovely.
There are many seashores on the island to discover and by having an e-bike or quad bike you will get round rapidly to see a few of them. The lengthy port filled with large yachts is value going for a stroll and you’ll take a brief hike to find the traditional windmill close to Paxos arch. Make sure you bask in some seafood at one of many native tavernas, or you may savor flavorsome moussaka, grilled octopus, and baklava.
Anti-Paxos: Pristine Seashores and Azure Waters
Only a quick 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 benefit from the unspoiled fantastic thing about this piece of paradise. Sadly, an enormous swell was coming in and we couldn’t go to the same old cease. However it offers us an excuse to return again in the future quickly as a result of it’s spectacular right here.
Parga: Mainland Greece’s Coastal Magnificence
Leaving the Paxos islands behind, we sailed to Parga on the mainland in Epirus. Nestled towards a backdrop of lush hills and cliffs, Parga is a colourful coastal city with a Venetian fort overlooking the bay. We cherished this city. It was our second time visiting Parga and we had been shocked to seek out that we loved it much more the second time. Often, once we return to a vacation spot we’re disillusioned, not right here. We had extra resolve to purchase a home right here in the future!
In Parga, there are lovely seashores and loads of water sports activities together with parasailing, boogie boarding and water snowboarding. You’ll be able to’t miss strolling up the fort for views of the waterfront and city.
It was in Parga that we took half in a wine and olive oil tasting.
On the Outdated Olive Oil manufacturing unit we tasted totally different olive oils from the area and realized concerning the course of and historical past of olive oil manufacturing. We additionally realized that you need to by no means purchase olive oil in clear containers. Steel or darkish glass are the most effective selections. After testing our pallets on oil, we moved on to wines.
We tasted six wines from Greece and every was higher than the primary! For €40 per individual, the glasses had been 6 beneficiant pours for a tasting adopted by a full glass of our favorite selection and a few bruschetta bread.
After our tasting, it was off to the waterfront to affix the full of life environment the place crowds had been eating on 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 within the Yacht Getaways journey)
Sivota: A Hidden Harbor
No journey by way of the Ionian Sea could 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 course of a bay. Individuals had been out within the Ionian Sea, paddle boarding, swimming, and kayaking with an space fully roped off from boats that linked the 2 sides. There’s a seaside and resort, and you’ll hire boards and kayaks. We spent the afternoon swimming within 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 opposite aspect of the bay the place we docked for the night time. We had our personal seaside 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, nevertheless it was value seeing. There are many eating places and outlets alongside the waterfront.
Again to Corfu
The following day was a full day on the water as we stopped on the Blue Lagoon for some snorkeling, paddle boarding, and exploring the cave.
We left Sivota early within the morning to beat the tour boats from Paxos and Corfu and when the others arrived greater than an hour after we did, we had been grateful for the early rising. We had the cave, seaside, and clear waters all to ourselves. As soon as the massive tour boats full of day trippers arrived, we set sail for the excessive seas.
The waters had been calm and blue as we sailed in the direction of Corfu. We took turns on the helm as Ana confirmed us find out how 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 within the waters straight under the Outdated Fort of Corfu.
It was then one final dip within the sea earlier than heading again to the marina.
Our closing night time was spent on board however we took a stroll to the city of Gouvia which was a simple 10-minute stroll to get pleasure from a meal exterior.
Our Yacht Getaway had come to an finish and we went to sleep because the light waves of the marina rocked us to a peaceable slumber.
Crusing the Ionian Sea: A Blissful Expertise
Crusing by way of the Ionian Sea is a blissful expertise. The ocean’s light waves, favorable winds, and quite a few sheltered bays make it a great vacation spot for a relaxed crusing vacation. Whether or not you’re an skilled sailor or a first-time adventurer, the Ionian Islands provide a variety of crusing situations appropriate for all ability ranges.
Yacht getaways in Greece, significantly by way of the enchanting Ionian Islands, provide a singular mix of journey, rest, and cultural exploration. With costs beginning at simply 1460 euros, this dream trip has change into an attainable actuality.
See Yacht Getaways to e book a cruise to the Ionian Islands,
Discover historic ports, sail the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, and indulge within the beautiful flavors of Greek delicacies. Whether or not you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time traveler, this Mediterranean odyssey guarantees unforgettable reminiscences and the magic of Greece at each flip of the bow.
