Top 13 Places to Visit on a Greek Islands Bareboat Charter
Greece has over 8,000 miles of unique and beautiful coastline, but its real magic is found within its 2,000+ islands. A Greek Islands bareboat charter is the pe
Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 258 reviews on Trustpilot
Founding Member: International Federation of Yacht Charter Agents
Verified & Protected by Pantaenius Yacht Insurance.
Top 13 Places to Visit on a Greek Islands Bareboat Charter
Greece has over 8,000 miles of unique and beautiful coastline, but its real magic is found within its 2,000+ islands. A Greek Islands bareboat charter is the perfect way to discover a number of these islands and experience their magic, just choose the route you want to travel and go.
On a Greek Islands bareboat charter, visitors can explore inhabited and uninhabited islands, with picturesque beaches, small quaint villages, secluded bays, and unique anchorages. Greece is filled with ruins of their ancient history, delicious cuisine, and lively evening activities.
Greek Islands Bareboat Charter
Sailing on a Greek Islands bareboat charter, sailors can experience line-of-sight cruising, and a variety of sailing conditions depending on the area. The Ionian Sea offers light winds suitable for every ability, and the Saronic Islands offer long stretches of open water to enjoy.
The larger Greek Islands have their own regional airports and can connect to all over Europe and the rest of the world. The smaller Greek Islands can only be reached by boat, as with the uninhabited islands.
On a Greek Islands bareboat charter anyone with the correct licenses can hire a boat. To rent a boat in Greece the skipper must have one of the following qualifications:
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence)
- IPC (International Proficiency Certificate)
- NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials)
- RYA Day Skipper (with an ICC)
- US Sailing "Bareboat Cruising Course" and an ASA "104 Bareboat Cruising Course"
Here you can find out more about Greek sailing qualifications.
Quick Navigation
- 1 Alonissos Pristine Beaches and Turquoise Shallow Shorelines to Explore
- 2 Skyros Escape the Crowds and Visit the Hidden Beaches
- 3 Ios Leaving Its Party Island Reputation Behind, Ios is Filled With Timeless Villages and 75km of Sandy Beaches
- 4 Paxos / Antipaxos Two of the Smallest Islands in the Ionian Islands, Paxos and Antipaxos
- 5 Crete The Largest Island in Greece With Beautiful Beaches and National Parks
- 6 Milos Milos is Often Overlooked as a Sailing Destination, but Shouldn't Be!
- 7 Lefkada A Great Place to Stop for Calamari and a Dip in Porto Katsiki
- 8 Hydra A Beautiful, Wild, Unspoilt Island Located Within the Saronic Islands
- 9 Lemnos Lemnos is Filled With Sandy Beaches and Archaeological Sites
- 10 Skopelos An Island in the Northern Sporades Made Famous by Hollywood Blockbusters
- 11 Ithaca The Second-Smallest of the Seven Main Ionian Islands
- 12 Thassos One of the Greenest Islands in Greece
- 13 Kastellorizo Picture-Perfect Postcard Port in the Mediterranean
1.Alonissos
Pristine Beaches and Turquoise Shallow Shorelines to Explore
Alonnisos. The island of Alonnisos is one of the wildest and least visited of the Sporades islands. The island is the perfect place to visit on a Greek Islands bareboat charter, with the steep and rocky west and northern coastlines, and the eastern coastline made up of collections of bays and sandy beaches. The island is located within Europe's largest marine park, the 2,260 square kilometres of the National Marine Park of Alonnisos.
Patitiri. On a Greek Islands bareboat charter on the island of Alonnisos visitors can drop anchor and visit the port town of Patitiri and the village of Steni Vala. These are the only two main towns on the island, which are quaint and beautiful. On a Greek Islands bareboat charter, Alonnisos is a beautiful place to experience the landscapes, enjoy the villages, and explore the hidden coves of this off-the-beaten-path island.
2.Skyros
Escape the Crowds and Visit the Hidden Beaches
Skyros. Located within the collection of islands called the Sporades, in the middle of the Aegean Sea. The island is filled with long stretches of coastline, some of which are only accessible by boat meaning they are often secluded. Skyros has something for everyone: monasteries for culture lovers, nightlife areas for partygoers, and diving opportunities for the adventurous.
Where To Anchor. Skyros Port, Ormos Aragma, and other secluded places are wonderful stops on your Greek Islands bareboat charter. Anchoring off the coastline is the perfect place to stop for a swim, to relax, kayak, paddleboard, or just sunbathe in the peace and silence.
3.Ios
Leaving Its Party Island Reputation Behind, Ios is Filled With Timeless Villages and 75km of Sandy Beaches
Ios. Located in the south-central Cyclades, Ios is a small island with a large personality. Once considered one of the main party islands in Greece, the island has now moved forward from this reputation and is getting a name for itself for other reasons. On a Greek Islands bareboat charter, you will still find the lively bars and bustling cities that once were full of the young and free, but now you can escape them very easily. Confined to the town of Mylopotas the nightlife and partying is easy to escape, with towns such as Chora gaining a name for itself. Chora has white square buildings, windmills, and blue-domed churches.
Timeless Villages. A great reason to go to Ios on a Greek Islands bareboat charter is to visit the towns which time has forgotten. Ios has over 75km of sandy beaches which are beautiful and picturesque. The port of Ormos Yialos is one of the biggest natural harbours located within the Aegean and a great place to visit on a Greek Islands bareboat charter.
4.Paxos / Antipaxos
Two of the Smallest Islands in the Ionian Islands, Paxos and Antipaxos
Paxos. Located in the Ionian Islands, Paxos is around 20 miles south of Corfu; the island is one of the smallest in the collection of islands. On a Greek Islands bareboat charter, Paxos offers some of the clearest and bluest waters in the Ionian. The main village and port on the island is called Gaios, which has a small number of bars, cafes, and shops. Here you can anchor your boat and explore the village. Paxos is a great Greek Islands bareboat charter destination with small quaint villages such as Lakka and Loggos to explore, as well as bays and beaches backed by the island's olive trees and greenery.
Antipaxos. Located 3 miles from Paxos is a small island called Antipaxos which has only 100 inhabitants. Antipaxos has two main beaches which offer great anchorages with blue clear waters for swimming on a Greek Islands bareboat charter. Antipaxos is covered in vineyards and local wine can be purchased from shops in Paxos. Scuba diving or snorkelling is a great way to spend time at anchor in Antipaxos with clear waters and an abundance of marine life. Alternatively, if you want to explore the islands, both Paxos and Antipaxos have a large number of hiking and walking trails all over the islands.
5.Crete
The Largest Island in Greece With Beautiful Beaches and National Parks
Crete. Crete is home to ancient treasures, vibrant cities, sleepy villages, a collection of beaches, and beautiful landscapes. The picturesque beaches of Chania, Falarsana, Elafonissos, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda offer beautiful sights to visit.
Greek Islands Bareboat Charter. The northern wind blows down from the mountains. The Meltemi can blow at between 35–45 knots if not stronger. Great places to visit on a Greek Islands bareboat charter in Crete are the Gulf of Mirabello on the northeast of the island with beautiful sunsets. Spinalonga Island has superbly clear waters perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
6.Milos
Milos is Often Overlooked as a Sailing Destination, but Shouldn't Be!
Milos. Often overshadowed by its famous Cyclades neighbouring islands, Milos is a great off-the-beaten-path destination, with fewer visitors on the island than some of the other Cyclades islands. What makes this island even more special is that it was where the Venus de Milo was first discovered in 1820 by Olivier Voutier, and this island captures the beauty around every corner.
Secluded Coves. Milos is a rugged and rocky island with a large number of different landscapes. Milos has a small number of villages: Klima, Areti, Fourkovouni, Firopotamos, Mandrakia, and Skinopi. The island has very few visitors and locals, meaning the bays and beaches are practically empty. Milos has more than 70 beaches to explore, catacombs, and the remains of an amphitheatre. The island has something for everyone on a Greek Islands bareboat charter, for beach lovers, nature lovers, and history buffs.
7.Lefkada
A Great Place to Stop for Calamari and a Dip in Porto Katsiki
Lefkada. Connected by a bridge to mainland Greece, Lefkada is a unique island with an island feel but also the influence from mainland Greece. Lefkada is surrounded by bright blue waters, which are crystal clear; the beaches of Kathisma, Egremni, Porto Katsiki, and Milos beach are well worth anchoring at. Lefkada Town is a great destination to moor up at for a great meal, shopping attractions, and even just to walk around the town.
Greek Islands Bareboat Charter. Lefkada is located within the Ionian collection of islands and is generally sunny and warm with light breezes in the afternoon; the South Ionian really is a sailor's paradise.
8.Hydra
A Beautiful, Wild, Unspoilt Island Located Within the Saronic Islands
Hydra Island. Located within the Saronic Islands, Hydra is a truly unspoilt island filled with history and beautiful locations. Hydra is a must-visit for any Greek Islands bareboat charter with beautiful bays to drop anchor and a crescent-shaped harbour filled with great restaurants creating dishes with local produce. The island is car and vehicle free and the only mode of transportation through the cobbled streets is by donkey. Much of the island is accessible on foot including the museums, restaurants, cathedrals, and other ruins.
"Real Greece". Hydra brings a sense of the 'real Greece' with taverns and restaurants frozen in time, along with boutiques and picturesque ports. The wild untouched landscapes along with the idyllic towns make it the perfect stop on a Greek Islands bareboat charter.
9.Lemnos
Lemnos is Filled With Sandy Beaches and Archaeological Sites
Lemnos. Lemnos or Limnos is an unspoiled island located off the northeastern Aegean Sea, with natural scenery and mountains. The island is under the radar and is perfect for privacy and relaxation. Lemnos also has an abundance of archaeological sites including the Medieval castle of Myrina, the Ancient Poliochni, Ancient Kavirio, and the caves of Philoctetes.
Greek Islands Bareboat Charter. Lemnos is the perfect sailing destination with the lively Myrina Lemnos and Plati. The Greek island also offers safe anchorages and picturesque bays to swim in or stop for lunch.
10.Skopelos
An Island in the Northern Sporades Made Famous by Hollywood Blockbusters
Crystal Clear Waters of Skopelos. The island of Skopelos is located in the western Aegean Sea, close to Skiathos and Alonissos. The island boasts unspoiled locations, with two villages called Town and Glossa, located high on the tops of hills boasting great views of the Aegean. The island has lush vegetation, exotic beaches, and traditional unique taverns. The beaches of Stafylos, Panormos, and Elios are great places to stop and drop anchor on a Greek Islands bareboat charter.
Hollywood Blockbuster Set. The island was made famous by the movies which have been filmed there, most well known is Mamma Mia. The production company used the island for many locations in the film and the church called Agio Ioannis Kastri was an iconic landmark in the movie.
Greek Islands Bareboat Charter. Located within the northern Sporades Islands, the Meltemi blows through the islands, with an average of force 4–6 winds, with stronger gusts.
11.Ithaca
The Second-Smallest of the Seven Main Ionian Islands
Ithaca. Located in the Ionian Sea, to the northeast of Kefalonia. The island is just 37 square miles but filled with beautiful charm throughout. Ithaca is well known around the world for being the mythical island of Odysseus. Filled with lush greenery, emerald blue waters, and quiet towns with a laid-back feel.
Picturesque Villages. Some of the most beautiful and picturesque villages on the island are Vathy, Kioni, and Frikes. Vathy has a large port area located in a large bay, with fish taverns and a port promenade. There are also a large number of beaches to explore and anchor off around the island; some of the best are Gidaki and Polis.
Greek Islands Bareboat Charter. In Ithaca, during the summer periods, the wind is predominantly from the north-west, called the Mistral winds. The wind is light, tending to pick up in the afternoons.
12.Thassos
One of the Greenest Islands in Greece
Thassos. With beautiful mountain villages and Mount Ipsario, ideal for hiking and visiting the mountains to admire the view. Thassos Town is a perfect combination of the modern and archaeological ruins, with modern buildings and many ruins to explore all over the island. The island also has a large number of great beaches including Makriammos, Krisi Ammos, Astris Beach, Giola Pool, Paradise Beach, and Trypiti Beach.
Greek Islands Bareboat Charter. In Thassos, during the summer periods, the wind is predominantly from the north-east, ranging from 1.4 to 1.6 knots. The wind is light, tending to pick up in the afternoons.
13.Kastellorizo
Picture-Perfect Postcard Port in the Mediterranean
Kastellorizo. This island is filled with yellow houses, and green and pink taverns, making it picture-perfect. The island has a small port and small villages, one of which has a bell tower and the old fort. There are also many hiking spots which have beautiful views; one of the best is the hike to the Church of Agios Stefanos.
Greek Islands Bareboat Charter. One of the remotest islands in Greece and the closest island to Turkey, just 70 miles from Rhodes, Kastellorizo is unique and one of a kind. The island is the smallest of the Dodecanese islands.
Planning a sailing holiday like this? We'd love to help. Get in touch using the form below.
Give us a call or send us an email.
We’re here to help.
Amazing Sailing Experiences
What our customers say
Christopher Lait
Chris founded Drake Academy, a sailing company that provides leadership training to businesses. Now the CEO of SailChecker.com you will find him handling many of your enquiries as he attempts to drive SailChecker.com forward as the company of choice for yacht charter and sailing by focusing on quality advice and great customer service.
