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White-washed buildings and blue-domed churches are a frequent sight in Santorini
Chartering a Sailboat in the Greek Islands
If you’re prepared to take up the challenge, sailing is a rewarding way to explore the Greek islands. Aboard a chartered sailboat you can plan your own route, choosing where and when to stop, whether for a night in a buzzing harbor town or for a day in a deserted cove. But be aware that sailing is not for the faint-hearted; even on a luxurious yacht, you’ll be exposed to the elements.
For people with little or no sailing experience, we recommend the Ionian Islands. Situated off the west coast of the Greek mainland, the Ionian Sea affords easy navigation, with light to moderate winds throughout summer. The majority of charter companies on the Ionian Islands are based on Corfu or Lefkada. We suggest any of the following: the Moorings (moorings.com), Kiriacoulis (kiriacoulis.com), Cosmos Yachting (cosmosyachting.com), or Ocean Nomads (ocean-nomads.com).
Charter a vessel bareboat (if at least two in your group are qualified sailors) or skippered. A skipper can arrange activities like scuba diving and wine tastings. Your daily schedule couldn’t be simpler: Breakfast and lunch are normally eaten aboard. If you don’t want to cook, the charter company can supply a hostess who will shop for provisions, prepare light meals, and clean the cabins.
By the time you reach the night’s harbor, you’ll probably be ready to dress up and dine out—your skipper can recommend favorite tavernas or even arrange a beachside barbecue. From $3,800/week for a group of six with an experienced skipper.
See Crete Travel Guide | See Mykonos Travel GuideSee Santorini Travel Guide
