In short
Greece is blessed with breathtaking beaches, sunshine, and a huge variety of landscapes, archeological sites, impeccable cuisine, and interesting activities for those visiting her beautiful lands. Many have heard of the Cyclades, Sporades, and islands such as Rhodes, Kos, and Crete. Greece has thousands of islands, 227
Greece is blessed with breathtaking beaches, sunshine, and a huge variety of landscapes, archeological sites, impeccable cuisine, and interesting activities for those visiting her beautiful lands. Many have heard of the Cyclades, Sporades, and islands such as Rhodes, Kos, and Crete. Greece has thousands of islands, 227 of them are inhabited which attract the interest of people from around the globe. With so many options it can be a daunting task to decide which is best for your vacation. Although you should have a great time no matter where you choose to go, we will include a little secret that not everyone knows about. The Cyclades are famous around the world especially in regards to the islands of Mykonos and Satorini. For this reason many usually overlook or don't even notice the absolutely gorgeous combination of islands and port side towns scattered in and around the Saronic Gulf with a Catamaran charter .
These gorgeous locations are not only in close proximity to the mainland, but they are also perfectly suited for an extremely pleasant and interesting yacht sailing vacation . When sailing in this area you will have relatively small distances to cover when jumping from one island to the next, making it easy to visit multiple locations during your sailing adventure of the Greek Islands. Another factor which is extremely beneficial, is the fact that the Saronic rarely experiences rough sailing conditions seeing as it is surrounded by the shore of Attica from the North and the Argos peninsula which covers the Eastern coast of the Peloponnese. This creates shelter from large waves which can be important to families with young children and those looking for less stressful sailing conditions.
This is a major advantage in comparison to the Cyclades which often experience large swells and waves, especially during the months of July and August when the Meltemi is usually at its peak. In the rare instance that they do experience some extreme conditions most of the islands in this group provide excellent shelter from all wind directions. For instance Poros and Spetses all have bays which are well protected from the northern winds as well as pretty much any other direction. Guests can enjoy beautiful nights under the stars and awake to the pristine waters in the stunning natural surroundings which have provided their shelter. The fact that there is always a close location to dock when things get out of hand is an absolutely priceless advantage during a sailing vacation in the Greek Islands. It also means that getting stuck in a specific location due to high northern winds is extremely rare. Whereas if you are not careful with the locations you visit in the Cyclades this could be the case. The region also offers very pleasant temperatures and is a popular destination throughout May all the way to October.
However seeing as this is a yacht sailing vacation nothing is set in stone and there could be various combinations or alterations to the list above. This will also depend on the duration of your charter.
Your next destination is probably the most cosmopolitan area you will visit in this region. Spetses has always attracted wealthy Athenians and ship owners to her gorgeous shores, this is especially true during the weekends. The island tends to fill up with many eager Athenians looking for a break from the mainland for a quick weekend getaway. Spetses has a rich naval history and played an important part in the war of independence. Laskalina Bouboulina is the most famous, and is a Greek Heroine which you can learn all about upon your visit to the island. The island is super green and has a variety of superb beaches all with immaculate waters for you and everyone to enjoy. When it comes to dining and food, you may select from a variety of different styles and price categories all suited to various tastes and preferences. Although it has many different venues offering a variety of cuisines, we always suggest you taste a local tavern and enjoy some of the traditional recipes and fresh fish. This way you are able to enjoy both worlds and get a taste of the local way of life. The season usually begins from Greek Orthodox Easter and runs all the way through to October. September is a great time to visit if you want to witness the Armatta, an annual reenactment of the islands greatest naval victory in 1822.
Directly on the edge of the Peloponnese facing towards the Argolic Gulf you will find Nafplion. This is modern Greece’s original capital, and considered one of the most romantic towns in the country. This area should captivate the senses and take you on an enchanting journey back into the ages. Imposing fortresses, prisons, and a medieval castle all await your discovery in a place which seems to have been frozen in time. This area has a rich history and culture which will leave its imprint on you and everyone visiting. Explore the alluring cobblestreet alleys, enjoy the unique beauty of the town squares filled with cafes, restaurants, and interesting sights. Nafplion has many of its own delicacies such as its distinct shell shaped pasta served with butter and sage, as well as many local Greek products like honey and olives and a variety of nuts, figs, and some delicious cheeses. Don’t miss out treating yourselves to a meal at one of the local taverns and exploring the many alleys all filled with pleasant surprises and interesting architecture.
