The Reasons to Choose a Luxury Yacht Charter from Athens

There are some wonderful places to visit here where you will have the opportunity to enjoy natural beauty, historical treasures, unique architecture, and a glamorous, yet still romantic atmosphere. Here are some of our favourite spots to visit to be sure you get the most out of your charter.

1. Aegina

Despite having a bustling port Aegina has the charming carefree character of a typical Greek island. According to the myth, the island took its name from a nymph, daughter of the river god Asopos, whom Zeus fell in love with and took with him to the island. Once a leading maritime power Aegina has more than its fair share of prestigious archeological sites to explore.

The western side of the island is a fertile area with olives, grapes, figs, almonds and an especially delicious pistachio nut growing, while the eastern has a more mountainous, rocky landscape. The attractive town offers idyllic sea views, quaint backstreets and a number of beautiful courtyard gardens, along with a good choice of bars and restaurants. 

2. Poros

Separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow channel Poros is actually two smaller islands, connected by a bridge. Sferia, a small rocky island and Kalavria, a larger island with green hills and beautiful coastlines. The centre of most of the activities on the islands, and taking up most of Sferia, Poros town has been declared a protected settlement and is located in a natural ampitheatre, built on the slopes of a hill with pastel-hued houses, grand traditional mansions and picturesque cobbled streets leading up to a clock-tower and down to the port. 

Poros is known for its lush pine trees, crystal clear waters and sandy beaches, and a lively waterfront adorned with shops, cosy cafes and restaurants. It's also home to a wide selection of entertainment venues, making Poros a cosmopolitan, interesting island that suits charter yacht guests of all ages and inclinations.

3. Hydra

There are many reasons to fall in love with Hydra. It is truly a gem in the Saronic Gulf. Despite it's rocky barren exterior it hides one of the prettiest towns set in a beautiful curved bay. The almost round bay has kept the town hidden from passing ships for centuries preserving the beautiful stone architecture from attack. Today Hydra is a cultured town that attracts artists and art lovers, musicians, actors and celebrities. In summer there are ongoing art exhibitions in the many venues around the island. On one hand it is a vibrant, lively island but it also offers peace and tranquility.

 The waters here are deep and crystal clear and it is unique in that it is free of motorised vehicles. Instead Hydra is home to 500 mules and donkeys that carry the heavier loads along criss-crossing rural paths and amongst the narrow stone streets of the town, which is why Hydra has managed to preserve its distinctive atmosphere.

4. Spetses

Spetses is an elegant, beautiful island just a few kilometres from mainland Peloponnese. The historic character of Spetses is apparent everywhere, most especially in the stately old town, a real architectural beauty full of two-story neoclassical houses with wooden balconies and colored walls.

Much of the island is rolling hills covered in lush pine forests with crystal-clear coves while the town has a great nightlife with some of the Saronic's best restaurants with a vibrant culture that attracts artists, intellectuals and lovers of a good island party.

5. Monemvasia

Monemvasia occupies a steep, rocky islet surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Aegean, that is connected to the modern mainland village of Gefyra by a narrow bridge. It is an impressive, iceberg-like chunk of rock, with sheer cliffs rising hundreds of metres straight out of the sea.

In the past Monemvasia enjoyed enormous prosperity, and for centuries dominated the sea lanes from Western Europe to the East. Today this medieval village, enclosed within the walls of its kastro or fort and looking out to sea, is an immensely popular tourist destination. It's winding narrow streets, terracotta buildings and colourful flowers make it a wonderful place to wander and explore.

6. Nafplion

Nafplion is a very beautiful town with a mix of Greek, Venetian, and Turkish architecture. The old town is located on a peninsula jutting into the gulf of Argos beneath the imposing Palamidi fortress. In addition there is the smaller Akronafplia and the diminutive Bourtzi fortresses on an islet west of the old town.

The first capital of Greece Nafplion has attractive narrow streets, broad flights of stone steps, tree-shaded plazas surround by neoclassical mansions, elegant houses and informative museums. It also has quaint quayside cafes, sophisticated restaurants and stylish boutiques. Nafplion is also the home of the Mediterranean Yacht Show, one of the largest charter yacht shows in Europe.

7. Athens

And of course while you are there you should spend at least a day exploring Athens, the historical capital of Europe if not the world. It is a city that mixes the most iconic of ancient monuments with first class museums. The old city centre is a delightful pedestrian zone that leads to many of the major archaeological sites.

And towering above all of this is the majestic Acropolis an ancient citadel that has watched over Athens transformation through the centuries. But don't think this is all about the old. Modern Athens is also a fun city with bustling cafes, stylish restaurants and lively nightclubs. It is both sophisticated and cosmopolitan with a good measure of grime and grooviness included.

Your Greek Luxury Charter Guide

For a personalised itinerary and details of the luxury yachts available for charter in Greece please contact one of the specialists at Luxury Charter Group.