Sailing in Greece offers visitors the chance to discover the hidden splendor of Greece & the Greek Islands. Experience the luxury of sailing in the warm turquoise waters of Greece and explore hidden coves on remote Greek islands.

Drop anchor in a secluded bay and sunbath on untouched sandy beaches that can only be reached by boat. Picture yourself diving off your yacht into crystal clear waters of the Aegean or enjoying your afternoon meal on deck, then relax and have a cool drink in the midday heat listening to the waves gently splashing against the keel.

Many people have the misconception that chartering a yacht in Greece may be well over their budget but in reality the total cost (depending on the type of yacht you charter) may end up about the same if not less.

Take in to consideration the total costs for hotel accommodation, ferry, airline tickets, car rental, dining out etc… especially if your thinking taking the whole family along on vacation then a yacht charter is definitely worth it.

Another good reason to charter a yacht in Greece is if you plan on doing some Greek island hopping, then you can visit more islands at your own pace. You don’t have to worry about not finding a hotel, missing your ferry or flight. You control where you want and when you want.

What type of yacht should I charter? The type of yacht you choose depends on what you want, a motor yacht offers more space, privacy, luxury & comfort as well as all the extra goodies such as jet skis, scuba & fishing gear, chef, and hostess and will get you where you want to go fast.

A sailing yacht on the other hand brings to mind the true meaning of sailing in Greece. This is an ideal choice for the adventurous type who wants to enjoy the full pleasures of sailing. Although they are slower and more economical to charter they are limited in space, and fewer amenities.

A good yacht charter company can help you plan your sailing holiday in Greece, choose your own custom itinerary and select the right type of yacht for your sailing vacation in Greece.

So leave your troubles behind and prepare yourself for carefree sailing holidays in Greece

Our Island, Paros

As one reads the guide books or browses the travel sites it is easy to become confused about the character of the Cycladic island of Paros, Greece. Because it has more ferry traffic than any other island –due to being between Athens and the well known islands of Mykonos and Santorini–everyone who visits the area has been to Paros. Yet each beholder sees a different aspect. The superficial don’t get past the rock & rolling beach clubs or the harbour drive full of restaurants and bars. Some, especially those with young families, pass through to the adjacent isle of Antiparos which is well known for its quiet, laid back, small scale village lifestyle. It is also a favourite spot for Scandinavians who like the nude beaches found there. For the adventure seekers who wish to stay on Paros we recommend taking the first day to circle the island–non-stop it can be done in less than hour, but that is not the way to sample its joys. There are far too many sandy beaches to enumerate so the visitor has too look a few over and decide if he wants a small cove all to himself , a wider stretch with a small taverna and a few other people or the big Golden Beach with hotels, cafes, windsurfers, waterskiing, etc. Except that is not a necessary decision because a little further around the island at Santa Maria you can find all three types in close proximity. Paros has two towns and numerous villages. Parikia is the port city and commercial hub; Naoussa the up-scale tourist haven around a picturesque fishing harbour. Piso Livadi is the archetypical Mediterranean village while it is said about Aliki at the undeveloped south end of the island, “Not many people find their way here, but those who do, don’t want to leave.” Perhaps we should also visit some antiquities as well. That is easy as you can’t go anywhere without stumbling over or running into ruins from either ancient Greece or the Venetian period about 1,500 AD. One of the best views is from a partially rebuilt Mycenaean site from about 1,500 BC. Behind the main supermarket in Parikia is an excavated ancient pottery factory. Our major Orthodox church, Ekatontapyliani, has plexiglas floor inserts so you can see the ancient temple over which it is built. For the activity holiday we have horse-riding, yoga clinics, painting and cooking courses, bicycling, hill walking, etc. Of course there is every water sport that you can imagine. Ever heard of kite boarding? Paros is the Greece capital for that sport. Scuba diving, snorkeling and sailing opportunities abound. This short description of Paros has not included the vast array of art galleries, wineries and the like. We have also selfishly not mentioned our favourite spots, but if you come visit us, we will share our pieces of paradise with you.

Michael Shepherd

http://ParosParadise.com

In the world of yacht charters, Greece is one of the most exotic destinations you can choose. Enjoy bareboat sailing on the Ionian Sea along the west coast of Greece where the islands are bound together by a unique culture. Another yacht charter that Greece offers is a chance to see the varied landscape of the islands in the Saronic Gulf. Take trip back to the place where civilization began when you choose one of these yacht charters. Greece has so much to offer that you will hardly know where to begin.

The Saronic Gulf offers exciting ports of call for yacht charters. You have the opportunity for you to charter a yacht on your own and enjoy bareboat sailing. Greece also offers luxury yachts with a full crew to pamper you as you sail along. Whatever your penchant for yacht charters, Greece will meet or beat your expectations giving you a vacation like none other. In addition to the Ionian Sea and the Saronic Gulf, with yacht charters along the coast of Greece, you can sail to the Cyclades Group of islands, the Dodecanese, the Sporades and the Samos area.

For those interested in bareboat sailing, Greece has many types of yachts available, such as sailing yachts and motor yachts. In order to book one of these yacht charters, Greece requires that there be two qualified skippers on board. This is because if one should have an accident, the other can handle the yacht. Greece also requires that skippers be licensed for sailing and you have to mail a copy of your sailing license to the yacht charter company when you make your booking. Don’t forget to bring your original contract for the yacht charter. Greece regulations require this for departure clearance.

Yacht charters in Greece begin on Saturday afternoon and end on Friday evening. The yacht charter company that you choose will also arrange for transfer for you from the airport to the yacht and provide the same service when the charter is complete. With a yacht charter in Greece, you will have to choose an itinerary from a list provided. It is unlikely that you will be able to change the schedule of ports of call.

When you book yacht charters, Greece regulations require that the yacht be full of fuel and water you will need for the trip. There are refuelling stations in the various ports and you must return the yacht in the same way you receive it. The charter company can advise you on what type of clothing to bring with you for yacht charters. Greece can get cold when you are on the water and at night. This is why it is recommended that you bring heavy clothes.