Ancient temples, narrow alleyways, and the bright blue sea, Aegina has long been a port of call for nearby Athenians wanting to sun themselves away from the city. Enjoying a prime locale with commuter distance to the Greek capital, Aegina has all the hallmarks you would expect from a glorious Greek Island. A bustling port welcomes you in, but beyond that there’s no shortage of peaceful spots and memorable excursions. Be sure to visit the Temple of Aphaia with its classic design and history dating all the way back to 500 BC. Be charmed by waterfront tavern dining in Perdika, and explore the impressive monastery of Agios Nektarios. Of course, the island also offers impeccable beaches with sheltered spots for swimming in the softest shades of blue. A glut of gorgeous unique villages and home to specialized local pistachio, Aegina is a true Aegean gem.
Hydra has a firm foot in history, first mentioned by Herodotus in the 5th century, later becoming a hub for boat-making and a haven for bohemians, musicians, and artists in the 1960s. The car-free island retains its sleepy charm: donkeys carry goods, white yachts dot the harbor, and neoclassical mansions line the streets. Along the route, a small secluded bay offers a swim stop. In Hydra town, the quaint lanes of Kamini, Bisti, and Agios Nikolaos can be explored, along with artistic boutiques and turquoise waters ideal for swimming. The day can be rounded off with a sunset view and an optional dinner overlooking the harbor.
On the east of the Peloponnese sits the small seaside town of Ermioni. Huddled around a scenic port at the bottom of the hill slopes, this town is a popular escape for Athenians looking to escape the city. With the sea on three sides and backed by a beautiful pine forest, this little city island is a perfect port of call for those wanting to do day trips to the famous spots of Ancient Epidaurus, Porto Heli, Nafplion, Hydra, and Poros.
Pretty Poros is a must-see delight in the Sardonic Gulf. With its delectable seafood offerings, fragrant lemon and pine forests, and ancient temple for Poseidon, you get the perfect fill of culture, food, and scenery to feed all your Greek dreams. The picturesque Poros town is a must-see, with its neoclassical buildings perched on the Poros Strait. Be sure to see the iconic clock tower for incredible harbor views, along with the Folk Museum for a fascinating glance into the domestic past of Greece. Churches, monasteries, and temples are all ripe for picking when it comes to how to spend your afternoons.
Close to Athens and representing the golden age, Sounion is home to the impressive Temple of Poseidon. Built in 440 BC, this is one of the most important and well-preserved monuments from Ancient Greece. Standing high on the cliff, this temple was more than a homage to the god of the sea; it also served as a calling card for sailors returning home. Visiting at sunset turns everything to gold and lends impressive views across the Saronic Gulf. Poetry lovers can even see the graffiti of Lord Byron, who had scratched his name on one of the temple pillars.
A stone's throw from the capital of Athens but still soaked in that Cyclades flavor, Kea is a lesser-known gem that other islands but makes for a great hangout for charter guests wanting to experience a local secret. Kea has been around since the bronze age which means it has a long history and a lot of archeological sites and ancient ruins to suit. One of the must-see ancient sites on Kea is the stone-carved lion which dates back to 600 BC. Get into the rhythm of life on Kea at the port of Korissia, where the pebbled beach comes flanked with colorful homes in shades of burnt orange against the blue sea. Hike the trail of the ancient cities that crosses over 40km and leads you through landscapes that were once home to cities of old. With a tender on hand, you can also explore the nooks and coves tucked into he coastal crannies of Kea.
As one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades chain, you get all the best parts crammed into one charming corner when it comes to Syros. Pastel shades, blooming bougainvillea, and crystal clear waters set the scene for a pretty port of call that is quite cosmopolitan. You can explore Ermoupoli - known as the queen of the cycles, this bustling town is all architectural grace and gleaming marble. Above the town, the Agios Georgios Cathedral is well worth the walk to see the 13th-century citadel complete with sweeping views. Beach lovers will find their bliss in Galissas where a sheltered cove makes swimming without a ripple a summer dream.
Mykonos is one of the most luxurious Greek islands, with countless resorts and many great restaurants and bars. Mykonos is famous for the glamour of its nightlife, the island's main attraction after its plethora of beautiful beaches. Anchor off "Little Venice," the charming seaside neighborhood with its row of waterfront cafes overlooking the sea, and stop at the Folklore Museum and the Archeological Museum. Shop by day or enjoy a sunset cocktail in one of the glamorous Mykonos bars.
Another paradise for lovely, fine-sand beaches is Paros, situated south of Mykonos. The quaint little harbour is full of fishermen's houses and Athenian retreats. Paros, much like Mykonos, is a windsurfing paradise and home to windsurfing championships. Travel inland to The Valley of the Butterflies, where you'll see thousands of Tiger Moth butterflies fluttering their wings in summer. Stay on the sister island of Antiparos for a peaceful anchorage, where there are several beaches and a spectacular Cave of Antiparos with its stalactites and stalagmites dating back 45 million years!
Celebrated as being the largest island in the sweet Cyclades, Naxos has the charm of being a little off-center of the tourist trail when compared to the likes of Santorini or Mykonos. But Naxos makes for an amazing anchorage with its atmospheric old town made up of minotaur maze-like streets lined with chic cafes and dreamy bohemian shops. Active charter guests can take the seven villages trail - hiking past donkeys and wildflowers and all the things that make you want to wax lyrical about the Greek countryside. There’s also the chance for wine tasting at local distilleries, admiring ancient temples, stacking up on history at the archeological museum, and blissing out on golden beaches.
One of the most photographed Greek islands and famed for its sunsets, white cubist architecture, and dazzling blue domes - Santorini is the picture child of a summer yacht charter. Utterly spectacular at every turn, a visit to Santorini showcases rich archeological sites, impressive colored cliffs, tiny fishing villages flanked by gin-clear waters, and even the chance to see The Greek Pompeii. Other must-see sights for charter guests include the rarity of Red Beach with its ochre sands and rust-colored cliffs. Visit the boutiques and beautiful restaurants of the caldera towns of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira, sip and swirl at one of the boutique wineries, and fall in love a thousand times with spellbinding Santorini.
Wedged between two cosmopolitan islands, Folegandros has managed to stay relatively untouched by tourism and keeps its natural charm. Soaring cliffs, photogenic churches perched high, cut caves, and waters teeming with rich anemones, colorful sponges, and baby corals make Folegandros a must-see destination. You should be sure to see the Church of Penagia with its zigzag path climbing the mountains and offering iconic views across the blue. The clifftop village of Hora is rich with character, and the beaches are pristine with clear waters and fine pebbles and sands.
Serifos Island boasts typical Cycladic architecture is dotted with little whitewashed houses and churches that contrast with the wild natural landscape of the island. This off-the-beaten-track island is ideal for relaxing holidays as it has not been affected by overdevelopment. The capital, Serifos Chora, is undoubtedly one of the Cyclades' most beautiful capitals! Travelers fill the paved narrow alleys of Chora to stroll and have a drink at the island's bars after spending their day on the idyllic Serifos beaches.
Named after a mythical king, it's no wonder that Kynthos feels like a fairy tale. With its rolling golden hills, charming stone huts, and absolute serenity, you couldn’t wish for a better escape in the Cyclades. The port of Merichas welcomes you in with its relaxing buzz and bright waterside cafes. Visit villages and caves and wander the colorful close-knit streets of Hora with their painted walls, local frescoes, and windmills. On the northern side, charter guests can seek steaming hot springs in Loutra, and with more than a hundred beaches to choose from, when it comes to sun and sand, you will be spoilt for choice.
Athens, the historical capital of Europe and the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilisation, was also the home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles and Aeschylus.
As one of the world’s oldest cities, it’s recorded history spans around 3.400 years and has been inhabited since the 11th Century BC.
The first thing that most people think of when it comes to Athens is, of course, the Acropolis. Sitting majestically above this dense Greek city, the Acropolis and the columned Parthenon are one of the greatest sites of Europe.
But there happens to be more to this hellenistic metropolis.
So much more: aside from the obvious museums - the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museums should be obligatory visits for first-timers to Athens - be sure to stroll around Plaka, a neighbourhood densely packed with shops, cafes and restaurants.
The district of Kolonaki with its high-end boutiques, upscale restaurants and vibrant nightlife is also well-worth a visit.