So you’ve always wanted to visit Greece, the cradle of Western civilization.

I don’t blame you – the pictures are impressive!

There’s the Acropolis in Athens, the picturesque white houses in Santorini, and the mouthwatering Greek cuisine – the idea of wrapping your hands around an authentic, juicy souvlaki.

But Greece is perhaps most famous for its islands. There are more than 200 to choose from, plus thousands of islands and uninhabited islets to explore! So, what’s the best way to experience it all?

There are many ways to island hop, from renting motorboats and sailboats to jet skis and RIBs for shorter trips. But one of the best ways to do this without needing a license is to book a skipper for a yacht charter in Greece.

This is after all a country with a strong boating history, and is one of the world’s leading maritime nations. Many locals who live in Athens for example, rent a boat to visit the small islands of the Saronic Gulf, the likes of Hydra, Spetses and Poros.

A yacht charter is one of the best ways to explore this ancient country, and while you’ll undoubtedly want to experience them all, here are some of the islands you can explore.

Why a Yacht Charter in Greece is the Best Way to Explore This Ancient Country (List of Islands to Explore)

Saronic Islands

We’ve mentioned Hydra and Spetses above in the intro, but there are also picturesque islands such as Aegina and Agkistri, both lovely places for a short trip from the Greek capital.

True, they lack vegetation and the fame of the Cyclades Islands, but they definitely compensate with their scenic landscapes and chill-out vibes.

Nightlife here is not as vibrant as in Mykonos or even Athens, so if you charter a yacht in Greece for a holiday with your family, the Saronic Islands are not to be missed; they’re much more laid back if you’re looking for a family friendly island.

Image: dronepicr (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

Ionian Islands

Located in Western Greece and blessed with lush green landscapes and crystal-clear blue waters, the Ionian Islands are one of the most popular destination for a yacht rental in Greece.

Corfu and Zakynthos (above) lend themselves to an unforgettable sailing experience, while Porto Katsiki, Myrtos and Navagio are some of the lovely beaches you can visit in the area, particularly in the afternoon when most tourists are gone.

Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, located on the northern side of the island, is practically an exposed cove, with an abandoned shipwreck buried in the middle; hence the name ‘Navagio’, which means ‘shipwreck’ in Greek.

The beach, which is known to the locals as Agios Georgios, is packed in the morning with tourists from all over the world, but with a yacht rental in Greece you visit anytime you want and avoid the crowds later in the afternoon.

Myrtos is the most famous beach in Kefalonia, and among the most photographed places in the world. Surrounded by steep cliffs and offering you crystal clear waters to dive, this long stretch of sand is ideal for a one-day boat trip with your friends or family.

Porto Katsiki: Rocky cliffs dominate the landscape of this beach too, one of the most beautiful ones in the Ionian islands. It is easily accessible with a boat from Lekfada Town, the capital of the Ionian island of Lefkada.

Egremni beach: Egremni is one of the largest beaches in Lefkada, ideal for families and those who love water sports.

Crete

Another place that is better explored with a yacht charter in Greece is the island of Crete, the country’s biggest island, famous for its delicious cuisine and hospitable people.

Charter a yacht in Herakleion or Chania to visit beaches with azure waters and breathtaking landscapes, such as Falasarna, Balos and Elafonisi.

If you rent a boat in Crete you can also visit the small islet of Gavdos, Europe’s southernmost point.

Cyclades Islands

Finally, a yacht rental in Greece will give the opportunity to set on an island-hopping trip in the Aegean Sea and visit world-famous islands such as Mykonos, Santorini and Paros.

If you are eager to sail the extra mile, you can also discover smaller but equally beautiful islands such as Folegandros, Anafi, Sikinos, Kimolos, Koufonisia, Donousa and Schinousa. You can spend a day or two on each one of them and find the island that suits your mood this summer.

Greece is one of the world’s most popular destinations for a summer holiday, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world. But with a yacht charter in Greece you can discover its hidden side that only the locals know.