Explore Greece By Boat
Explore Greece By Boat

One of the best ways to explore Greece and its islands is by boat. With more than 13,000 km of coastline and thousands of islands to explore, a boat expedition is the best way to see what this beautiful country has to offer.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure.

A summer spent touring Greece on a boat can be the ideal trip, and there are various options available for those who are interested. There are planned cruise packages with fixed itineraries, or there are more relaxing options such as a private charter or your own boat equipped with a T-top.

While planned trips are fun and might be more suitable for families, trips on a private boat alone or with friends offer more freedom to explore the islands without having to rush through the beauty.

Find Hidden Gems And Enjoy Nature

When cruising through Greece on your own boat, you can pass through amazing groups of islands, go to lesser-known ones, and find beaches to swim around. You’ll be able to anchor in mesmerizing, naturally protected bays and harbors that other ferries and cruises might not be able to reach.

If you’re into fishing, you’re in luck! Fishing is a popular pastime in Greece and a permit isn’t required for recreational fishing. This can also give you a chance to talk to the locals and ask them about where the best catch is.

Less Crowded

Greece is a popular tourist spot attracting tens of millions yearly visitors. Taking a boat and sailing through the beautiful waters will help you avoid the crowd. A boat can become your personal oasis where you can enjoy the serene nature around you, either with your friends or on your own.

A boat, depending on its type, can also eliminate the need to search for a room in a hotel. It frees you up to spend however long you wish on an island without having to worry about overbooked rooms. While island hopping, if you decide to stay in Kythnos a day longer, just drop the anchor at a safe harbor and you’re all set.

Flexibility

Even with an itinerary, a private boat trip provides a lot of flexibility. As mentioned previously, having your own vessel means not having to rush off an island you love before you get to explore it all. It also means changing your route at will. From visiting all of Cyclades to going to another island for a change in scenery, anything is possible.

See Greece In A New Light

Exploring Greece by boat might sound daunting, but with planning and the right safety measures, it can be one of the most memorable trips ever. If you have your own boat and a boat driving license, the whole trip is yours to make. Even if you don’t have these items, Greece offers a variety of options with a crew that would suit everyone’s needs – whether traveling alone or with a group. Experience Greece in a new light filled with relaxation and surrounded by beauty. Mykonos, Santorini, Anafi, and Arki are waiting for you to sail their way!

Where To Find The Best Places For Boating

Now that you know how beautiful Greece looks from the stern of a boat, you might want to look for places that will make the experience worth your while. 

Here’s a list of places you can sail to so you can experience the best that this Mediterranean country has to offer!

Dodecanese Islands

Known for its sunny weather all year round, the Dodecanese Islands have to be one of Greece’s most prized and well-kept secrets. Comprising numerous island groups, the area is a sight to behold due to its ancient attractions as well as natural beauty. Traveling by boat, you will get to see white-sand beaches and ruins dating as far back as the Classical period. 

To make the most of your travel to these islands, go on an island hopping adventure that starts from Kos, with its high-end restaurants and five-star resorts, to the rocks of Kalymnos where death-defying climbers get their dose of adrenaline on this side of the world. These islets and many more are located so close to each other that it’s possible to travel between them using a wake boat or a jet ski!

Crete

The largest island off the mainland, Crete has been the stuff of legend. In Greek mythology, the island was said to be the home of the labyrinth where the Minotaur was imprisoned. But don’t let that story scare you away from the marvelous sights this island is known for. 

With your trusty vessel, look at Elafonissi Beach, a small islet known for the turquoise water surrounding it. It‘s connected to the main island via a shallow reef which you can safely cross when the tide is low. You can also take your boat northwest and visit the beautiful port of Chania. The place is adorned by Venetian and Ottoman architecture. If you have time to spare, drop by the nautical museum and view exquisite pieces of naval history. 

Naxos

Spanning just under 500 square kilometers, the island of Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades. And just like any other island, it never fails to amaze sailors like yourself. The island is home to ancient temples and villages that have stood the test of time. Apart from that, Naxos is also known for its impressive culinary traditions. If you find the time to disembark from your boat, try the island’s specialty cheeses and seafood dishes. 

Whether you’re traveling by yacht or trawler, the island’s coastline offers exquisite views of pristine, virgin beachfront with Plaxos Beach being the most iconic for its golden sand. From there, take your boat to Agios Prokopios. Don’t let the beach’s serene appearance fool you. The place is known for its energetic nightlife with numerous bars and clubs catering to international guests.

Endnote

Greece looks pretty when you traverse its vast expanse by land, but it becomes an otherworldly experience when you trace its coastline. So, when you’re experiencing Greece by boat, remember these essential pointers before you book a flight and charter a good boat.

Ashley Hubbard
Latest posts by Ashley Hubbard (see all)

Leave a Reply