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.
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.
Wild, fragrant, and bursting with flavor, Sifnos is known for being one of the prettiest ports of call in the Cyclades. Sifnos is a postcard with its whitewashed buildings, impossibly blue sea, and the sparkle of sunlight hitting already golden-soaked rocks. Charter guests should be sure to explore the stone streets of Kastro and make the short hike to see the enigmatic Church of the Seven Martyrs. This white-washed, blue-top tiny church sitting precariously at the edge of a cliff has become a poster child for the ancient charm of Greece. The seafood and mezze here are spectacular, with fresh calamari and octopus bruschetta, which are a must while watching a sunset of dizzying color.
Milos is recognised as the Island of Colours, it has incredible rock formations and postcard villages which make it an ideal stop on your charter. There are over 75 beaches, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Created from volcanic Lava, this magnificent island is a source of rare minerals. There are many great bars and restaurants, fabulous beaches and remote bays for suntanning. The island once housed the famous Venus de Milo statue, now at the Paris Louvre.
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. Charter guests 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.
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.
Ios is one of the most popular islands in Greece and known for its wonderfully vibrant nightlife and party scene. This isn't all its known for though, and this charming island will captivate you with its amazing views, whitewashed houses, cobblestone alleys and clifftop villages. The island's beautiful beaches are considered some of the best in Greece. You are spoiled for choice, with quiet, secluded bays or the more lively beaches dotted with trendy bars and watersports activities.
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!
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. Charter guests 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.
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.
Athens is all beauty and grit, history and the here and now - an eclectic combo that makes for a fascinating city stay. Under the shadow of the imposing Acropolis, Athens takes its place in the history books seriously. Home to temples and tales, the capital has been around since the 5th century, and unraveling its onion-like skin serves up ancient mythology, byzantine delights, ottoman edges, and an urban modern appeal that gives it its modern buzz. The Acropolis is a must for charter guests wanting to marvel at one of the best examples of Greek antiquity. Art lovers can swoon at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and antique hunters will get their fill at the ancient neighborhood of Monastiraki with its rooftop bars and sprawling market scenes.