Unlike cruise ships, which offer pre-scheduled cruises where individuals join a group for specified dates and ports, following a pre-planned itinerary, private yachts by their very nature sail from harbor to harbor and are free to go where and when they please. This is the very definition of ‘cruising.’ Guests stay for as long as they want and when they are ready to move on, they go to the next place of their choosing…. Admirals of their own yacht, guests choose their own dates and ports and plan their own itineraries, according to their personal interests. People like it like this, because everybody has their own idea of where to go, and yachts are privately chartered; there’s no reason why somebody can’t have a custom itinerary….
This does make it hard for people unfamiliar with the Mediterranean to decide where to cruise. Charters in Greece usually begin and end in Athens and sail by way of Kea, Syros, Mykonos, Paros, Eos, Santorini, Milos, Serifos, Kythos, but it’s best to choose dates in June if visiting the Cyclades, due to strong Meltemi winds in July & August…. Charters in July and August in Greece are more likely to be in the Sporades, Ionian Sea (Corfu), or Peloponnesus Peninsula, where waters are more protected….
Here is a suggested seven night itinerary for cruising the popular Cyclades of Greece in May, June, September or October. We’re glad to report that the Greek Tourist Board has just announced a 20-70% rise in pre-bookings and a 90-100% occupancy rate for the Summer of 2017. July bookings increased 6.6% over last year. This is wonderful for this charming country, which has ridiculously quaint, quay-side restaurants, spacious quay-side squares with cobblestone sidewalks, quaint shops and boutiques, and all manner of bright bougainvillea…. plus lots and lots of fabulous history…..
The islands mentioned above are located in a circle that juts out into the Cyclades, beginning and ending in Athens, where islands are close together with turquoise waters, beaches, and bays and offer respites from bustling towns…. The hot, dry climate of Greece makes swimming and beaching a fabulous alternative to sightseeing ashore.
Greece has the lowest VAT TAX of all the Mediterranean countries. Yachts do not generally charge delivery fees, because all the cruising grounds are within easy range of Athens. There is a large selection of exquisitely decorated, professionally-run power yachts, catamarans, and locally built Caiques, available for charter in Greece. There is something for everybody there, and sailing season is from May through October, with July and August being high season. Rates are lower in May, June, September, and October. Nicholson Yacht Charters, Inc. staff inspects the fleet annually there….. We meet their captains and crew and know which yachts are the nicest….
- It May be Hot, but We’ve Got the Yacht!
- Telephone: 207 374 2288
- Email: nikyacht@comcast.net
