7-Day Greece Yacht Itinerary-Northeastern Aegean Islands 

Ease into the worry-free pace of life in the Northeast Aegean by making Plomari, in southern Lesvos (also known as Mytilini), your first port of call. Dock at the town’s harbor, which has a small number of berths for visiting yachts. Otherwise, anchor off Agios Isidoros beach. 

Stroll through Plomari’s narrow stone-paved streets amid tall neoclassical mansions, pausing for a coffee or mid-morning meze at one of the colorful tavernas on the plane tree-shaded central square.

Learn all about Greece’s world-famous firewater at Ouzo Varvayanni, which has been producing the anise-flavored spirit since 1860, and sample four varieties, the strongest of which is named Aphrodite. Afterwards, lunch on chargrilled local sardines at one of the tavernas overlooking the port. 

Spend the afternoon splashing around in the blue-green waters of Ammoudeli beach, or the pebbled shores of Agios Isidoros. At the latter, stretch out on a towel or kick back on a sun lounger at V’ammos beach bar. 

In the far north of Lesvos is Molyvos, also known as Mythimna. You’ll be lucky to find a berth at the town’s tiny marina, otherwise anchor outside and tender to the quay. Molyvos hosts some of the Aegean’s best-maintained Ottoman-era architecture, among them stone-built vine-shaded houses that stud cobbled streets veering up a hillside. 

In the cool of the morning, ascend to the hilltop Byzantine castle to see the ruins of an Ottoman theological school, monastery and hammam. From there, take in panoramic views of the town and harbor below. Afterwards, wander around the artisan shops that sell local honey, ceramics, and herbs. 

Get in some swim time at Eftalou beach, where you can sit among rocks as hot springs gush into the sea. Nearby Chrysi Akti (Golden Beach) is another good option for a peaceful swim and casual lunch. 

As the sun starts to set, pull up a chair at one of Molyvos’ bars with castle views before ambling down to the marina for a dreamy seaside fish taverna dinner. 

Slip into one of the few berths at Myrina’s small but welcoming, well-sheltered port, or opt to anchor in Romeikos Gialos.  

Situated on a rugged promontory crowned by a medieval castle, Myrina is Limnos’ easygoing capital. Seagulls and cats vie for leftover catch cast from wide-bellied traditional caiques bobbing in the old harbor, following a late-night fishing expedition.

Take a walk along the town’s main street Kyda, heading north to Romeikos Gialos, which is lined with attractive open-air cafes and restaurants. A short walk from there is sandy Riha Nera beach, where you can take a dip in shallow, crystalline waters or hang out at a lively beach bar.  

In the late afternoon, trek up to the Castle of Myrina, whose elements combine Venetian and Ottoman elements. Watch for timid fallow deer that graze on the hillside as it glows orange in the evening. Alternatively, hire a car and head north to the Gomati sand dunes, also known as Ammothines, for a spectacular sunset over the sea. 

Belying its small size, remote Agios Efstratios has a generous harbor which can host multiple visiting yachts. Few visitors make it to this little-visited, shark tooth-shaped island, home to around 250 permanent residents. But those who do adore it for its humbleness and simplicity. Life in the sole town revolves around the main square, flanked by a church, municipal offices, a post office, a taverna, a cafe-patisserie and a mezedopolio (meze restaurant). 

A powerful 1968 earthquake destroyed most of the traditional stone-built homes that once graced the hillside facing the port. Few remain today, but it’s worth seeking them out. At the Museum of Democracy, learn about the island’s past as a place of political exile.
 
Typical of tiny Greek islands like this, the town’s beach is blessed with kid-friendly, gin-clear waters. Gather your crew for a game of beach volleyball on the fine silvery sand to work up an appetite for dinner.  

Arriving at Chios Town’s nondescript port, which offers visitor quays, might prove underwhelming. Don’t be fooled, though. Many of the island’s treasures, including medieval villages, mastic trees and elegant estates dating to the 14th century, lie well-hidden in the interior. 

Head south out of Chios Town by car to the captivating neighborhood of Kampos, where tall limestone walls conceal stately mansions, originally built by affluent Genoese merchants, and planted with citrus orchards. Only around 30 to 40 remain today, some of which have been converted to boutique hotels.  

Next, visit the state-of-the-art Chios Mastic Museum, which outlines the stirring story of mastic, an aromatic resin coaxed from an endemic variety of lentisk tree that grows only in the south of the island.

Nearby is Pyrgi village, whose curious home exteriors are adorned with monochromatic etchings depicting flowers, animals and geometric patterns. In the soft afternoon light, amble through the atmospheric alleyways of medieval Mesta village. 

In the evening, return to Chios Town for dinner in the hip Kastro (castle) area. 

Dock at Evdilos port, in northern Ikaria, which has limited quay facilities for visiting yachts, yet has plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. From there, you’ll need a rental car so you can reach some of the Blue Zone island’s main attractions, including coastal villages and some fantastic beaches. 

Start your day at Messakti beach, a long, blond sand beach with cerulean waters, where you can learn to surf with Ikaria Surf School or simply chill at one of its beach bars. For lunch, head to the seaside village of Armenistis for down-home fare made with local produce. 

In the afternoon, check out Nas beach, situated at the mouth of a river canyon, near the ruins of an ancient Temple of Artemis. Be careful of strong currents when northerlies are blowing. You won’t want to miss the sun descending into the horizon here, best seen from the hilltop above.

Afterwards, settle in for dinner at one of the village’s well-regarded fish tavernas before returning to the dock. 

A modern, full-service marina, a rarity in the Northeastern Aegean, awaits at Pythagorio, in the southeast of Samos. Berths can be booked in advance. Pastel-colored neoclassical buildings, restaurants, and cafe-bars line the sheltered harbor of Pythagorio, named after Samos’ most famous son, mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras. 

Start at the Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis, built in 1824 by a local Greek War of Independence leader, which houses finds from Byzantine sites. Next, visit the extensive Unesco World Heritage-listed Heraion archeological site, a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera. Back in town, explore the exceptional Archaeological Museum of Pythagorio, whose star exhibits include grand marble sarcophagi and intricately carved gravestones. 

If time permits, follow one of three routes through an ancient engineering marvel: a sixth-century BCE aqueduct known as the Evpalinos Tunnel. 

For dinner, head back to the harbor for dinner and a glass of local white muscat wine at one of the many vibrant seafront eateries.