The Best Greek Islands for a Family Yacht Charter, From Ionian to Cyclades

Greece is the quintessential destination for a long, languid family yacht charter vacation in the Mediterranean. Time has a way of slowing down as you sail at a leisurely pace between marinas and anchorages, swim in emerald seas, explore historical sites and monuments, hike thyme-scented coastal trails, and dine at beachfront tavernas as the sun goes down. Above all, Greeks are renowned for their inimitable brand of hospitality, known as philoxenia, which sees youngsters treated like royalty.

Throughout Greece, from its lacy coastlines to its islands both large and small, there are countless destinations to choose from that are sure to keep your whole crew happy. Take your pick from the calm waters of the Ionian islands, the chic Cyclades, the easy-to-reach Saronic isles, the history-rich Dodecanese, and the up-and-coming Peloponnese. 

With so many Greek yacht charter destinations to choose from, it’s no mean feat to decide on an itinerary. So, here is our insider guide to the best yacht charter destinations in Greece for families. 

The Ionian islands

Best for first-time charterers 

Off Greece’s western coast lies the Ionian, a cluster of islands renowned for lush, fir- and pine-covered hillsides, mostly calm turquoise seas, and pebbled beaches. If your kids are prone to seasickness or this is your first time chartering a yacht in Greece, this is your ideal option. Start in Corfu, whose Unesco World Heritage-listed old town is a romantic melange of Venetian, French, and British influences. Head up to the Old Fortress for views of the town and Adriatic Sea. From Corfu, sail to considerably smaller Paxos, docking at the beguiling capital Gaios, which sits within a natural harbor, or drop anchor in swimming pool-like Lakka Bay. Paxos’ twin Antipaxos is a short sail away, where the aquamarine waters of Voutoumi Bay await. Next, head to Lefkada, which is brimming with gorgeous beaches, like Porto Katsiki and Kathisma, while the low-key resort town of Agios Nikitas features some fine tavernas. Make sure to spend a day in Meganisi, a small island southeast of Lefkada, tendering between secluded coves.

The Cyclades islands

Best for cosmopolitan buzz 

Iconic whitewashed sugarcube-shaped architecture, sandy beaches and a sophisticated vibe characterize the Cyclades. Aim to visit in June or September, outside of peak summer when the northerly winds known as the meltemi are at their strongest. Generations of yacht owners and charterers have been drawn to Mykonos for good reason. Expect a heady mix of full-service beaches, boutique shopping, and a lively town, but you can always find a quiet cove to escape to. A short hop northwest of Mykonos, under-the-radar Tinos features hills crisscrossed with hiking trails, while Kolympithra beach is the perfect spot for first-time surfers. This peaceful island has a robust farm-to-table scene. Skip showstopper Santorini and head to chic Paros instead, where teens can learn to kitesurf at Chrysi Akti beach. Stellar fish tavernas and low-lit bars are par for the course in Naoussa, a pirate lair turned refined resort town. Meanwhile, fertile Naxos is a firm family favorite. Splash at long, sandy beaches like Plaka and Agios Prokopios, allow the kids to take their pick of water sports, and unwind at casual tavernas, where local cheese and potatoes star on every menu. 

The Saronic Islands

Best for proximity to Athens

An easy sail from the Greek capital, island-hopping in the Saronic Gulf is carefree and unpretentious. Poros is often the first port of call, whose main town is adorned with pastel-hued homes. At the top of a hill, a clock tower dating to 1927 stands tall above a narrow strait that separates the island from the mainland. North of Poros, slow-paced, minuscule Agistri is home to glorious Dragonera, a pebbled beach at the foot of a pine forest. To the south, the elegant, car-free island of Hydra has witnessed and made history through the centuries, as documented in its Historical Archives Museum. Neoclassical stone-built sea captain’s mansions stand sentinel around the harbor, which is dotted with cafes, where you can watch people and donkeys pass by. At Hydronetta, kids can swim from rocks. Spetses shares a similar pedigree, having raised mariners who became shipowners and Greek War of Independence heroes such as Laskarina Bouboulina. Her 17th-century home is a museum whose exhibits include weapons, maps, and antique books. Evenings are made for strolls through the evocative Old Harbor, which is brimming with tavernas and bars.

The Dodecanese 

Best for history buffs

This varied collection of islands in the southeastern Aegean, which enjoys extended summers, draws lovers of history, tradition, and adventure. Rhodes, the capital of the Dodecanese, should be your first stop. Wander through the Unesco World Heritage-listed medieval old town, down the cobblestoned Street of the Knights, pausing at the Palace of the Grand Master. To the southeast, an ancient acropolis with well-preserved ruins crowns the whitewashed, bougainvillea-draped coastal town of Lindos. Inland, the Valley of the Butterflies is a breeding ground for hard-to-spot jersey tiger moths. North of Rhodes, small but exquisite Symi attracts the yachting set. Vibrant neoclassical homes grace the slopes above Gialos, the harbor, from where 500 stone steps lead up to tradition-bound Chorio, or Ano Symi, which is especially atmospheric at sunset. At dinner, youngsters won’t be able to resist tiny, flash-fried Symian shrimp. West of Symi, firmly old-school Nisyros is a dream destination for budding geologists or vulcanologists. Impress the kids with a walk across the crater of an active volcano, which is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark and affectionately known as Stefanos. 

Sporades 

Best for marine life-spotting

Venture to this little-visited island group in the northwestern Aegean for its verdant landscapes, marine wildlife, and movie-set magic. The Sporades are known for their pine-clad hillsides, emerald seas, and traditional settlements, but also as a filming location for Mamma Mia! Skiathos is blessed with more than 60 beaches, most of them sandy, along with white-pebbled Lalaria, which is best seen in the afternoon when the daytrippers have departed. In understated Skopelos, anchor in well-sheltered Panormos Bay. Walk amid traditional whitewashed homes in the main town Hora and visit the Panagitsa of Pyrgos church. Cliff-top Agios Ioannis chapel, near Glossa village, is where Mamma Mia’s nuptials scene was filmed. In Alonissos, stroll the flagstoned streets of Hora, the island’s upper village, and cool off with a swim at Chrysi Milia beach. Ensure to purchase tickets to visit the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades. Cruising between the islets of Peristera, Kyra Panagia, and Skatzoura, you may be lucky enough to spot a Mediterranean monk seal or loggerhead turtle. 

The Peloponnese 

Best for eco-luxury 

Costa Navarino, host to four five-star hotels and luxury residences, has led the gradual transformation of much of the Messinia prefecture, in the olive tree-covered southwest Peloponnese, into a high-end yet welcoming destination. Dock in the expansive harbor of Pylos, a traditional town of narrow streets and a cafe-filled square, and prepare to explore dramatic landscapes. It’s no coincidence that director Christopher Nolan chose Messinia to film parts of The Odyssey. Among the shoot locations you won’t want to miss are sandy, omega-shaped Voidokilia beach, Methoni Castle, and the Palace of Nestor archeological site. Gialova Lagoon, a critical habitat for endangered species, frames Voidokilia, offering shelter for more than 270 birds, including flamingoes. Messinia is also one of Greece’s prime nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles, which lay their eggs at nearby Romanos beach. If golf is your game, play a round at one of Costa Navarino’s four 18-hole signature courses while the kids take a private guided sea kayak tour of Navarino Bay or an e-bike tour around Ancient Messini. Messinia produces some of the country’s finest extra virgin olive oil, so make sure to take some home with you. 

Halkidiki

Best for turquoise waters

Touted as the Riviera of northern Greece, the trident-shaped Halkidiki peninsula is a short drive from the port city of Thessaloniki. Before reaching Halkidiki, make a stop at Petralona Cave, where one of Europe’s oldest and best-preserved human skulls was unearthed, together with Palaeolithic stone tools on display. Pine forests cloak Halkidiki’s three “legs”, which float out into the Aegean. Kassandra, the most developed touristically, is host to Sani Marina, located within a five-star resort and catering to yachts of varying sizes. Young children can play carefree in shallow waters sheltered from the wind. Sithonia is Kassandra’s wilder cousin, where you can stretch out on soft white-sand beaches and swim in sapphire seas. Sail to Diaporos islet and spend the day jumping off the stern, snorkeling and kayaking between remote coves. Mount Athos, a self-governed, semi-autonomous Orthodox monastic territory and UNESCO World Heritage Site, occupies Halkidiki’s entire third prong and is off-limits to women. The best way to see its centuries-old cliffside monasteries and majestic Mount Athos is to cruise along the coast. Fish and seafood dominate menus at seaside tavernas, while there are beach bars catering to a youthful clientele and serenity seekers alike.