For me, the best way to travel is by boat. Renting a sailing yacht for a week or two and exploring the Greek islands is one of my favorite ways to see this beautiful Mediterranean nation. In fact, there are so many islands that it’s impossible to see them all in just one trip, which makes it even more exciting! And if you’re worried about how much it will cost, don’t be—there are plenty of affordable options out there for anyone who wants to take advantage of Greece’s best-kept secret: island-hopping by boat.
A Greek Island-Hopping Adventure:
The Greek islands are a great place to set sail. You can hop from island to island or just spend time on one, but either way you’ll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful water in the world. The best part about sailing around these islands is that they are all so different! Some have beaches, others have mountains; some have ruins and more modern cities; some feel like old-timey villages while others have casinos and hotels. Just like Dubai parks and resorts or America’s malls and adventure parks, It’s amazing to see so much variety within this tiny area of Greece too!
Keep your eyes on the horizon:
The Aegean Sea is full of surprises, and you never know when you’ll spot a shipwreck or an island paradise. The best way to enjoy your journey through this part of Greece is by looking out over the water, taking in as much of it as possible while basking in its beauty.
The sky, the sea and the wind are your guides:
It’s a cliché, but it’s true: the sky, the sea and the wind are your guides. The Aegean is a place of natural beauty and harmony–a place where you can let go of your worries and just enjoy yourself.
There’s no escaping from history here:
If you’re looking for a place that’s steeped in history, look no further than Greece. The country is home to countless ancient ruins and archaeological sites, but there’s no escaping from history here. It’s everywhere you go–from the Greek temples that dot the island of Naxos to the medieval village of Corfu Town (or Kerkira).
Drink in the views from above:
The best way to get a handle on the local culture is by immersing yourself in it. And what better way than through food? Greece is famous for its cuisine, which varies depending on region and seasonality–you can expect everything from meat-heavy dishes like lamb stews and grilled octopus to fresh salads (try tzatziki!) and seafood paella. Whether you’re eating at a restaurant or buying groceries at one of the many markets around town, take time out to explore Greek cuisine by trying some new dishes!
Watch for wildlife, but keep your distance:
- Keep an eye out for wildlife. The Aegean Sea is famous for its dolphins, and you can see them in the wild on your boat trip. They’re also known to swim in groups of three or four–and they’re not afraid of humans!
- Don’t touch the dolphins. If you want to get up close to one, go find a zoo instead (or at least keep your distance). These mammals are protected by law and shouldn’t be disturbed by tourists who want their picture taken with them.
You can learn a lot about yourself by being alone with nature:
When you’re alone with nature, you can learn a lot about yourself. You can learn how to appreciate the little things in life and how to be thankful for what you have. You’ll also find that being alone doesn’t mean that it will be boring or uninteresting; there are always new things to find or explore when exploring nature on your own.
The island of Samos:
Samos is the largest of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. It is a popular destination for travelers looking for an island getaway, with its beautiful beaches, hiking trails and ancient ruins.
The island’s capital town is Vathy (also known as Samos), which has some nice beaches but isn’t really worth spending much time in unless you’re on your way somewhere else or staying overnight before catching an early ferry out of town. If you have time though, there are plenty of other things to do around here: visit nearby villages like Pythagoreion or Marathokambos; explore one of Samos’ many wineries; hike up Mount Ambelas (the highest point) or take a dip at one of its many beaches!
The island of Chios:
Chios is a stunning island that you won’t want to miss on your Greek island-hopping adventure. It’s known for the beautiful beaches and crystal clear water, which makes it an ideal place to relax after a long day of exploring other islands.
One of the best ways to see Chios is by renting a car and driving around the island yourself. There are many scenic views as well as traditional villages that can be explored along the way!
The island of Ikaria:
Ikaria is one of the most isolated Greek islands, and its location has helped it to preserve its culture, history and traditions for centuries. The island is also known for producing some of Greece’s best wine–it’s been described as “the best kept secret of the Aegean.”
Ikaria has many beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming or relaxing on with a book while you soak up some sun. The island’s northern coast is known for its cliffs overlooking the sea; meanwhile, in the south are sandy beaches surrounded by greenery and pine trees that offer shade from hot summer days. If you’re looking for more adventure than just relaxing on your vacation, then try some water sports like snorkeling or scuba diving near Ikaria’s rocky shores where you might spot colorful fish amongst underwater caves full of marine life!
The island of Mykonos:
Mykonos is a popular summer destination for those looking to escape the heat and crowds of Athens. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, trendy bars and clubs, as well as its busy nightlife scene. The town itself has some great restaurants, but if you’re looking for something more authentic than just another tourist trap then head out into the countryside where you can find plenty of small taverns serving up delicious traditional Greek cuisine at reasonable prices (and no English menus!).
The Cyclades:
The Cyclades are a group of islands in the Aegean Sea, mostly between Greece and Turkey. They have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and many of them are still popular tourist destinations today.
The Cyclades can be divided into two groups: The Northern Cyclades (Naxos, Paros, Sifnos and Amorgos) and the Southern Cyclades (Anafi).
Santorini:
Santorini is a beautiful island, and it’s a popular tourist destination. It’s also home to some of the most iconic scenery in all of Greece; there are many famous photos taken here that you’ve probably seen before.
If you’re looking for an island with lots of history, culture and natural beauty all rolled into one place then Santorini should be on your list!
Crete:
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, with a population of about 600,000. It was the birthplace of Zeus and many other gods from Greek mythology; its capital city, Iraklion (or Heraklion), has an archaeological museum dedicated to their worship.
The ancient Minoans built many temples here; one such structure still stands in Knossos on Crete’s north coast. You can visit it today by taking a tour through its ruins or by watching The Labyrinth movie starring David Bowie as King Minos!
You might find yourself in the middle of some amazing celebrations:
If you plan a trip around certain festivals, you might find yourself in the middle of some amazing celebrations. For example, the Festival of Panagia Mavriotissa on Naxos is an annual event that gives thanks to Mary for saving its inhabitants from a plague. Residents of this island have been celebrating this feast since Medieval times by making religious pilgrimages and carrying candles through town on May 1st every year.
On Syros in July, there’s another festival worth checking out: The Feast of Saint Constantine & Helen takes place over four days with parades and dances through town.
There’s no shortage of things to do when you visit the islands. If you’re looking for a little adventure, try hiking through the mountains or biking along one of the many trails that crisscross Santorini’s rocky landscape. If you’d rather relax, there are plenty of beaches where you can swim in warm waters and watch as boats sail by on their way between islands and ports.
If history is your thing, then Athens has plenty of ancient sites for exploration–from the Acropolis to the Parthenon (and all its statues) to ancient ruins scattered throughout town–as well as museums dedicated to modern Greek history and culture like The Hellenic Museum of America (HMOTA).
You can even get married on one of them!
The Greek islands are a popular destination for weddings, and some of the most romantic spots in the world. If you’re planning to tie the knot, there’s no better place than here: from colorful ceremonies at sunset to private dinners under the stars–it’s all possible on your own private island!
Conclusion
We hope you’re inspired to take a sailing adventure in Greece. It’s a great way to experience the country and its beautiful islands, and there are plenty of options available. Whether you want an active vacation or something more relaxing, there is something here for everyone!