With nearly 6000 islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas - each one teeming with history, enchanting mythology, romance, beaming faces and welcoming arms – the Greek Islands have been at the top of every sailor’s must-see list since time immemorial. Thanks to the sheer number and variety of destinations, the itinerary options on Greek Island yacht charters are almost limitless.

The Cyclades archipelago is a great choice for your first-time luxury Greek Island yacht charter. Due to the close proximity to Athens, this cluster of over 200 isles is also the most popular choice of all. Boasting shimmering azure seas, where whitewashed seaside villages climb up the sun-drenched hillsides creating postcard scenes that have lured travelers and artists for centuries, the Cyclades are steeped in alluring history. Archeological sites, old-school winemaking and a delectable, fresh cuisine are all hallmarks of this corner of Mediterranean paradise. Dive into the jet-setting playgrounds of Mykonos and Santorini, explore the ancient ruins of Delos and the birthplace of Apollo and lazily savor the charms of Paros and Naxos aboard Greek Island yacht charters.

Following is a sample of what you can expect on a Greek Island yacht charter journey through the Cyclades.

• Day 1 Piraeus to Kea

  Board your Greek Island yacht charter in Piraeus – the port of Athens – and head straight to Kea, a nearby island which makes for a relaxing start to your incredible voyage. This picturesque island is brimming with lovely bays and ancient port towns which served as pirate hideouts in the 13th century. Fruit trees cascade down to the shores, hiding ancient ruins within their bosom. Hike up to a cluster of glistening white houses on a hillside and explore the hidden corridors of an 18th-century monastery, famous for its miracle icon.

• Day 2 Delos and Mykonos

  Legend has it that escaping the wrath of Zeus’ wife, Leto - the pregnant mistress of Zeus - was blown onto Delos, and gave birth to Apollo under a date palm. Delos was the political and religious center of the ancient Aegeans for almost a thousand years, and still bears the gifts of such illustrious history. The ancient ruins on Delos have been compared to Pompeii, not for architectural similarity, but for the completeness of ancient life that they depict. It is a tiny island with the remains of a great civilization, all of which can be explored aboard your Greek Island yacht charter.

  As if transported to a completely different universe, you’ll sail to Mykonos on your Greek Island yacht charters in the afternoon and set foot on the most cosmopolitan tourist mecca in Greece. Whitewashed houses and windmills overlook the fishing port, still considered the beating heart of the town. Nowadays, it thrives with trendy bars and designer boutiques. The countless winding, thread-needle alleys seem as though they are sculpted into the rock. Cars are forbidden, and wandering by foot is a must. You'll discover a myriad of shops with folk art, jewelry, leather, crafts, and interesting museums. By day, Mykonos is bright and breezy with fine sandy beaches. At night, it dances to the beat of discos and bars open until the wee hours.

• Day 3 Antiparos and Paros

  Two islands divided by a narrow channel. Antiparos is best known for its famous cave of stalactites and beaches, whilst Paros for its wonderful beaches and lively harbor with great shopping and a vibrant nightlife. Cast your eyes on lovely landscapes with lush valleys and rolling hills with small churches; ancient monasteries and quaint houses dappled by that quintessential Aegean sunlight on Greek Island yacht charters.

• Day 4 Ios

  The youthful heart of the Cyclades, Ios is a party hub for youngsters in summer and boasts the most vibrant nightlife of all the islands. Trendy young things from all over the world converge on its shores, spilling out of charming bars and clubs and basking in the sun and surf of this most stunning isle. Yet just one step back from the action you’ll discover dramatic cliffs and sandy shores framing glistening white-washed towns, where old men converge to discuss politics and footballs over endless cups of strong Greek coffee.

• Day 5 Santorini

  Sailing into Santorini on Greek Island yacht charters is a feast for all the senses. The island is a gigantic volcano that juts out of the sea with jagged cliffs draped in autumn hues of gold, red and rust. Two Cycladic villages nestled onto the peaks overlooking the caldera, a flooded crater that serves as the island’s harbor. The main village of Fira is perched 600 steep steps up from the harbor. You can reach it by donkey or a 2-minute ride by cable car. Award winning restaurants and designer boutiques adorn the streets, and glistening white balconies are overshadowed by colorful bougainvillea. A driving tour of the island brings you through a sleepy countryside, to a gorgeous winery and the archeological ruins at Akrotiri. Truly one of the most beautiful places on earth!

• Day 6 Sifnos

  A dreamy island of crystal clear waters, protected coves and alluring hilltop villages, Sifnos is one of those rare beauties that boast a little…of everything. Wild rosemary and thyme thrive on its steep valleys, olive and almond groves adorn its hills and beekeepers who have perfected their art over hundreds of years still sell their liquid gold from handmade terracotta pots. Wander through the ruins of medieval villages and taste the delights of this superb little gem on Greek Island yacht charters.

• Day 7 Kythnos

  An off-the-beaten-track island with anchorages of crystal clear water and white, sandy beaches, Kythnos is the Greece of yesteryear. If you’re looking for a contemplative, quiet nook of heaven in which to relax on the last day of your Greek Island yacht charter, then you couldn’t pick a better place. Locals call this ‘the island of simplicity’ yet many would say it is the island of bliss, where reverent old ladies light candles to their Saints in ancient churches, fishermen showcase their spoils along the shores and everyone converges on seaside tavernas to take in the breathtaking sunset and share glasses of retsina.

• Day 8 Piraeus

  Sail the short distance to Athens and disembark your Greek Island charters. It’s time to farewell this beautiful corner of the world…and time to make plans for your next visit.

  Remember, this is only one of many Greek Island yacht charter itineraries available. Let us help you design one that is ideally suited to you.