Private Yacht Charter In The Cyclades - Supreme Cruising In The Greek Aegean Islands

[Roxann Jiles]

The Saronic Gulf and the centre of the Aegean Sea - the Cyclades - consist of some of the most sensational islands in the entire of Greece. History was made here and you discover a wide variety of remarkable ancient sites while leisurely cruising from island to island. Remarkable volcanic landscapes dotted by hilltop towns with the common Cycladic white-washed houses and windmills, crystal-clear waters, genuine cuisine and environment make a yacht charter here so special and pleasurable. Let us tell you a bit more about this abundant travelling ground in information.

Why is the Aegean Sea such an in-demand charter destination?

The Saronic Gulf is the link in between the Ionian and the Aegean Sea. It belongs of the Aegean Sea and lies at the eastern side of the Corinthian Gulf, which is a 100 km long stretch of water. It consists of the eastern entryway and exit point of the Corinth Canal, the city and port of Athens and the primary islands Aegina, Salamis, Poros as well as many smaller ones. There are some remarkable ancient sites like Delphi, Corinth, Mycenae and hundreds more. A very practical starting point for an Aegean yacht charter is Athens with its big airport and the huge marina of Kalamaki that offers a multitude of charter boats. It is located due south of Athens. From there you can directly head to the Saronic Gulf with its fascinating shoreline and islands. The ideal private yacht charter base for the Cyclades is Lavrion, about 37 km south-west from Athens airport.

The Cyclades contain the islands of Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Eschati, iOS, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, and Thira or Santorini plus a lot more smaller sized ones. It just is a huge sailing ground with limitless highlights to discover. Distances between the islands are much bigger than in a few of the other Mediterranean island chains, so it is well suited for the knowledgeable sailor.

The appeal of the islands is famous. Delos is one of the most essential ancient Greek sites. Then there is the volcanic island of Milos. Or Santorini with its substantial crater and super-steep cliff that makes up one of the most well-known natural tourist attractions on the planet.

The biggest airports are Santorini and Mykonos, which provide numerous charter flights in summertime from most European bigger cities. Paros, Naxos, Syros and Milos also have airports with domestic flights. The ferryboat links between the islands amongst each other and with the mainland are fantastic, so it ´ s no issue to get to anywhere.

As everywhere around Greece, you will find lovely genuine pubs with terrific local food and fresh fish, captivating ports and blue/white painted villages along with romantic thatch-roofed windmills. The backdrop are outstanding serene landscapes, including volcanic rocky coastlines. There are practically no tides however the in some cases taking place Meltemi winds require excellent sailing abilities.

Some appropriate info for Aegean sailboat charter:

Location: Mediterranean Sea east of the Peloponnese; south of Athens; north of Crete

Main Charter Bases: Kalamaki (just outside Athens); Lavrion (37 km south-east of Athens); Paros

Main airports: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini

Nation code: +30

Environment: Mild, Mediterranean

Which primary charter locations are there in the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades?

The Saronic Gulf is primarily very secured as there is really little opportunity of the Meltemi blowing and it is for that reason a great travelling ground for household sailing vacations.

Among the classic sailing routes in the Saronic Gulf leads from Athens along the coast to Cap Sounion. On the western shore of the primarily mountainous shoreline of the Peloponnese there is popular Epidaurus. The Methana peninsula is an ancient volcano about 6 NM north-west of Poros Island. Poros is separate from the Peloponnese just by a 300 m broad channel. It has a lovely port and primary town developed on a hill with a particular belfry looming above it.

Salamis, the largest island in the Saronic Gulf with a rocky coastline of 104 km, is situated just 2 km off the coast of Piraeus, Athens. It ´ s popular for its important part in numerous sea fights and uses some really nice great sandy beaches. Have a look at the vibrant port of Paloukia in the North-East of the island or Peristeria in the South - a small town with a yacht harbour and clean beaches. There is the big bay of the main town, Salamina.

You can take the charter yacht to Aegina, the so-called ´ pistachio island ´ due to its large growing of the crop. It is an extinct volcano with rugged coastline and contains the ports of Perdika and Aegina Town with good pubs and keepsake stores.

Hydra, which is geographically not part of the Saronic Gulf however one of the Saronic Islands, is a lovely location popular with artists. Moor up in the protected port of its primary town Hydra or the quiet unspoilt port of Ermioni with a gorgeous high sloping background.

When sailing to Spetses, you can anchor in the bay or moor up straight in the main town on the north-eastern suggestion of the island.

Cruising the Cyclades Kea is one of the very first islands you encounter. It is a typical Cycladic island with a gorgeous old town and positioned 12 NM south-east of Cape Sounion.

Kythnos, simply to the South, has a really indented coastline fantastic for anchoring or mooring sun yachting in the lovely bays or ports, for example Stefanos bay on the east side or protected Loutra port in the North East. Try the local cheese, which is a famous specialty. The main marina to utilize on a private yacht rental is Merikha on the west side.

Seriphos has a wonderful entry into a long bay surrounded by high-rising hills. The port at the end is Livadhi. Increase to the Chora, where you have a definitely spectacular view.

Sifnos lies a 9 NM cruising trip south of Serifos. Kamares on the north-west side is a well-protected port at the end of a big bay.

When on a boat charter in the Cyclades, you ought to pass by the island of Milos. It is an old volcano that forms a huge caldera surrounded by pumice cliffs. The port of Adhamas in the north part of the crater is one of the best-protected harbours in the Mediterranean.

Santorini: Going into the humongous caldera from the North-West and approaching the steep cliffs is an emphasize for every sailor.

From Santorini you can steer the sailing luxury yacht via iOS to Amorgos, a bare rocky island that has maintained very much of its authentic character and doesn ´ t have that much tourist.

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Island chain. The channel in between Paros and Antiparos is great for anchoring as well as the protected bays of the primary town, Parikia, and the popular fishing port of Naoussa.

At the coast off the ancient site of Delos luxury yachts are just permitted to anchor up until 3 pm, which is when the exhibition grounds close. Fourni Bay a little to the South, or the southern bay of neighbour islet Reneia are choices to set anchor overnight.

A piece de resistance of every Aegean yacht charter is Mykonos. There are enough bays on the south side to look for shelter from the northern Meltemi.

Syros, Tinos and Andros are 3 more of the larger Cycladic islands and there are many smaller sized ones on top of that, providing the private yacht charterer with endless options for cruising routes.

What are the prevailing weather condition systems for a yacht charter around the Aegean Islands?

It can take place rather unexpectedly as well as blow for 5 days on end, so in that case good cruising abilities are required. Finest fit for household sailing holidays is the well-protected Saronic Gulf.

Summary of the weather conditions for sailing a yacht charter in the Aegean with the example of Santorini:

Months with greatest average temperature: July/August, 26 °

. Months with most affordable average temperature level: January/February, 12 °

. Month with highest typical precipitation: December, 167 mm.

Months with least expensive average precipitation: July/August, 0 mm.

Month with the greatest daily sunshine hours: July, 14 hours.

Month with the most affordable day-to-day sunshine hours: December, 6 hours.

Average wind speed in summertime: 3 - 7 Bft.

Month with greatest average water temperature: August, 25 °

. Month with lowest average water temperature level: January, 16 °.

Main season: May - October.

How much is Aegean yacht leasing and what are the various charter types?

Costs increase according to size, model and devices of the private yacht. You can do bareboat or skippered charter, and pick between catamaran charter and sailboat or motor luxury yacht hire.

What else is there to do besides cruising on a boat hire in the Cyclades and the Saronic Gulf?

On a yacht hire in the Saronic Gulf, see Epidaurus on the Peloponnese, a large ancient sanctuary and centre of recovery embeded in the forest. Its ruins include a theatre with incredible acoustics, where a whisper on the stage is heard anywhere on the 54 tiers of seats, an arena and far more. Inspect out the museum showing what exactly took place at the sanctuary in antiquity.

Go down to Cape Sounion which is located just about 10 km due south if you rent a luxury yacht in Lavrion. It is a temple for Poseidon in a beautiful setting on a steep cliff neglecting the sea.

Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta start of July produces some amazing racing with some beautiful sailing private yachts, Aegean timeless schooners and lateens.

Kea primary town, Ioulis, is really stunning. It sits high on a plateau like many Greek island towns