10 Greek Islands to Visit on your Sailing Holiday

For most, a holiday on one of the Greek islands may involve lying on a beach, shopping and gently taking in the sights. Not everyone enjoys negotiating the throng of people on a crowded Greek beach or queueing to rent a pedalo. An ideal and luxurious way to enjoy the Greek islands is by yacht, where one can travel, sunbathe, sip cocktails and take in the sights in a tranquil environment.

You can visit the Greek islands whether you have a sailing yacht charter or a motor yacht charter. There are plenty of marinas to moor up in, if you would like to enjoy island life on dry land. Greece has a plethora of picturesque islands to visit but here are ten of the best:

- Crete: is the largest and most varied of the Greek Islands. In the West, it is covered with lush forests, whilst the East is more arid with palm groves. Around the island, there are beaches, resorts, archaeological sites of interest and ancient cities. The centre of the island is mountainous, popular with climbers and walkers alike, who are keen to see the sites of Crete from a stunning location.

- Corfu: is the second largest of the Ionian islands, lying of the coast of Thesprotia. The principle town of the island is also named Corfu and is a labyrinth of narrow streets paved with cobblestones. A promenade rises by the coastline, together with an esplanade between the town and its historic citadel. As such, Corfu with its Venetian heritage and architecture, looks very much like an Italian town.

- Rhodes: is close to the Turkish coast, containing a blend of both Turkish and Crusador influences. Historically, the island was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The island is shaped like a spearhead with the city of Rhodes at its northern tip. The city of Rhodes is considered one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe which in 1988, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

- Santorini: is small cluster of ‘diamond’ islands, with white sculptured villages perched upon steep volcanic cliffs. Santorini is a paradise for shoppers, photographers, artists, hikers or café culture lovers due to its consumer friendly and laid back atmosphere. It is essentially what remains of a huge volcanic explosion, destroying the once complete island and leading to the creation of the current geological caldera. This tectonic activity created a giant lagoon, which is a safe harbour for boats. Santorini is home to a small but flourishing wine industry made from the local grape variety Assyrtiko – during your visit you may wish to visit the vineyards and taste this famous wine.

- Mykonos: is full of white buildings and golden beaches covered with bronzed bodies. It is the most hip and hedonistic of all the islands, attracting a younger clientèle. Over the years, it has gone from a sleepy fishing island to a jetset haven and is now settling into more mainstream tourism. Mykonos can be busy so it is advisable to visit this island during off peak times to appreciate its full beauty.

- Paros: offers the best of the Cycladic island experience. With its beautiful port town of Paroikia or its tiny airport, you will be charmed from start to finish. Paros as with all the Greek Islands, contains quaint cobbled streets, golden sands and dozens of restaurants and tavernas.

- Skiathos: is one of the most northern Greek islands. It has lush pine covered hills and deep blue coves, being home to one of Europe’s best beaches – the Big Banana Beach. Although famous for its beach, Skiathos tries to keep hedonism away with only one small taverna. As such, the island is best for quiet walks and sunbathing in its natural beauty.

- Ios: is largely famous as a party island and for Milopita Beach which like Skiathos’s Banana Beach, is thought to be one of the best in Europe. Ios has a wide variety of water sports available as well as a multitude of restaurants ranging from Mexican to Thai.

- Naxos: is the largest and most rugged of the Cyclades islands. Like Corfu, it has a Venetian image with its fort and long boardwalks of restaurants. Naxos is famous for its massive marble arch and temple that overlooks the port from a nearby hill. Naxos is popular with visitors due to its high number of accessible ruins and beautiful beaches.

- Sifnos: is a rare tourist destination making it a quiet little gem to visit on your sailing travels. You will feel as if you have stumbled onto a private island with mainly only Greeks visiting Sifnos. With marinas to moor your vessel, take the time to explore this island which is still relatively untouched compared to most of the other Greek islands.