Among the thousands of Greek islands that have graced the Aegean and Ionian Seas, only 250 of them are occupied. Tucked away in seaside harbors and secluded coastlines, these small Greek island retreats deliver incredible food and wine, otherworldly beaches, white-washed and blue-domed architecture, and ruins of ancient civilizations. Although travelers have undoubtedly heard of—and perhaps visited—such marquee isles as Santorini and Mykonos, others are awakening to a new perspective of exploring the region. One where the nimbleness of yachting allows access to uncharted destinations, with time to dive deeper and linger longer.
As SeaDream I and SeaDream II drop anchor in these storied waters in 2026, enjoy long days of sunshine, quaint fishing villages, and UNESCO-protected sites steeped in history and character, including Meteora, where monks built a monastic community among limestone peaks in the eleventh century.
Delos, Greece
Sitting pretty at only a little over one square mile and largely uninhabited, Delos was considered “the most sacred of all islands” in ancient Greek culture. Legend has it that this is the location where Apollo, god of daylight, and his twin sister Artemis, goddess of night light, were born. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is by far one of the most important archaeological and historical sites in Greece. Indeed, its location at the center of the Cyclades gives rise to the theory that the name of the Cyclades group of islands comes from the word “circle,” or kyklos, that form around the isle of Delos. Most day visitors access this storied port by ferry; SeaDream will anchor offshore for a half day for maximum exploration.
Hydra, Greece
According to the early Greek Poet Hesiod, Hydra is the offspring of Typhon and Echidna, a gigantic snake-like water creature with multiple heads, one of which is immortal. Despite, or perhaps because of its mythological history, Hydra enjoys a long reputation as the artists’ muse of the Greek Islands. Car-free and protected by a preservation order, and built around a crescent-shaped harbor, Hydra centers on a strand of restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries that cater to visitors and locals alike. Hydra’s allure lies in her rich history and seaside waterfront, offering a rugged charm perfect for self-exploration. Next to Kaminia lies the untouched beach of Vlychos, with its black-pebbled shore and crystal-clear waters. Take a guided walk through the hidden paths of Hydra town and along the coastline that lead to Vlychos Beach and reward yourself with a refreshing swim in the clear blue sea.
Itea, Greece
Where Parnassos Mountain meets the sea at the Bay of Corinth sits Itea, a picturesque waterfront town located close to the archaeological site of Delphi, believed to be created by Zeus when he sought to locate the center of Gaia. Its view of the surrounding azure waters and imposing mountains in the horizon make Itea perfect for a pleasant seaside stroll, incredible cuisine, and robust coffee at one of its lovely outdoor cafés. From Itea, discover Delphi, and visit its well-preserved ruins including the Sanctuary of Apollo. Explore the museum containing sculptures and artifacts excavated from the Oracle and among its treasures a unique Bronze Charioteer on our specially curated Yachting Land Adventure.
Kioni, Ithaca, Greece
The few travelers that have visited Kioni describe it as one of Ithaca’s most beautiful villages and one of the most stunning destinations in the Ionian Sea. The island itself is known as the homeland of Odysseus (Ulysses), the hero of the Homeric poem The Odyssey. The village was built on the slopes of a mountain at the end of the sixteenth century by the inhabitants who used to live in the mountainous village of Anogi. Today, its tiny tile-roof houses overlook the picturesque port where small fishing boats and private yachts moor, its waterside promenade lined with cafés.
Kythnos, Greece
A wild natural landscape of exotic beaches nestled in the western Cyclades, Kythnos is an island of elegant simplicity and hospitality. Steeped in mythology, the island is named after Kythnos, the mythical king of the original settlers and son of the god Apollo. Bisected by ancient walls, lush valleys, and more than 100 secluded beaches, the main town of Hora and its surrounding villages shine for their elegant architecture and strollable alleyways dotted with fountains, flowers, and cozy taverns. Making its maiden call to the island in 2025, SeaDream will anchor off breathtaking Kolona Beach, a unique isthmus beach sitting between two breathtakingly beautiful bays.
Milos, Greece
Perhaps providing the most diverse and dramatic coastline of all the Greek islands, sheltered, horseshoe-shaped Milos boasts more than 70 beaches and is heralded as the location where Venus de Milo (the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite) was discovered. While discovering your favorite sand upon which to relax, don’t overlook Sarakiniko’s volcanic white cliffs and Papafragas’s emerald-green swimming holes and caves—shaped by the island’s unique minerals, including obsidian, barite, and sulphur, which happily bubble up in abundant hot springs.
Mykonos, Greece
Discover a delightfully different side of Mykonos that extends beyond its celebrated beaches and renowned nightlife. An island of beauty known as the “island of the winds,” in the heart of the Cyclades, Mykonos is both luxurious and picturesque, exuding stone-paved alleys lined with boutiques, art galleries, and tiny eateries; quintessential whitewashed houses; and country chapels and windmills that provide a sense of relaxation and peaceful ease. A boat trip to virtually uninhabited Delos Island, considered “the most sacred of all islands” according to the ancient Greek poet Callimachus, allows for an exploration of its vast archaeological site of temples, mosaics, theater, and other ruins.
Paros, Greece
This small island at the center of the Cyclades melds modern and traditional elements in an almost indescribably special way, showcasing a mix of traditional Cycladic architecture, incredibly romantic golden-sand beaches that line miles of rugged coastline, enchanting rural villages defined by their sophisticated restaurants and bars, and important historical monuments and archaeological sites. These include the Sanctuary of Delian Apollo, the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the ancient cemetery, and the surviving relics of the Church of Ekatontapiliani. Enjoy a wine tasting and highlights of Paros on our specially curated Yachting Land Adventure.
Patmos, Greece
Tucked away in the South Aegean Islands, Patmos was named by Forbes as “Europe’s most idyllic place to live.” Its Cave of the Apocalypse is where John of Patmos (St. John) is said to have written the Book of Revelation. A fortress-like, 11th-century monastery dedicated to the saint overlooks the whitewashed houses of the hilltop capital, Chora, itself notable for its more than two dozen ancient churches and stone pathways only accessible by foot. Explore the Monastery of St. John & Patmian House on our specially curated Yachting Land Adventure.
Skopelos, Greece
Tucked away in the western Aegean Sea, Skopelos is one of the lushest Greek islands of the Sporades island group, with pine forests that grow densely to the water’s edge and seemingly reach into the sea. Boasting dozens of picturesque, white-sand beaches and quintessential Greek villages, Skopelos sings with beauty. Most of the outdoor scenes in Mamma Mia were filmed on location at the island’s beaches and small towns. Weather permitting, we will sail by the headland with the wedding chapel shown in the movie.
One Voyage, Many Adventures
At SeaDream, we believe our beautiful world beckons to be explored and experienced. This is why we offer complimentary shoreside activities—including hikes and walking tours, mountain bike rides, and strolls through local farmer’s markets—for guided exploration on our Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries. For those who want to dive deeper and linger longer, we have developed a wide array of engaging experiences in all our destinations—adventurous, culinary, and cultural—each designed to bring you closer to your destination.
Are you ready to experience the secluded islands and playful yachting harbors of the Greek Isles? SeaDream provides you with an intimate view of these destinations unlike any other boutique travel line. Click here to check availability and reserve your next voyage.