Yachting the Greek Isles

Piraeus, roughly translating to “the place over the passage”, is an important Greek port located within the Athens agglomeration, in the Attica Basin. It is 12 kilometers from the municipality of Athens, considered the fourth largest and is the third most populous amongst all the municipalities of Greece. Now a peninsula, Piraeus, originally a rocky island, was developed in early 5th Century B.C. when it was initially designated as Athens’ import and transit trade port. It is the largest marine-based shipping center of Greece, one of the largest ports in Europe, and considered the second largest passenger port in the world. Inhabited since the 26th Century, it wasn’t until the 6th Century B.C. that Piraeus began catching attention. The land of Piraeus was essentially impassable, flooded by the sea most of the year until centuries passed and the flooding ceased. By the 5th Century B.C. it became a navy base for the Athenian fleet for the natural harbors and the strategic potential they carried. Athenian general and politician Themistocles fortified Piraeus’ three harbors Kantharos, Zea and Munichia, created ship houses and completed his walls in 471 B.C., which led to the port becoming a great military and commercial harbor. There are many archaeological sites, points of interest and entertainment available in Piraeus. Most famous for its tavernas and cuisine, several popular events take place in Piraeus, such as the Ecocinema International Film Festival, the Maritime Festival, the Piraeus Rock Wave Festival and the Three Kings’ Way Festival. There are also many theaters, including the Municipal Theater, the open air Veakeio Theater, and the Menandreio Theater. Museums in Piraeus include the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, the Merchant Shipping History Institute Exhibition, the Panos Aravantinos Decor Museum, the Georgios Averof Museum Ship and the Museum of Electric Railways. Be sure to catch the panoramic views available from the hill of Kastella, overlooking Athens and the Saronic Gulf!

Paros is an island of Greece in the central Aegean Cyclades group. With the popularity and sometimes overcrowding at Santorini and Mykonos, Paros offers a quieter, unspoiled Cyclades option. Historically, Paros was once known for its fine white marble, which gave rise to the term "Parian" to describe marble or china of similar qualities. Some consider Paros the most beautiful in this island group – you be the judge! It has beautiful beaches and charming villages. Most visitors make an effort to see the famous Church of Ekatontapyliani (Our lady of a Hundred Doors). This church is the holy place of Paros and is linked to the history and myths of Byzantium. Tradition and history state that the church began life in the reign of Constantine the Great (280 - 337 A.D.) or Justinian (527 - 565). After its restoration in 1959, this church, the brightest jewel in the crown of Orthodoxy in the Aegean, became the third most important Christian building in Greece, after the Panayia Akheiropoietos and St. Demetrios in Thessaloniki.

Symi is one of the most picturesque islands in the Dodecanese group. The backdrop of mountains that descend steeply into the sea forming beautiful bays such as Chorio takes one’s breath away. Stroll the quaint town, where every corner boasts a view of the Aegean Sea. Experience the timeless allure of the Monastery of Archangel Michael, set against a backdrop of olive groves and the tranquil Gulf of Panormos. Marvel at the monumental baroque bell tower—the world’s tallest—and discover the revered silver-plated icon of the Archangel Michael, steeped in legend.

Bodrum, once a tiny fishing port, you’ll see why it’s become a vacation paradise; perfect climate, natural beauty, magnificent history and a bustling nightlife. Bodrum is the site of the ancient city of Halikarnassus, the location of the famous Mausoleum of Halikarnassus which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You can venture out to the site as well as the Knight’s Castle on one of the land adventures. Another great option here would be to scuba dive or simply explore this amazing peninsula.

In ancient times, Lindos was the main hub on Rhodes. Homer tells us that it was established by the Dorians in the 12th century BC and that the city was large and powerful enough to send nine ships to the Trojan War. Towering above the village of Lindos is the ancient Acropolis. A 13th-century Crusader fortress now crowns the hill, but within its walls lie archaeological sites that date back to the 6th century BC. As you disembark from the yacht, prepare to journey through time as you explore the ancient marvels of this Greek town, a revered archaeological site steeped in history. Navigate the narrow cobblestone streets that wind their way to the base of the ancient Acropolis. Ascend the steep path and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Doric Temple of Lindian Athena, nestled within the walls of a Crusader-era castle. From this vantage point, soak in panoramic vistas of the village, the shimmering sea, and the quaint fishing harbor of Psarto.

Nestled in the South Aegean Sea, the island of Naxos boasts a fertile landscape that hosts a mix of serene towns, ancient ruins, family-run tavernas featuring locally produced delicacies, and long stretches of beach. According to Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, loved Naxos so much that he made its land fertile and full of vineyards, lending itself to locally produced varietals. Agia Anna Beach, located on the island’s west coast, is perfect for a swim; for the more adventurous, explore the sea caves that line its azure waters. The island’s most historic site, the Portara, was constructed in 530 BC as a giant doorway to the never-completed Temple of Apollo.

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.

Piraeus, roughly translating to “the place over the passage”, is an important Greek port located within the Athens agglomeration, in the Attica Basin. It is 12 kilometers from the municipality of Athens, considered the fourth largest and is the third most populous amongst all the municipalities of Greece. Now a peninsula, Piraeus, originally a rocky island, was developed in early 5th Century B.C. when it was initially designated as Athens’ import and transit trade port. It is the largest marine-based shipping center of Greece, one of the largest ports in Europe, and considered the second largest passenger port in the world. Inhabited since the 26th Century, it wasn’t until the 6th Century B.C. that Piraeus began catching attention. The land of Piraeus was essentially impassable, flooded by the sea most of the year until centuries passed and the flooding ceased. By the 5th Century B.C. it became a navy base for the Athenian fleet for the natural harbors and the strategic potential they carried. Athenian general and politician Themistocles fortified Piraeus’ three harbors Kantharos, Zea and Munichia, created ship houses and completed his walls in 471 B.C., which led to the port becoming a great military and commercial harbor. There are many archaeological sites, points of interest and entertainment available in Piraeus. Most famous for its tavernas and cuisine, several popular events take place in Piraeus, such as the Ecocinema International Film Festival, the Maritime Festival, the Piraeus Rock Wave Festival and the Three Kings’ Way Festival. There are also many theaters, including the Municipal Theater, the open air Veakeio Theater, and the Menandreio Theater. Museums in Piraeus include the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, the Merchant Shipping History Institute Exhibition, the Panos Aravantinos Decor Museum, the Georgios Averof Museum Ship and the Museum of Electric Railways. Be sure to catch the panoramic views available from the hill of Kastella, overlooking Athens and the Saronic Gulf!