An azure paradise awaits you on a Greece sailing vacation. From sun-kissed shores and cerulean waters to alluring historical landmarks, the country’s 6,000 islands create the perfect backdrop for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.
The list of Greece places to see is nearly infinite, but with a yacht charter, exploring some of its hidden gems is easy. Ready to plan the ultimate off-the-beaten-track itinerary? With our Greece yacht charter bases in Athens, Lavrion, Kos, Lefkas, and Corfu, the only limit is your imagination!
We’ve unearthed 7 secret spots where tourists are few and the possibilities are endless. Keep reading to get inspired for your one-of-a-kind Greece sailing vacation.
7 Lesser-Known Places In Greece To Visit
Spetses: small and exclusive
While nearby Hydra has long stolen the spotlight in the Sporadic islands, the lesser known Greek island of Spetses is a destination worth a second look. Full of neoclassical mansions, scenic landscapes, cobblestone streets and secluded swimming spots to while away the day — Spetses could just steal your heart.
“The island of perfumes”, as it was named by the Venetians or “Pityousa” (which in ancient Greek means “full of pine-trees”), is a beautiful, car-free island (only taxis and delivery vehicles are allowed) with numerous wonderful sandy beaches and lovely secluded bays.
Discover Agia Paraskevi, with its picturesque church – considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on the island.
The island is home to several historical landmarks, including the Poseidonion Grand Hotel and the Bouboulina Museum, which offer insight into Spetses’ rich history.
Stroll the old port, on the waterfront, and experience the freshest fish and seafood at this traditional taverna.
Lake Vouliagmeni: Athens’ most underrated day trip
Another unique destination to add to the beginning or end of your Greece sailing vacation is Lake Vouliagmeni. This haven of natural health, spa, and mineral baths has been healing visitors for thousands of years! You can visit it on a day trip from Athens, stop by from nearby islands, or take advantage of local 5-star accommodations.
Fed by underground currents filtered through Mount Hymettus, the lagoon is known for its ancient hydrotherapy and physiotherapy properties. Eczema, neuralgia, headaches, arthritis, lumbago, sciatica, and many other ailments are all said to be healed by the waters.
You can swim in the lake, lounge on the shores, or stop by a spa to take full advantage of the lake’s magic.
Although it’s easy to overlook mainland adventures and dive head-first into Greece’s best sightseeing places on the island, you won’t regret visiting Lake Vouliagmeni.
Tinos: the Hidden heart of the Cyclades
The Cyclades is the cluster of Greek southeast of the mainland. You’ve already heard of Santorini, Naxos, and Mykonos, but the Cyclades are also home to Tinos, a pristine, untouched paradise.
Writers, poets, philosophers, and religious pilgrims have long been attracted to Tinos for its tranquil landscapes and peaceful charm. Christian Orthodox Greeks consider the island sacred, but any visitor will be enchanted by its quiet beauty.
If you’re on the hunt for empty beaches, Isternia, Apigania, and Koumelas will be your favorites. Rohari is a livelier option with more restaurants and bars.
A bit more inland, you’ll find architecturally inspiring villages like Pyrgos, known as the ‘marble heart’ of Tinos. For a lesson in art history, stop by Pyrgos’ Museum of Marble Crafts or the historic home of world-famous sculptor Yannoulis Chalepas.
For a taste of authentic Greek culture and history, it doesn’t get better than Tinos!
The Diapontia Islands: Off Corfu’s beaten path
Corfu is a hub for tourists and a Greece yacht charter location with Dream Yacht Worldwide, but hidden gems are abundant in the region.
Take Othoni, Erikoussa, and Mathraki, three nearby islands you can visit on day trips with a Greece yacht charter! Tranquil, picturesque, and free from major tourism, these sleepy islands are the perfect way to take a mid-holiday break.
Othoni is known for its lush vegetation and 400-year-old olive trees. For a unique swim, stop by
Aspri Ammos and explore the Calypso cave.
Erikoussa is only 5 km long, but that means you can explore most of it on foot! You won’t find many restaurants or bars, but the remote vibes add to the fun.
Mathraki is one of Greece’s most secluded islands. It has the best swimming of the three Diapontian islands, but you can also hike it on foot. You’ll also find a few restaurants and bars here, making it a perfect blend of all three destinations.
Between buzzing Corfu and the delightful Diapontian Island, what more could you need from a Greece sailing vacation?
Ithaca: Mysterious, secluded, and legendary
Of the many potential Greek sightseeing places to add to your itinerary, overlooking Ithaca would be a shame.
If the name of this Western island sounds familiar, that’s because it is the homeland of Odysseus in Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. After visiting, you’ll see why the titular character spent so long trying to return home!
Despite the story, Ithaca is far from the most popular Greece places to visit. But with a Greece yacht charter, you’ll have no problem getting to the iconic island.
Vathy is Ithaca’s capital and one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. You’ll be able to enjoy authentic shopping, tantalizing restaurants, and charming architecture throughout the town. If you enjoy history, stop by the Archaeological Museum.
A hidden gem within this hidden gem is Nymph’s Cave, where, according to legend, Odysseus hid the treasures he acquired during the Trojan War.
If you consider yourself an avid sailor, you’ll be glad to know that Ithaca is considered a boater’s paradise. Give yourself a few days to meander the island’s extensive coastline for the ultimate Greece sailing vacation!
Amorgos Caves and Shipwrecks: Secret snorkeling spots
Amorgos, the easternmost Cyclades island, is home to some of the bluest beaches you’ll ever see. You could spend an eternity of your Greece sailing holiday lounging on the shores, but you’d be missing out on the island’s biggest draw: snorkelling.
The mind-blowing landscape of this rocky getaway is dotted with hidden coves, caves, and shipwrecks that can only be accessed by boat or swimming. If you enjoy action-packed snorkelling, then Amorgos is the perfect Greece sightseeing place for you.
Experienced divers will also get a kick out of Amorgos, and there’s plenty of fishing for visitors, too. You can also explore the island by hiking! A unique hiking destination is the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, an 11th-century cliffside church nearly 1000 feet above sea level.
For relaxing meals and kind locals, make your way to Chora, Amorgos’ biggest seaside town.
Can you believe this is only a preview of the best Greece places to see? If you’ve always dreamed of traveling the islands by boat, we’re here to help plan the perfect Greece sailing holiday for you.
Whether you’re brand new to boating or experienced explorer on the sea, we’ve got you covered. Qualified sailors can book a bareboat charter and take the helm, while non-sailors can enjoy both Easy Crewed or Skippered sailing holidays with a crew to show you the secret local spots. An inexpensive island-hopping option is a cabin cruise for two, aboard a Sail Share cruise!
Greece’s best-hidden gems are only a delightful sail away. Contact us today to start planning the Greece yacht charter of your dreams.
