Greece
Greece has the largest coastline on the Mediterranean and the highest mountain range called Mount Olympus. It has four main groups of islands to explore, starting from the north heading south, these are listed below.
The Aegean and Sporades Islands are located furthest north. The Aegean islands are less frequently visited than the neighboring Sporades Islands; this makes them the perfect destination for a quieter vacation. Sporades most famous island is Skiathos which is referred to as the Mykynos of the Sporades.
The Cyclades are made up of numerous picture perfect islands with white stone walled buildings nestled into the hillside surrounded by azure blue seas. The two most famous islands within this island chain are Mykonos, where superyachts moor beside local fishing boats in the picturesque port, and Santorini, famous for its stunning sunsets. Find out more about this perfect Greek yachting destination in our Cyclades island report.
The Ionian Islands are made up of seven islands that you can explore on your charter, the main islands being Corfu, Kefalonia and the famous picture perfect beach Smugglers Cove which can only be accessed from the sea; this lies on the island of Zakynthos.
The Dodecanese Islands include the famous islands of Rhodes and Kos, both famous for their archaeological sites, and popular destinations for superyachts during the summer months.
No Greece island vacation is complete unless you’ve experienced an evening in a local taverna listening to Bouzouki music and sampling the famous local delights of Dolmas (stuffed vine leaves) served with Tzatziki washed down with the local Ouzo (aniseed drink). A vacation to any of the above Greece Island chains is suited to the explorer in you, who enjoys experiencing the local entertainment and cuisine.
Local Language: Greece
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Turkey
Turkey lies to the east of the Dodecanese Islands of Greece.
Turkey has become a major yachting destination during the last 20 years and what better way to experience your cruise but onboard a traditional Turkish Gulet.
Steeped in history, Turkey offers plentiful anchorages.
Its two main charter yacht bases are Bodrum in the north, with its 15th century castle which overlooks the harbor and marina, and Marmaris located further south, which used to be an old sleepy fishing village but now it is a popular coastal town.
Local Language: Turkish
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) with an exchange rate of approximately 2.6 TRY to 1 USD
Croatia
Croatia’s main cruising ground stems from its capital Zagreb east as far as neighboring Montenegro. It is situated on the Adriatic Sea with more than a thousand tiny offshore islands. This region is becoming increasingly popular for a Eastern Mediterranean yacht charter vacation.
The main coastal ports are Zagreb, renowned for being a city filled with spies and intrigue, with plenty of beautiful historic buildings to explore.
Split, referred to as the Crown Jewel of Croatia, with its beautiful old town and stone walled quay with plentiful local seafood restaurants and Dubrovnik which is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage with its old stone walled city and excellent yacht marina.
Local Language: Croatian
Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK Kuna) which has an exchange rate of approximately 6.75 HRK to 1 USD
