Skippered Yacht Charter in Naxos, Bareboat Yacht Charter in Naxos

While Greece has always attracted travelers, drawn by the fascination of some of Europe's earliest civilization, the majority of today's visitors are also drawn by Greece's beaches and sunshine. Greece has more coastline than any other country in Europe. You can choose between rocky outcrops, pebbled coves or long swathes of golden sand. Greece has clung to its traditions more tenaciously than most European countries. Many traditions take the form of festivals, where Greeks express their love for life through dancing, singing and feasting. But don't think for a moment that Greece is trapped in a time warp. In towns and cities you will find discos as lively and cosmopolitan as any in Italy, France or Britain, and boutiques as trendy. Explore and you will discover that in addition to its outstanding beauty, Greece is one of Europe's most relaxed and friendliest countries.

THE GREEK ISLANDS

Situated at the north east of the Mediterranean is the glorious Greek archipelago. It is impressively made up over 3000 islands, of which only 140 are inhabited. Each island has its own unique style, charm and history. The stark white cubic architecture of the Cyclades is dramatically different from the Venetian architecture found in the Ionian or the Gothic seen in the Dodecanese. You will have the opportunity to sample different local specialties and wines. There is an island for everyone; whether you are seeking quiet laid back shores or lively beaches and party filled nights. Crystalline waters, steeping cliffs, hidden coves and lush forests are just part of what draws people to the Greek Islands. Come and you will experience in many places, a way of life that has endured for centuries.

CYCLADES

The Cyclades are the quintessential Greek islands- rocky outcrops accented with dazzling white buildings offset by bright blue church domes, all showered in radiant light and fringed with golden beaches lapped by aquamarine seas.
According to mythology all the islands form an invisible circle (kyklos) around the island of Delos, which was considered sacred as the land of Apollo, god of light.
The islands are small and closely grouped making them ideal for island hopping.

PAROS & ANTIPAROS
95 nautical miles from Piraeus

Paros is an attractive island of terraced hills, whitewashed settlements and windmills. It is the center of the Cyclades. The island's busy capital and port is Parikia, a charming, typically Cycladic old town with a 13th century Venetian kastro.
The Pangia Ekatontapyliani church, which dates from 326 AD is one of the most splendid in the Cyclades. Naoussa, on the north coast is a popular resort at the heart of which is a colorful fishing village. Although it has an up market feel to it Naoussa is still a working harbor with piles of fishing nets, bright caiques, and little ouzeria. It is a relaxed, picturesque village with whitewashed alleyways. There are a number a good beaches close-by, the best are Kolimvythres, Monastiri, and Santa Maria. Lefkes, 12km southeast of Parikia, is the island's highest and loveliest village. In July and August Petaloudes is almost enshrouded in butterflies, the sight is spectacular. Other beaches worth visiting are Piso Livadi, Krios and Hrysi Akti. Opposite from Dryos is the tiny islet Dryonis, which is fantastic for fishing.

ANTIPAROS
This small islands lies off the southwest coast of Paros, it has a coastline of 56 km. The main village, Antiparos is an attractive and charming port. The Cave of Antiparos is an awe-inspiring site. At the entrance is a small chapel dedicated to St John from here the steps descend deep into the stalactite and stalagmite filled cave. There are a number of good beaches to visit: Psaslyki, Sifnakos Gialos, Agios Gialos and Strongyle. The small islets, which surround the Antiparos have formed narrow straits between them.

NAXOS
103 nautical miles from Piraeus

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades. Its rugged mountains and fertile green valleys also make it one of the most beautiful. Mt Zeus (1004m) is the archipelago's highest peak. It was a prominent Byzantine center with over 500 churches and monasteries.
Hora is the island's capital and port. The most alluring part of Hora is Kastro, with its winding alleyways and whitewashed houses. There are also some handsome Venetian dwellings. It has a medieval atmosphere. A causeway to the north of the port leads to the islet of Palatia and the unfinished Temple of Apollo. The lovely Tragaea region is a vast plain of olive groves and unspoilt villages harboring numerous little Byzantine churches.

Beaches
Agios Georgios is a resort town with golden sands and shallow waters. The next beach south is Agios Prokopios, a sheltered bay, followed by Agia Anna, a lovely beach of fine sand. Sandy beaches continue as far down as Pyrgaki.
Plaka is one of the island's most beautiful beaches, it is mainly nudist. Mikri Vigla and Kastraki are also worth mentioning.

LITTLE CYCLADES

IRAKLIA
The port and main village is Agios Georgios, which has a pretty, deep cove like harbor. There is a nice beach, Livadi and a cave with fine stalactites.

SHINOUSA
Shinousa is a wonderful little island with a lively hora and friendly residents. The hora has vast views of the sea and neighboring islands. Around the island there are several fine bays and sandy beaches, such as Tsigouri and Psili Ammos.

KOUFONISIA
Koufonisia is really two islands, Ano Koufonisia and Kato Koufonisia, but only the latter is permanently inhabited. Although it is the smallest of the Little Cyclades, it is the most densely populated. The island has the largest fishing fleet in Greece, every family is involved with the trade. The residents are very hospitable. The beaches are outstanding: low-lying white sand dunes, covered with wild flowers and rocky coves.

DONOUSA
Danousa is the most remote the group. It has 130 inhabitants. Agios Stavros is the main settlement and port. Kendros is a lovely, sandy and secluded beach.

AMORGOS
138 nautical miles from Piraeus

Amorgos is the most easterly of the Cyclades, it is most enticing. Katapola the main port is a pretty town on a large dramatic bay. The village of Hora is an impressive sight. Rising 400m above sea level, shrouded in clouds, all white and capped with a 13th century kastro atop a large rock. Down the steep hillside from Hora is the 11th century Moni Hozoviotissis, clinging precariously to a cliff face above the coast. Aegiali is Amorgos' other port. It is more laid back than Katapola, with a lovely stretch of beach.