Athens, Greece

There’s no better dream vacation than sailing the Greek islands. The islands evoke ancient history and legend with just their names, and sailing out of Athens starts you near the birthplace of the gods. If your interests are more ouzo and olives than Artemis and Apollo, there’s still plenty to attract you. In the islands, you will find more than historical wonders; you’ll also discover crystalline waters and brilliant beaches. Towns and villages offer the freshest of Greek cuisine straight from the seas or the farm. Walking, hiking, swimming and snorkeling fill the days, and dining and dancing the nights.

The Moorings base is at Marina Zea in Paraeus, in greater Athens. The Marina’s amenities are plentiful and include 24-hour dock assistance and security, showers, chandlery shops, a swimming pool, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, the Greek Naval Museum and free parking.

The Saronic island groups lie near the mainland and are an ideal start to any vacation. From the seafood tavernas and pebbly beaches of Aegina to the quiet, motor-free cobblestones of Hydra, you’ll find delight in every port. So, stop in Poros and walk to the clock tower to catch a sunset, or visit the tavernas and coffee shops on the waterfront after a day of swimming in the bays.

The gems of the Greek isles lie a little further offshore into the Aegean Sea to the Cyclades. This chain consisted of about 220 islands, though only a handful have a sizable full-time population. The variety and vibe are different on every island. You may love the jumping party scene at the bars and resorts on Mykonos, while others might prefer the quiet of Tinos, with its winding narrow streets and colorful shops. Delos and the Temple of Apollo offer thousands of years of history to explore. The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find fascinating historical sites, great food and beaches, and fantastic sailing throughout the Cyclades.

Starting from central Athens, all the major island groups are within reach in little time, from the North Aegean to the Ionian, the Greek “tropical” islands. You can even take a trip to Crete, the largest Greek island with a distinct culture and history from all the rest. There are over one hundred populated islands with towns and harbors to visit and thousands of unpopulated islands and islets.

Sailing in the Greek islands takes you through clear, deep waters with well-marked hazards. Most yachts end up anchoring near shore unless they have a reservation in a marina, though there may be courtesy moorings for some bars and restaurants.

The Athens International Airport is about an hour from Marina Zer by taxi, and direct flights come from all over Europe and from many major cities in North America, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Toronto.

AMENITIES

Pool

Restaurants

Chandlery

Naval Museum