We all are aware of cruises as a travel type, but what actually a small cruise ship holidays are? There is a definite joy to be had from enjoying cruises on small ships and gulets. First of all, not only do they gain from being quieter tours, but thanks to the size of our smaller boats, we are able to moor up close to the local communities, such as local bars and cafes and bring you closer to the coastal villages and city vibes. Have you ever waken up at a private secluded bay where the only thing you can see is the sky and crystal clear blue waters? Have you ever slept under the stars with the summer breeze disarrange your hair? This is a unique experience you will feel during a small ship cruise. There will be nights that we sleep anchored at a bay, far away from the civilization and the dazzling lights and are these times that you get close to nature, you feel alive!
Why the experience is different from a large scale cruise?
A cruise allows you to experience a diversity of destinations without the hard part of mainland travel. The main downside on most large scale cruises, however, especially during these challenging covid times, is that you will be on board with thousands other people and creates you that “part of a herd” feeling. It goes without saying that being part of such a large group, you can not expect the crew to be 24/7 there for you and all your detailed needs.
That’s where a small ship cruise joins and makes the world happier!. During our carefully selected small ship cruises, you get all the benefits of a cruise, without the large scale groups of people. You can be safe knowing that our boats can dock in far smaller Greek charming destinations and that you’ll travel with a small-sized group of like-minded international travelers who want to explore the place in the exact same thoughtful way. Not to mention that our crew on board will pay attention to every single detail of your personal needs, such birthday party, local souvenir gift, the local preferred wine you just find on the next grocery store. If you are also in favor of responsible travel, it goes without saying that It’s much more environmentally-friendly than massive cruise ships in multiple ways. Whether you want to cruise the Northern Ionian islands, such as Corfu, Paxoi, Antipacoi or explore the dazzling blues of Zakynthos and Kefalonia for a totally different cruising experience, we have the rights small-ship cruise to suit your needs. Our small ship cruises are ideal for couples looking to relax, groups of friends that wish to join an active cruise with magnificent destinations on the way or the beach bummers.
Is Greece within your travel radar and you are looking to find the best Greek island cruises packages? Greece is a country with a diverse breathtaking landscape and a wide variety of jaw-dropping islands to feed your appetite. Where to start from? Athens and the Acropolis at sunset, a worldwide historical landmark. The beautiful Greek Cycladic islands, Paros, Santorini, Naxos and the neighboring UNESCO-protected archaeological island of Delos.
Which destinations to select from Greece and what they have to offer?
The Ionian islands, the group of islands scattered between Italy and Greece known for their breathtaking bays and calm waters for cruising. The crystal blue waters of the island of Zakynthos & Paxoi, a hidden gem of the Ionian Sea. The Mainland Greece with Parga and Sivota historical gem treasures. Hydra, a glamorous island with her cozy harbor, closed off to automobile traffic. Each day you will explore a different port of call, a hidden gem with turquoise waters to seduce you, a glimpse of Greek mythology to amaze you and enormous cultural variety to indulge you.
There are so many different destinations to visit in Greece and it goes without saying that a cruise is the best way to explore them. A cruise is by far the perfect way to taste the beauties of Greece, allowing you to hop from island to island without having to worry about ferry timetables and hotel bookings. Not all Greek island cruise packages are created equal, however. Famous islands such as Corfu and Zakynthos feature on the routes of all the main Greek cruise packages, and although they undeniably have their charms, they can be overrun with day-cruisers during the summer high season. A small ship cruise, on the other hand, gives you the opportunity you to explore the smaller, less-busy islands that the big boats can’t reach, destinations where you’ll have picture-perfect beaches and brilliant ruins almost to yourself. In addition to, having the privilege to have your very own private boat, it gives you the flexibility to explore the Greek islands at your own pace, without having to rush between places. On board you will always find our experienced local crew that will give you the best guidance on places to visit, local dishes that worth trying and every important little detail that will offer you the “local living” experience that we bribe about to offer freely to our guests. If you are looking for an authentic experience, a week that you will be given the opportunity to wake up in the mornings in astonishing blue coves, during midday tasting delicious Greek cuisine made right next to you by your on board chefs and early afternoon the joy to met and greet with locals, search no more. Wine tasting excursions, beach yoga classes, bus tour led by professional local guides, are just a glimpse of what you will experience on board a Sail in Greece cruise.
The summer season usually operates from May to October, with July and August being the busiest (and warmest) time to visit. On a Greek cruise package visiting the smaller islands, such as Meganissi, Antipaxoi or Kastos, you’ll almost always be tendered ashore,
and each island has its own charm, whether you’re interested in history, cuisine, bays, local myths, nature or all of the above. Our guests are often amazed to find out that the number of Greek island cruise packages on sale each summer is quite in scarcity, so it pays off to book early. Last but not least, we always offer early bird discount to our guests and as our cruises sell out early, you will be able to select the date that words perfect for your travel holidays.
Experience our Greek island cruises packages here!
Every year summer brings to my mind three specific things: the sea, the sun and some good relaxation time. But it also creates a new additional concern: where to spend the summer holidays this year?
By sailing on a yacht, I can easily get the first three things. So all that remains for me now is to find an answer to this last but still great summer problem.
In fact, the answer is much easier than you can imagine. If you asked me to choose between Sail Greece versus Sail Croatia,
I would directly choose the first one and I think the reasons are somehow obvious:
First of all, there is no other place in Europe that is known for its azure waters. The Ionian and the Aegean Sea are famous for their unrivaled beauty, the heavenly hues and the clean waters. Moreover, the breathtaking view to the islands is something that is difficult to forget. Instead, the landscapes in Croatia are totally conventional. This means that the Adriatic Sea is no way comparable with the dreamy waters of Greece. In short, Sail Greece is the perfect setting to live magical holidays.
Greece can also offer high quality holidays to the visitors. In particular, it is the ultimate gastronomic destination with Mediterranean flavors which will satisfy you to the utmost. Famous Greek recipes will certainly be available to be tasted aboard during the breakfast and the lunch menus, which are usually designed by famous Greek chefs. Greek food is delicious and light simultaneously, an ideal combination especially for the summer months. Does sailing in Croatia offer all these gastronomic treasures? I do not think so…
In addition, I would definitely choose to Sail Greece for the Architecture landscape. As the ship arrives to the Greek islands, beautiful white washed houses with blue roofs begin to appear on the horizon. This landscape is truly unique and remains etched in the memory of every visitor.
In conclusion, I left the most important thing. The key word for the perfect vacation is FUN. Nothing compares to the endless summer parties in Greece. I am already dreaming of the delicious cocktails on board, the fine Greek wine, the beautiful people and the dance at the beach parties. New acquaintances and high entertainment until the morning are promised!
For all these reasons, therefore, I know now where exactly I want to sail this summer. Sail Greece is like get to know a new magical world and this is an experience that I don’t want to lose.
It is a true story that for the last decades Turkey has been the only destination where clients looking to experience their gulet charter holidays traveled to. Turkey has been the birth place of gulets as the main destination where gulets were being built and with a rich coastline people used to enjoy there gulet holidays.
But has these changed over the past years?
The answer is simply yes it has! People over the last years started to look for alterative destinations to charter a gulet, as travelling on the same destination started becoming boring and dull. This is the moment where Greece slowly slowly started to be on the spotlight due to its reach coastline, the numerous Greek islands and the breathtaking scenery. Traditional Greek villages, rich archeological history, welcoming locals and most of all pristine bays and coves, made Greece the place to be when you charter a gulet. With multiple destinations within Greece, due to its diverse geographical areas, you have a vast number of alternative cruising areas to choose from. Starting from the west side, where Ionian islands are scattered with their calm waters, green landscapes and vibrant villages, moving forward to Athens area around Saronic gulf, or going up to Sporades with Skiathos and the rest mama-mia islands. it is just a matter of personal preference to decide. You can consult directly Sail in Greece team via email with your personal preference and we will revert to you with the best proposal for you, email : charter@sail-ingreece.com
What gulets are available to charter in Greece?
There are plenty of gulets to charter in Greece, as in the past years more and more gulets tend to decide to do business within Greek waters. So if you have found an agency that informs you for the lack of available gulets in Greece, please do look elsewhere. Sail in Greece is the largest gulet owner in Greece, with a fully owned fleet of 7 gulets currently, that can carry from small groups of 4/6 people up to 46 all in one gulet. We have multiple gulet standards that will fit perfect your gulet charter needs and as we own the gulets and we are not an agency, best price will be warranted for you. Our team will make sure that all your personal interests will be met before, during and after your gulet cruise. Browse our gulet fleet here
When is the best time to charter a gulet in Greece ?
Technically, there is no good and bad time to gulet charter in Greece, but it is mainly based on what are you looking from your gulet holidays. Very vaguely we can say that months of April, May, October are mainly quote months, so if you are looking to cruise in places and be able to explore avoiding the crowds, it is advisable to charter a gulet during these months. June and September are warm months with constant sunshine, people around the islands and villages, without them being overcrowded. July and August are the high season months, where the temperature usually vary between 30-35 degrees and most of the Greek islands are packed with people. Of course you can always find quite places to visit than other, but do not expect to be alone!
To sum up, Greece is the best gulet charter destination, with a vast variety of Greek islands to visit, friendly and welcoming people, multiple gulets to choose from well priced and most of all, a NEW destination to explore other than the old-school destinations from the past. Last but not least, if you are not able to charter an entire gulet, we operate from May till October our gulet cruises with warranted departures. See our shared gulet cruises here
Who is a typical client on board our gulet cruises?
Sail in Greece is the largest gulet cruise operator in Greece with a fully owned fleet of 7 wooden gulets. We offer our gulets for private charter requests to families, group of friends or special occasions such as weddings and at the same type we operate our scheduled cabin charter cruises for all ages. The customers that usually book our gulets as private usually differ from the ones that join our gulet cruises with warranted departures. In the article below we will mention all kind of guests that do trust our travel brand for their gulet holidays in Greece, the ones choose to privatize our gulets and the ones joining our cabin charters.
Private Gulet Charter clients. Who are they?
First of all, the clients that normally decide to privatize one of our gulets are either large families looking to cruise together in one boat varying from 8 to 35 people, or corporate clients that for instance gather together all their team staff and as part of their team building events all go gulet cruising in Greece. Furthermore, We do have group of friends that might be living all over the world and wish to share the same experience on board or organise a wedding or birthday cruise to celebrate a special occasion. NO matter what the client is of what is their purpose of the cruise, we as a team work closely with the client to understand his needs and then curate in detail his perfect gulet cruise. If you wish to privatize on of our gulets check our gulet fleet
Cabin Charter on our scheduled cruises. Good fit for me?
We operate every year from May till October with weekly warranted departures our 7 day gulet cruises that cater for all ages. Our main client that joins our cabin charter operations is a couple or 2 couples, a small group of friends or solo travelers that are not able to charter a gulet as a whole or even if they can they are looking to socialize and mingle with other travelers on board. Regarding the age of our clients we have designed different cruises that cater for different age groups and interests. We offer young and fun cruises for our younger audience normally from Mykonos ( the party capital) or Athens and our cruises ideal for sightseeing and relaxation for our older audience 40+ which usually depart from Corfu and Zakynthos. If you are unsure which gulet cruise to join you can simply email our customer support team and will guide you what is the best fit for you. You can find all of our gulet cruises here.
What nationalities join our cruises
We can initially state that we have travelers from all over the world, spreading from Australia to the closest country to us Italy. If we had to share with you the majority of our guests where they come from we would say United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, South Africa, Australian. New Zealand, USA and Canada. But we also have guests in board from Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Portugal, Mexino, Argentina and Israel. For all of our Italian speaking clients we have a dedicated Italian web site ( www.sail-ingreece.it). For our Spanish clients we have a Spanish one ( www.sail-ingreece.es). For our French we have as well ( www.sail-ingreece.fr) and of course the same applies for our German too ( www.sail-ingreece.de). We have as well a dedicated web site for our British customers, www.sail-ingreece.co.uk
To sum up, if you are confused as to which choice is best for you, either our private charter gulet charter or our shared cabin charter you can always email our customer support team and will revert to you as soon as possible with the best choice for you. Email : sales@sail-ingreece.com or phone + 30 2112152595 ( GR) or + 44 203 239 9253 ( UK).
Corfu island is one of the seven islands located in the western side of Greece between Italy called Ionian islands and has been by far the most popular one regarding tourism. Due to its venetian picturesque town, the breathtaking coastline, the serine hidden coves and natural environment makes Corfu ideal destination for gulet charter and Corfu gulet cruises. If you are looking to charter a Corfu gulet we highly recommend you go ahead and experience that week on board, which without a doubt will be a unique lifetime experience.
Corfu Gulet itinerary
There are multiple different itineraries and route we can operate with a Corfu gulet, but for the shame of this article we will mention the two above. If your group needs any further clarifications, or wish to discuss possible alterations, it would be our pleasure to do so, email : charter@sail-ingreece.com
Short Corfu Gulet route
When we say short Corfu gulet route, we mean that your week will be with a maximum of 2/3 hours per day cruising, which will give ytou much more time to spend on the beach or exploring the traditional villages on the way.
Day 1: Corfu – Kassipi
Day 2: Kassiopi to Sivota ( Blue Lagoon)
Day 3: Sivota to Parga
Day 4: Parga to Antipaxos
Day 5: Antipaxos to Paxos ( Gaios)
Day 6: Gaios to Lakka ( Paxoi)
Day 7: Lakka to Corfu
Day 8: Disembarkation
Long Corfu Gulet route
The long Corfu gulet itinerary means you will be spending around 4/5 hours per day cruising. That means you will have less time swimming and relaxing, but you will be able to visit more destinations in one week. Usually this route is more expensive as well, due to the higher capacity of fuel consumed.
Day 1: Corfu
Day 2: Meganissi – Skorpios
Day 3: Atokos – Ithaca
Day 4: Cephalonia
Day 5: Lefkada | Gerakas
Day 6:Antipaxos | Paxos
Day 7: Corfu
Day 8: Disembarkation
NO matter which Corfu gulet cruise you select, we can warrantee you that it will be the best week of your life. Our Sail in Greece team will design with you all details for your gulet cruise, from the meals that will be served on board, to the handpicked island excursions that you can join while on the local destinations, or the airport transfers you might need before or after your flight. You will have for the entire week a dedicated Corfu gulet buddy with you all the time.
Corfu gulet cruise on cabin charter
Sail in Greece, the largest gulet fleet operator in Greece, is the only operator that operates weekly Corfu gulet cruises with warranted departures. We start our Corfu gulet cruises from May and finish in October. We have international guests from all over the world, such as English ( www.sail-ingreece.co.uk), Italians ( www.sail-ingreece.it), French ( www.sail-ingreece.fr), Germans ( www.sail-ingreece.de), Spanish ( www.sail-ingreece.es), South Africans, Australians, Americans, Canadians to name just a few. Hence, if you are travelling solo or couple or a small group of friends and are not able to charter a Corfu gulet the best option for you is to join our 8 day Ionian Cruise from Corfu. We operate Corfu cruises with five Corfu gulets depending on seasonality and week. You can browse all of our Corfu gulet fleet here
Mykonos vs. Santorini: Which Island is Right for You?
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, then you’re likely in the process of researching different islands. And with more than 200 inhabited islands to choose from, knowing which one to select can be difficult. For many, it comes down to Mykonos or Santorini.
Get to Know Mykonos
Located in the southern portion of the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is one of the more famous and acclaimed Greek islands belonging to the Cyclades complex. You’ll find it nestled in close proximity to a number of other smaller islands, including Paros, Tinos, Naxos, and Syros.
Mykonos is believed to be the second-most visited Greek island each year – something that’s due in large part to its vibrant dual personality. During the daytime, Mykonos is a classic Greek island with all of the iconic views and experiences that travelers and tourists have come to expect: windmills, cozy paved alleys, trendy shops, Instagram-worthy architecture, and sugar-cube houses. But when the sun goes down, the island’s wild side comes out. The nightlife in Mykonos is renowned, and the Little Venice portion of the island comes alive on warm summer evenings.
Get to Know Santorini
Santorini’s iconic crescent moon shape is easy to spot on a map of the Greek islands. And whether you’re browsing a map or swiping through international travel pictures, there’s no mistaking Santorini when you see it.
Year after year, Santorini continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Known for its beautiful rugged cliffs, pristine white architecture, and carefully “stacked” homes overlooking the Aegean Sea, this island is a lively oasis that every world traveler will eventually want to experience firsthand.
“Breathtaking” is the only word to accurately describe Santorini. Neatly paved streets, one-of-a-kind architecture, and eclectic shops and cafes make this island a popular wedding spot and honeymoon destination. And because it’s so close to other popular Greek islands like Mykonos and Crete, it sees a steady flow of travelers from cruise ships and Greek gulets.
Which Island is Right for You
While it’s somewhat unfair to compare them, Mykonos and Santorini will forever be pitted against one another. Their proximity and popularity make them worthy “rivals” – though it’s a friendly and healthy competition.
As a traveler, you may be wondering which island is right for you? Well, it depends. Here are some factors to consider:
Best for Beaches: Mykonos
You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches on either island, but they offer totally different experiences. On Santorini, you’ll find volcanic pebbles and red sand. They’re pretty interesting and impressive, but not the kind of beach that most people think of when they imagine sticking their toes in the sand. Mykonos, on the other hand, has white sandy beaches with clear turquoise waters. Plus, you can find a beach for any style (family beaches, gay beaches, nude beaches, etc.).
With all of that being said, we give Mykonos the award for “best beaches.” We’ll put it like this: People visit beaches in both Santorini and Mykonos, but they come back for the beaches of Mykonos.
Best for Nightlife: Mykonos
As mentioned before, Mykonos has quite the nightlife scene. It has a surprising number of clubs and bars for people of every taste. It also happens to be an incredibly LGBTQ+ community that caters to people looking for a good time. (That’s not to say Santorini isn’t gay-friendly, but Mykonos is known for gay bars, gay beaches, and world-class drag shows.)
Santorini doesn’t exactly shut down at sunset, but you’ll only find a couple of bars worth visiting late at night, and there aren’t any clubs to speak of. However, if your version of “nightlife” is a bottle of wine with your significant other in a corner booth, Santorini has plenty to offer. It all depends on what you want.
Best for Attractions: Santorini
Santorini has one of the most diverse cultures of any Greek island. It’s beautiful, refined, and distinctly, well, Santorinian. You’ll find no fewer than 16 wineries on the island, amazing museums (like Akrotiri Prehistoric Site, Art Space Gallery, Ancient Thera Site, Maritime Museum, Archeological Museum, etc.), five Venetian castles, and an active volcano!
While Mykonos is known for its beaches and nightlife, you won’t find nearly the same attractions and culture. The main town of “Chora” is picturesque and has some good food, but there isn’t as much to “do” during the daytime (when compared to Santorini).
Best for Romance: Santorini
Romance can be found anywhere, but when it comes to romantic destinations, these two islands can be best described as follows:
Santorini is for couples. Amazing sunsets, incredible culinary hotspots, quaint villages, and best-in-class hotels and resorts all make for a romantic experience tailored to couples.
Mykonos is for singles. Party-friendly beaches, all-night clubs, and plenty of LGBTQ+ bars make Mykonos an amazing place for singles to hang out, mingle, and enjoy new experiences.
There are obviously exceptions to this – and it doesn’t mean that singles can’t visit Santorini or couples can’t have a great time in Mykonos – but you get the idea. One is more upbeat and carefree, while the other is laid back and luxurious. You’ll have to decide which version of romance you’re looking for.
Book Your Greek Gulet Holiday
If you can’t tell by now, both Mykonos and Santorini have so much to offer visitors. Whether you’re a solo traveler, honeymooner, or large family, these two Greek islands have so much to offer. And the best way to see them is by scheduling a Greek gulet holiday.
Sail in Greece is proud to be the largest gulet fleet owner in Greece. We own 9 luxury gulets and have the ability to arrange private excursions at the best rates on the market for all ages and group sizes.
Whether you want to visit Mykonos, Santorini, and/or every island in between, we can make it happen. Simply click here for our private gulet charter prices or contact us today to learn more!
Mykonos vs. Santorini: Which Island is Right for You?
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, then you’re likely in the process of researching different islands. And with more than 200 inhabited islands to choose from, knowing which one to select can be difficult. For many, it comes down to Mykonos or Santorini.
Get to Know Mykonos
Located in the southern portion of the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is one of the more famous and acclaimed Greek islands belonging to the Cyclades complex. You’ll find it nestled in close proximity to a number of other smaller islands, including Paros, Tinos, Naxos, and Syros.
Mykonos is believed to be the second-most visited Greek island each year – something that’s due in large part to its vibrant dual personality. During the daytime, Mykonos is a classic Greek island with all of the iconic views and experiences that travelers and tourists have come to expect: windmills, cozy paved alleys, trendy shops, Instagram-worthy architecture, and sugar-cube houses. But when the sun goes down, the island’s wild side comes out. The nightlife in Mykonos is renowned, and the Little Venice portion of the island comes alive on warm summer evenings.
Get to Know Santorini
Santorini’s iconic crescent moon shape is easy to spot on a map of the Greek islands. And whether you’re browsing a map or swiping through international travel pictures, there’s no mistaking Santorini when you see it.
Year after year, Santorini continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Known for its beautiful rugged cliffs, pristine white architecture, and carefully “stacked” homes overlooking the Aegean Sea, this island is a lively oasis that every world traveler will eventually want to experience firsthand.
“Breathtaking” is the only word to accurately describe Santorini. Neatly paved streets, one-of-a-kind architecture, and eclectic shops and cafes make this island a popular wedding spot and honeymoon destination. And because it’s so close to other popular Greek islands like Mykonos and Crete, it sees a steady flow of travelers from cruise ships and Greek gulets.
Which Island is Right for You
While it’s somewhat unfair to compare them, Mykonos and Santorini will forever be pitted against one another. Their proximity and popularity make them worthy “rivals” – though it’s a friendly and healthy competition.
As a traveler, you may be wondering which island is right for you? Well, it depends. Here are some factors to consider:
Best for Beaches: Mykonos
You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches on either island, but they offer totally different experiences. On Santorini, you’ll find volcanic pebbles and red sand. They’re pretty interesting and impressive, but not the kind of beach that most people think of when they imagine sticking their toes in the sand. Mykonos, on the other hand, has white sandy beaches with clear turquoise waters. Plus, you can find a beach for any style (family beaches, gay beaches, nude beaches, etc.).
With all of that being said, we give Mykonos the award for “best beaches.” We’ll put it like this: People visit beaches in both Santorini and Mykonos, but they come back for the beaches of Mykonos.
Best for Nightlife: Mykonos
As mentioned before, Mykonos has quite the nightlife scene. It has a surprising number of clubs and bars for people of every taste. It also happens to be an incredibly LGBTQ+ community that caters to people looking for a good time. (That’s not to say Santorini isn’t gay-friendly, but Mykonos is known for gay bars, gay beaches, and world-class drag shows.)
Santorini doesn’t exactly shut down at sunset, but you’ll only find a couple of bars worth visiting late at night, and there aren’t any clubs to speak of. However, if your version of “nightlife” is a bottle of wine with your significant other in a corner booth, Santorini has plenty to offer. It all depends on what you want.
Best for Attractions: Santorini
Santorini has one of the most diverse cultures of any Greek island. It’s beautiful, refined, and distinctly, well, Santorinian. You’ll find no fewer than 16 wineries on the island, amazing museums (like Akrotiri Prehistoric Site, Art Space Gallery, Ancient Thera Site, Maritime Museum, Archeological Museum, etc.), five Venetian castles, and an active volcano!
While Mykonos is known for its beaches and nightlife, you won’t find nearly the same attractions and culture. The main town of “Chora” is picturesque and has some good food, but there isn’t as much to “do” during the daytime (when compared to Santorini).
Best for Romance: Santorini
Romance can be found anywhere, but when it comes to romantic destinations, these two islands can be best described as follows:
Santorini is for couples. Amazing sunsets, incredible culinary hotspots, quaint villages, and best-in-class hotels and resorts all make for a romantic experience tailored to couples.
Mykonos is for singles. Party-friendly beaches, all-night clubs, and plenty of LGBTQ+ bars make Mykonos an amazing place for singles to hang out, mingle, and enjoy new experiences.
There are obviously exceptions to this – and it doesn’t mean that singles can’t visit Santorini or couples can’t have a great time in Mykonos – but you get the idea. One is more upbeat and carefree, while the other is laid back and luxurious. You’ll have to decide which version of romance you’re looking for.
Book Your Greek Gulet Holiday
If you can’t tell by now, both Mykonos and Santorini have so much to offer visitors. Whether you’re a solo traveler, honeymooner, or large family, these two Greek islands have so much to offer. And the best way to see them is by scheduling a Greek gulet holiday.
Sail in Greece is proud to be the largest gulet fleet owner in Greece. We own 9 luxury gulets and have the ability to arrange private excursions at the best rates on the market for all ages and group sizes.
Whether you want to visit Mykonos, Santorini, and/or every island in between, we can make it happen. Simply click here for our private gulet charter prices or contact us today to learn more!
Why is a Gulet Cruise Better Than a Traditional Cruise?
Taking a European cruise sounds like a dream to many people, but what if there was a way to make your experience even more unique? Now you have the opportunity to set sail around one of the various oceans and seas that encompass 227 different islands surrounding Greece.
While you may be thinking of a traditional cruise aboard a massive ship, there are options available known as gulet charter cruises that provide a completely different vacation than you may have envisioned.
What exactly is a gulet charter and why is it better than taking a traditional cruise? Let’s take a look at what the main differences are and why you should consider taking a gulet cruise for your upcoming trip to Greece.
What Is a Gulet Charter?
The word gulet is derived from the French “golette.” However, there is also some debate as to whether or not the word originated instead from the Turkish name “gulet” or from the Italian word “goletta.”
It is a traditional two or three-masted wooden sailing vessel that’s design originated from southwest Turkey. When you imagine a gulet, you probably think of a traditional sailboat; however, these are significantly larger.
You’ll find several of these types all along the Mediterranean that range in different sizes, some as big as Sail In Greece’s Gulet Artemis that has sixteen cabins and can accommodate up to forty-six passengers. The intricacies in the construction of these ships go as far back in time as the 18th century for purposes of war. Gulets have since been transformed to cater to the world of tourism and luxury cruises for people to experience throughout this European sea.
Benefits of a Gulet Charter Cruise
There are dozens of benefits in choosing to take a gulet charter cruise along the Mediterranean rather than a traditional cruise. From cost and size to making the most of your time, you won’t even think twice after reading this about whether or not to choose a gulet charter cruise.
Traditional Cruises Have Too Many People
Traditional cruise ships tend to be extremely large, carrying upwards of three to six thousand passengers. This means you are sharing the same space with thousands of people for multiple days at a time. Too many people tend to be one of the biggest complaints by traditional cruise attendings.
It means there is a lot of waiting time between boarding and deboarding at your designated locations. There may also be significant wait times for buffet breakfast, lines at the bar, seats at restaurants, and even booked-out showtimes.
On a gulet charter cruise, you can expect to be sharing the space with no more than forty-five other passengers. You can also create a more intimate setting where you can select to be on board a charter gulet that carries no more than twenty-five passengers total. You’ll find lots of opportunities for privacy, tranquility, and relaxation.
Traditional Cruises Won’t Give You You a Personalised Experience
One of the downsides of taking a traditional cruise aboard a large ship is that you won’t have much time to explore or take part in excursions throughout the destinations you visit. While yes, you do get a chance to potentially stop at multiple islands or countries throughout your cruise, with as many people as there are, it’s not feasible to be able to accommodate a full experience while needing to also wait in line to reboard the ship.
With there being so many people, this also means that your destinations will be mostly in destinations with high tourism. If you want a more personalised experience, gulet charter cruises give you ample opportunities to explore multiple islands with the perfect blend of private and more secluded nature, beaches, heritage, history, and even on-deck sea-view unwinding.
Besides, you certainly wouldn’t be able to jump off the side of a cruise ship for some afternoon swimming like you could on your unique experience aboard the ZanteCruise!
Traditional Cruises Aren’t That Unique of an Experience
If you have never been on a cruise ship before and are considering taking a cruise to Greece for your next vacation, you may want to rethink it. Because most of your time is spent on the ship rather than at your destinations, you will find yourself doing things aboard the ship you could do right within your own city.
For instance, some cruises have some of the more popular restaurants onboard such as Johnny Rockets, or even some very basic options for their buffets that aren’t really anything special. And if you do decide to eat at one of the finer restaurants onboard, you’ll be spending a substantial amount of money and may not have the privacy or intimacy of a meal that you may like. You might have to share a large table with a group of people or have to wait in line even though you already had a reservation.
Or perhaps your cruise ship may offer their passengers time to spend at the casino. But why would you want to pay all of that money for a vacation when you are sitting inside a dark casino gambling away your money all night?
With a Greek gulet charter cruise, you will be guaranteed to have an experience like no other. Because the islands are relatively close, you will have less time on the boat and more time to spend at each of your destinations – meaning unique, one-of-a-kind experiences on each of the islands you visit.
Don’t worry; if you want to spend more time on the gulet than walking around, there are options for you to spend more time relaxing on the boat. But you won’t be bombarded with casino incentives or shows to watch onboard the ship. You’ll spend more time soaking up the sun on the top deck, relaxing in luxury instead.
At the end of the day, taking a gulet charter cruise around the Greek Islands is a more unique and memorable experience beyond any traditional type of cruise you may take. If you are ready to jump aboard, talk to one of the specialists with Sail In Greece and book your cruise today!
Traveling to Greece is on just about everyone’s bucket list. You can’t help but daydream about gorgeous sunsets along the Mediterranean Sea or sinking your toes into the notorious black sand beaches. Or maybe you picture yourself drinking a cup of coffee while setting sail aboard a gulet charter that takes you to places you never thought you would see.
If you weren’t aware, Greece has 227 different islands. There are different clusters such as the Ionian Islands or the Cyclades islands. With so many options to choose from, it may feel impossible to narrow down where you plan to go. Well, look no further because we’ve got you covered.
If you are looking for the ultimate guide to your top five Greek islands to visit, keep reading. We’ll take you to some of our top destinations like Corfu, Naxos, Zante, Santorini, and Mykonos.
Corfu
Along the western side of Greece, right near Italy, is an area of islands known as the Ionian islands. These are by far one of the most breathtaking sets of islands that are worth visiting, specifically Corfu. It’s filled with so much history within its city to explore or you can hike throughout the various hilltop ruins such as Angelokastro, or Angel’s Castle.
A unique way to explore Corfu is through a gulet charter. Through Sail In Greece’s Corfu gulet charter cruise, you’ll experience sailing for eight days around different locations on a cabin charter. We highly recommend that if you are going to be taking a journey to Greece that you embark on an adventure that takes you through hidden coves and natural environments you may not have the opportunity to see otherwise.
Naxos
This quaint little island is home to just over 7,000 people. One of the best times to visit is in the fall because you will find that there are fewer tourists and more locals around. It gives you that small island feel and no matter where on the island you go, you are extremely close to the water. You’ll find more secluded beaches that offer privacy amongst the rocks or you can head over to another coast which may offer more options such as snorkeling.
While you’re there, make sure to check out Panormos Beach with its golden sand and crystal clear water. This beach does require a car to access, but it is well worth the drive. Or if you plan on staying near the port, you can also check out Agios Georgios which is only a ten-minute walk from when you get off of the boat.
Zante
If you want to spoil yourself on your Greek adventure, we suggest taking a tour through Zante. Also known as Zakynthos, the island is known as a summer resort location and there is no question as to why. It’s the southernmost island of the Ionian group and is well known for its Caretta-Caretta turtles as they come there to lay their eggs.
If you’re looking to give yourself a luxury experience, try onboarding a Zante cruise aboard the M/S Aphrodite. It seats up to twenty passengers and offers fine dining options as you explore the island for seven nights. Or, depending on the season, you may have a delicious Captain’s dinner aboard one of Sail in Greece Zante cruise’s other gulets such as Hemera, Harmonia, Eros, Panagiotia, or Auror.
Santorini
But of course, how could we possibly forget one of the most well-known, romantic islands of them all? This island of Santorini, filled with white architecture and blue rooftops along the Aegean Sea, is one of those places you see on the front of postcards. About 15,000 people live on this beautiful island and it is a gorgeous place to visit any time of year.
The main villages in Santorini are Oia and Fira, located along the volcanic cliff sides of the island. There is a hike you can take that brings you from one point of the island to the other over the course of six miles. You’ll pass through Firostefani and Imerovigli along the way, giving you the ability to see the island in its entirety.
You’ll end your hike by watching the iconic sunset overlooking the ocean and dine out with delicious Turkish-influenced cuisines. What more could you ask for than the most picture-perfect way to end a gorgeous hike along the cliffs?
Mykonos
Mykonos is an island that is known for its thriving nightlife so if you are looking to dance beneath the stars of Greece, this is the spot for you. Luxurious hotels and fine dining are nearby, but if you are looking for something a little off-the-beaten-path, you may want to check out Agia Anna Beach. There are minimal tourist spots here such as watersports or beach bars which makes it the perfect little spot to hide away for a day at the beach.
If you are looking to find a blend of culture, history, and a friendly atmosphere, you will definitely want to consider treating yourself to a Mykonos Greek Island Cruise by Sail in Greece. It provides an opportunity to relax by the ocean while also having the element of socialization with friends both new and old aboard the gulet. This is a great option for people who are looking to throw a bachelor or bachelorette party or are going to be hitting the open seas with friends.
No matter where you decide to go on your vacation to Greece, you will want to make the absolute most out of your time there. Your best bet is by creating a unique experience that caters to what you want your dream trip to be. Sail in Greece offers both intimate and large party gulet cruises through Greece.
Don’t settle for flying when you could have the opportunity of a lifetime to set sail to multiple different islands around the Mediterranean sea. The only step left is to book your trip!
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Book Your Greek Gulet Holiday
Book Your Greek Gulet Holiday
