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 Zante Cruise!

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!

What food we serve on board our gulet cruises?

It’s important to work out a budget for your travels – it’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of your main expenses before you leave home, but it’s also vital to know the extra costs you can expect along the way too.

When booking your Sail in Greece cruise, you’ll need to account for extra expenses such as flights and travel insurance for example – and then there will be optional extras and drinks on board the ships. Extra expenses will vary depending on your requirements and therefore it is difficult to specify the exact amount of money that you can spend per day; however as a general rule, we suggest that you budget between €25 – €30 per day (£25 – £30 per day). This amount will adequately provide you with additional meals, drinks and optional.

And what about the drinks on board?

All of our ships offer fully-stocked bars and have a wide range of refreshing cocktails for those hot summer days lazing about on the topdeck. Unless you have specific dietary requirements, you cannot bring food or drink onboard the boat and you will need to purchase drinks from the ship’s bar. There are also available drinking packages for our private charter. Just consult us via email.

Below is an example of Sail in Greece drinks you can expect on our range of ships & cruises.

Please note: Prices are an estimate only. Each ship will have varying price lists and menu options. Up to date prices and menu items will be available onboard and can be checked with your crew once you join your Sail in Greece cruise.

 

Main Dish	Salad	Appetizer
Pasta Tomato Sause	Potato Salad	Potato Fries
Chicken with rice	Greek Salad	Tzatziki
Greek Mousaka	Ceasar Salad	Meatballs
Imam Bayildi	Vegetable Salad	Potato Pie
Fish & Rice
Greek Souvlaki
Pasta Carbonara

Conde Nast Says Greece is the Best Vacation Spot in the World!

If you needed one more reason to Sail in Greece next summer, how about the fact that Conde Nast picked Greece as the number one travel destination in the world!

Conde Nast readers gave the best scores to Greece across the board in the 2016 Readers’ Travel Awards, and with good reason. For its relatively small size, Greece contains some of the most diverse beauty and landscapes anywhere on Earth. Besides it’s ancient ruins and mountains, it has over 200 islands, each with its own unique vibe and atmosphere.

With our cruises, we try to give you a taste of every side of Greece, sailing from party central Mykonos to the stunning beaches of Paros, and on to the volcanic landscapes and amazing sunsets of Santorini. No matter what you like or what your style is, we guarantee you will fall in love with at least one, or most likely all, of these islands – as the readers of Conde Nast did!

There’s no better way to experience the Greek islands than on a classic sailboat, with a friendly Greek captain guiding the way. Greeks have been sailing on these seas for millennia, and almost everyone gets around the islands by boat or ship. With a cruise like this, you can travel closer to the way locals do while meeting Greeks and travelers from around the world on the way – having fun and forging connections on the waters of the deep blue Aegean Sea.

So if you haven’t been to Greece and want to see what Conde Nast readers are excited about, check out one of our cruises next summer. Even if you have been to Greece, we know you can’t wait to return, so kick back and relax while we take you to some of the best islands in the number one travel destination in the world!

4 Greek Islands Known for Their Food and Crafts

The islands of Greece are known for many things: incredible beaches, fresh food by the sea, and nightlife that goes on until dawn.

However, did you know that certain Greek islands are particularly well known for specific crafts their residents have perfected? Below are five islands and the crafts they are known for – so if you’re visiting any of these paradise destinations this summer, you know exactly what souvenir to pick up!

Tinos – Basket Weaving 

There is a town in Tinos called Volax, which is famous throughout Greece for two things: its surreal, boulder-laden landscape, and its basket-weaving residents. Though the town only has around 50 permanent inhabitants, many of them are basket-weavers with workshops adjacent to their houses. So stop by Volax to marvel at its alien landscape, historic churches, and gorgeous baskets!

Chios – Masticha

It is still an unsolved mystery why the mastiha tree produces mastiha (mastic) only on the island of Chios and nowhere else in Greece. Mastiha is a resin used for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. The 24 villages in Chios that produce it are the picturesque and aptly nicknamed “Mastihohoria” – definitely worth a visit both for sightseeing and souvenir shopping.

Crete – Paximadi

Paximadia are a common staple of Greek breakfasts and snack food. This crunchy bread-like food is closest to barley rusk, and is used in plenty of Greek recipes, including the traditional “dakos”, where it is mixed with feta, tomato, oregano, and cappari. The best paximadi is made in Crete, so if you are visiting the island for its glorious hiking and beaches, be sure to bring plenty of paximadia for snacks after your afternoon swim or walk!

Syros – Loukoumia

 Aside from the fresh, healthy foods that make up the local Mediterranean diet, Greece is also known for its delectable sweets. The island of Syros especially is famous throughout the country for its loukoumia. These gummy sweets come in a variety of flavors, though the most traditional kind have hints of roses and pistachios. Sit at one of the many portside cafes or restaurants on Miaouli Square and enjoy this famous Syros sweet!

 

Charter one of our Sail in Greece fleet and explore the Greek islands on your own pace. Our friendly and welcoming guest will make sure your cruise around the Greek islands will be the one to remember!

See you soon on board

Drinks Menu Onboard

It’s important to work out a budget for your travels – it’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of your main expenses before you leave home, but it’s also vital to know the extra costs you can expect along the way too.

When booking your Sail in Greece cruise, you’ll need to account for extra expenses such as flights and travel insurance for example – and then there will be optional extras and drinks on board the ships. Extra expenses will vary depending on your requirements and therefore it is difficult to specify the exact amount of money that you can spend per day; however as a general rule, we suggest that you budget between €25 – €30 per day (£25 – £30 per day). This amount will adequately provide you with additional meals, drinks and optional’s.

All of our ships offer fully-stocked bars and have a wide range of refreshing cocktails for those hot summer days lazing about on the topdeck. Unless you have specific dietary requirements, you cannot bring food or drink onboard the boat and you will need to purchase drinks from the ship’s bar.

Below is an example of Sail in Greece drinks you can expect on our range of ships & cruises.

Please note: Prices are an estimate only. Each ship will have varying price lists and menu options. Up to date prices and menu items will be available onboard and can be checked with your crew once you join your Sail in Greece cruise.

Drink Type	Size	Cost ( € )
Quality White Wine	200ml	3 €
Quality White Wine	1.5 Litres	10 €
Sparkling Wine	750ml	20 €
Cider	330ml	4 €
Beer	500ml	4 €
Energy Drink	250ml	4 €
Cocktails	Standard	7 €
Vodka	30ml	3 €
Rum	30ml	3 €
Gin	30ml	3 €
Mineral Water	500ml	2 €
Mineral Water	1.5 litres	3 €
Soft Drinks	330ml	2 €
Tea	Cup	2 €
Coffee	Cup	2 €
OUZO	Shot	1 €

Sail & Hike Cruises in Greece

The Greek islands are known for many things: beaches, sailing, great food, and water sports. However, did you know there are incredible hiking opportunities in the Aegean islands as well?

If you’re visiting in the springtime or fall, and it’s a bit too chilly for the beaches, try these great trails instead. During the summer, you can also access these trails to get some great sunset views.

The Caldera in Nisyros

One of the most mind-blowing hikes in the Aegean is the caldera hike on the tiny island of Nisyros. Wear good footwear, as the terrain can be a little difficult (and hot). Follow the track to the craters of Stefanos and Polyvotis, and take in this otherwordly volcanic landscape.

 

Explore the Villages of Andros on Foot

The quite large island of Andros has hiking trails connecting most of its charming villages, which can easily be crossed on foot. Explore the island’s valleys and ancient water mills while making your way from one scenic small town to another.

Go Back in History on the Trails of Ithaki

Ithaki, well-known to fans of Greek history and mythology as the Ionian home island of Odysseus, has plenty of hiking trails on its lush landscape. Walk between historic sites related to Trojan War hero Odysseus, and step back in time as you also admire the green landscape and clear turquoise waters below.

Enjoy the Tranquility of Tilos

As a smaller island overlooked by many foreign and Greek tourists, Tilos is the perfect place for travelers seeking some peace and quiet in a great natural setting. The island has dramatic cliff tops jutting out over the sea, and isolated beaches where you can have the beautiful Aegean scenery all to yourself.

Charter one of our Sail in Greece vessels private for your group and our team will design a tailor made itinerary ideal for hiking adventures!

See you on board.

 

 

5 Greek Beaches accessible only by sailboat

In a country full of beautiful, scenic, unspoilt beaches, it’s hard to pick the best, but the part of Greece’s coastline accessible only by sailboat tends to be the most beautiful of all. With a couple of exceptions, these beaches have less tourist crowds and less human pollution thanks to their hard-to-access locations, making them prime spots for swimming and sunbathing.

When you hop around the Greek islands on a boat, these five breathtaking beaches are yours to enjoy!

• Kleftiko Beach, Milos

The turquoise water and stunning white rock formations that dot Kleftiko Beach make it an impressive destination for travelers. Thanks to the fact that Kleftiko is only accessible by boat, the water tends to be cleaner and clearer than on the rest of the popular island of Milos. Lie out on the rocks and soak in the dazzling Mediterranean sun, then jump into the water for one of the best swimming experiences of your life.

• Lalaria Beach, Skiathos

Lalaria is the beach that put Skiathos on the map for many Greek and international tourists alike. The white pebble beach, limestone cliffs, and crystal clear blue waters make this particular spot on the island appear almost surreal in its beauty. Local legends state that swimming through the natural rock arch will give you eternal youth – even though it’s a myth, it doesn’t hurt to try!

• Agiofulli Beach, Lefkada

Lefkada is famous all over Greece for its incredible beaches, as well as its prime spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Though it’s hard to pick just one beach from the island, Agiofulli is especially beloved thanks to its inaccessible by car, tranquil location. Pull in on a sailboat and swim to shore, or hop a charter from the main town of Lefkada and take the 45-minute ride to experience Agiofulli Beach yourself.

• Navagio Beach, Zakynthos

One of the most popular destinations in all of Greece, Navagio Beach is truly a unique sight to behold. Almost everyone has seen famous pictures of the beach, which has an old shipwreck on the sand and is surrounded by towering cliff faces. The reason most of these photos of Navagio are taken from above is that the beach itself is only accessible by sailboat. It is definitely worth it to sail out here, take a swim, and explore the beautiful old shipwreck yourself.

• Koufonissi Island, Crete

If you’re looking for more than just a secluded beach, how about a whole uninhabited island accessible only by boat?! Koufonissi Island, right off the coast of Crete, doesn’t even have a regular service from the mainland anymore, meaning that only those who have rented sailboats can go there. Koufonissi doesn’t offer developed beaches with sun beds and cocktail service, but it’s a favorite destination for those looking to get back to nature and simply enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the sea and sand.

Charter one of our gulets and explore the Greek islands at your own pace. You can browse our gulet fleet here.

The Sail in Greece Team

Athena…..Our Largest MEGA yacht

The motor sailer Athena was built in 2008 . After a renovation in 2017 It took its final form that you can all enjoy today. This boat that is 42 m long and 10 m large is providing Small Ship Cruise services to our dear guests with its 7 crew members.

Our yacht that holds 4 Double Cabins, 4 Triple Cabins, 8 Twin Cabins , more elegant and comfy than each other with their own WC and air conditioning, with a total of 16 cabins. İt possess a 2 x 460 HP Cummins horsepower and a 115 Kw, 35 Kw, 10.5 Kw generator.

A dedicated living space fort the crew, a fully furnished kitchen, indoor and outdoor spaces for eating and relaxing, and an American bar are available.

There are enough sun bath cushions, chairs and services for every single guest. This yacht that is built to make our guests live the comfort, the luxury and the serenity at the same time, can reach a speed up to 12 nautical mile.

Athena motor sailer, fully furnished with navigational devices Wireless, GSM Phone you will feel in security during all of our preferred destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Athens and all the Greek islands.

Beside that, a LCD TV, a DVD player and a stereo music player are available for our dear guests in the living room.

Athens operates on our Sail in Greece cruises and is also available for private charter. Check here our entire gulet fleet

 

5 Best Restaurants in the Greek Islands

Kalita, Mykonos

Mykonos has so many world-class restaurants that it can be hard to pick just one to visit, but Kalita has distinguished itself enough to international foodies to easily nab one of the top spots on the island’s best. Known as much for its mouthwatering desserts as its Greek menu with a twist, Kalita also has a long list of incredible cocktails to keep patrons in this restaurant and bar long after the dishes have been cleared away. Best of all, since Kalita is in an enclosed outdoor space, you can take a small, quiet break from the hustle and bustle of Mykonos’ Chora while you dine.

Sigi Ikthios (Silence of the Fish), Paros

Tucked away in the scenic port of Naousa, right next to the water, the traditionally white and blue designed Sigi Ikthios is one of the premier restaurants in Paros. Chef Yiannis Zoumis specializes in Greek cuisine, especially incredible seafood dishes, and always uses fresh and organically grown ingredients in his dishes. Look out over an array of small Greek fishing boats while enjoying some of the best seafood the Greeks islands have to offer.

Ampelos Greek Restaurant & Wine Bar, Santorini

If you’re looking for a restaurant with a breathtaking view, look no further than Ampelos Restaurant & Wine Bar in Santorini. Located high atop the peak of the island, next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, Ampelos boasts beautiful views of the volcanic caldera as well as the sea, and the lower parts of the island. Enjoy delicious Greek cuisine as well as local wines (in addition to an extensive list of foreign wines) while gazing out over one of the island’s famous sunsets.

Bratsera Restaurant, Hydra

Bratsera Restaurant is located in the Bratsera Hotel on the beautiful pedestrianized island of Hydra. Choose to dine in the cozy indoor dining room, or by the beautiful outdoor pool. Bratsera prides itself on fresh ingredients that make up the menu of its Greek cuisine. Best of all, the restaurant is located in Hydra’s central town, but is also just a four minute walk away from the beach.

Ousyra Restaurant, Syros

This relatively new dining destination has made quite a splash in classy Syros, the “Lady of the Cyclades”. Located in the heart of Hermoupolis, Syros’ central town, Ousyra serves fresh and delicious Italian Mediterranean cuisine. In a simple, clean dining room design. The menu encourage friends and family to share dishes – taste, enjoy, and have a great evening together.

Join our 8 day gulet cruises in Greece and experience the best local restaurants that our team will suggest you. Check here our Sail in Greece cruises

Private charter requests are also available. Check our gulet fleet here