East Mediterranean Yacht Charter

The Eastern Mediterranean offers many delights, such as historical sites, delicious food and wine, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking scenery. From the Greek Islands to Turkey and parts in between, an East Mediterranean yacht charter holiday will certainly captivate you.

East Mediterranean Climate

The Eastern Mediterranean has a mild climate, with sunshine prevalent most of the year. The Greek Islands see temperatures from May to August in the 70s and 80s. The northern Meltemi winds in July and August temper the heat. Similarly, southwestern Turkey also enjoys warm temperatures in the upper 80s throughout the summer.

In addition, the fall is primarily dry and pleasant across the Eastern Mediterranean, making for an extended summer season.

Places to See in the Eastern Mediterranean

Fortunately, Greece is in the perfect position in the East Mediterranean Sea. With five groups of islands, plus Crete, there is endless diversity and history to explore on a Greek yacht charter. In the Cyclades, don’t miss the famously entertaining islands of Santorini and Mykonos.

While in Santorini, you can walk the red beaches, then visit the Prehistoric Thira Museum. If time allows, don’t forget the beautiful Akrotiri Lighthouse. Lastly, head high above the island in Mykonos to the opulent Monastery of Panagia Tourliani. Here, you’ll have the chance to peer into Greece’s fascinating past.

You must head to Corfu in the Ionian Islands to witness the many ancient churches, monasteries, and fortresses. The Saint Spyridon Orthodox Church from 1580 is particularly intriguing. Instead, you can explore the Dodecanese Islands just off the coast of Turkey.

This group of 15 main islands boasts unique architecture and traditional villages that have been virtually unchanged for centuries. In addition, incredible museums, ruins, and castles are in abundance. For instance, on Kos, you can visit the Sanctuary of Asklepieion, an important part of the foundation of holistic medicine.

Similarly, Turkey is fortunate to sit at the crossroads of both cultures and incredible landscapes. While Istanbul offers vast urban exploration, a Turkey yacht charter will let you discover the southwestern coast – the Turkish Riviera. From Antalya’s Düden Waterfalls and parklands to the tombs of Marmaris, you’ll be amazed by Turkey’s natural beauty.

Also, uncover gorgeous beaches and sunken cities like Kekova, hidden amongst the port cities of Fethiye and Bodrum.

Things to Do in the East Mediterranean Yacht Charter

Hiking – The mountainous and volcanic lands like Naxos and Nisyros are perfect for hikers of all levels.
Shopping – Find everything from handmade clothing to soaps, olive oil, marble carvings, and honey.
Kiteboarding – The windy conditions of the East Mediterranean Seas provide endless kiteboarding.
Snorkeling – Vibrant underwater scenes stretch across the Greek Islands, especially in Corfu and Crete.
Wine Tasting – Greece has one of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world, with many indigenous grapes never leaving the country. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor these fresh and lively island wines.
Windsurfing – Learn to windsurf in Rhodes, or Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula.
Scuba Diving – Top scuba diving spots include Turkey’s Kas and Santorini in Greece.
Golfing – You can find many spectacular golf courses across Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Bodrum, and Antalya.

Gastronomy

Mouthwatering cuisine awaits you throughout the Mediterranean. Below, we’ve highlighted some typical dishes to try while visiting the area.

Eastern Mediterranean Dishes

Spanikopita is a delicious spinach pie, usually made with feta cheese and onions.
Olive Oil is a staple of Greek cuisine.
Octopus – Stuffed or grilled with lemon and herbs.
Kleftiko is a juicy baked lamb or goat dish typically served with potatoes.
Dolmadakia – Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.
Moussaka is a baked and layered dish of eggplant or potatoes, typically with meat and cream sauce. A rich and hearty dish known as the Greek lasagna.
Piyaz – A bean salad with a soft-boiled egg is common in Turkey.
Ezogelin Corba – A spicy Bulgur wheat and lentil Turkish soup.
Shaksaksuka – A Turkish vegetable dish of eggplant, zucchini, garlic, tomatoes, and chili.
Baklava – A decadent dessert made from layered phyllo dough, honey, and nuts.

Countless excellent restaurants serve fresh fare to the locals and visitors who frequent the Eastern Mediterranean on holiday. In addition, your yacht crew will gladly help arrange dining reservations at the best restaurants in Greece and the Turkish Riviera. They may even show you a few hidden, local gems if you’re lucky. We’ve outlined a few great dining choices to consider.

East Mediterranean Restaurants

To Elliniko – The top traditional restaurant on Naxos with many great vegan dishes.
Siparos – A beautiful Naxos seafront restaurant with local seafood and pasta dishes.
Auvergne – One of the most gorgeous Rhodes restaurants. It offers live music and is in a Medieval Knight’s lodge from 1507.
Peskesi – A charming restaurant in the backstreets of the capital of Crete. They feature authentic Cretan meat dishes and ancient island recipes.
Soso – Delicious seaside dining in the quaint port town of Naoussa on Paros.
Téchnē – Modern Greek cuisine and excellent drinks on the shores of lovely Hydra.
Izela – Taste authentic Turkish cuisine in this tranquil garden near Feyithe.
Yengeç – Waterfront dining with great octopus and seafood in the Feyithe Marina in Turkey.
Korsan Fish Terrace – Enjoy live music, seafood, and beautiful views of Antalya’s marina.
Seraser Fine Dining – Choose from various Mediterranean and Asian dishes at this 300-year-old mansion in Antalya.

East Mediterranean Yacht Marinas & Anchorages

Lovely port towns and marinas range from sleepy and tranquil to more vibrant and bustling. Also, the larger ports closest to Athens have many amenities, spas, and restaurants. However, small ports like those in the Ionian and Dodecanese Islands offer wooden fishing boats and indescribable charm.

Athens, Lavrion, and Poros are the main ports for trips to the Saronic and Cyclades Islands.
The Dodecanese marinas include the Rhodes, Kos, Symi, Leros, and Samos Islands.
The Sporades’ port towns include Skiathos, Milin, Skopelos, and Skyros.
The Ionian Sea boasts Corfu, Lefkada, Patras, Paxos, and Zakynthos marinas.
Crete’s ports include Souda, Plaka, Rethymno, and Atherinólakos.
Turkey’s main marinas are Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Göcek, and Antalya.