Charter a Yacht in Athens: Top Destinations for Summer 2022By Angelica Malin
See Athens and the magnificent Attica region from the luxury of a chartered yacht. Let SamBoat show you some of the best places in the Aegean Sea this summer.
Experiencing Athens and the Attica Region by Yacht
Attica, a peninsula on the central-eastern coast of Greece, is a region steeped in fascinating history, culture and natural beauty. It is a land of impressive mythology, from legendary wars to a host of gods and demigods. In addition, it is the birthplace of modern Western civilization in terms of art, science, and government, evidence of which can be found in Athens and many places in the region. With so much to see and enjoy, what better way to experience Attica than to charter a yacht in Athens.
When you experience Attica by yacht, you will enjoy the warm weather and clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea in complete comfort. In addition, you will be able to visit many popular locations around the coast without the hassles associated with land travel. Best of all, you don’t need to know how to sail. Just hire a qualified skipper to take you anywhere you want to visit!
There is much to see in Attica: from ancient ruins in Athens to the bustling port of Piraeus and areas of natural beauty like Vouliagmeni. Plus, you can visit one of the many gorgeous Greek Islands that dot the Aegean. With so much to see and do, this is our guide to the top destinations in Attica for summer 2022. Also, we will show you how to charter a yacht in Athens for your next adventure.
Here are some of our top destinations to visit in Attica, starting with the ancient capital of Athens.
1. Athens
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world still in existence. There is much to discover for those fascinated by ancient history: from the Acropolis that has dominated the Athenian skyline for thousands of years to surrounding archaeological sites at the Ancient Agora, Roman Agora and Kerameikos.
For those looking for something more modern, the Plaka district and Monastiraki Square are popular areas for shopping and dining. Finally, take a walk or cable car ride up to the top of Mount Lycabettus for some fantastic city views.
2. Pireaus
Close by to Athens is the port city of Piraeus and your gateway to the Aegean Sea and the Attican coastline. While you are here, visit the Piraeus Museum to learn about the port’s maritime history or visit some magnificent Greek Orthodox churches, such as Agia Triada and Agios Spyridon.
In terms of shopping, Sotiros Dios is a lively pedestrian mall lined with many boutique stores and eateries. Take a relaxing stroll along the harbours of Pasalimani and Microlimano and enjoy a quality seafood meal by the water. Finally, end the day in the Trouba district, dancing away the night in one of the many popular bars and nightclubs.
3. Vouliagmeni
Just a short distance south of Pireaus, the seaside town of Vouliagmeni is Attica’s answer to France’s Cote d’Azur. Vouliagmeni has some of the best beaches in the region, with Astir, Kavouri and Αkti Vouliagmenis beaches especially trendy in summer. You can also visit nearby Lake Vouliagmeni, a place of captivating beauty and relaxing thermal springs.
Being part of the Athenian Riviera, Vouliagmeni is known for its sophistication and elegance and is a popular getaway for the rich and famous. Enjoy delicious meals and drinks from fine dining establishments while watching the sunset over the waters. This is the perfect place to relax while exploring Attica in the summer months.
4. Hydra
Just a short ride south of Athens is the idyllic island of Hydra, one of the Saronic islands. This island has maintained its old-world charm, from its old stone buildings to its cobblestone streets. There are no cars here: all transport is done by walking, donkey riding or horseback. As such, this quiet and picturesque island has been a popular destination for writers and artists for years.
There are many eateries and boutique shops to enjoy when visiting the harbour of Hydra. However, we highly recommend that you explore the backstreets with their classic whitewashed houses, museums and churches. Take a coastal walk to the nearby village of Kamini or head up to Profitis Ilias monastery on Mount Eros for some breathtaking scenic views. Finally, enjoy a dip in the waters at Mandraki Bay, just north of the main town.
5. The Cyclades
Perhaps the most famous of the Greek islands are the Cyclades, a collection of over 200 islands southeast of Athens. Of the islands, the most popular are Santorini, with its whitewashed houses and fabulous sea views, and Mykonos, with its beautiful beaches and incredible party scene. Yet as wonderful as these islands are, there is even more to experience in the Cyclades.
All the Cyclades islands have fantastic beaches, in particular, Golden Beach on Paros and Mylopotas in Ios. Islands such as Kea and Kythnos are full of natural beauty and are perfect for a quiet getaway. Plus, there is the sacred island of Delos, which was once a centre of politics and religion, and is today a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. There is something that is sure to appeal no matter what you are looking for with many other islands to be explored.
How to Charter a Yacht in Athens
Although we have listed our top picks for exploring the Attican region and the Aegean sea, there is much more to explore when you charter a yacht in Athens. The best way to charter your own yacht is through SamBoat. SamBoat is an online service that connects experienced and licenced boat operators with those interested in renting a craft for their holidays. SamBoat offers rental assistance for 45,000 boats in 76 countries and has options for all budgets.
To charter a yacht in Athens, first search the SamBoat site for the boat that you prefer. Once you have found the right boat, create your online profile and send a booking request. If your request is successful, you will be asked to pay the amount for the rental period. Once you arrive at the port to start your journey, make sure that the boat matches the description on the website. Sign the rental agreement with the boat owner once you are satisfied that all is in order. Then, you can begin your journey with peace of mind.
Start planning your next maritime adventure around the Greek coast today with SamBoat.