Choosing between the Ionian and Cyclades is like picking your favourite coffee both brilliant, different moods. The Ionian (Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca) is calm, green and chilled. Distances are short, anchorages sheltered, and towns feel wonderfully authentic. It’s prime for first timers, young crews on a budget, or anyone who wants more swims than slog. Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos) serve drama sugar cube villages, lunar bays, and that crisp Aegean light. But the Meltemi is a thing; plan conservative legs and keep lee side options.
If your crew is a mixed bag some salty, some brand new start Ionian. You’ll still get turquoise water, sea caves, and postcard harbours without white‑knuckle upwind days. Party and chill? Do a one way Cyclades loop that hits a big name island midweek, then bolt to quieter anchorages for recovery swims. Our greek sailing tours offer both: easy Ionian flotillas for max social vibes, or boutique Cyclades routes with flexible weather calls.
Yacht charter Greece gives you the keys to pace. On a private yacht charter Greece, roll out early, snag dream coves, and arrive golden hour when towns glow and moorings open up. For Greek islands hopping that won’t chew through your energy, remember: reef early, water and diesel topped, and a Plan B for every leg. Either way, you’ll be stoked.