Spetses – the new ‘go-to’ destination for the global jet-set! Set sail from Athens and set a course straight for the little island of Spetses; arriving in the tiny port of Dapia you will find yourself surrounded by smart cafes and stylish boutiques, set against a backdrop of whitewashed, Neoclassical houses. Just around the corner from the port the cobbled road opens into an expansive piazza that acts as the forecourt for the Poseidonion Grand Hotel once visited by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Bobby Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and Ingrid Bergman. There are three great sandy beaches to chose from for a day of sunbathing and swimming.
Category Archives: Greece
Off the Beaten track in Greece Onboard Luxury Crewed Catamaran NOVA
Let’s talk about Greece! Despite what you may have been led to believe, Greece is not all about Santorini or Mykonos. With one the largest coastlines amongst all the Mediterranean countries, Greece offers a surprisingly extended choice of destinations.
Lambros Tsolakis, one of the Boatbookings’ Brokers, just returned from a late season cruise to Monemvasia onboard NOVA, the only Lagoon 620 based in Greece and has nothing but superlative comments for the yacht as well as the destination. “Nova is a beauty: open, modern spaces inside and out. with a huge fly bridge and excellent sailing qualities; add to this a super crew and you get a remedy for a sure success… Captain Costas, hostess/mate/ubiquitus Dina, and NOVA’s professional chef offer 5 star luxury service to their lucky clients onboard!” Continue reading
Thinking of Chartering in Greece this Summer? See our new Greek Island Destination Guides to the key Islands
On a recent charter to the Cyclades and Saronic Islands in Greece (see our charter itinerary), we realized that there is very little information about many of the key islands that is geared for someone visiting by boat.
We’ve begun to change that, by creating our Greek Island Visitors Guide Series, with the first 9 already researched, edited and released.
So next time you’re in the beautiful Greek Islands and want to know the key ports, what to see, best beaches, etc, then click on one of these guides to help you plan your time. We have even included maps with all the key points marked (it’s amazing how many guides describe great beaches, but give you no way to figure out where there are!)
The guides so far are:
We hope you find these guides helpful, and please don’t hesitate to let us know if we’ve missed an amazing cove to anchor in, a splendid sandy beach, or a spot that can’t be missed. We’ll be happy to add it to the map.
The Nafplion Show 2014 – The opening weekend
The Nafplion Show, organised by the newly funded Greek Yachting Association, started yesterday. Set in the picturesque little town of Nafplion, 1,5hrs drive from Athens, the show looks like it will be a huge success, as on its inaugural year it has attracted a record number of participants. Over 8o foreign brokers are in attendance, numbers very rarely seen at a Greek yacht show, along with 50 crewed yachts all of a very high standard according to our Charter Director Lambros.
The organisation is excellent – Lambros says that in his experience, the only show that can match Nafplion in terms of organised activities for brokers is Antigua, famed for lavish dinners and the most enticing activities.
The starting ceremony took place yesterday night in the medieval castle overlooking the port of Poros, we’ll keep you up to date with our favourites in the show. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on the Nafplion Show or chartering in Greece.
Booming! The MYBA Charter Show 2014 Closes with the Yachting Industry Bigger than Ever
The yachting industry is booming. The MYBA Charter Show 2014 in Genoa, showcasing the most impressive yachts on the charter market, has been nothing short of amazing. Not only are yachts becoming more exciting with indulgent interiors, striking finishes and ever more outrageous water toys, the range of charter destinations is increasing very quickly with captains keen to discover the undiscovered and offer something new and exotic to their guests. LA DEA II’s captain, Mark Hoskins is a key exponent of this new age of exploration as he prepared his stunning 161 foot Trinity for an expedition to circumnavigate the world.
LA DEA II is three decks of utter splendour. Providing the benchmark is luxury yachting, she features all that you could desire in a charter. Her salon, complete with grand piano is simply marvellous whilst the bathrooms, lined with rich mahogany and marble are indicative of true decadence.
The huge swim platform is a great place to spend lazy afternoons right by the water while the flybridge is a real highlight. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on one of the massive sun pads, lying back with a book or sipping on champagne in the jacuzzi, you will feel like you’ve arrived at the pinnacle of luxury.
While LA DEA II is off discovering new and exciting destinations, luxury yachting in Greece continues to hit new heights. Chartering in unknown regions of the South Pacific is undoubtedly an exciting new development but there remains a lot to be said for cruising around the stunning Cyclades and indulging yourself in Santorini.
New legislation has decreed that non-EU registered yachts no longer need a license to charter in Greece meaning that the selection of charter yachts in Greece is bigger than ever. In addition to that the 10% luxury tax previously imposed on pleasure yachts has been abolished, leaving only the 6.5% VAT on week long charters in the Aegean.
Yacht charter in Greece is now more accessible than ever. To find out more about chartering, please don’t hesitate to contact the Boatbookings team.