Yacht Charter Athens

Yacht Charter from Athens

Athens is one of the world's great cities — the cradle of Western democracy, philosophy, theatre, and art — and its position at the heart of the Aegean makes it an outstanding charter base for exploring the Greek islands. The main charter marinas, Alimos Marina (also known as Kalamaki) and Zea Marina in Piraeus, are both within easy reach of the city centre, allowing charterers to enjoy Athens' extraordinary cultural riches before and after their sailing holiday. The Saronic Gulf, immediately accessible from the Athens marinas, is one of the most rewarding sailing grounds in Greece, offering a combination of ancient history, beautiful islands, and excellent cuisine within an easy day's sail of the capital.

The Acropolis and Ancient Athens

No visit to Athens is complete without climbing the Acropolis — the sacred rock above the city centre crowned by the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Parthenon, built between 447 and 432 BC and still dominating the Athens skyline after 2,500 years, is one of the supreme achievements of human architecture. The new Acropolis Museum, opened in 2009 at the base of the rock, houses the surviving sculptural decorations from the buildings in a purpose-built glass structure — the finest new museum built in Europe in the 21st century. The ancient Agora below the Acropolis, with its reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, offers a more intimate encounter with ancient Athenian daily life.

The Saronic Gulf Islands

The Saronic Gulf islands — Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses — lie within a few hours' sail of Athens and offer a microcosm of the Greek island experience. Aegina, the largest and closest, is famous for its pistachio orchards and the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia. Poros is a lively island with a beautiful natural harbour and easy access to the ancient city of Troizen on the Peloponnese mainland. Hydra is unique in the Greek islands — and perhaps in the world — in that no motor vehicles are permitted: the island is navigated entirely on foot, by donkey, or by small water taxi, and its preserved 18th-century stone mansions and traffic-free atmosphere make it one of the most peaceful and atmospheric places in Greece. Spetses, the furthest from Athens, has beautiful pine forests and excellent tavernas.

Gastronomy and Nightlife

Athens has undergone a remarkable culinary renaissance in recent years, and the city now offers a restaurant scene of genuine international quality alongside its traditional tavernas. The Monastiraki and Psirri neighbourhoods are the best areas for eating and drinking, offering everything from classic mezedopolia (meze bars) to innovative modern Greek restaurants. The Central Market, one of the great covered food markets of Europe, is worth visiting even if you are only in Athens for a few hours. The rooftop bars of the Monastiraki neighbourhood, looking directly across to the illuminated Acropolis, offer one of the great evening views in the world.