A Guide To Chartering In The East Mediterranean

The East Mediterranean is a tapestry of Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences, where ancient ruins, historic harbors, and timeless villages unfold along the coast.

Greece alone holds over 6,000 islands, yet only a fraction are inhabited, each one of them has uniqueness every country coveted. Sail to secluded coves, whitewashed villages, and quiet beaches. On Patmos, you can step into the cave where Saint John is said to have written the Book of Revelation. In Turkey, the marble streets of Ephesus and Pergamon carry echoes of philosophers and traders who shaped empires.

Along Turkey’s turquoise coast, sleek gulets glide gracefully past hidden bays, while the Lycian Way stretches across 500 kilometers of ancient paths and coastal trails. In Cyprus, it’s possible to ski down Mount Olympus in the morning and swim in the sea that same afternoon. Sea turtles drift through clear waters off Kas and Zakynthos, while Rhodes welcomes you with one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns. And on Crete, ancient olive trees still bear fruit after 2,000 years, a living testament to the civilizations that came before.

Where are the must-see destinations in the East Mediterranean?

Greece

• Tourist hotspots: Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes, Zakynthos
• Marinas and ports: Marina Zeas (Athens), Gouvia Marina (Corfu), Mandraki Marina (Rhodes), Tourlos Marina (Mykonos)
• Popular beaches: Navagio Beach (Zakynthos), Elafonissi (Crete), Red Beach (Santorini), Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia)
• Historic sites: Acropolis of Athens, Palace of Knossos (Crete), Temple of Apollo (Delos), Lindos Acropolis (Rhodes)

Hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos are world-famous for their whitewashed architecture, sunset views, and buzzing beach clubs, while Corfu and Rhodes offer a greener, more relaxed setting with Venetian and medieval influences. Zakynthos draws visitors with the dramatic Navagio Beach, a white-sand cove backed by towering cliffs and home to the famous shipwreck.

The marinas here are modern and well-equipped too. Marina Zeas is a gateway to the Saronic Gulf, Tourlos Marina in Mykonos is close to the nightlife, and Gouvia Marina in Corfu is ideal for exploring the Ionian Islands.

The beaches here are incredibly diverse: Elafonissi Beach in Crete is famous for its blush-pink sand and warm, shallow lagoon-like waters. Red Beach in Santorini is a striking contrast, featuring deep red volcanic pebbles and dramatic rock formations. On the island of Kefalonia, Myrtos Beach dazzles with bright white pebbles framed by steep green cliffs, often hailed as one of the most photogenic beaches in the country. 

Turkey

• Tourist hotspots: Bodrum, Marmaris, Kaş, Göcek, Fethiye
• Marinas and ports: Bodrum Milta Marina, D-Marin Göcek, Netsel Marmaris Marina, Ece Saray Marina (Fethiye)
• Popular beaches: Ölüdeniz (Fethiye), Kaputaş Beach (Kaş), Cleopatra Island (Gökova), Patara Beach
• Historic sites: Ephesus, Aspendos, Lycian Rock Tombs, Pergamon

Popular hotspots like Bodrum and Marmaris are lively and luxurious, offering high-end resorts, harbors, and a nightlife scene. Meanwhile the towns of Göcek, Fethiye, and Kaş are surrounded by pine-covered bays and peaceful coves which are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply dropping anchor.

The beaches in Turkey like Ölüdeniz are famous for its calm, lagoon-like waters and long stretch of soft white sand, ideal for a lazy swim or paragliding. Kaputaş Beach, located between Kaş and Kalkan, stuns visitors with its golden pebbly shore located between two cliffs, accessed by a staircase. Cleopatra Island in the Gulf of Gökova is known for its powdery, almost silky sand—legend says it was imported from Egypt for the Egyptian queen herself. Patara Beach is one of the longest in the Med, with fine golden sand dunes that stretch for over 18km and are home to nesting sea turtles. 

Marinas like Bodrum Milta and D-Marin Göcek are perfectly placed for island-hopping or cultural excursions inland. History lovers will find sites like Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, the cliff-carved Lycian Rock Tombs, and Pergamon’s dramatic hillside ruins. 

Cyprus

• Tourist hotspots: Limassol, Paphos, Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Protaras
• Marinas and ports: Limassol Marina, Larnaca Marina, Karpaz Gate Marina (North Cyprus), St. Raphael Marina
• Popular beaches: Fig Tree Bay (Protaras), Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa), Coral Bay (Paphos), Konnos Bay
• Historic sites: Tombs of the Kings, Kourion, Kolossi Castle, Ancient Salamis

The southern coast of Cyprus is lined with lively hotspots like Limassol, Paphos, and Ayia Napa. Limassol Marina is a standout for yacht travelers, offering luxury facilities steps from the old town, while Karpaz Gate Marina in North Cyprus provides a peaceful alternative surrounded by nature.

The beaches are a huge draw: Fig Tree Bay in Protaras is famous for its soft white sand with a small islet you can swim to; Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa has fine, golden sand and a shallow sandbar perfect for wading at low tide. For those seeking tranquility, Konnos Bay is tucked into a sheltered cove framed by pine trees, with calm, clear water ideal for paddleboarding or snorkeling straight off the tender. Coral Bay in Paphos features a crescent of soft sand and gently lapping waves, popular with families and ideal for anchoring nearby.

Inland and along the coast, Cyprus is steeped in history—from the grand Roman mosaics and amphitheater of Kourion, to the haunting Tombs of the Kings, carved directly into the rock near Paphos. The medieval Kolossi Castle and the ancient ruins of Salamis offer further glimpses into the island’s rich past.

What are some cultural highlights, festivals, and events awaiting you?

In spring, yacht enthusiasts gather at the prestigious Mediterranean Yacht Show in Nafplion, while Zadar’s Street Music Festival fills the city with open-air performances. Heritage takes center stage at Hydra’s Miaoulia Festival with fireworks and naval tributes, alongside dramatic performances at the Epidaurus Festival and classic yacht races in Spetses.

Summer brings artistic energy, with the Dubrovnik Summer Festival transforming the city into a stage for opera and theatre. Dance shines at the Kalamata Dance Festival, while Syros and Šibenik host classical and contemporary arts festivals. The Feast of the Assumption in Tinos offers one of Greece’s most spiritual and widely celebrated traditions.

In fall, the focus shifts to culture and sailing. The Croatian Boat Show and Split Film Festival attract global attention, while Santorini’s International Music Festival blends classical music with stunning views. The Bodrum Cup combines yacht racing with concerts and social events, and Rhodes’ Festive Light Festival illuminates the island’s medieval charm.

Winter wraps the year in festive spirit. Christmas markets in Athens and Thessaloniki offer local crafts, food, and entertainment, while Advent in Zagreb enchants with lights, music, and one of Europe’s top-rated holiday atmospheres.

What local dishes should you try in the East Mediterranean?

While chartering through this region, be sure to try Greece’s moussaka, a layered dish of eggplant, minced meat, and creamy béchamel, or sample dolmades—grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs. In Turkey, don’t miss meze platters featuring dishes like ezme (spicy tomato salad), haydari (yogurt with garlic and herbs), and fresh grilled sea bream or lamb köfte. Croatian coastal towns serve up peka, a hearty dish of meat or seafood slow-cooked under a bell-like lid, and black risotto made with cuttlefish ink. In Cyprus, try souvla—large chunks of meat roasted over charcoal, and the island’s beloved halloumi cheese, often served grilled.

What’s next? 

For a deeper look into the charm and diversity of the East Mediterranean, explore our handpicked destination guides and sample itineraries, crafted to showcase the rich history, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences across the East Med.

Discover the finest selection of East Med Luxury Charter Yachts available now, and find the perfect yacht to complement your journey.