Helen Iatrou

Home to over 200 inhabited islands and thousands of rock islets, along with a lacy mainland coastline, Greece has long drawn sailors to its shores. Mariners from ancient times to the present day, among them Homer’s Odysseus and pilot book authors Rod and Lucinda Heikell, offer endless inspiration for yacht charterers.

This Eastern Mediterranean nation is the ultimate European summer yacht charter destination, beloved for its historical sites and traditions, crystalline seas and hearty cuisine. Above all, Greece is renowned for its warm hospitality.

Imbued with the freewheeling spirit of a twentysomething and the grace of an all-knowing grandmother, Thessaloniki is both ever-changing and familiarly welcoming.
So, when you mention Thessaloniki to Greeks, it’s no surprise that their eyes glisten with adoration. Greece’s second-biggest city evokes emotions for a multitude of reasons.

Santorini and Mykonos may face the most blame for the excesses of overtourism that negatively impact their reputations. However, these are not the only Greek islands where the delicate balance between relying on tourism to fuel the local economy and ensuring the destination retains the elements that attracted visitors in the first place has been upset.

Once the world’s biggest sailing yacht, the square-rigged Sea Cloud delivers thrills to its devotees and lifelong sailors. Since 1931, the majestic ship has sailed the world’s oceans, a graceful giant with a soul forged in wind and salt. She carries not just sails but stories. Every voyage aboard Sea Cloud feels like stepping into a living poem, where history and heart meet beneath billowing canvas and endless skies.

The cave suites offer a glimpse into Matera's lifestyle, while the Noble suites provide stunning views of the town.
From the rooms to the reception, contemporary Italian art pieces curated by hotelier Elsa Russo, catch the eye.
The spa, also built into a cave, has a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, cold plunge pool, and an outdoor relaxation area with spell-binding views.
A network of hiking trails that snake through Alta Murgia National Park is just a short walk from the hotel.
Enthusiastic local guides lead private walking tours of Matera and the nearby town of Altamura.

When the bougainvillea begin to blossom and the mistral starts to blow through the Mediterranean in spring, the yacht sailing season comes alive. From easygoing coastal regattas to challenging 600-nautical-mile races, the circuit welcomes sailors of all skill levels to experience the spirit of the sea.

Athens and I have been together almost three decades. Aussie-born with Greek roots, I was smitten with the rough-around-the-edges city the moment I stepped onto the airport tarmac and breathed in the summer air. Sure, we share a love/hate relationship. Motorbikes blaring outside my apartment window drive me mad. Wonky sidewalks planted with trees make traversing the city difficult. Summer traffic forces me to slow to a halt. But I adore Athens all the same.
Here’s my guide to navigating the best of Athens, including the top things to do, the must-try restaurants, and lovely hotels.

With its intriguing medieval Old Town, golden sand beaches, and hearty traditional cuisine, Rhodes has lured travelers for decades, many of whom return year after year. While the Dodecanese island is renowned for its 300-plus days of sunshine each year, you could be forgiven for thinking Rhodes is all about hanging out on the beach, feasting at homely tavernas, and partying at bohemian-styled beach bars. In recent years, Rhodes has evolved into a multi-faceted travel destination that attracts nature lovers, serious gourmands, and history buffs.

Greek food sings of the summer — it’s best enjoyed outside, from mainland mountaintops to island beaches. Mezze spreads celebrate punchy purple olives, garlicky dips and herb-sprinkled cheese, while salads of sun-ripened tomatoes, tangy feta and fragrant oregano are perfect with just-landed grilled fish or slow-stewed legumes cooked in outdoor ovens following recipes that date back to antiquity. Here are the nine essential dishes to try when in Greece.

Greek food sings of the summer — it’s best enjoyed outside, from mainland mountaintops to island beaches. Mezze spreads celebrate punchy purple olives, garlicky dips and herb-sprinkled cheese, while salads of sun-ripened tomatoes, tangy feta and fragrant oregano are perfect with just-landed grilled fish or slow-stewed legumes cooked in outdoor ovens following recipes that date back to antiquity. From Macedonia in the north to Crete in the south, we explore the country via its standout dishes.

Beyond its beaches and buzzing capital, the Greek island where Hippocrates was born is brimming with historical attractions. Here’s how to navigate the most significant sites.

In 2003, Greece was feverishly preparing a homecoming for the Olympics. Despite countless news headlines claiming Athens wouldn’t be ready in time, the 2004 Games were staged successfully, more than a century after the Greek capital hosted the first modern Games in 1896.
But if you ran a Google search for "Athens" at the time, the results would surprise you. Page after page listed links to information on Athens, Georgia. Sure, the southern US city, incorporated in 1806, was named in honor of the intellectual thought and higher learning that thrived in classical Greece.

Everywhere you look along Rhodes’ extensive coastline, you’re likely to spot a beach. From the family-friendly golden shores and ultramarine waters of Tsambika in the northeast to the rolling sand dunes of Mavros Kavos in the southeast, the choices are endless. Not only that but several beaches are linked with significant individuals and periods in the island’s history – even a Hollywood star. St Paul’s Bay is named after the Apostle who is thought to have paid a visit; Kallithea Springs was built during Mussolini’s reign when Rhodes was under Italian occupation.

The heart of Rhodes' nightlife is mostly split between the Old Town and the new town. Within the medieval streets, there are some excellent wine bars showcasing the country’s most formidable wineries, frequently with soloist performances. Locals tend to congregate at unpretentious, dimly lit bars on buzzy Arionos Square, or burn off energy dancing until late in small, lively open-air establishments. Rhodes Town offers curious diversity, from a craft beer joint to a speakeasy, most of which are hidden down alleyways.

Brimming with olive groves, fruit trees and vegetable patches, verdant Rhodes offers up a delectable array of culinary offerings that ranges from firmly old school to five-star innovative. While the choice of quality establishments in the medieval Old Town is slim, there is a diamond or two to be found in the back alleys. A down-home taverna hidden in a remote village and a fine dining restaurant at a resort on the northeast coast are both striving to reawaken local dishes almost lost to time, albeit in different ways.