Set sail with Crystal Sea Yachting: 4 destinations for a summer escape at sea
From one-day trips to nearby islands to full-on summer vacations in idyllic destinations, Crystal Sea Yachting offers tailor-made sailing adventures for you and your friends or family (with your own personal skipper to guide you safely).
- 25/06/2025, 16:21
We’ve praised the good life in the Southern Suburbs of Athens plenty of times -feeling both proud and lucky to have so many beaches just a breath away from the capital. But let’s be honest: on summer weekends, the crowded beaches and traffic along the Athens Riviera often leave you wishing you could skip it all and just… sail there instead.
Gaidouronisi in Voula or the nearby Fleves seem so enticingly close, and you catch yourself thinking: “If only I had a boat, I’d just head straight over for a peaceful swim.” If that’s your dream, we’ve found just the thing to make it happen. In collaboration with Crystal Sea Yachting, here are a few trips -big and small- to satisfy your craving for a unique escape by boat.
A one-day sailing trip to Moni and Aegina
As with all things classic, you can’t go wrong and in the world of one-day sea adventures, Aegina is the timeless go-to. Discover beaches only accessible by boat, ensuring a sense of seclusion if that’s what you’re after. The famous and lively Perdika, on the island’s east side, is a central hub, with several nearby beaches you can reach only by boat or footpath -so they’re rarely crowded. One of the most remote is a pebbled beach called Patza, known only to locals. So hidden, in fact, that you’ll need coordinates to find it: 37° 43’ 17” N 23° 31’ 43” E. But don’t worry about finding it -your skipper surely knows the way. And you can just sit back and enjoy the journey.
Another lesser-known but slightly more popular option is Sarpa Beach. Of course, when you’re traveling by boat, privacy can simply mean staying onboard and swimming around your yacht. But if you’re after a beach bar, head to Kleidi (or Klima) beach, a sandy and sheltered spot.
Moni is a tiny, uninhabited island just 1.5 nautical miles across from Perdika, known for its lush natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. There’s an organized beach with a beach bar, but if you’re in the mood to explore, depending on the wind, you can discover hidden coves around the island -perfect for swimming and lounging on the deck of your boat.
This route is ideal for a day trip with the Axopar 37 Cross Cabin, offering speed, comfort, and full protection from the elements. It features two cabins and can accommodate groups of four to nine people. The package includes a skipper, snacks, fruits and drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and other water toys.
Agistri: Dorousa and Metopi (and the perfect bachelor party at sea)
Agistri may be a small island, but Dorousa and Metopi are even smaller, reachable only by boat, making them perfect for those seeking peace, nature, and escape from the crowds. The waters here are nothing short of emerald.
Even on Agistri itself, you’ll find spots to enjoy in peace. Maritsa (or Mariza), near Limenaria, is a rocky area where the cliffs form a natural swimming pool. It’s a favorite for snorkeling thanks to its rich underwater life. Skliéri is also a beautiful beach, reachable on foot via a trail, but easily accessible by boat.
Back in Perdika or Agistri, if you decide to extend your stay, you’ll find many tavernas for fresh seafood and mezze to wrap up the day. Sailing back to Attica at sunset makes returning to reality feel a bit softer. You might even decide to stay the night and make it a weekend trip aboard the Majesty 44 Fly. It accommodates six guests overnight and more than ten seated on its spacious flybridge during day trips. It’s a perfect option for parties (yes, bachelor parties included!). Renovated in 2023, it features new entertainment systems, furniture, and a surround sound Bose system -essential for any onboard celebration.
Preveza – Lefkada – Meganisi: The ultimate island-hopping holiday for a big group
You’ve gathered a big group for your summer vacation, but no one can agree on where to go. One of the best things about a boat holiday is that you don’t have to settle on one place. You can explore many destinations without constantly packing, checking in, or changing hotels. Plus, you can enjoy that extra drink knowing you won’t have to drive -your trusty skipper will make sure you wake up somewhere even better the next morning.
This year’s summer itinerary starts in magical Preveza and continues through Lefkada and its neighboring islands. Preveza itself deserves a bit of your time before you set sail. It’s a cosmopolitan yet quaint town, with a new marina offering premium hospitality. No wonder Ionian lovers call it the “heart of the Ionian Sea.”
As you sail toward Lefkada, you’ll notice the dazzling palette of blues in the Ionian. The island is popular and often packed, given it’s accessible by car-reflected in fully booked accommodations and busy shops and beaches.
With a boat, though, it’s easier to reach and truly enjoy iconic beaches like Porto Katsiki and Egremni, skipping the crowds entirely and discovering more secluded ones. You’ll also get to swim around Skorpios, the famously private island once owned by Aristotle Onassis (or, as we like to call it, Skorpidi!).
You’ll find other pristine beaches around Meganisi -despite its name (means big island), it’s just 20.5 square kilometers. But even the most seasoned sailor needs a bit of land now and then, so don’t miss a stroll around Vathy, the island’s charming seaside village.
For this trip, Crystal Sea Yachting recommends the Bali 4.6 – SY ZIZI II, one of the fleet’s stars, hosting up to 12 guests. Along with the skipper, you can opt for a chef and hostess, turning your vacation into a carefree, luxury retreat.
Paxoi – Antipaxoi: A legendary destination (especially after Maestro)
If this destination shot to the top of your bucket list thanks to the TV series Maestro, you’re not alone. Paxoi is a little bigger than Meganisi (25 km²), while Antipaxoi is even smaller (12 km²) -which makes accommodation hard to come by in peak season. But not to worry: if you want to truly experience these islands, a boat is your best bet.
Most beaches here are inaccessible by land. On Antipaxoi, you’ll find Vrika, one of the most famous beaches in the Ionian for its natural beauty and strikingly clear waters. Also on your list should be the Blue Caves of Paxoi -just as mesmerizing as their name suggests. And if you have an underwater camera, pack it first!
Words hardly do justice to the beauty of Paxoi and Antipaxoi. From one magical cove to the next, it’s impossible to pick a favorite. Even the main village of Paxoi, Gaios, with its cobbled alleys, quaint cafés, and picturesque natural harbor, looks like something out of a fairytale. The Mediterranean vegetation, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful rhythm of these islands offer the perfect balance of relaxation and discovery. Because how can you truly feel the freedom of summer if you don’t live like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe?
These are just a few of our favorite routes. Crystal Sea Yachting offers a wide range of fully equipped, expertly maintained monohulls and catamarans to suit every type of traveler. Each boat features a dining area, spacious sunbathing decks, and all the safety equipment you’ll need. You bring the good vibes, and Crystal Sea Yachting takes care of the rest—whether for a day, a weekend, a week… or even longer.