Choose a Greece yacht charter and hundred’s of islands suddenly become at your disposal, so where do you go when you want to relax, or party in style? We’ve scouted out the best beach bars in Greece and its islands to visit on your next yacht vacation.
Santoríni
Santorini’s most famous attraction is its whitewashed main town, which spills over steep cliffs leading down to the sea. There are dozens of upscale bars located along these cliffs, but for beach lounging, head to the island’s south coast and visit the chic Theros Wave Bar, set within the volcanic white rocks of Eros Beach on the coastal line of Vlychada. Simply moor your yacht at the nearby Vlychada Marina, hop in a taxi, and drive 10 minutes west, following the signs for Eros Beach.
Mykonos
If it’s an upscale beach club you’re after in the tourist-heavy island of Mykonos, your best bet is to moor at Mykonos Marina and drive 10 minutes to Psarou Beach. Here you will find N’ammos Beach Bar, frequented by the wealthy Greek jet-set. In the daylight, relax among rows of sun loungers under the shade of an umbrella, or head to the open-air, all-white enclave of N’ammos Restaurant to dine on gourmet Mediterranean cuisine paired with local and international wines. As evening approaches, the vibe goes from lounge to nightclub.
If you seek a more relaxed, private beach bar in Mykonos, take a taxi from the Mykonos Marina up to Panormos Bay (15 minutes). Here you will find Alemagou Bar Restaurant on Ftelia Beach. With its stonewalls, whitewashed floors, thatched roof and open walls, this rustic-chic beach bar is for a laid-back but sophisticated crowd. Dining tables become day beds as the shoreline draws nearer, and the chilled-out Mediterranean beats complement the simple, pared-down Grecian cuisine.
Ios
Ios has its fair share of backpacker bars, but look closely and you’ll discover its more sophisticated side. Drop anchor at the small yacht pontoon at Ios Port, or at the Milopotamos Bay Anchorage, and take a tender ashore to the nearby Free Beach bar, a designer bar and club on the golden sands of Mylopotas Beach, featuring nightly live DJ and music sets, infinity pools, and sun beds along the shores of a secluded beach. Pathos Lounge Bar, just north of Ios Port, offers lounge chairs, Jacuzzi tubs and five private caves set within natural stone overlooking the Aegean Sea. You can drop anchor at the nearby Koumbaras Bay anchorage and take a tender to shore, or drive the short distance from Ios Port.
Kos
In Kos, moor your yacht at the beautiful Kos Island Marina on the northeastern tip of the island, and walk or drive the short distance to Barbouni Restaurant and Lounge, located on a rocky beach near the port. Feast on gourmet seafood overlooking the striking blue waters of the Mediterranean, with the shores of Turkey visible in the distance. Open until 2am, this upscale bar and restaurant is more about gourmet food and wine than DJs and sun loungers, but for an evening by the sea you won’t soon forget, this is a must-visit.
Hydra
On the shores of beautiful Hydra, moor your yacht at the Mandraki-Hydra Marina, and drive 15 minutes to Castello Beach Bar and Restaurant to relax on sun loungers and day beds along the rocky shores of Kamini beach, just past Kamini Harbour, where you could alternatively drop anchor and take a tender ashore. This multi-level bar, café and restaurant is built into the restored remains of an 18th century stone fort overlooking the water. Castello’s café and bar serve drinks and snacks all day, while the restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and sushi on a spacious stone terrace. Continue your evening well after dark, when the DJ begins to spin.