Skippered Yacht Sailing Holiday in the Cyclades, Greece

All voyages for Zorba

Zorba

Guest berths: 9 Rig: Sloop

Zorba lives up to her name as she takes guests on unforgettable, authentically Greek sailing holidays!

Zorba is a modern and comfortable Beneteau Cyclades 50.5. She has four private double cabins for guests, all share 3 bathrooms with showers. For 2024 voyages she has a twin cabin too. With a generous saloon and a well-equipped galley, Zorba was built with charter and guest comfort at the forefront of her design. With a dropped transom and outdoor seating area at the stern, Zorba gives guests the perfect access to that crystal-clear Mediterranean water!

A sailing holiday in Greece with Zorba is accessible to all ages and abilities. Her simple rig makes her an easy sail with winch systems and modern navigation equipment. That being said, she’s a great boat to sail, whether you’re an experienced sailor looking for some sunshine or a novice wanting to try something new.

Her owners and skippers absolutely love what they do and that’s very evident for guests to see and even better to experience first hand. They are well tuned to all abilities and ages, from family charters with young children to groups of friends or voyages for couples and solo travellers. They tailor every trip to suit their guests needs so if you simply want to sit back, enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine and enjoy the cuisine of the local tavernas – that’s fine too!

A sailing holiday on Zorba is certainly one that will leave you with long-lasting memories. Read more about what to expect from Life on Board Zorba here.

Deck plan

Life on board

Sailing with Zorba in Greece is one that will leave long-lasting memories and will more than likely see you longing to return. A modern Beneteau Cyclades 50.5, Zorba is owned and managed by couple Aga and Greg who share a real passion for Greece both from the water and on the land. Comfortable, relaxed and offering an abundance of sunshine sailing, Zorba is the perfect monohull sailing yacht to show guests a truly authentic sailing holiday in Greece.

A typical Day

After a relaxed breakfast, spend a few hours sailing before anchoring up in crystal clear waters to explore historical ruins ashore, sunbathe or snorkel away the afternoon. Hoist the sails again to find a new spot for the night before enjoying dinner ashore in a traditional Greek Taverna, specially hand-picked by your hosts.

Getting involved

Your sailing holiday in Greece is truly as you make it. Zorba is a fun and simple boat to sail and can be sailed by the skipper alone if guests prefer a more relaxing experience. That being said, the larger Saronic Gulf gives some great winds for sailing for those wanting to learn the ropes in a safe and supported environment. The skipper has many years of experience sailing here, so he loves to share his knowledge and skills with guests. From knot tying to basic navigation, taking the helm and reading the local charts, guests are welcome to get involved as much or as little as they’d like.

Read more about what to expect from a typical day on the water with Zorba and what to expect from life onboard.

The price also reflects the half-board nature of this holiday, as explained in Zorba’s life on board section. Breakfast and lunch are included, but you will dine out in traditional tavernas for your evening meals. This is at the cost of the guest, but you’ll find a delicious local spread for as little as 15€ per person – including the wine! There is also a board cash payable upon arrival that covers fuel, marina fees and water per person. This is reflected in the ticket price advertised and is based purely on the economics of Greece, which is still such a cash-based society.

 

Zorba’s local skipper and crew prefer to show guests the quieter side of the Saronic Islands anchoring in small harbours or next to deserted islands with only resident goats and birds to entertain. Each day, they make sure there is an opportunity to swim in beautiful bays – some of them completely wild, others with just one small taverna, serving fresh fish and seafood, often caught before your very eyes! For interested guests, they can also offer the possibility of jogging or yoga in the morning, with organic food on board and a healthy lifestyle as their first port of call.

From solo travellers to couples to groups of families or friends, there is something for everyone on this sailing adventure. Take Zorba for a whole yacht charter in Greece with your friends and family, or join as a couple looking to make new memories and friends from all over the world. Swim, snorkel and make use of the boat SUP, which are all included in your ticket price!

Things to note

Sailing VS Shoretime

Night Watches?

Mosquitos?

Kit list

Zorba has limited space for possessions, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

• Light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
• Flip flips, sandals OR Crocs
• Swimsuits and a swim towel
• Wash towel – micro fibres are great for lightweight and quick-drying
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes 

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

• Warm, windproof and waterproof coat
• Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible) 
• Sunglasses and a sun hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Swim shoes to ensure you dodge those pesky Greek sea urchins…!
• Cash – EUROS. Greece is still a heavily cash-based society
• Charging cables for personal devices and EU 2pin adaptor for use in cabins (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices during the day by the chart table if needed)
• A good book to read!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring.

SAMPLE MENU FOR Zorba

Please note that this is an example of what you may be served. Aga will be your host and main chef, although guests tend to get involved in all aspects of life on board Zorba. Aga will go shopping on the first day and welcomes guests to join her so everyone’s preferences can be taken into consideration.

BREAKFAST

• Selection of tea, freshly ground coffee and fruit juices
• Fruits with nuts, oats, coconut with fresh Greek yoghurt, honey and eggs.

LUNCH

• Typical Greek salad with fresh feta; tzatziki with bread; local goat cheese and figs

Evening meals are more often than not from a very considered list of Aga & Greg’s favourite Greek tavernas. Local cuisine, fresh fish and seafood can be purchased at a relatively low local cost of about 15€ per person (including wine).

What’s included

• Half board (breakfast, lunch and snacks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Full crew plus tuition
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Fishing lines

What’s not included

• Evening meals
• Towels
• Waterproofs
• €250 cash per person on arrival for fuel, water and marina fees
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will not be more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks are included. Dinner is not included so guests can experience the delicious local cuisine and eat in traditional Taverna's!

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes - please specify at time of enquiry.

• Are there any added extra's?

  Each voyage requires taking board cash for fuel, water and marina fees. Please see each voyage/ticket for details. Evening meals are not included.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4x double cabins, (1x twin bunk cabin for 2024 voyages only)

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, all cabins have deck hatches and portholes.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  3

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All bedding is included but please bring towels (wash and/swim). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Zorba does not have laundry on board.

• Is there air conditioning onboard?

  No, but each cabin has electric fans and opening hatches.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  Aga and Greg are Polish but fluent in English - English is the common language aboard.

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone?

  Yes, all cabins have 220v EU sockets and USB ports.

• What is the currency on board?

  Euro's.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Zorba is sometimes at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has a dropped transom with steps and swim ladder so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy. When she's docked, there's a simple gangplank.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  There are fishing lines and some snorkel gear.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

• Is there an age limit?

  Please check with the office for under 5's for normal voyages. There is no limit for private charters but we recommend that children can swim. There is no maximum age limit as long as guests are fit and mobile.

Travel Planning

From: Naxos

To: Naxos

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting there

Naxos, Greece

MYKONOS – to Naxos

Flights go direct to Mykonos International Airport with EasyJet from various UK airports. British Airways flights are from London Gatwick and London Heathrow.

The port of Mykonos is also known as Tourlos or the New Port. It is only 3km from Mykonos Town and 5km from the airport (15–20-minute taxi or bus ride). From the port, ferry options to Naxos take between 35 mins and 1 hour 20 mins.  

ATHENS – Athens to Piraeus to Naxos

Flights go direct to Athens International Airport from London Stansted with Ryanair and London Gatwick with Wizz Air, British Airways and easyJet.

From here you can either catch a connecting flight internally to Naxos with Sky Express or get a Blue Star ferry from the port of Piraeus. Piraeus is approximately a 1-hour bus ride on the X96 (airport shuttle/express) from Athens International Airport. The ferry journey from Paraeus to Naxos varies between ferry operators and can take between 4-6 hours, depending on the type of ferry. 

SANTORINI – to Naxos

Flights go direct to Santorini from London Stansted with Ryanair, London Heathrow with British Airways, and London Gatwick with easyJet. Tui also flies from a few other UK airports. 

All ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini, also known as the New Port or Thira Port. Travel time is usually between 1 hour 30 and 2 hours 50.  The easiest way to the port is by taxi (there are no direct buses). There is a taxi rank outside the airport, or you can pre-book a shuttle bus or private taxi in advance. The drive from the airport to the port is about 20 minutes.

FERRIES  

Take a look at https://www.ferries.gr/en/ for the latest ferry timetables. We recommend booking your tickets in advance.