Adventure Meets Antiquity: A Grecian Water Spots Adventure

When you think Greece, what comes to mind?

Is it the clear blue waters, classic cliffside architecture…maybe the ancient Athenian ruins?

You’d be right on all accounts. But perhaps one of Greece’s best-kept secrets is its plethora of water sports opportunities to enjoy against the pristine island backdrop—a place where leisure on the water is a way of life, and a wide array of coastlines and communities adds flair to your aquatic adventure.

Want to learn more? Just read on as we explore some of Greece’s best spots for boaters like you!

Getting to know the islands

Before we go “island hopping,” let’s get to know what makes Greece a top watersports destination.

First, the island nation is immersed in culture—in fact, from Greece is where much of the world found its culture. So to say this place is steeped in history would be a serious understatement.

There’s Athens, a top spot to visit if you’re interested in seeing the white stone buildings that once served as a cosmopolitan center—the Parthenon, Erechtheion, the famous temples. While Athens is a landlocked city, it’s not far from shoreline treats like Salamina, just off the mainland coast and known for its gorgeous pastel-blue water.

Throughout Greece, you’ll find that the on-the-water experience is characterized by inshore allure. You’re never far from an island where you can explore some culture—whether that comes in the form of a bite to eat or a museum to wander—or kick back for the day. Waters are generally protected—many of the coastal spots might feel like a favorite lake since the wave action is softened by surrounding cliffs and rocks.

Though of course, as you’ll soon see, the island atmosphere may be peaceful—but it’s anything but “slow.”

Vasiliki

The village of Vasiliki is one of the more westerly spots to explore. Located on the island of Lefkada – which is separated from Italy only by the Ionian Sea—you’ll find that the experience here is alive but delightfully out of the way from the main marine channel. Vasiliki overlooks a cozy bay, surrounded by sloping cliffs both near and far, so you truly feel as though there’s nothing but you, the water and the horizon—and, of course, your company on the beach! Wakeboarding from the bay outward is a great way to pass your afternoon while sunbathing on Vasiliki’s charming, simple shores is your go-to when it’s time to relax.

Santorini

You know Santorini for its iconic architecture: white buildings with bold domed roofs that match the rich blue water below. That water, of course, is impeccably clear, a prized spot for swimming, boating and, yes, wakeboarding, surfing, and waterskiing, too.

You’ll look as though your vessel’s floating on the surface as it meanders about or jets off for high-octane thrills. Here, after a day on the water, relaxation comes in the form of visiting local shops, enjoying an al fresco dinner or checking out the local winery. Unlike many of the Greek islands, Santorini is an extra level “removed” from the rest, since it’s further from the mainland, so you get to enjoy an even more immersive getaway.

Zakynthos

Smuggler’s Cove on the island of Zakynthos is another must-do destination. Like Vasiliki, its shores are characterized by bright blue water and limestone cliffs that can make you feel as though you’ve stumbled upon your own private island. Water sports are easy to enjoy here, and they’re complemented by the sense of history that pervades onshore—in the form of an old ship that wrecked on shore, the only visual outlier to this serene, beach cliff getaway.

As you itch for the last bits of winter to melt away, consider visiting a Mediterranean gem where life by the water is a year-round pursuit.