Greece Boat Charter.
Eight days, eight islands - exposure to places you probably wouldn’t see unless on a boat charter. Booked with Poseidon Charters, this experience will live in my memories forever. A special mention to Harris & Georgia. We miss you.
Bali 4.6.
Bali 4.6.
After a flight to Athens, and a flight to Paros, two days into our Greek adventure we boarded the Bali 4.6. Comfortably fitting six guests, along with our beautiful chef Georgia, and our fantastic skipper, Harris. The experience and memories on this boat will forever be engrained in my mind, and any future trip will be hard to top this one.
Our itinerary and plan for the week depended on factors like weather, route, and timing. Our only goal for the week aboard the Bali 4.6 was to experience authentic Greek islands, and escape the crowds of tourists. Harris, our skipper, shared his passion for the islands with us and we are so thankful for him and his willingness to share some of his best kept secrets.
During this adventure, we visited the islands of Ios, Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Irakleia, Kato Koufonisi, Antiparos, and Paros; as well as some honourable mentions like Alimia Bay, Blue Lagoon, and Taverna Venetsanos.
I am very excited to share this unforgettable week with you, but this blog post is not enough to share the incredible places, viewpoints, and hidden gems discovered along these islands - for a deeper look, visit my Instagram and TikTok.
Bedroom View While Visiting Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon - Swim Spot.
Ios and Koufonisia.
While Ios is often known for its lively nightlife, there is so much more to discover beyond the bars. Spend your days wandering through the whitewashed alleys of Chora, relaxing on your choice of beach. Or hike scenic trails to hidden viewpoints - and don’t forget to watch unforgettable sunsets over the sea. The port of Ios brought a sense of calm, especially at sunrise.
Sunrise on the Ios Port.
Koufonisia is now my top Greek island. A perfect blend of activities, night life, cafes, restaurants, shopping.. while still feeling authentic and somewhat untouched. One of Greece’s best top secrets. This island is known for its incredibly clear turquoise waters and a relaxed pace of life. With no crowds, minimal traffic, and many beaches connected by scenic walking paths, Koufonisia invites you to slow down and embrace the simplicity of island living.
Despite its small size, Koufonisia offers some of the most breathtaking swimming spots in Greece. Whether you're visiting for a day or staying a little longer, Koufonisia's untouched charm, peaceful atmosphere, and postcard-worthy scenery make it a destination you'll never want to leave. Ferry’s do come in and out of this port, allowing for a one day visit or a longer stay.
Beach in Koufonisia - Directly Beside the Port.
Street Views In Koufonisia.
Capetan Nikolas.
Capetan Nikolas is one of Koufonisia's most iconic tavernas, celebrated for its fresh seafood, authentic Greek cuisine, and unforgettable sunset views. The menu includes the catch of the day, as well as homemade pies, seafood pasta, and classic Mediterranean dishes, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients and generations of family tradition.
With it’s open-air seating area overlooking the Aegean Sea, Capetan Nikolas offers the quintessential Greek island dining experience - a beloved taverna perfectly capturing the relaxed beauty and authentic flavours of Koufonisia.
Capetan Nikolas.
Kato Koufonisi.
Directly opposite of Koufonisia - With no permanent residents, roads, or traditional infrastructure, Kato Koufonisi offers a rare chance to experience the raw beauty of the Greek islands - exactly what we set out to achieve during this trip. We got here by dingy, and were immediately welcomed by the goats and sounds of quiet nature. Walk down the path from the small wooden dock, and you will find Venetsanos Tavern. A charming family-run taverna that captures everything that is Greek culture. Known for its warm hospitality, traditional flavours, and relaxed atmosphere surrounded by the sea, it’s the kind of place where meals are meant to be savoured slowly—with fresh local ingredients, generous portions, and views that invite you to stay a little longer.
Kato Koufonisi.
Venetsanos Tavern.
Schinoussa.
A tiny island with no airport, only two taxis, and a population of less than four hundred. A true peaceful retreat, making it one of the quieter inhabited islands in Greece where life moves at a much slower pace. There are more than fifteen beaches and coves located on this island, so there is no shortage of exploration - especially for beach lovers.
It is often compared to “Greece before mass tourism,” where the community remains close and families gather around their local taverna. Due to the island’s elevated viewpoints and unobstructed views, Schinoussa is top tier for every sunset.
If ever visiting, I recommend paying a visit to Kira Pothiti; a perfect blend of amazing food, views, and overall an atmosphere you will never find anywhere else.
View from Kira Pothiti.
“Greece Before Mass Tourism.” Schinoussa, Greece.
Irakleia.
Irakleia offers a simpler way of life where donkeys still wander along street paths, fishing boats stay in the harbour, and local families are spending their days at their local beach, seconds from their home. With no large stores, shopping, or major restaurants; this island consists of beach, local markets, and tiny cafes. A perfect paradise if you’re looking to escape the outside world.
Local Fishing Boats Under Irakleia’s Welcome Sign.
Streets of Irakleia.
Antiparos.
Located just across the water from Paros, this small island has a character all its own—known for its stylish, yet laid-back atmosphere.
At the heart of Antiparos is the main village, where boutique shops, trendy cafes, and inviting tavernas create the perfect scene. It is truly an island of contrasts—where barefoot beach days meet sophisticated dining and shopping.
Shopping in Antiparos.
One of Many Trendy Cafes on the Island of Antiparos.
While these highlights are just a glimpse into what was a dream holiday, I hope this allowed you to uncover some hidden gems for your next Greek adventure. If you are looking to visit smaller Cycladic islands, and your goal is to experience what feels more “Greek” than islands like Santorini and Mykonos, refer back to this post. This trip would not have been complete without our lovely Georgia and Harris, who made this week unforgettable. Thank you for welcoming us, taking care of us, and creating memories with us.
Our Lovely Skipper, Harris.
Our Beautiful Georgia, Welcoming Us Back on The Boat.
Ios, Greece.
Ios, Greece.
Golden Hour on The Bali 4.6.
What Your Daily Drive Between Islands Look Like on the Bali 4.6.
