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With a great crew onboard, guests are practically guaranteed a stellar charter. “Feed them, and they will come,” said Chef Niko who has been onboard Motoryacht BINA for the past four years. We caught up with him as he was about to take the tender to the fresh food markets in Poros.
MY BINA has been in the Aegean on back-to-back charters for the last few weeks, so they have the drill down pat and know the ins and outs of practically every island. Later on today, guests will feast on a late lunch prepared by Niko on BINA’S huge sundeck reconvening after a morning spent snorkelling to work up an appetite. Poros is one of Niko’s favourite spots; specifically, Love Bay in the southwest. The calm waters make for great snorkelling for kids and beginners and is the first stop on a weeklong charter after visiting the bustling metropolis of Athens.
“This is my favourite part of the day, going to the market and planning what I will cook for the owner and guests. When the client trusts your choices, your job transforms into something really special. I look for the best quality products and love that they allow me to be creative.”
Hydra is next up on the itinerary. Captain Kostas thinks this is the most picturesque port in all of the Greek islands. Surrounded by quaint restaurants, lively bars, and shops that stay open late into the night, it is a great place for a stroll around and to have cocktails at sunset.
Motoring over to the island of Milos is a highlight of the charter. Its amazingly clear waters are a stunning contrast to the rich dark volcanic rock which makes up this island. Just north of Crete, Milos is the most southwestern island in the Cyclades. You may not have heard of the island per se, but for sure you will know of its most famous statue. Yes, you guessed it. The statue of Aphrodite (also known as the Venus de Milo) is from here; it now calls the Louvre home. Here, BINA anchors at Kleftiko near its magnificent cliff walls; the area is great for swimming and napping in its mythical magic coves.
Santorini is one of the most well-known islands in Greece and understandably so with its whitewashed houses and bright blue rooftops. Most guests don’t fancy the 45-minute walk uphill, so instead will take the cable car or travel up by donkey, a favourite with families. Paros and its more famous neighbour Mykonos are popular with those guests ready to party through the night.
The island of Ios, in the Cyclades between Naxos and Santorini, strikes a nice balance between the hustle and bustle of a tourist filled island and more relaxed local culture. Head to Manganari Beach, about 20 kilometres from Chora, the main village on the island. This is the perfect spot for an evening beach barbeque for the guests or a night off for crew. There are multiple coves that shield parts of the beach where you can position the grill or have a swim even during windy evenings. Keep an eye out for large groups of wild goats that roam freely on the island.
Off the northeast coast of Kefalonia and west of continental Greece is the island of Ithaca in the Ionian Sea. This is the place for watersports. A small curved bay with a shallow incline to the shore provides the perfect stage to jetski, windsurf, and seabob the afternoon away.
The view from the aft deck off the island of Santorini will take your breath away. But Chef Niko flips the coin to the other side. Anchor off the island and take a turn gazing at your yacht and the sea views by taking the cable car up the island’s steep side. For the more adventurous, climb the stairs or hire out a few donkeys to take you up.
MY BINA is available for charter via Edmiston with rates starting at €150,000 per week.
