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June 4, 2026

The Greek islands remain among the most loved destinations in the Mediterranean, but the way of discovering them is changing. More and more travelers are looking for itineraries far from mass tourism, with slower rhythms and authentic atmospheres. It is from this idea that Star Clippers’ new 2027 program was born, the company specialized in cruises aboard elegant sailing ships among the islands of the Aegean Sea.

On board Star Flyer, a ship that hosts just over 160 passengers, the journey becomes an integral part of the experience. It is not simply about moving from one island to another, but about experiencing the sea in a different way: the sound of the wind through the sails replaces the engines, small ports take the place of large cruise terminals and every landing place still seems to have an authentic soul.

The new cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean will debut in the 2027 season and will take guests between Greece and Turkey following less conventional routes, built around quiet bays, white villages overlooking the sea and islands where time truly seems to slow down.

Authentic Greek Escape

Among the most interesting itineraries of the new Star Clippers program stands out Authentic Greek Escape, a seven-night cruise departing from Athens and crossing some of the most authentic and least touristy areas of the Aegean Sea. The journey was designed for those who wish to experience the Greek islands at a slower pace, alternating sailing navigation with longer stops in small ports full of atmosphere.

The itinerary combines lesser-known islands with destinations rich in cultural heritage. Astypalea, nicknamed “the butterfly island” because of its distinctive shape, welcomes visitors with white houses overlooking the sea, windmills and silent alleys that still preserve the charm of the most traditional Greece.

Sifnos also maintains an authentic and relaxed soul, among Cycladic villages, monasteries, quiet beaches and taverns where local cuisine is still the main attraction.

The journey then continues toward Symi, one of the most scenic islands of the Dodecanese, famous for its colorful harbor surrounded by elegant neoclassical buildings. Here time seems to slow down among small shops, seaside terraces and bays reachable only by sea.

In Patmos, on the other hand, the atmosphere changes once again: the island is known for its important religious heritage and for the fortified monastery that dominates the landscape from above, offering a quieter and more contemplative experience.

Making the itinerary even more special is the stop in Fethiye, along Turkey’s famous Turquoise Coast. Among crystal-clear waters, green mountains and ancient rock tombs carved into the cliffs, this stop adds a different dimension to the journey compared to the classic cruise among the Greek islands.

Thanks to shorter sailing distances and more time spent ashore, “Authentic Greek Escape” focuses above all on the quality of the experience, allowing guests to experience each destination with more calm and immersion compared to traditional Mediterranean itineraries.

Eastern Mediterranean Escape

Completely different in atmosphere is instead Eastern Mediterranean Escape, the longest itinerary in the new Star Clippers program. In this case the journey transforms into a true exploration of the Eastern Mediterranean, crossing the Turkish coast and some of the most authentic Greek islands of the Aegean, far from the busiest routes of large cruise ships.

The cruise departs from Istanbul, a city suspended between Europe and Asia, where the Bosphorus, historic bazaars and minarets immediately create a unique atmosphere very different from that of classic Mediterranean departures. Even before setting sail, the city offers a mix of cultures, aromas and landscapes that perfectly introduces the spirit of the journey.

From here Star Flyer sails along Turkey’s Aegean coast calling at lesser-known yet charming destinations, such as Dikili, a quiet seaside port and gateway to ancient Pergamon, one of the most important archaeological sites of Asia Minor.

The journey then continues toward Bozcaada, a small island famous for its stone houses, vineyards and relaxed rhythm that makes it one of the most authentic destinations on the Turkish coast. The itinerary also includes Cesme, an elegant seaside town dominated by an Ottoman fortress and known for its lively waterfront and transparent waters.

Navigation then continues along the spectacular Turquoise Coast to Fethiye and Kaş, probably among the most scenic stops of the entire journey. Here the landscape alternates bays with crystal-clear waters, green mountains and ancient ruins of the Lycian civilization, creating an atmosphere very different from the classic seaside destinations of the Mediterranean.

Alongside the Turkish stops, the journey also includes some Greek islands that bring travelers back to the most authentic dimension of the Aegean. Patmos enchants with its monastery overlooking the sea, small white villages and silent atmospheres that make the island one of the most spiritual in Greece. Samos, on the other hand, offers greener and more relaxed landscapes, among hills, small ports and traditional taverns where time seems to flow slowly.

More than a simple cruise between Greece and Turkey, “Eastern Mediterranean Escape” is an itinerary built around the discovery of less touristy ports and very different landscapes, always accompanied by the slow and relaxing rhythm of sailing navigation, the true distinctive element of the Star Clippers experience.

Aegean Gems

Completing the new program is also Aegean Gems, a seven-night itinerary focused on the islands of the northern Aegean, one of the quietest and most authentic areas of Greece. Here the journey takes on a slower and more relaxed rhythm, far from the large cruise ports and the most crowded destinations of the Mediterranean.

Stops in Skyros, Skopelos and Poros allow travelers to discover a different Greece, made up of small villages, quiet harbors and landscapes that are still very natural. Skyros stands out for its calm and traditional atmosphere, among white houses, green hills and uncrowded beaches.

Skopelos, also known for having been one of the filming locations of the movie “Mamma Mia!”, instead alternates pine forests reaching down to the sea, hidden bays and taverns overlooking the water, while still maintaining an authentic and relaxed soul.

Poros also preserves the charm of the most traditional Greek islands, with its small harbor animated by waterfront cafés, fishing boats and alleys slowly climbing toward the historic center. Walking here at sunset means immersing yourself in a simple and Mediterranean atmosphere, far from the rhythms of mass tourism.

It is precisely in itineraries like this that the true advantage of sailing aboard a Star Clippers ship emerges: the possibility of reaching smaller and less touristy landings, where the relationship with the sea and with local life becomes an integral part of the travel experience.

What makes the Star Clippers experience special above all is the way navigation itself is experienced. The company in fact uses sail propulsion whenever conditions allow it, creating a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere during the journey.

At a time when more and more travelers are seeking authentic experiences, the new Star Clippers cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean seem to respond perfectly to this need.

It is not just about visiting the Greek islands, but about experiencing them at a different pace, entering small ports, stopping in quiet bays and rediscovering the very pleasure of navigation itself.

Do not miss further information about Star Clippers itineraries on our Cruising Journal website.

Mara Di Dio

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