On board CLELIA III with Captain Manolis

Ahead of their summer cruising in Greece, we caught up with CLELIA III’s captain, Manolis Klimataras, to hear about his favourite hidden gems, his idea of the perfect week-long itinerary, and what makes CLELIA III such a standout charter yacht.

For someone who’s never been aboard, how would you describe the overall feeling of CLELIA III?

The first word that comes to mind is comfortable. CLELIA III feels like a yacht you can truly relax on. She’s elegant but not formal, and there’s a very calm, easy atmosphere on board. Guests tend to settle in quickly and feel at home almost straight away.

What kind of charter do you think CLELIA III will be perfect for?

She works extremely well for families, especially multi-generational groups, because there’s so much space and flexibility. That said, she’s just as good for groups of friends who want to enjoy great food, beautiful anchorages, and time together without feeling rushed or crowded.

What in your opinion makes CLELIA III stand out compared to other yachts of her size and pedigree?

One of the biggest things guests notice straight away is how much deck space there is. The decks are genuinely huge, which means guests can always find somewhere to relax whether they want to be together or enjoy a bit of quiet time. Combined with how spacious she feels inside, the yacht never feels crowded, even with a full charter. That sense of space really sets CLELIA III apart.

How would you describe the crew culture on board?

A big part of our strength as a crew is how long we’ve been together. Most of us have been working together for more than three or four years – some for over 10 years – which creates a very strong sense of teamwork and consistency. We have daily briefings with the chef and the chief stewardess where we go through the guests’ plans and preferences, so each day feels tailor-made rather than fixed. The experience naturally adapts to the guests, not the other way around.

Going into your second summer season on board, what kinds of experiences are you and the crew looking forward to creating for guests?

Although last season was our first season together on board CLELIA III, the crew itself has been working together for many years. Many of the experiences we offer both on board and ashore are things we’ve successfully delivered in the past, and we’re very keen to bring that experience to CLELIA III. Whether it’s finding the perfect quiet bay, anchoring close to the beach in crystal-clear blue waters, setting up a spontaneous beach BBQ, or arranging a live music party, our focus is on refining these moments and making sure every charter feels personal, relaxed, and memorable.

Do you have a favourite feature or spot on board CLELIA III?

I would have to say the forward part of the sun deck, where the jacuzzi is. It’s the area with the best views on board – almost a 300-degree unobstructed panorama. It’s a very peaceful spot, whether guests are enjoying the jacuzzi or simply sitting there taking in the surroundings and finding a real sense of calm.

Why is the Greece the perfect destination for CLELIA III?

Greece is amazing for cruising. For CLELIA III, it’s perfect because you can move easily between lively ports and quiet, hidden anchorages. But any yacht can find incredible spots here. There are beautiful beaches, calm bays, and stunning islands, whether you want a lively place full of energy or somewhere peaceful and off the map.

Can you share a few of your favourite hidden gems in Greece that you’d recommend to charter guests in May?

In May, I really enjoy islands like Antiparos or Koufonisia, where it’s still quiet and very authentic. The beaches are beautiful and peaceful, the water is crystal clear, and the small villages have a charm you rarely find during the busy summer months. You can stroll through quaint streets, enjoy a fresh seafood meal at a local taverna, or anchor in a secluded bay and swim straight from the yacht.

If you could plan the perfect 1-2 week itinerary in Greece over August, what would it look like?

Starting from Athens is always the best option because it gives you flexibility depending on the weather. One of the advantages of CLELIA III is her ability to cruise at night, which means you can make up for any lost time. Guests embarking in Athens could be in a beautiful island in the Cyclades by the next morning. From there, I’d mix a few lively stops like Mykonos and Santorini with quieter islands such as Paros, Koufonisia, or Amorgos.

Alternatively, if the weather in the Aegean isn’t ideal, we can cruise towards the Ionian Sea, passing through the Corinth Canal at sunset for an unforgettable experience. By the next morning we could be in Ithaca, the homeland of Odysseus, ready to explore and enjoy the island. The geography of Greece allows an experienced captain to create truly amazing itineraries and unforgettable moments for guests that last a lifetime.