Charter a Boat in Greece: Your Guide to Sailing the Greek Islands
💡Key Takeaways
- Choose the right charter type for your level of experience and comfort: You can choose between a bareboat (self-skippered) charter for independence, a skippered charter for expert help, or a crewed yacht for a relaxing, luxurious experience.
- Explore Greece's many sailing areas: You can sail through the spectacular Cyclades, the serene and family-friendly Ionian Islands, the secluded Dodecanese, or the historically rich Saronic Gulf, and customise your trip to meet your interests and ability level.
- Know what Greece needs for a sailing licence: If you want to rent a bareboat or skippered yacht, you need a valid International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or something similar. If you rent a crewed yacht, the rules are easier to follow.
- Plan your trip for the best sailing conditions: For perfect weather and lively island life, go in the summer (June to September). For less crowds and greater value, go in the spring (April, May, and October).
- Make a budget that makes sense: The cost of sailing changes depending on the type of boat you choose, the time of year you travel, and any extra amenities you choose. Crewed yachts offer better service, while bareboat charters are frequently cheaper.
- Find hidden gems beyond the well-known ones: While popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos are beautiful, lesser-known islands like Symi or Kythira give you a more personal look at real Greek life and peaceful getaways.
- Use local knowledge: Ask your captain or locals for tips on where to find secluded coves, rustic tavernas, and untouched beaches. These will make your trip even more memorable.
Imagine yourself drifting over waters that sparkle like jewels, with islands that are rich in history and charm all around you. Every harbour has its own mix of culture, food, and entertainment, so renting a boat in Greece isn't just a trip; it's a voyage full of adventure and discovery.
Sailing in Greece is sure to be an adventure that meets your interests and needs, whether you're sailing through the exciting winds of the Cyclades, relaxing in the calm seas of the Ionian Sea, or enjoying traditional foods in the Saronic Gulf. Preparing for your vacation can help you make the most of every knot, from learning about the many sorts of yacht charters to finding the finest sailing seasons and discovering hidden island jewels.
Are you ready to go sail and see the magic of the sea? Let's go into all you need to know to plan the ultimate sailing trip in Greece.
How to Choose a Yacht Charter in Greece
There are three various ways to charter a boat in Greece, each one suited for a different level of experience, taste, and vacation style. To plan your perfect trip, you need to know about these possibilities.
Charters Without a Boat
Bareboat charters provide experienced sailors the most freedom. You are in charge of everything on the trip, including navigation, anchoring, and safety. This means you can choose your own course and speed. But you will need a valid ICC or comparable licence and a lot of experience with boats and maritime rules. For example, Europe Yachts – Sailing License Requirements in Greece summarises what licences are accepted (ICC, RYA qualifications, etc.).
This option is great for adventurers who like to be alone and have their own space. It's also a good deal, usually costing 20–40% less than crewed charters. This could be hard for beginners because it requires confidence and advanced expertise.
Charters with a Skipper
A skippered charter is the best option for travellers who want an expert in charge but yet desire some freedom. A trained captain will show you how to navigate and tell you about local customs, hidden moorings, and the best routes to take. It's a great choice for anyone who want to learn more about sailing or for sailors who aren't very skilled and want a safer, more instructive trip.
You could expect to pay an extra €150–200 per day for the skipper's knowledge, but the reward is often finding hidden gems and having real experiences that tourists don't know about.
Yacht Charters with Crew
Crewed yacht charters are all about comfort and luxury. This choice is for people who want to relax and not worry about anything else. It comes with a full crew, including captains, chefs, and stewards who will take care of all your needs. A crewed charter feels more like being in a floating boutique hotel than sailing on open water. You can have gourmet meals and custom itineraries.
This is the most expensive choice, but it's great for big events, group holidays, or travellers who want to treat themselves to a once-in-a-lifetime getaway.
The type of charter you choose will have a big impact on the kind of adventure you have and how much it costs.
The best places to sail and the best routes
Greece has a lot of different sailing areas, from stunning coasts and cliffs that are hit by strong winds to quiet harbours and private beaches. Choosing the right course means that every day will be a new adventure.
The Cyclades: Beautiful Places for People Who Love Adventure
The Cyclades are a sailor's dream come true because of their postcard-perfect vistas. The meltemi winds can reach speeds of 25 to 35 knots in the summer, making this area difficult yet rewarding with stunning views and famous islands like Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos.
Naxos is a gentler option than its busy neighbours, with lovely villages and tranquil beaches. Start your cyclone trip in Lavrio or Paros so you can easily get to these beautiful places.
The Ionian Islands: Peaceful for Families and Beginners
The Ionian Islands have calm weather that is great for beginners or families. This area is known for its shorter sailing distances, calm seas, and lush green scenery. You can start your island-hopping in Lefkada or Corfu. Some of the islands to see are Zakynthos, which has a famous shipwreck beach, and Ithaca, which is famous for being the setting of Homer's Odyssey.
The Dodecanese: Beautiful and Hidden with a Rich History
The Dodecanese are great for sailors who want quieter passages and a little bit of history. On islands like Symi, Rhodes, and Patmos, you can see mediaeval remains, Byzantine churches, and communities that haven't been disturbed.
The Saronic Gulf: Easy to Get to and Full with History
The Saronic Gulf, which is close to Athens, has both historical attractions and great sailing conditions. Aegina, Hydra, and Poros are all easy to get to for short trips.
Best times of year to sail in Greece
The time of year can make or break your sailing excursion. Knowing what each time period has to offer can help you have the most fun.
High Season: July to August
The weather is perfect, the sea is clear, and the island life is busy in the summer. But go ready for busy marinas and higher prices. Make your reservations early to get the greatest places to stay and moor.
May to June and September to October are the shoulder seasons.
These months are just right because the weather is pleasant, there aren't as many tourists, and prices are lower. Great for avoiding the busy season rush while still having good sailing weather.
Off-Season (November to April)
The off-season is a great time for anyone who want to be real and have complete tranquilly. The islands are much less crowded and the prices are much lower. But sailing in unpredictable weather and with shorter days requires a lot of experience.
Rules and Regulations for Sailing
Following Greece's maritime rules will make sure that your trip goes smoothly and legally. For safety reasons, bareboat charters need a valid ICC licence or something like it, as well as proof that the person knows how to use a maritime VHF radio. More details on what documents and certificates are accepted can be found at RYA – Boating Abroad: Greece country-specific advice.
When you charter a boat in Greece, you're not just sailing across beautiful waters; you're also exploring different landscapes, historical history, and lively local traditions. Greece has something for every sailor and visitor, whether you're dealing with the Cyclades' rough winds, enjoying the peace of the Ionian Sea with your family, or living the high life aboard a crewed yacht.
To have an unforgettable experience, you need to prepare carefully. This means choosing the proper type of charter, making an itinerary that lets you explore or rest, and making sure your plans fit with the season and the rules. In the end, a sailing holiday in Greece will give you not only stunning views but also a lot of memories made under the bright Mediterranean skies.
