Yacht charter in Greece
Two very different seas: the sheltered Ionian with its green islands and short legs, and the Aegean, where the summer meltemi gives proper sailing between the Cyclades.
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Our Greece fleet is on its way
We’re adding the charter companies in Greece to our catalogue. Until then, tell us where and when you’d like to sail and we’ll send you suitable yachts by e-mail.
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Sailing in Greece
Updated Nov 7, 2026
Where to sail
The Ionian — Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca and their smaller neighbours — has green islands, short passages and gentle mornings with an afternoon breeze. It is the best Greek choice for a first charter or a family week.
The Saronic Gulf is the quick escape from Athens: Aegina, Poros and car-free Hydra are all within a day's sail, usually with less wind than further out.
The Cyclades — Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini and many quieter islands — are open water with real wind. They are rewarding for experienced crews, especially outside July and August.
The Dodecanese around Kos and Rhodes and the Sporades around Skiathos and Skopelos complete the picture, with long sailing seasons and fewer boats.
When to go
May, June, September and October give warm water with lighter winds. In July and August the meltemi blows across the Aegean; the Ionian stays far gentler.
Wind and weather
The meltemi is a strong northerly that sets in during the summer and can blow for several days at force 6 to 7, strongest in the afternoon. Plan Aegean routes with it rather than against it, and keep a spare day. In the Ionian the summer pattern is a light morning and a north-westerly afternoon breeze.
Getting there
Athens serves the Saronic and Cyclades bases, Corfu and Preveza (for Lefkada) the Ionian, and Kos and Rhodes the Dodecanese. Many islands are also connected by ferry.
Good to know
- Many islands have town quays rather than marinas; mooring stern-to with your anchor out is normal.
- For a bareboat charter the skipper needs a recognised licence, and charter companies usually ask for a second experienced crew member. We confirm the requirements for your yacht before you book.
- Charter weeks usually start on Saturday, with some bases also offering other days.
Yacht charter in Greece: questions and answers
When is the best time to charter a yacht in Greece?
The charter season in Greece runs May – October. July and August are the busiest and most expensive weeks; June and September usually bring warm water, quieter anchorages and lower prices.
What is the wind like in Greece in summer?
Meltemi: A strong northerly in the Aegean in July and August; the Ionian stays gentler.
How many yachts can I charter in Greece?
We are adding the charter companies in Greece to our catalogue. Send us your dates and crew size and we will reply with suitable yachts by e-mail.
Which airports are closest to the charter bases in Greece?
Most charter bases in Greece are reached via the airports of Athens, Corfu, Preveza, Kos and Rhodes.
Which day of the week do yacht charters start?
Most sailing yachts and catamarans are chartered Saturday to Saturday, with check-in in the afternoon and check-out in the morning. Some yachts, mostly motor boats, can start on other days; every yacht page shows its own check-in days and minimum stay.
Do I need a sailing licence to charter a yacht in Greece?
Only if you sail bareboat, without a skipper. The skipper then needs a recognised sailing licence, and usually someone on board needs a VHF radio certificate. The exact requirements depend on the country, and the charter company checks the documents at check-in. Without a licence, charter the yacht with a skipper.
What is included in the weekly charter price?
The weekly price covers the yacht with its standard equipment. Mandatory extras set by the charter company, such as final cleaning or a transit log, are listed in the price breakdown before you book, and a refundable security deposit is usually paid at check-in. Fuel, food and berths in marinas other than your base are paid during the week.
How do I book a yacht?
Choose a yacht and send an inquiry with your dates. We confirm availability with the charter company and send you a written offer with the payment plan.