Yachting and Sailing in Greece

The unique opportunities for yacht vacations in Greece are widely recognized.

Discover Greece

More than 2000 islands are scattered only in the Aegean Sea. In many locations in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, which surround Greece, you can rent a yacht.

Sailing season
Summer
Travel season
Year-round
Available Marinas
152
Charter Boats
2699

Worth knowing

Capital:
Athens
Telephone code:
+30
Language:
Greek
Timezone:
GMT+2
Currency:
EUR

Yachting areas in Greece

The commonly highlighted yachting areas include the Ionian Sea, the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Sporades, and the Northeastern Aegean Islands. Each of these areas has its own characteristics that need to be taken into account when planning yacht trips. For instance, the Ionian Sea, with its climate and wind conditions, resembles Croatia more than the majority of the Greek waters, such as the Aegean Sea. When planning journeys through the Cyclades and Dodecanese, it's important to be aware that there will be long passages between the islands. Summer voyages in the Aegean Sea are inevitably associated with the Meltemi wind, and relying on calm weather is not advisable.

For detailed information about the specific features of yachting in each area, refer to the section dedicated to the corresponding region.

Greece — Yacht Charter Boatscribe
Greece — Yacht Charter Boatscribe
Greece — Yacht Charter Boatscribe

Yacht rental locations in Greece

Yachts can be chartered either with or without a crew in almost any area of the Aegean and Ionian Seas in Greece. It's important to remember that when chartering a yacht without a crew, you are generally required to return the yacht to the same location where you picked it up. In Greece, this is more of an advantage than a disadvantage, as it allows you to easily plan circular yacht routes when traveling among the islands, thereby reducing travel expenses. However, "one way" yacht charters are also possible, especially at the end of the season when charter companies gather their scattered yachts back to the main base. The greatest number of yachts available for bareboat charter can be found in the Aegean Sea, primarily in Athens, and in the Ionian Sea, on the islands of Corfu and Lefkada. Some yachtsmen might be interested in a trip from Athens to the Ionian Sea (or vice versa). Such options are available, but if you want to avoid paying extra for a "one way" charter, you should look for these opportunities at the beginning or end of the season.

Gulets 16
Sailboats 1857
All 2699
776 €
per week
Rasker Sloop 7.1 — Popay
2
People
1
Cabins
23 ft
Length
2019
Built in
1038 €
per week
Sun Odyssey 36i — Formica
8
People
3
Cabins
36 ft
Length
2008
Built in
1064 €
per week
Sun Odyssey 36i — SO36i-10-L
8
People
3
Cabins
35 ft
Length
2010
Built in
1065 €
per week
Bavaria 36 — KONSTANTINOS
6
People
3
Cabins
36 ft
Length
2004
Built in
1071 €
per week
Bavaria 36 — Arcobaleno
8
People
4
Cabins
36 ft
Length
2004
Built in
1099 €
per week
Hanse 325 — Selini
4
People
2
Cabins
35 ft
Length
2012
Built in
1116 €
per week
Sun Odyssey 32i — Charoula
6
People
2
Cabins
31 ft
Length
2008
Built in
1131 €
per week
Dufour 382 Grand Large — Prince Folegandros
8
People
3
Cabins
37 ft
Length
2015
Built in
1133 €
per week
Bavaria 40 — Salty Baby
8
People
3
Cabins
40 ft
Length
2002
Built in

Requirements for the Skipper of a Chartered Yacht

To rent a yacht in Greece, it is required that at least one crew member holds a yacht skippering license recognized by the Greek authorities – such as an RYA, IYT, ISSA certificate, a yacht captain's diploma, etc. Generally, the Greeks are quite flexible regarding the type of skipper's license and even recognize club documents. There are no known instances where a skipper's radio operator license has been demanded for yacht rental. However, Greek authorities strictly enforce the requirement for the yacht to have at least two people, with the second person also having yacht handling skills. If the second skipper does not have a yacht handling license, the charter company from which the yacht is rented will ask the skipper to write a statement affirming that the second skipper possesses adequate yacht handling skills. Both the first and second skippers must sign this statement.

Winds in Greece for Yachtsmen

In the yacht waters of Greece, the wind conditions are influenced by three main winds: the Meltemi, blowing in the Aegean Sea; the Maestro, prevailing in the Ionian Sea; and the southern winds covering all yacht regions in Greece.

Water Season (°C) 20-25
Air Temperature (°C) 20-30
Wind Force (Beaufort) 3-5
Italy 1155