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Yacht Charter — Greece
Sailing
Sailing
Greece.
3,000 islands. Infinite possibilities.
Plan Your Charter
3,000 islands. Infinite possibilities.
Plan Your CharterGreece remains the world’s most celebrated sailing destination — and for good reason. The Aegean and Ionian seas offer protected waters, reliable winds and an unmatched variety of anchorages across 3,000 islands. Whether you seek the vibrant energy of Mykonos, the dramatic caldera of Santorini, or a secluded bay in the Dodecanese, a private yacht charter is the finest way to experience it all. Our brokers know these waters intimately and will build an itinerary around your interests, vessel preference and the season.
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The Aegean Sea, Greece
The world’s greatest variety of anchorages, from iconic whitewashed Cycladic villages to untouched Ionian coves rarely visited by anything larger than a fishing boat.
Consistent summer winds from the north make the Aegean one of Europe’s premier sailing grounds — predictable, exhilarating and ideal for experienced crews.
Visibility of 30+ metres in some areas. The Ionian and Aegean seas offer some of the cleanest swimming water in the Mediterranean, warm from June through October.
From taverna octopus to island wine, fresh seafood to honey-drenched pastry. Greek cuisine is as memorable as the scenery it accompanies.
Warm, clear days and light winds ideal for the Ionian and Saronic. Almond blossom, very few crowds and the finest water temperatures for swimming without the high-season heat.
Consistent Meltemi, lively marinas and the full energy of the Cyclades. Mykonos, Santorini, Paros — this is Greece at its most electric. Book early.
Warm seas, quieter anchorages and extraordinary golden light. Many experienced sailors consider this the finest time to be in Greek waters.
Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos — the most celebrated island group in the Greek archipelago and the defining image of Greece worldwide. Santorini’s caldera anchorage, ringed by volcanic cliffs and crowned by the village of Oia, is unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean; arriving by yacht and anchoring inside the caldera as the sun sets is an experience that stays with you. Paros and Naxos offer a quieter, more authentic alternative — excellent local tavernas, unspoiled beaches and a pace of life that remains genuinely Greek. The sailing between Cycladic islands is consistently exhilarating, with the Meltemi providing strong, reliable north winds from July through August.
Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca — the western islands are greener, more sheltered and distinctly different in character from the Aegean. Venetian occupation left its mark on the architecture of Corfu town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on the cuisine throughout the island chain. The waters are calmer and better suited to larger motor yachts or those seeking a more relaxed passage — the Ionian is largely unaffected by the Meltemi that defines Aegean sailing. Lefkada’s white-sand beaches — Porto Katsiki, Egremni — are among the finest in Greece and remain accessible only from the sea, keeping them pristine even in high summer.
Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Symi — the southernmost island group reaches towards Turkey in a scattered arc of extraordinary historical and cultural variety. Rhodes old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world, is best arrived at by sea at dawn when the old harbour is quiet. The smaller islands — Symi, Kastellorizo, Halki — offer unspoiled neoclassical harbours and a sense of timelessness rarely found in the Aegean during high season. Patmos, where St John wrote the Book of Revelation, retains an atmosphere of genuine spiritual gravity that the crowds of larger islands entirely lack.
Aegina, Hydra, Spetses, Poros — the Saronic Gulf islands provide the finest short charter circuit in Greece, departing directly from Athens and accessible within an hour under sail. Hydra is completely car-free; its waterfront of neoclassical mansions, working caiques and total absence of motor traffic creates an atmosphere unlike any other island in Greece. Spetses attracted an international literary and artistic crowd throughout the 20th century and retains considerable elegance, with horse-drawn carriages still the primary transport. The circuit can comfortably be completed in five days, making it ideal for first-time Greek charterers and those with limited time.
The Aegean is not a sea you sail. It is a sea that sails you.Yachting Europe — Greek Islands
Foreign-flagged yachts do not require a cruising permit as such, but a Transit Log (DEKPA) must be obtained on arrival at the first port of entry. This document allows the vessel to visit any Greek port or anchorage throughout the season. Your Yachting Europe broker will ensure all required documentation is prepared before departure.
The Meltemi is a dry northerly wind that blows across the Aegean from June through August, typically reaching 20–30 knots with occasional gusts to 40. It makes for exhilarating sailing for experienced crews but can restrict passage-making for motor yachts. The Ionian Sea, west of the mainland, is largely unaffected — an important consideration when planning your itinerary and choosing between a sailing or motor yacht.
For first-time charterers, the Saronic Gulf offers the ideal combination of accessibility, variety and manageable distances from Athens. The Ionian islands suit those who prefer calmer conditions, lush scenery and a more relaxed pace. The Cyclades — Santorini, Mykonos, Paros — are best suited to those with some sailing experience who want the full, exhilarating Greek sailing experience.
Tell us your dates, group size and preferences. Tell us your dates, group size and preferences. Our brokers have sailed these waters personally and will match you with the right yacht for your brief.
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