From sleek sailing yachts designed for island-hopping to luxury motor yachts offering five-star service, Greece has options for every style and budget. Each vessel offers a different way to explore the sea. Find out which matches your style, comfort and adventure level.
Yacht Charters in Greece
Your essential guide to sailing Greece. Discover why it’s one of the world’s top charter destination, find the right yacht for your style, explore the best sailing regions and complete with a clear what a yacht charter typically costs.
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Yacht size range
30 - 65 ft (≈9 - 20 m, standard charters)
Capacity
2–12 guests typical
Top regions
Cyclades, Ionian, Dodecanese, Sporades
Best season
May - October (warmest Sept)
Average price
€6,000 - €9,000+ per week
Best for
Couples, families, sailing lovers
Why charter in Greece?
Sailing in Greece is a journey through breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. With over 6,000 islands and islets (though only 227 are inhabited) the country offers a playground for sailors of every style.
The calm, sheltered waters of the
Ionian Islands
are perfect for families and beginners, while the windier
Cyclades
challenge seasoned sailors seeking adventure. Along the way, you’ll discover charming fishing villages, wander among ancient ruins, swim in hidden bays and enjoy vibrant island nightlife.
Beyond the Cyclades and Ionian, Greece also features the historic
Dodecanese
and the green, peaceful
Sporades,
each with its own character and beauty.
Best Time to Sail in Greece
January
Cold and stormy, not suitable for sailing.
Off-seasonFebruary
Cool winds, limited charters available.
Off-seasonMarch
Weather starts improving in southern islands.
Early SeasonApril
Warm days, quiet ports, ideal for early explorers.
ExcellentMay
Perfect balance of calm seas and mild weather.
ExcellentJune
Long sunny days, moderate winds, ideal conditions.
ExcellentJuly
High season - lively ports, stronger Meltemi winds.
Busy / WindyAugust
Very hot, crowded marinas, experienced sailors only.
Busy / WindySeptember
Warm water, calm weather and fewer tourists.
ExcellentOctober
Peaceful sailing, golden light, cooler nights.
ExcellentNovember
Unpredictable winds, limited services open.
Low SeasonDecember
Cold, rough seas - not recommended for sailing.
Off-seasonWhich yacht is right for you?
Where to sail in Greece
Greece offers endless sailing routes to match every sailor's pace. Calm bays and sheltered waters are ideal for families or beginners, while windier areas attract those seeking a true sailing challenge. What makes sailing here so special is the mix of experiences along the way, and understanding how yacht chartering works helps you choose the experience that suits you best. Anchor in a quiet cove with crystal-clear water, wander through whitewashed villages, savor fresh seafood at a seaside taverna or watch the sunset behind ruins that have stood for millennia. One day you might explore a bustling harbor filled with cafés and lively nightlife and the next find yourself in a tranquil anchorage, surrounded only by nature and the gentle sound of the sea. Sailing the Greek Islands is a bucket-list experience that stays with you long after you return to shore.
Ionian Islands
Calm seas, green landscapes, and family-friendly sailing. Highlights include Corfu, Lefkada, and Kefalonia.
Cyclades
Iconic whitewashed villages, stronger winds, and lively islands like Mykonos and Santorini.
Dodecanese
Historic harbors, longer passages, and a strong sense of island character. Rhodes and Kos are common starting points.
Sporades
Quiet, lush, and less crowded. Skiathos and Skopelos are ideal for relaxed, scenic sailing adventures.
Popular sailing itineraries in Greece
Whether you want calm family cruising, lively nightlife or a journey through ancient history, Greece has an itinerary for you. Here are two of the most popular 7-day routes:
Ionian (7 Days)
Route: Lefkada → Meganisi → Kalamos/Kastos → Ithaka → Kefalonia → Sivota → Lefkada
Highlights: calm sailing, turquoise bays and charming family-friendly towns.
Read full itinerary →Cyclades (7 Days)
Route: Lavrion → Kythnos → Serifos → Sifnos → Syros → Kea → Cape Sounion → Lavrion
Highlights: iconic whitewashed villages, lively ports, open-sea passages and classic Aegean sailing.
Read full itinerary →What makes Greece special?
From legendary ruins to lively tavernas, Greece offers a sailing experience that’s far more than just cruising from port to port. Walk among ancient temples, dive into turquoise waters, and enjoy island nightlife that makes every stop unforgettable. Add endless sailing routes and it’s clear why Greece is a top yacht charter destination.
🏛
Ancient Ruins & History
Explore UNESCO sites like the Acropolis or Delos for a taste of Greece’s timeless heritage.
🌊
Turquoise Waters
Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear bays and hidden beaches only accessible by yacht.
🍷
Nightlife & Cuisine
From Mykonos beach clubs to family-run tavernas, discover island life after sunset.
⚓
Sailing Variety
Gentle breezes in the Ionian or the challenging Meltemi winds in the Cyclades, there’s something for everyone.
Costs of Yacht Charter in Greece (2026)
Below are indicative weekly charter price ranges for Greece, based on typical market rates in recent seasons. Actual pricing varies by year, boat age and condition, exact size, crew, itinerary, and what is included (fuel, APA, port fees, food and drinks, etc.).
Low / Shoulder Season: roughly April–June & late September–October
High Season: mainly July–August
High Season: mainly July–August
| Yacht Type | Typical Size | Low / Shoulder Season (from) |
High Season (from) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Monohull Sailboat Bareboat or skippered, ideal for couples, friends or small families. |
30–50 ft |
Approx. €1,500–€2,500 / week Smaller/older boats and early/late season deals. |
Approx. €3,500–€6,000+ / week Newer, larger yachts and peak dates. |
|
Catamaran Popular for space and comfort. Often chosen by families and groups. |
38–50 ft |
Approx. €3,500–€6,000 / week Bareboat or skippered, depending on boat size and age. |
Approx. €6,500–€18,000+ / week Larger or newer catamarans, many with crew and upgraded comfort. |
|
Motor Yacht Faster cruising, often with full crew and higher levels of service. |
40–70 ft |
Approx. €8,000–€25,000 / week Smaller motor yachts and less busy dates. |
Approx. €25,000–€50,000+ / week Prime season, popular models and premium crews. |
|
Luxury Superyacht High-end yachts with full professional crew and resort-level service. |
80+ ft |
From around €50,000–€120,000 / week Entry-level superyachts outside peak weeks. |
Commonly €120,000–€200,000+ / week The largest and most prestigious yachts can approach or exceed €1M / week, depending on size and specification. |
Important: These figures usually refer to the base charter rate only.
In most cases you will need to add:
- Fuel and engine hours (especially for motor yachts)
- APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) for crewed and luxury charters
- Port and marina fees, transit logs, and local taxes
- Food, beverages, and any optional water toys or extras
For a full breakdown of bareboat, skippered and crewed charter prices by region, plus money-saving tips and what the extras actually cost, read our complete guide:
How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in Greece in 2026? →
Experiences Meant to Create Your Perfect Sailing Escape
A yacht charter in Greece can be tailored to every style of traveler. Whether you're seeking adventure, romance or family fun, the Greek islands deliver unforgettable moments on the water.
Luxury Charters
Comfort, privacy and dedicated crew. Luxury charters make every moment on the water feel truly relaxing.
Family Sailing
Calm seas, fun anchorages and adventures, that the whole family will remember forever.
Bareboat Adventures
Your sail, your way. Set your own course, discover islands at your speed and enjoy the freedom.
ⓘ Practical info
for chartering in Greece
Main departure hubs include Athens, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos and Lefkada. Each base gives easy access to its island group, saving travel time at sea.
For bareboat charters, at least one skipper must hold an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or equivalent. Alternatively, hire a professional skipper.
The sailing season runs from April to October. July & August are busiest with strong Meltemi winds, while May, June, September and early October are calmer and less crowded.
Most international flights arrive in Athens, with easy connections to island airports. Ferries are frequent, but starting directly from a yacht base saves time and adds flexibility.
Ensure your charter includes mandatory insurance and consider optional coverage for extra protection. Always follow safety protocols on board, especially for beginners or families with children.
Book early to secure the best yachts and preferred dates. Peak-season charters fill quickly, so local agents or reputable online platforms can help you find availability and deals.
For inquiries, reach us at:
- Email: contact@upandsail.com
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