Greece combines Europe’s longest coastline with more than 6,000 islands and islets, grouped into compact archipelagos where passages can be as short as 2–5 nautical miles. For anyone planning a yacht hire in Greece, that means easy island hopping, short sail days, and the chance to wake up in a new bay almost every morning without undertaking long ocean legs. Add consistently warm sea temperatures, generally predictable summer breezes, and a marine environment recognised for its clarity, and you have cruising grounds that suit both first‑time crews and seasoned sailors.

Beyond the water, a Greece charter yacht delivers direct access to millennia of history. You can drop anchor beneath ancient ruins, stroll Venetian harbours, or dine in waterfront tavernas serving authentic Greek cuisine. Every major island chain has its own unique charm: the lush Ionian Islands, the rugged Cyclades Islands, the culture-rich Dodecanese Islands, the pine-covered Sporades Islands, and the easily reached Saronic Gulf close to Athens. With so much variety, selecting the right yacht type, route and season will shape your boat hire as much as the destination itself.

Yacht Charter Greece Regions: Where to Go and Who They Suit

Ionian Islands Yacht Charter

The Ionian Islands (Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and others) sit off Greece’s west coast. Sheltered from the Meltemi, the Ionian Sea offers light winds (often Force 2–4), line-of-sight navigation and lush, green backdrops. This is classic territory for relaxed sailing holidays, bareboat charter Greece beginners, and families seeking calm seas.

• Yacht charter Corfu
  UNESCO-listed old town, Venetian fortifications and easy provisioning at Gouvia Marina.

• Lefkas yacht charter
  Short hops in a protected “inland sea” plus access to Meganisi and Ithaca; ideal for a catamaran charter Lefkas.

• Shipwreck Beach (Navagio), Zakynthos: Only reachable by boat, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise water.

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Cyclades Islands Yacht Charter

The Cyclades Islands are what many imagine when they picture a yacht charter Greek islands escape: whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and stark, rocky landscapes. They are also Meltemi country, with northerlies that can blow hard for several days. Confident skippers thrive here; new sailors may prefer a skipper or choose a different region in high season.

• Mykonos boat hire & boat hire Santorini: Two headline destinations for nightlife and caldera scenery. Plan carefully for berthing; both are popular and exposed.

• Paros boat hire & Milos boat hire: Paros mixes lively harbours with great beaches; Milos is a volcanic island known for Sarakiniko’s lunar rock formations.

• Delos: An uninhabited archaeological site close to Mykonos, accessible only by boat—ideal for a history-rich day stop.

• For route planning inspiration, check our Cyclades sailing itinerary

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Saronic Gulf Yacht Charter

Close to Athens and Alimos Marina, the Saronic Gulf provides sheltered waters and modest distances—perfect for long weekends, first-timers, or anyone short on time.

• Hydra: Car-free, stone-built mansions, and a tight harbour—arrive early to secure a berth.

• Aegina: Pistachios, the Temple of Aphaia, and easy hops from the mainland.

• Poros & Spetses: Quiet anchorages, narrow channels, and a polished yet traditional feel.
  If you plan to share route ideas or resources on your site, add a sentence like: “For planning ideas, see our Sailing Itinerary in the Saronic Islands,” and link that phrase to your internal itinerary page.

• For route planning inspiration, check our Sailing Itinerary in the Saronic Islands

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Dodecanese Islands Yacht Charter

Further southeast, near Turkey, the Dodecanese Islands offer reliable sailing without the Cyclades’ extremes. Medieval forts, Ottoman influences and Italian-era architecture tell stories of shifting empires.

• Rhodes & Kos: Major charter hubs with airports, marinas and extensive historical sites.

• Patmos & Nisyros: Spiritual heritage (Cave of the Apocalypse) and a walkable volcanic crater.

• Smaller islands like Kalymnos (sea sponge harvesters), Symi and Tilos provide quieter anchorages and authentic village life.

• For route planning inspiration, check our Dodecanese Islands Itinerary

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Sporades Islands Yacht Charter

Northeast of Athens, the Sporades are greener and less arid than the Cyclades, with gentler summer winds.

• Skiathos yacht charter: Over 60 beaches and vibrant nightlife around Skiathos Town.

• Skopelos and Alonissos: Pine-clad hills, clear water, and the National Marine Park (monk seals, rich marine life).

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Greece yacht charter - Bareboat or Skippered? 

Bareboat Charters Greece 

If you want full control over your itinerary and are comfortable with navigation, a bareboat charter Greece is budget-friendly and flexible. Greek port authorities usually require:

• A skipper with an ICC, RYA Coastal Skipper or equivalent.

• A second crew member able to sign a “competent crew” declaration.
  You’ll handle everything—mooring, weather decisions, and maintenance checks—so the skipper should be confident and well-organised.

Skippered Charter Greece 

A skippered charter (or skippered sailing holidays Greece) adds a professional captain who handles navigation and safety. This is ideal if:

• No one in your group holds a licence.

• You prefer to relax instead of docking the boat in a crosswind.

• You want a guide who knows the best anchorages, tavernas and swim spots.
  You retain privacy (the skipper usually has a separate cabin), but plan provisioning and mealtimes with them in mind.

Crewed Yachts & All-Inclusive Yacht Charter Greece

For a hotel-style experience afloat, opt for crewed yacht charter Greece or an all-inclusive yacht charter Greece. Larger sailing catamarans, motor yacht charters and even superyacht charter packages can include captain, chef and deckhand. Expect:

• Fixed per week pricing (often plus APA—Advance Provisioning Allowance—for fuel, food and incidentals).

• Water toys (paddleboards, seabobs) and concierge-level service.

• Zero need to lift a finger—just agree on a plan with your crew and enjoy the ride.

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Catamaran Charter Greece vs Sailing Yachts vs Motor Yachts

Sailing Yachts Charter Greece (Monohulls) – Classic Feel and Lower Fees

• Pros: Engaging sailing, efficient upwind performance, usually cheaper to hire and berth.

• Cons: Less interior volume, boat heels under sail (may affect comfort for novices).

Catamaran Charter Greece – Stability and Space

• Pros: Flat sailing (minimal heel), spacious saloon and deck areas, shallow draft for close-in anchorages.

• Cons: Higher hire and mooring costs, less “sporty” feel, poorer upwind ability in choppy seas.
  For city-based departures, search specifically for catamaran charter Athens or catamaran charter Lefkas if you know your starting hub.

Motor Yacht Charters in Greece – Speed and Comfort

• Pros: Cover distance quickly, plush interiors, large sun decks, easy to manage tight schedules.

• Cons: Higher fuel bills, less connection to sailing tradition, sometimes restricted in shallow anchorages depending on draft.
  If you need to move between widely spaced islands (e.g., combining Cyclades and Dodecanese) in a week, a large motor yacht or luxury yacht charter may be the pragmatic choice.

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When to Set Sail in Greece: Seasons, Weather and Crowds

• Peak Season (June–August): Hot weather, bustling harbours, and the strongest Meltemi in the Cyclades. Book marinas early, especially in July–August.

• Shoulder Seasons (April–May, September–October): Milder temperatures, calmer winds, fewer crowds and lower prices. September’s sea remains warm, making it many crews’ favourite month.

• Winter (November–March): A few local fleets operate, but many charter boats are laid up. Weather is cooler and less predictable; not typical holiday season.

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Getting There: Main Gateways for Yacht Hire Greece

• Athens International Airport (ATH) serves the Saronic Gulf and Cyclades (via Alimos or Lavrion marinas).

• Corfu (CFU) and Preveza (PVK) connect you to the Ionian north and south.

• Rhodes (RHO) and Kos (KGS) are prime Dodecanese gateways.

• Skiathos (JSI) is the logical entry for the Sporades.

Transfers are straightforward: taxi or pre-booked shuttle to marinas is common. For example, ATH to Alimos is about 40 minutes by taxi (or on the X96 airport bus). Your charter broker or Boataround representative can arrange private transfers in advance.

Mooring Fees, Daily Costs and the “Per Week” Budget in Greece

One pleasant surprise when you charter in Greece is mooring affordability compared to other Mediterranean hotspots.

• Municipal quays: Often €10–€25 per night for a 12 m yacht; sometimes free in smaller villages, with a small charge for water or electricity.

• Organised marinas (e.g. Alimos, Gouvia): Expect €30–€100+ in high season. Catamarans often pay 50–60% more due to their beam.

• Anchoring: Free, but respect no-anchor zones protecting sea grass or archaeological sites.

Fuel costs vary by yacht type—sailing yachts burn little diesel if you sail efficiently, while motor yachts can consume significantly more. End-cleaning, outboard engines, and SUPs/kayaks are usually extra unless you book an all-inclusive package. Factor in food provisioning and eating ashore (which is half the fun). Many crews report weekly spend “per week” (beyond hire cost) ranging from a few hundred euros (bareboat, mostly cooking aboard) to a few thousand (crewed motor yacht with frequent marina stops).

Bareboat Licence Requirements and Paperwork

Greek port authorities require at least two capable adults for bareboat charters Greece:

• Skipper: Must hold an accepted licence (ICC, RYA Coastal Skipper, ASA 104 or national equivalent). RYA Day Skipper may be rejected by some harbours; getting an ICC is safer.

• Co-skipper: No formal licence needed, but must sign a competence declaration.
  Send scanned licences to your charter company in advance and carry originals for check-in. Boataround will outline what’s needed in your confirmation emails and help you prepare all documents.

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Local Knowledge: Practical Tips for a Smooth Charter Experience

• Arrive early at popular quays (Hydra, Fiskardo, Naoussa) to secure a stern‑to spot.

• Use holding tanks in bays; pump out offshore or at marina facilities.

• Mind the Meltemi: In the Cyclades, always have a Plan B anchorage on the lee side of an island.

• Support local economies: Shop at small markets and dine in family-run tavernas.

• Water and electricity: Conserve resources on board—many islands have limited supply.

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Booking Process: Finding the Right Yacht Type and Charter Broker

The Greek charter market is extensive, and choice can feel overwhelming. Start by narrowing:

1. Region (Ionian vs Aegean, or a specific chain).

2. Yacht type (sailing yacht, catamaran, motor yacht).

3. Charter format (bareboat, skippered, crewed, all-inclusive).

4. Group size and budget (cabins, bathrooms, water toys needed).

Using a platform like Boataround simplifies comparisons and ensures transparent pricing. You’ll see live availability, verified reviews, and detailed yacht specs all in one place—no guesswork, no hidden extras. Once you find the perfect yacht, the Boataround team and the local base staff will guide you through contracts, deposits and check-in procedures so you can focus on planning anchorages rather than paperwork.

Ready to Set Sail? Book Your Yacht Hire Greece with Boataround

Whether you’re picturing a gentle week among the stunning Ionian Islands, a Meltemi-powered sailing adventure in the Cyclades, or a crewed motor yacht charter Greece that links Rhodes, Kos and beyond, Boataround helps you do it without fuss. Browse a wide range of yachts—from cost-effective monohulls to all-inclusive yacht charter Greece options—and lock in transparent rates on the Boataround AU site.

When you’re ready to rent a yacht in Greece, visit Boataround, compare real boats from trusted operators, and book securely. Your next yacht charter Greece is only a few clicks away—set your dates, choose your yacht, and start planning a route through crystal clear waters, historic harbours and authentic Greek cuisine. Enjoy the journey.

Do you want more information about yacht charter in Greece? Read our Greece Sailing Guide

Fountaine Pajot yachts for hire in Greece

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