Yacht Charter Greece

For bareboat charters in Greece, you’ll need a recognised sailing qualification such as RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104, or ICC (International Certificate of Competence). You should also demonstrate recent sailing experience—most charter companies require at least 2 weeks of bareboat experience within the last 3 years. Greek waters can be challenging with the strong Meltemi wind in summer and varying conditions between different island groups. If you’re unfamiliar with Greek sailing conditions or want local expertise on the best anchorages and tavernas, a skippered charter is highly recommended.

The Greek sailing season runs from April to October. The best time is May-June and September-October when you’ll find pleasant temperatures (22-28°C), reliable but moderate winds, fewer tourists, and better value. July-August is peak season with guaranteed sunshine, lively atmosphere, but strong Meltemi winds (Force 5-7) in the Aegean, particularly the Cyclades. The Ionian Islands have gentler conditions year-round. Shoulder seasons offer excellent sailing with more authentic Greek experiences and significantly lower prices. April and October can be unpredictable but offer great value for experienced sailors.

Yacht charter prices in Greece offer excellent value for Mediterranean sailing. A basic 38-40ft monohull bareboat starts from around €2,400/week in low season up to €4,800/week in July-August. Catamarans typically cost 70-90% more due to high demand. Skippered charters add €130-160/day, whilst fully crewed luxury charters start from €8,500/week. Budget for extras: fuel (€200-400), provisioning (€60-100/person), marina fees (€30-60/night where applicable), Greek transit log (€50-70), tourist taxes, and mooring fees on popular islands. Many Greek anchorages are free, helping keep costs down.

Standard yacht charters typically include: the yacht itself, standard equipment and safety gear, bed linen and towels, final cleaning, and dinghy with outboard motor. Not included are: fuel, food and beverages, marina and harbour fees, Greek transit log (navigation permit), tourist taxes, skipper/crew (unless booked), and optional extras like fishing equipment or paddleboards. Greece offers many free anchorages, though popular islands charge mooring fees. Always check your charter contract for specific inclusions.

The Meltemi is a strong, dry northerly wind that blows across the Aegean Sea during summer months (July-August particularly). It typically reaches Force 4-6 (15-25 knots) but can exceed Force 7 (30+ knots). The Meltemi brings clear skies, excellent visibility, and cooler temperatures but creates challenging sailing conditions, particularly in the Cyclades. It usually builds during the day and drops at night. Modern weather forecasting provides good prediction. Experienced sailors love the Meltemi for exciting sailing, whilst those seeking gentler conditions should consider the Ionian Islands, Saronic Gulf, or shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) when the Meltemi is less prevalent.

While technically possible, it’s generally not recommended to attempt multiple island groups in a standard week-long charter. Passages between island groups (e.g., Cyclades to Dodecanese) can be 50-100+ nautical miles, requiring significant sailing time and appropriate weather conditions. Most charterers find it more enjoyable to focus on one island group—exploring the Cyclades, Ionian Islands, or Saronic Gulf thoroughly rather than spending days on longer passages. If you want to explore multiple areas, consider a two-week charter or separate charters in different regions. Your charter company will advise on feasible itineraries based on your experience and time available.