Our comprehensive sailing guide has everything you need to know about your next sailing holidays in Greece.
The Greek Islands offer a great variety of sailing options with regard to different sailing experience levels and itinerary preferences. There really is something for everyone!
Whether you are a beginner sailor or an experienced one, sailing with your family or a group of friends, there is a Greek destination for you. Now, here are some quick facts to keep in mind:
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The golden sandy beaches, blue skies, turquoise waters, whitewashed houses, and traditional Greek cuisine will make you want to return again and again.
Greece is located in the Eastern Mediterranean and is one of the top “island-hopping” sailing destinations worldwide. With 6000 islands and a coastline of more than 13.500 km, you will be able to explore a new location each day of your sailing holiday.
Sail amongst others on a yacht or catamaran charter in the Ionian Islands, the Saronic Gulf, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, and the Sporades.
Greece’s primary sailing season extends from late April to October, with peak conditions typically in June, July, and August.
In the Cyclades, the Meltemi wind can blow steadily from mid-June through mid-September, often ranging between 15–25 knots - ideal for experienced sailors but challenging for beginner sailors.
The Ionian Sea, on the western side, generally sees milder breezes and calmer waters, making it better suited for families or those seeking an easier cruise. Spring and early autumn still offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, though you may experience occasional rainfall or lighter winds.
What are the sailing qualification and license requirements to charter a yacht or catamaran in Greece? In Greece, the Hellenic Port Authorities generally require at least one certified skipper on board-most commonly holding an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or an equivalent qualification such as RYA Day Skipper.
The authorities also expect a co-skipper with sufficient sailing knowledge, or you may sign a self-declaration of competency if you do not have a formal certificate.
Because Greek waters can present a variety of conditions, from moderate Meltemi winds to calmer Ionian breezes, charter companies place extra emphasis on your maritime experience and navigational abilities.
For bareboat charters, proof of experience and the proper license are vital to secure insurance coverage.
If you do not meet these requirements, hiring a professional skipper remains an excellent option for exploring the country’s iconic islands and historical ports.
Greece’s rich cultural tapestry unfolds in vibrant seaside towns and ancient ports, where you can explore millennia-old ruins and Byzantine churches between sailing stops.
While island-hopping aboard your yacht, try regional delicacies like fresh grilled octopus, creamy feta cheese, and the classic moussaka. Don’t miss family-run tavernas offering homemade raki or ouzo alongside live music.
Many Greek islands celebrate unique festivals-such as "panigyria", honoring local patron saints-giving visitors an authentic taste of Greek hospitality and folklore. Sampling these cultural and culinary delights makes any Greek sailing holiday truly unforgettable.
Some protected areas (for instance, marine parks in Alonissos or Zakynthos) may require special anchoring permits or prohibit anchoring altogether to safeguard local ecosystems.
Always carry valid boat documentation (e.g., ship’s registry, crew list) and coordinate route plans with port authorities - particularly in regions where coastal patrols conduct regular checks.
Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure a smooth, lawful sailing holiday throughout the Greek islands.
A Saronic Gulf yacht charter combines wildlife, beautiful anchorages, and historical sights. This destination is ideal for beginner sailors (thanks to the short distances between the islands), while still offering opportunities for exhilarating sailing, making it suitable for more confident charterers as well.
Here you will find lighter winds than the Cyclades (the strong Meltemi is not usual in the Saronic Gulf), yet still not as light as the Ionian Sea.
Just about an hour-long sail from Athens, the Saronic islands are easy to get to and perfect for a week-long getaway with family or friends.
Sailing the Saronic Gulf, setting sail from Athens or Lavrion
Argo-Saronic Gulf itinerary highlights
Embark in Athens and sail amongst others, the islands of Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina, and Dokos, or add the Argolic Gulf to your itinerary on a two-week charter.
Read more about Saronic Islands: Sailing Itinerary from Athens: 7-day Saronic Gulf sailing route
Sail Saronic with an Alimos Yacht Charter
The most famous start-point marina is Alimos Marina (Kalamaki), and this is where most yachts are based.
There are a few other locations that you could charter from, such as Marina Zeas, Agios Kosmas Marina, or even Lavrion main port, which has easy access to both the Saronic Gulf and Cyclades islands alike.
Saronic Gulf weather and sailing conditions
The weather in the Saronic Gulf is generally mild, with winds not stronger than 4 Beaufort.
During summer, you will find mostly SE winds 3-5 Beaufort.
During spring and autumn, prevailing winds are a little weaker and usually come from the South.
Where to start your Saronic Gulf sailing holidays from & how to get there
To get there, you will fly into Athens International Airport, which is Greece’s busiest airport and is the 27th-busiest airport in all of Europe! With many international flights daily from the EU and the US, you should have no problem getting to Athens. From AIA, it’s just a short 30 kilometers to Kalamaki-Alimos Marina, where you will begin your sailing adventure.
There are a number of transport methods available, such as buses - the X96 line, which runs directly from the airport to the marina.
Yacht4Less can assist with organising and booking your airport transfer for a relaxing, stress-free arrival.
Transfer Time: 40 mins
Saronic sailing holiday tips
One thing not to miss on a Saronic sailing yacht charter is a visit to the Acropolis - one of Greece's most famous ancient landmarks.
Make sure you change your clocks to Eastern European time; we do recommend having some cash in Euros with you, as there might be some places that don't accept credit cards.
Mooring fees are minimal, and you can usually safely anchor at town harbors or free swing at bays.
The Cyclades islands (over 220 islands and islets) are located right in the heart of the Aegean Sea and form a circular series.
Some also divide them into two regions - the main Cyclades and the small Cyclades. A boat rental in the Cyclades is an ideal option for experienced sailors or those looking for a skippered charter or a fully crewed yacht charter.
Cyclades sailing itinerary highlights
Explore the islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Syros, Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Ios, Koufonisia with the traditional white-washed houses, stunning sunsets, and blooming bougainvilleas.
7-day Cyclades Sailing Itinerary
Day 1. Lavrion (check-in)
Day 2. Lavrion - Kea 14 NM
Day 3. Kea - Syros 32 NM
Day 4. Syros - Paros 23 NM
Day 5. Paros - Sifnos 30 NM
Day 6. Sifnos - Kythnos 31 NM
Day 7. Kythnos - Lavrion 25 NM
14-day Cyclades Sailing Itinerary
Day 1. Lavrion- Kea 17 NM
Day 2. Kea - Tinos 38 NM
Day 3. Tinos - Mykonos 11 NM
Day 4. Myconos - Rinia 7 NM
Day 5. Rinia - Paros 15 NM
Day 6. Paros - Skinousa 24 NM
Day 7. Skinousa - Amorgos 26 NM
Day 8. Amorgos - Thira 39 NM
Day 9. Thira - Ios 20 NM
Day 10. Ios - Sifnos 37 NM
Day 11. Sifnos - Serifos 37 NM
Day 12. Serifos - Kithnos 23 NM
Day 13. Kithnos - Lavrion 45 NM
Where to start your Cyclades sailing holidays from
We definitely recommend starting your sailing holiday from Lavrion (a wider selection of yachts available there).
Lavrion is very close to the International Airport of Athens and has easy access to the Cyclades; the first island (Kea) is only about one and a half hours away.
You could also start your yacht charter from Paros island, right in the heart of the Cyclades (less availability than Lavrion and usually has higher boat rental prices).
Best time to sail the Cyclades
This area is ideal for more advanced sailors, as the north prevailing wind "Meltemi" usually blows at 5-6 Beaufort and sometimes even 7-8.
The Meltemi is stronger during July and August, so if you want slightly calmer seas, you should visit the Cyclades in spring or autumn.
As the Cyclades are Greece's most "challenging" destination with stronger winds and longer distances between the islands, we recommend opting for a 2-week charter when possible.
How to get to Lavrion Port
To get to Lavrion, you will need to fly into Athens International Airport. If you want to fly directly to the islands, you can look for convenient flights to the airports of Paros and Mykonos.
Cyclades sailing holiday tips
On two-week charters, we recommend taking advantage of the warm wind as it comes from the North, and going further South to explore the breathtaking "Small Cyclades" as well.
Mooring fees are minimal in Greece, and due to limited space, you will mostly be free-swinging at idyllic bays or using the town harbours.
With light winds blowing, emerald seas for swimming, and a history of thousands of years, the Land of Odysseus offers the ideal sailing ground for sailors with primary sailing experience and young children in the crew. The Ionian Sea consists of 7 main islands, "The Heptanese", and many more little islets in between.
This area is known for the small distances between the different possible anchorages, although the North Ionian has slightly longer passages and is also recommended for mile-building trips.
Ionian Islands sailing itinerary highlights
Explore the islands of Corfu (Kerkyra), Kefalonia, Zakynthos (Zante), Paxos, Antipaxos, Ithaca, Lefkas (Lefkada), as well as Sivota and Parga on the Greek mainland.
Learn more about the Ionian islands:
1. Sailing holidays in Corfu: everything you need to know
2. Sailing Lefkas, Kefalonia & more
Where to start your Ionian yacht charter from & how to get there
The Ionian Sea is divided into two parts: North and South. To sail the North Ionian, you will need to start your sailing boat rental from Corfu (Gouvia Marina) and fly in and out of the International Airport of Corfu.
Transfer time (Corfu): 15 mins
To explore the South Ionian, you can either start your yacht charter from Lefkas or Preveza Marina. The South Ionian is served by the international airport of Preveza in Aktion.
Transfer time (Lefkas): 25 mins
It is also possible to combine the North and South Ionian itineraries on a 2-week yacht charter.
Ionian Islands sailing conditions
The weather in this area is usually very sunny and warm. During spring, summer, and autumn, an NW wind of up to 3 Beaufort starts blowing almost every afternoon (2-3 pm) and dies down after sunset.
Ionian sailing holiday tips
North of Corfu, you shouldn't miss the tiny, almost untouched Diapontia Islands of Manthraki, Othonoi, and Ereikoussa.
For mooring, you will find many anchorages, town harbours, and marinas dotted around the coastline.
More topics about the Ionian Islands: Top 5 Reasons to Go Sailing in the Ionian
The Sporades consist of 24 islands in total, 4 of which are completely uninhabited. This area is ideal for nature lovers who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy unspoilt sailing anchorages.
Sporades Sailing Itinerary highlights
The Sporades Islands, i.e., Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonnisos, but also the Gulf of Volos, are located on the east coast of the mainland of Greece.
Recommended 7-day sailing Sporades itinerary from Skiathos
Day 1. Skiathos (check-in)
Day 2. Skiathos - Limnonari 10NM – Skantzura 15NM
Day 3. Sail Around Alonissos - Alonissos (Patitiri) 17 NM
Day 4. Alonissos (Milia) 3NM – Kyra Panagia 12NM
Day 5. Psathoura 12NM – Milia Kokkinokastro 12NM – Planitis 11NM
Day 6. Alonissos (Mourtia) 21NM – Skopelos 6NM
Day 7. Tsougria 17NM -Skiathos 4NM
Recommended 2-week Sporades sailing itinerary from Skiathos
Day 1. Skiathos - Tsougria 26 NM
Day 2. Tsougria - Orei 25 NM
Day 3. Orei - Trikeri 15 NM
Day 4. Trikeri - Koukounaries 12 NM
Day 5. Koukounaries - Panormos 15 NM
Day 6. Panormos - Agnondas 10 NM
Day 7. Agnondas - Steni Vala 17 NM
Day 8. Steli Vala - Planitis 18 NM
Day 9. Planitis - Linaria 35 NM
Day 10. Rest day
Day 11. Linaria - Skantzoura 22 NM
Day 12. Skantzoura - Glossa 23 NM
Day 13. Glossa - Skiathos 10 NM
Recommended 7-day Sporades sailing itinerary from Volos
Day 1. Volos - Trikeri 14 NM
Day 2. Trikeri - Skopelos (Panormos) 28 NM
Day 3. Skopelos (Panormos) - Alonisos (Steni Vala) 19 NM
Day 4. Alonisos (Steni Vala) - Skopelos town 16 NM
Day 5. Skopelos - Skiathos 17 NM
Day 6. Skiathos- Agia Kyriaki 24 NM
Day 7. Agia Kyriaki - Volos 16 NM
Recommended 2-week Sporades sailing itinerary from Volos
Day 1. Volos - Trikeri 14 NM
Day 2. Trikeri- Skiathos 26 NM
Day 3. Skiathos - Tsougria 26 NM
Day 4. Tsougria - Orei 25 NM
Day 5. Orei - Koukounaries 23 NM
Day 6. Koukounaries - Skopelos 22 NM
Day 7. Skopelos - Panormos 14 NM
Day 8. Panormos - Agnondas 10 NM
Day 9. Agnondas - Steni Vala 17 NM
Day 10. Steli Vala - Skiathos 24 NM
Day 11. Rest Day
Day 12. Skiathos- Agia Kyriaki 22 NM
Day 13. Agia Kyriaki - Volos 17 NM
Where to start your Sporades yacht charter from & how to get there
There are two main locations from where you can rent a boat in the Sporades - Skiathos and Volos ports. For a Skiathos boat rental, you will need to fly in and out of the International Airport of Skiathos. For a Volos boat rental? Easy peasy! It is served by its own airport (direct flights from the UK).
Transfer time (Skiathos): 5 mins
Transfer time (Volos): 30 mins
Sporades sailing conditions
Generally, in the open Aegean Sea, winds are stronger in July and August and lighter during spring and autumn. We recommend the Sporades to intermediate sailors who feel confident with moderate North winds of 3-5 Beaufort.
Rarely, these winds can reach the "Meltemi" level of 6-7 Beaufort.
Sporades sailing holiday tips
Almost all of the Sporades area is considered a National Park, and visitors are advised to explore while making sure to leave the park and its "residents" unharmed and perfectly preserved.
The Sporades are the home of the rare Mediterranean Monk Seal. If you love snorkeling or scuba diving, don’t miss out on the area’s shipwrecks, which have turned into underwater museums.
More topics about Sporades Islands: Sailing in Sporades Islands - Our favorite itinerary
The name 'Dodecanese' stands for the number twelve in the Greek language (dodeca). There is a lot of history to be found while exploring the Dodecanese.
Kos was the birthplace of Hippocrates' medical school, and in Rhodes, you can find the two bronze deer where the Great Colossus stood.
Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary highlights
Explore Rhodes (the famous island of Knights) and Kos, which are the two main yacht charter bases in the Dodecanese islands.
A typical sailing itinerary also includes unspoiled sailing destinations, such as Tilos, Nysiros, with the famous inactive volcano, and Symi.
Furthermore, with the Turkish borders being just a couple of nautical miles away, you can make the most of both countries on a longer duration charter.
Where to start your Dodecanese yacht charter from & how to get there
You can start from Kos island (Kos Marina) or Rhodes island (Mandraki Marina) - both are well served by their own international airports.
Since these two islands are close to each other, you can combine a Kos and Rhodes itinerary, especially on a longer duration charter, i.e., 2 weeks.
Transfer time (Kos): 30 mins
Transfer time (Rhodes): 30 mins
Read more about the Dodecanese Islands:
Rhodes sailing holidays: Everything you need to know
Kos sailing holidays: Everything you need to know
Dodecanese sailing conditions
During summer and autumn, the prevailing wind is the "Meltemi", which can reach up to 6 Beaufort on a daily basis, and rarely 7 or 8.
The Dodecanese is an ideal sailing destination for intermediate and advanced charterers who want to enjoy a "true sailing experience".
You should be careful when sailing off the leeward side of the islands, as the funneling phenomenon creates gusts much stronger than those in the open sea.
Dodecanese sailing holiday tips
The old town of Rhodes and Lindos should definitely be at the top of your list, while Casa Romana in Kos is one of the many historical sights you can visit in the Dodecanese islands.
Greece offers one of the world’s most diverse sailing holiday experiences with every type of charter on offer.
Confident sailors often choose a bareboat charter Greece to freely explore Greece’s countless islands - from the calm Ionian Sea to the more challenging Aegean meltemi winds – at their own pace.
If you’d prefer a helping hand or local insight, skippered charter Greece are very popular; a local captain will navigate to hidden coves and charming villages, making island hopping effortless.
And for those seeking to indulge in complete relaxation, Greece has an abundance of luxury crewed yacht charter Italy, where an experienced crew handles all the sailing and pampering while you enjoy a private yacht cruise through turquoise bays and ancient harbors.
For real-time availability and pricing on sailing yacht charter Greece, catamaran charter Greece, gulet rental Greece, power catamaran rental Greece, and motorboat charter Greece deals, visit our real-time search engine.
This tool allows you to explore the best charter options instantly and secure your dream yacht charter with ease.
The yachting community's most-asked questions, answered by our experts.
With over 6,000 islands, mild winds, and rich cultural heritage, Greece offers ideal conditions for island-hopping, historical exploration, and stress-free sailing in stunning waters.
The sailing season runs from late April to October. Peak months (June - August) offer hot, dry weather, while May and September provide great sailing with fewer crowds.
A valid skipper’s license (ICC, RYA Day Skipper, or equivalent) is required, along with a co-skipper or signed declaration of competence. Without this, a skippered charter is recommended.
Top areas include the Cyclades (windy and iconic), Ionian Islands (calm and green), Saronic Gulf (close to Athens), Sporades (untouched nature), and Dodecanese (historic and remote).
The Ionian offers calm seas and family-friendly sailing, while the Cyclades feature stronger Meltemi winds and require more sailing experience - ideal for thrill-seekers.
Yes. You’ll need proper documents (license, crew list, registry), pay mooring fees at ports, and follow no-anchoring rules in marine parks like Alonissos or Zakynthos.
From grilled octopus and feta to ouzo and island festivals, sailing Greece offers endless cultural gems and traditional flavors in charming seaside tavernas.
Common charter bases include Athens (Alimos Marina), Lefkas, Corfu, Skiathos, Rhodes, and Kos - each offering access to different island groups.
Bareboat yachts start around €1,800/week. Crewed catamarans or luxury yachts can exceed €10,000/week, depending on season, boat size, and extras.
Unlike large marinas, many Greek island harbours use the "Mediterranean moor" technique. This involves dropping your anchor in the middle of the harbour and backing the yacht towards the stone quay to secure lines astern. It requires coordination between the helm and the crew on the bow. In very quiet bays, you might instead take "lines to shore," tying the stern to a rock or tree.
