Sailing Holidays in Greece

Sailing holidays Greece: which type suits you?

Most people choose between four formats. A bareboat charter suits crews with a recognised licence and experience who want complete independence. A skippered charter is the most popular choice for first-timers: a local professional handles navigation, mooring and weather decisions while you enjoy the islands, and you can learn as much or as little as you like. A cabin charter lets couples and solo travellers book a single cabin on a shared yacht. A crewed charter adds a chef and hostess for a fully serviced trip; see luxury yacht charter Greece.

Flotilla holidays, where several yachts sail together with a lead crew, are another format offered by some operators. If you like the idea of company and support but do not hold a licence, our skippered and cabin charters are the closest options we arrange.

Do you need a licence?

For a bareboat charter in Greece, the skipper needs a recognised sailing licence and at least one other crew member should have sailing experience. The exact documents accepted depend on your nationality and the charter company. If nobody in your group is qualified, book a skipper; no licence is then needed. Our article do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Greece? explains the details, and how to learn to sail in Greece covers training options.

The best region for a first sailing holiday

For many first sailing holidays Greece's Ionian Islands are the obvious choice: short distances, sheltered water and a predictable afternoon breeze. The Saronic Gulf, just outside Athens, is a close second and works well for shorter trips. The Cyclades are spectacular but more demanding because of the meltemi, the strong summer north wind, so they suit experienced crews or skippered charters. See which Greek island is best for a yacht charter? and all destinations.

When to go

The sailing season in Greece runs roughly from May to October. May and October are quieter and cooler. June and September are many people's favourite months, with warm water, long days and fewer boats. July and August are the hottest and busiest, and the meltemi is at its strongest in the Aegean. If you are travelling from the UK, school holidays coincide with the peak season, so book early for those weeks. Read when is the best time to sail in Greece? and how far ahead to book.

What a typical week looks like

Most sailing holidays in Greece run for one week, Saturday to Saturday. You board in the afternoon, sail for a few hours most days and spend the nights in harbours or at anchor. A comfortable pace is 10 to 25 nautical miles a day, leaving time for swimming, lunch at anchor and exploring ashore. Our ready-made routes show what is realistic:

• 7-day Ionian sailing itinerary from Corfu
• A first week in the Ionian from Lefkada
• 7-day Saronic sailing itinerary from Athens
• 7-day Cyclades sailing itinerary from Athens

Catamaran or monohull?

Catamarans offer more space, stability at anchor and a shallow draft, which suits families and groups. Monohulls heel under sail and feel more like traditional sailing, and they are often preferred by crews who want to sail rather than motor. Read catamaran or monohull: which suits your group.

Sailing holidays with children

Greek sailing holidays are very popular with families. Short legs, swimming stops and harbour villages keep children busy, and a skipper or crew makes it easier for parents to relax. Choose a sheltered region such as the Ionian or the Saronic and plan no more than a few hours under way each day. See chartering with children: what actually works.

Getting there and the main bases

The main bases for sailing holidays in Greece are Athens (Alimos and Lavrio), Corfu, Lefkada (served by Preveza airport), and Mykonos and Paros in the Cyclades. Each has an airport nearby. For UK travellers, check current entry requirements with the UK Foreign Office travel advice for Greece, and see our travel advisory page.

Why Greece is ideal for a sailing holiday

Few places in Europe offer so many islands so close together. In most regions the next island or bay is only a few hours away, so sailing holidays Greece routes can be as relaxed or as active as you like. The summer is long and dry, the sea is warm from early summer to autumn, and almost every harbour has a taverna on the quay. Local rules and infrastructure are built around charter yachts, with marinas and town quays in every region, and the country has a long seafaring tradition: you will find experienced local skippers in every base.

Prices depend on the yacht, the week of the season, the region and the charter format. We do not publish fixed prices on this page; every quotation lists what is included and what is extra, such as fuel, marina fees, final cleaning and the security deposit. For general guidance, read how much does it cost to charter a yacht in Greece?

Frequently Asked Questions