Destination
Yacht Charter Athens & Lavrio
Start close to the airport and choose your sea: the Saronic islands from Athens, or the Cyclades from Lavrio.
Overview
Chartering from Athens and Lavrio
A yacht charter Athens departure puts the Saronic Gulf and the western Cyclades within a few hours of the capital. Athens is the main gateway for yacht charters in Greece. Marinas on the Athens Riviera, such as Alimos, are well placed for the Saronic Gulf, and Lavrio, on the coast near Cape Sounion, is a common base for routes into the Cyclades.
Both are a short transfer from Athens International Airport, so you can fly in and start your charter the same day. Your departure marina is confirmed with the yacht.
Why go by sea
- Fly in and sail the same day
- Saronic islands within a day's sail
- Lavrio puts the Cyclades closer
- Cape Sounion from the sea
- Options for every experience level
- Day trips or a full week
Island guide
Where to go from Athens
Popular first stops from the Athens marinas and from Lavrio.
Aegina
The closest of the Saronic islands to Athens.
Agistri
A small, green island next to Aegina.
Poros
A narrow channel and a hillside town.
Hydra
A car-free island with a historic harbour.
Spetses
The southern end of a Saronic week.
Cape Sounion
The Temple of Poseidon above the cape.
Kea
Often the first Cycladic island from Lavrio.
Kythnos
Known for Kolona, a sandbar beach between two bays.
Yacht categories
Representative yacht categories
Comparable vessels are sourced from our approved partner fleets. The exact yacht, specifications, price and availability are confirmed after your enquiry.
Representative yacht category
Sailing Yachts
Monohull sailing yachts from our approved partner fleets, suited to couples, families and experienced crews.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative yacht category
Catamarans
Twin hull yachts with wide saloons and generous deck space, stable and shallow drafted.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative yacht category
Skippered Charters
Any of the above with a professional skipper on board, no licence required.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative yacht category
Luxury and Crewed Yachts
Larger vessels with captain and crew, service and catering arranged on board.
- Charter types
- Bareboat, skippered or crewed
- Departure areas
- Confirmed on enquiry
Representative imagery. The yacht shown may not be the yacht offered. Astra Yachting will confirm the exact vessel, photographs, specifications, price and availability in writing before any payment.
Guide
Yacht charter Athens: marinas, routes and planning
Contents
Alimos or Lavrio: which marina to choose
Most charters from the capital start at Alimos Marina, on the Athens Riviera south of the city centre, or at Lavrio, on the south-east tip of Attica near Cape Sounion. Both are under an hour from Athens International Airport in normal traffic.
Alimos is the natural start for the Saronic Gulf: Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses. Lavrio is closer to the Cyclades, which makes it the better base for a yacht charter Athens trip to Kea, Kythnos, Syros and beyond. The first leg from Lavrio to Kea is a short crossing.
Wind and sea conditions
The Saronic Gulf is relatively sheltered and suits relaxed cruising and families. The Cyclades are more exposed to the meltemi, the strong north to north-easterly wind that blows most often in July and August and can last several days. For a Cyclades route in high summer an experienced skipper is strongly recommended, and itineraries are planned with the wind in mind, usually heading south first and returning when the wind allows.
May, June and September offer warm water and lighter winds; July and August are the busiest months in the harbours.
Two classic one-week routes
Saronic Gulf from Alimos: Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses or Ermioni, and back via Epidaurus or Methana. Legs are short and every stop has a harbour village. See Saronic Gulf yacht charter.
Western Cyclades from Lavrio: Kea, Kythnos, Serifos or Syros, and back via Kea and Cape Sounion. Passages are longer and more exposed. See Cyclades yacht charter.
Sample 7-day route
This sample route is an example of a relaxed week. The real route is always set by the skipper and the weather forecast on the day.
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Alimos – Aegina | Harbour town and the Temple of Aphaia |
| Day 2 | Aegina – Agistri | Pine trees and clear water |
| Day 3 | Agistri – Poros | Through the narrow Poros channel |
| Day 4 | Poros – Hydra | Car-free harbour, arrive early |
| Day 5 | Hydra – Spetses or Ermioni | Mansions and pine-backed coves |
| Day 6 | Spetses – Palea Epidavros | Visit the ancient theatre at Epidaurus |
| Day 7 | Epidavros – Alimos | Return to Athens |
How booking works
Booking a yacht charter from Athens with Astra Yachting follows the same steps every time. You send your preferred dates, the number of guests, the type of charter you want (bareboat, skippered or crewed) and any must-see stops. We check live availability with the yacht owners and charter fleets we work with, and come back with the yachts that are actually free for your dates, their exact specifications and a written quotation.
Once you choose a yacht, you receive the charter agreement and the payment schedule; our Booking Terms & Conditions and charter FAQs set out each step, from the crew list to embarkation day.
On embarkation day you meet the yacht in Athens (Alimos Marina) or Lavrio, go through the check-in and safety briefing, and set off. During the charter you can reach us by phone or WhatsApp on +30 693 918 6245.
What is included and what is extra
Every quotation for a yacht charter from Athens lists what the charter fee covers, so there are no surprises. As a rule, the fee covers the use of the yacht for the agreed period, its standard equipment and the yacht's insurance. On skippered and crewed charters it also covers the skipper or crew wages.
Fuel, marina fees, the final cleaning, optional extras and the security deposit are usually charged separately. The FAQs explain each item, and your written quotation lists them for the yacht you choose.
We do not publish fixed prices on these pages because rates depend on the yacht, the week of the season and the charter format. Ask for a quotation and you get the real price for your dates.
In depth
More about chartering from Athens
Athens or Lavrio: which base?
For a week in the Saronic Gulf, the Athens marinas are usually the natural start. The Saronic is sheltered, with short distances between islands, and works well for families and first charters.
For the Cyclades, Lavrio saves sailing time because Kea and Kythnos are a manageable first leg. The Cyclades are more exposed to the summer meltemi, so they suit more experienced crews or a skippered charter. Read what the meltemi is and where to start a bareboat charter in Greece.
Day charters from Athens
If you only have a day, a skippered day trip along the Athens Riviera or to Aegina is a good way to see Athens from the sea. Tell us your date and group size and we will check availability.
Price and availability
Rates depend on the yacht, the season and the charter format. We confirm the exact yacht, specifications, price and availability in writing after your enquiry. See how much it costs to charter a yacht in Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the marina from Athens airport?
Both Alimos and Lavrio are typically under an hour by car from Athens International Airport, depending on traffic.
Which islands can I reach on a yacht charter Athens trip in a week?
From Alimos, the Saronic islands are easy in a week. From Lavrio, Kea, Kythnos and Syros are realistic, and Mykonos is possible with good weather and longer days.
Can I start in Athens and finish elsewhere?
One-way charters are sometimes possible for an extra fee, depending on the yacht. Ask us when you send your dates.
How far in advance should I book a yacht charter from Athens?
For July and August it is best to start looking several months ahead, because the most popular yachts are booked early. Outside peak season there is usually more choice at shorter notice. Send us your dates and we will tell you what is actually available.
Can I have a skipper on a yacht charter from Athens?
Yes. Most yachts can be chartered with a professional skipper, and larger motor yachts and catamarans can come with a full crew. See skippered yacht charters and crewed yacht charters.
Which marina will my charter leave from?
It depends on the yacht. Most charters from Athens leave from a marina on the Athens Riviera or from Lavrio. We confirm the exact marina with your booking.
How far is Lavrio from Athens airport?
Lavrio is on the southeast coast of Attica, roughly a 40 to 50 minute drive from Athens International Airport, depending on traffic.
Saronic or Cyclades for a one-week charter?
The Saronic is calmer and closer, which suits families and first charters. The Cyclades are more spectacular but windier in July and August.
Do I need a licence?
A recognised licence and experience are needed for bareboat. Otherwise, book a skipper. See licence requirements.
Can I book a day trip from Athens?
Yes, subject to availability. Send us your date, group size and preferred departure point.
Plan your route
Tell us how you want to sail from Athens
Send your dates, group size and the kind of trip you have in mind. We come back with the yachts that are actually available, their exact specifications and a written quotation.
Keep exploring
Where to go next
Compare this region with the other cruising areas, pick the charter format that fits your crew, or go straight to the yachts that match your dates.
Request availability