Yacht Charter in Greece

Yacht Charters in Greece

Greece has a wide variety of ports, allowing you to choose a perfect marina close to popular sailing vacation destinations. Globesailor has incredible fleets of yachts, catamarans, motorboats and luxury yachts to offer you for rental. Our boats range in length, size and year of manufacture, as well as the number of cabins to accommodate your preferences. Choose the boat of your dreams, which fits the needs of you and your crew and spend a week or two sailing around famous destinations such as the Cyclades, Ionian sea, Mykonos, Corfu or Saronic Gulf.

Take a day or two to visit Athens and experience one of the best Mediterranean cuisines in the world. You can also choose between renting a bareboat yacht charter and hiring a skipper and crew. When you choose our crewed option for a yacht charter, it can be the best choice if you don't have much sailing knowledge but still want the independence of chartering a yacht. Our experienced crews can take care of all the details, leaving you to do all the relaxing in the sun! 

11 Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Greece

Read some of the fantastic things you need to add to your to-do list during your week on one of our charters.

1. Perfect Sailing Conditions

Greece has long been a haven for sailors from all over the world. The consistent trade winds, all-year-round sunshine and warm weather of Greece present optimal conditions for a yacht charter, in addition to the easy navigation by sight due to the close proximity of all the islands. Both novice and experienced sailors will find something to suit them, with milder winds and safer bays in the Saronic Gulf, Sporades Islands and the Ionian Sea for those less confident, and stronger winds in the Aegean Sea to give a nice challenge for the pros! You can hire a crewed charter if you don't wish to sail a bareboat. Your skipper will take care of the navigation, and the hostess/cook will ensure that your week's vacation is at the luxury level. Your hired crew will have their own private cabins, meaning there's plenty of space on your boat for everyone!

2. Captivating Coastline

Greece boasts over 3,700km of impressive coastline length, making it the eleventh longest in the world. This provides endless exciting navigation options for sailors. We have over 1,800 yachts available for a yacht charter from various bases along the coast, so you will surely find the perfect charter! There are thousands of islands to view, each with a unique charm, so a sailing holiday in Greece won't disappoint.
The region to the south of Greece is home to a number of beautiful islands and coastlines that are popular among sailors. The Saronic Gulf, located between the Peloponnese and the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea, is a trendy area for sailing, with many sheltered bays and ports to explore. The Cyclades, a group of islands located in the central part of the Aegean Sea, are also a popular destination for sailors, with picturesque villages, clear waters, and ancient ruins to discover. The Dodecanese islands, on the southeast of the Aegean Sea, offer great winds, clear waters and many options of ports and islands to visit. 

3. Extraordinary Heritage

The rich history of Greece is one of its major attractions, with awe-inspiring ruins all over the country. A yacht charter here allows you to explore these globally-important cultural treasures. Moor your boat in Athens and pay a visit to the Acropolis, made up of white marble remnants of the city of Pericles, which was last inhabited in 510BC, is considered one of the most prominent ancient sites in the world and is truly worth exploring. Similarly, the ancient ruins of the city of Olympia are a must-see; you can view the spot where the Olympic torch is still lit at the start of each game. 
The Port Town of Lavrion is a less famous but excellent spot we recommend sailing to. Even though tourists frequently rush through port cities on their route to other destinations, Lavrion might be the best option if you have to spend the day at a port. It includes a tiny archaeological museum and an exciting mineral museum, highlighting the region's mining history. For good measure, it also has a massive "Mystery Hole," a geological formation that resembles a giant bubble that developed at the summit of a hill and burst, leaving a 200-foot-deep crater with a rounded shape.Some experts claim that a meteorite's impact was the cause of its origins, though this is still up for debate.

4. Countless Marinas

There are many popular marinas in Greece, as the country is known for its beautiful coastline and abundance of islands. Some of the most popular marinas in Greece include:

• Alimos Marina in Athens: One of the largest marinas in Greece and the Mediterranean, with a capacity for over 2,000 yachts.
• Gouvia Marina in Corfu: A large marina with over 800 berths, Gouvia Marina is a popular stop for sailors cruising the Ionian Sea.
• Porto Heli Marina in the Peloponnese: With its clear blue waters and well-protected harbour, Porto Heli is one of the most well-known marinas in the Peloponnese region.

At the GlobeSailor, we work alongside trusted renters with great reviews all over Greece to ensure we can offer our clients the best yachts in many marinas all over the country and surrounding islands.

5. Authentic Greek Culture

Chartering a yacht in Greece allows you to experience the country's rich culture firsthand as you view the country's beautiful coastlines and islands while immersing yourself in the local way of life. Many traditional Greek villages and towns are located along the coast, and sailing allows you to see these places and interact with the people who live there. You can view ancient ruins, such as the Acropolis in Athens or the Palace of Knossos on Crete, and discover picturesque villages and towns that have changed little over the centuries. We recommend stopping at Parika town, the capital of Paros, which offers traditional Cycladic architecture, local taverns and shops. While in Parika, Paros, you should also make a stop by the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a Byzantine church that is considered one of the oldest and most important in Greece!

6. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Here's more to add to your bucket list! These heritage sites are definitely worth taking the time to visit
You may be surprised to learn that Greece has a whopping 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites for you to sail to

• The Acropolis, Athens
• Archaeological Site of Aigai (Vergina)
• Archaeological Site of Delphi
• Archaeological Site of Mystras
• Archaeological site of Olympia
• Archaeological Site of Mycenae and Tiryns
• Delos
• Old Town of Corfu
• Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki
• Mount Athos
• Medieval City of Rhodes
• Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
• Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
• Sanctuary of Asklepios and ancient theatre at Epidaurus
• Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae 
• Historical Centre (Chora) with the Monastery of Saint John on Patmos
• Meteora
• Philippi

7. Vibrant Nightlife

Greek nightlife is known for its lively and energetic atmosphere. After spending your days sailing, why not shake things up with a night on the town? Many bars, clubs, and tavernas (Greek pubs) stay open late and offer live music, traditional Greek dance performances, and a variety of food and drinks. Some popular destinations for nightlife in Greece include Athens, Thessaloniki, and the island of Mykonos. In Athens, the areas of Gazi, Monastiraki, and Psiri are particularly well-known for their nightlife, while in Thessaloniki, Ladadika and the Warehouse Cultural District are popular spots. Mykonos is known for its high-end clubs and upscale bars and is a popular tourist party destination.

8. Beautiful Weather

With its warm weather, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere, Greece is the perfect place to relax and take it easy. Chartering a yacht allows you to explore at your own pace, take advantage of the luxury of privacy onboard your yacht, and spend the day trying to find the perfect spot to sunbathe and unwind.

9. Exclusive Vacation Experience

Chartering a yacht can provide a luxurious and intimate vacation away from the crowds of tourists. You get to have the privilege of visiting places that are not easily accessible by land and have the freedom to discover hidden gems that otherwise would have been missed. On a luxury charter, guests can customize their itinerary and activities and access amenities and services such as a skipper, hostess or chef, and luxurious cabins. Popular destinations for yacht sailing in Greece waters include the Cyclades islands, Mykonos, Santorini, the Saronic Gulf, Paros, and the Ionian islands, and we would strongly recommend spending a few days stopping at some of these destinations, as they definitely add value to your time on the Grecian tides!

10. Food and Wine

Eating in Greece is intertwined with good company and discussion, and for this reason, it is considered an important part of the everyday life of the Greeks. There are many types of eateries in Greece. Some Greek dishes are well-known and are served in restaurants worldwide.Greek cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavours, and chartering a yacht allows you to enjoy it at its freshest. You can sample local delicacies such as tzatziki, moussaka, and dolmades and try the best local wines and ouzo. Greek wine has a long history dating back to ancient times. Greece is home to many indigenous grape varieties and wine-making regions, each with its own unique characteristics. Why not read some reviews from the local restaurants and bring your crew to the perfect spot for dinner?  Some well-known Greek wines include Retsina, a white wine made with the resin of pine trees, and retsina is traditionally produced in Attica and occasionally in other parts of Greece. The red wines of Nemea, made in the south of the country, and Santorini's white wines are also highly regarded. We implore you to try some of the best traditional cuisines and leave some reviews of your own!

11. Flexibility

One of the best things about a yacht charter in Greece is the flexibility it gives you. You can make the most of your day by choosing your own itinerary and touring the places that interest you the most, whether you want to island hop, explore the coastline, or both. It's completely up to you how you spend your holiday, and sometimes, there's nothing better than relaxing in the sun on your private deck or cabin while having a good book to read!

Award-Winning Beaches

As of 2017, Greece ranks second in the world for Blue Flag quality, with 486 beaches and 12 marinas being honoured with such stellar reviews for their cleanliness, water quality and environmental management. There are too many incredible beaches scattered over the length of the Greek coastline and islands to name them all. Still, there are a bunch which are only accessible by boat, so if you really want to discover this stunning archipelago, a yacht charter is certainly the way forward!

Some of these definitely worth a visit include Mykonos’ ‘Super Paradise Beach’; often considered the best in the Aegean Sea; its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft golden sand make it truly deserving of its name. If you plan your navigation route off Greece’s east coast, drop anchor at Lalaria Beach in Skiathos, world-famous for its insane beauty. Imagine white cliffs, white pebbles, white sand, and translucent aqua waters… it’s a place of dreams, so make sure you get the chance to view it; you will not regret it! For couples, ‘Canal d’Amour’ is your spot; tradition states that couples who swim through the narrow canal together are destined to marry. The hidden coves and stunning rock formations make it a charming and utterly unique spot, so if you rent a boat from Corfu, let this be your first stop!

Flavours of Greece

Greek cuisine blends traditional Mediterranean flavours with unique local ingredients to create distinctive dishes which are imitated and celebrated worldwide. Whether eating on board your boat for a private dining experience with your guests or venturing onshore to dine in traditional restaurants that locals rate highly, you’re in for a treat! Be sure to try the quintessentially Greek ‘Baklava’, a sweet dessert made from phyllo pastry drenched in syrup, and accompany it with an ‘Ellinikos’ coffee, served in a traditional copper coffee pot and you'll feel like a local. If you charter your yacht from Crete, make sure you try the popular local speciality ‘Kolokithokeftedes’ (fried courgette, feta and mint balls) before embarking on your cruise.

Getting There

Greece is well connected, with various international airports located both on the mainland and on the islands to the south, so reaching your yacht charter base is simple!

• Rhodes: Rhodes International Airport is located 14km southwest of the island’s capital, Rodos.
• Santorini: Santorini International Airport is located just north of the village of Kamari on the east side of the island.
• Lefkada: The nearest airport is Aktion National Airport, located about 25km from Lefkada town.

Book now with GlobeSailor and help us maximise your sailing trip in Greece this year! We are certain you will highly rate this charter adventure on one of our crewed or bareboat yachts, catamaran or even motor boats. Our charters add a touch of magic to your holiday with expert staff and luxury boats, leaving the planning and details to us. We strive to offer you a terrific price and an unforgettable week, with suggestions on how to spend your days and experienced crewed options to guide you on your trip around the Greek coastline and islands.