First yacht charter in Greece: where should you sail?

In short:

• Ionian Islands: the easiest area for beginners. Sheltered waters, moderate wind, very short hops between stops.
• Saronic Gulf: ideal for a first week departing from Athens. Short passages, simple logistics.
• Cyclades: the most spectacular islands, but with strong winds in summer. Best with a skipper, or in May, June and September.
• Licence: to charter bareboat in Greece, the skipper needs a recognised qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper or an ICC, someone on board needs a VHF/SRC radio licence, and a second crew member must have sailing experience. Without a licence, skippered boat hire is available in all three areas.

The three areas compared

Wind, the number one criterion

• Ionian: the maestro, a north-westerly afternoon breeze, is calm in the morning, picks up around midday and drops in the evening.
• Saronic: northerly to north-easterly wind, a weaker meltemi as the gulf is sheltered by Attica.
• Cyclades: northerly to north-easterly meltemi, strong in July and August, often for several days in a row.

Good to know:

• The meltemi can keep a boat in harbour for 1 to 3 days in the Cyclades.
• In the Ionian, sail in the morning and you will miss the afternoon breeze.

When to go?

On price, July and August are the most expensive months in all three areas. June and September offer the best balance between weather, price and crowds.

Charter bases in Greece and getting there

• Ionian: bases in Lefkada, Corfu, Preveza and Kefalonia, airports in Preveza, Corfu and Kefalonia.
• Saronic: bases in Athens (Alimos) and Lavrio, Athens airport.
• Cyclades: bases in Lavrio, Athens (Alimos), Paros, Syros and Mykonos, airports in Athens, Paros, Mykonos and Syros.
• Lefkada and Athens have the largest hire fleets in the country.
• Starting from Paros or Syros puts you in the heart of the Cyclades from day one, with no crossing from the mainland.
• Charters usually run Saturday to Saturday.

Each area in detail

Ionian Islands

• Strengths: waters sheltered by the mainland, plenty of coves, islands very close to one another.
• Watch out for: very busy anchorages in August, so arrive early.
• Sample one-week route from Lefkada: Lefkada → Meganisi → Kalamos → Kastos → Ithaca → Kefalonia (Fiskardo) → Lefkada.
• Sailing time: 1 to 3 hours a day.

Compare the models available for yacht hire in the Ionian Islands.

Saronic Gulf

• Strengths: direct departure from Athens, lively harbours, few transfers.
• Watch out for: ferry traffic around Athens and Aegina, crowded quays in high season on Hydra.
• Sample one-week route from Alimos: Alimos → Aegina → Poros → Hydra → Poros → Agistri → Alimos.
• Sailing time: 2 to 4 hours a day.

Cyclades

• Strengths: whitewashed villages and the clearest water of the three areas.
• Watch out for: the summer meltemi, open-sea crossings, allow spare days for the weather.
• Sample one-week route from Lavrio (Western Cyclades): Lavrio → Kea → Kythnos → Serifos → Sifnos → Kythnos → Lavrio.
• Sailing time: 3 to 5 hours a day.

No licence, or no wish to skipper? Filovent's crewed cabin cruises in the Cyclades let you explore the islands without sailing yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Catamaran or monohull yacht for a first boat hire?

In the Cyclades, a catamaran's stability makes the meltemi far more comfortable.

How many days should you plan?

• Ionian: 7 days.
• Saronic: 3 to 7 days.
• Cyclades: 7 days for the Western Cyclades from Lavrio, 10 to 14 days to go further, with spare time in case of meltemi.

Can you combine two areas?

• Saronic and Cyclades: yes, from Athens or Lavrio, over 10 to 14 days.
• Ionian and Cyclades: possible as a one-way charter, through the Corinth Canal (toll payable), over 14 days minimum.

What about a large group?

• All three areas are suitable, by booking several boats that sail together (flotilla).
• Large catamarans can take 10 to 12 guests.
• In all three areas, harbours have room for several boats to moor side by side, so the group can spend evenings together.