Sporades Sailboat Rental with or without Skipper

Sailboat rental in the Sporades Islands

In the Sporades, Filovent offers mainly monohull sailing yachts, perfectly suited to the configuration of the archipelago: short distances, sheltered anchorages, visual navigation and frequent stopovers.

This is the ideal option to discover the Sporades under sail. More accessible than a catamaran, the monohull allows you to fully enjoy the sensations of sailing with heeling and offers excellent manoeuvrability to access the coves around Skiathos, Skopelos or Alonissos. It is suitable for both experienced crews and sailors looking to improve. 

Depending on your crew, we offer:

• 2-cabin sailing yacht: perfect for a couple or a small family.
• 3-cabin sailing yacht: ideal for 4 to 6 people.
• 4-cabin sailing yacht and above: suitable for groups of friends or large families.

The sailing yachts available in the Sporades are generally recent, well-equipped and designed for coastal cruising in the Mediterranean.

Services offered for your sailboat hire in the Sporades

Here are the different services we offer:

• Sailboat hire without skipper: If one of your crew members holds the required experience and licences, you can hire your sailing yacht with complete independence. The boat is entirely private and you sail freely between the islands, depending on the weather and your preferences.
• Sailboat hire with skipper: If you do not wish to sail yourself or if you want to discover the best anchorages without worrying about manoeuvres, we can offer you a professional skipper. They know the area perfectly and will advise you on stopovers, restaurants and sheltered anchorages.
• Hire with crew: This service is mainly offered on larger vessels. It can include a skipper and hostess depending on the model. The crew takes care of navigation and comfort on board.
• Cabin cruise: You book a cabin on board a sailing yacht shared with other travellers and a professional crew. This is an excellent option if you are travelling as a couple or if you do not wish to charter an entire boat.

What is the price for a sailboat hire in the Sporades?

The table below gives an approximate price range for a one-week hire in the Sporades. Rates vary according to the season, the year of the boat, the model and availability.

The price includes: the sailing yacht hire and the main equipment on board (sails, crockery, bed linen, dinghy, outboard motor).

The price does not include: insurance, port and mooring fees, skipper, hostess, final cleaning (often included in a compulsory package), extras (paddleboard, kayak…) and provisions.

We strongly advise you to take out our cancellation insurance, which covers all crew members, unlike individual insurance or bank card insurance, which only protects the cardholder. We also recommend damage waiver insurance: at sea, even experienced sailors can suffer a breakdown. This insurance will allow you to recover a significant part of your deposit in the event of a sailing-related incident.

Where to sail in the Sporades?

To plan your itinerary, consulting a map of the Sporades is essential. The Sporades archipelago has four inhabited islands, all accessible by sailing yacht and each offering a distinct atmosphere.

• Skiathos is the most visited and lively of the Sporades. Known for its fine sandy beaches, including the famous Lalaria beach, accessible only by sea, it also offers beautiful coves and sea arches carved into the rock. The port of Skiathos is one of the main departure bases for sailing yachts in the region.
• Skopelos is the greenest island in the archipelago. Its anchorages with crystal-clear waters, at Agnondas, Limnonari or Stafylos, make it one of the favourite stopovers for sailors. Skopelos is also known for having been the setting for the film Mamma Mia, which earned it international fame. The port of Skopelos is a departure base available through Filovent.
• Alonissos is the most unspoilt of the four inhabited islands. It is surrounded by the National Marine Park, which encompasses several uninhabited islets with particularly clear waters. It is an ideal island for sailors seeking preserved nature and tranquillity.
• Skyros is the most isolated and authentic of the Sporades. Far from tourist circuits, it offers uncrowded beaches and a very particular character, blending local traditions, small native horses and historical remains.
• In addition, Volos is the main mainland departure port for the Sporades. This city in Thessaly, at the foot of Mount Pelion, has a large, well-equipped marina and an airport nearby.

When to sail in the Sporades?

The sailing season in the Sporades runs from April to October, with a peak in July and August. Spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the best conditions: pleasant weather, calmer seas and fewer crowds in the anchorages. This is the period we recommend first and foremost for a yacht charter in the Sporades Islands, combining comfort, smooth sailing and authentic island atmospheres.

In July and August, temperatures regularly exceed 35°C and the Meltemi, the prevailing wind in the Aegean Sea, can blow strongly. The advantage of the Sporades is that their geographical position, between Euboea and the mainland, provides natural protection against this wind, making the area more sheltered than the Cyclades.

Here is an average of temperatures recorded in recent years in the Sporades: 

Sailing conditions in the Sporades

Sailing in the Sporades is generally accessible and enjoyable. The distances between the islands are short and navigation is mainly visual. The seabed is well charted and the ports are easy to access, particularly at Volos, Skiathos and Skopelos.

The prevailing wind in the Aegean Sea is the Meltemi, a north to north-westerly wind that blows mainly in July and August, sometimes strongly. The natural protection offered by Euboea and the Pelion hills considerably reduces its impact, making the area more manageable than other Greek archipelagos. The wind in the Sporades is generally calm, the breeze picks up at midday and may freshen in the late afternoon. Planning crossings in the morning is a good habit.

Documents required to hire a sailing yacht without a skipper in the Sporades

To hire a sailing yacht without a skipper in Greece, you must hold a coastal skipper's licence (or equivalent) as well as a VHF certificate (the equivalent of the CRR in France, obtainable for around €78).

For the hire of large sailing yachts (monohull of 62 feet / 19 metres or more), an offshore skipper's licence or equivalent may be required. Please check with our team depending on the model you are considering.

Useful information for your sailing yacht hire in the Sporades

What language is spoken in Greece?

The official language is Greek. In tourist areas and large marinas, English is widely understood.

What currency is used in Greece?

Greece is part of the eurozone. Bank cards are accepted in most ports and shops on the islands, but it is advisable to have some cash for small anchorages and local tavernas.

How to get to the Sporades?

The main entry point is Volos, accessible from Athens by road (approximately 3 hours) or via Volos Airport (VOL) for domestic flights. Skiathos Airport (JSI) receives direct flights from several European cities in high season and is an excellent option for boarding directly on the island.

How to finalise your sailing yacht booking in the Sporades? 

After submitting your request, a Filovent adviser will contact you by phone to understand your project. They will then send you sailing yacht proposals suited to your crew and budget. Once the boat is chosen, paying a deposit via your client area is enough to secure the date.

 Are there any navigation taxes to pay in Greece? 

Yes, a navigation tax (TEPAI) is due upon entering Greek waters for pleasure sailing yachts. Your charter company will inform you of the payment terms. It is generally in the order of a few tens of euros per week depending on the size of the boat.

Good to know