Sailing vacations in Greece

Types of sailboats to rent in Greece

Depending on your budget and sailing project, different types of sailboats are available to you:

Monohull sailboat rental: this is the most affordable option and will best suit experienced sailors! The size of this type of sailboat will make it easier for you to access coves and anchorages. The sailing sensations are also unique to monohulls with heeling.

Catamaran rental: for those seeking comfort and space. The catamaran offers greater stability as well as more living spaces on board. This is the ideal option if your budget allows and if you want to spend a relaxing vacation.

Services offered for your sailboat rental in Greece:

Bareboat sailboat rental: if a member of your crew has sailing experience, they will be able to maneuver the sailboat. The boat will be entirely private and you can enjoy your cruise in Greece with family or friends.

Sailboat rental with skipper: this is the ideal option if no one can skipper the sailboat or if you want to enjoy a relaxing vacation. The professional skipper will handle maneuvering the sailboat and you will benefit from their knowledge of the area to take you to the best anchorages and restaurants.

Sailboat rental with crew: this type of service will be included on luxury sailboats over 20 meters. It will be optional for a catamaran rental in Greece between 10 and 20 meters. A crew generally consists of a captain, a cook, and a hostess. The crew will pamper you and ensure you have an unforgettable cruise!

What price for a sailboat rental in Greece?

The table below gives you an indication of average prices for a week-long rental in Greece. These prices may vary depending on the season, availability, model, age of the sailboat…

The price includes: the sailboat rental and the main equipment on board (sails, dishes, wifi, dinghy, bedding and outboard motor).

The price does not include: insurance, port and mooring fees, skipper, hostess, cleaning which is often included in a mandatory package, extras (kayak, paddle board…) and provisioning.

We recommend taking our cancellation insurance for your sailboat rental in Greece. It will indeed cover all crew members whereas an individual cancellation insurance or via your credit card will only cover its holder.

We also encourage our clients to subscribe to the security deposit waiver insurance. On sailboats, damage happens even to the best sailors. This insurance will allow you to recover a significant portion of your deposit in case of damage related to sailing.

Where to sail in Greece?

Six main sailing areas are accessible by sailboat in Greece:

• The Ionian Islands in the west. This is the most popular area for beginners with its calm waters and light winds. You can depart from Corfu, Lefkada or Preveza and sail between the islands of Paxos, Antipaxos, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos. The region offers lush landscapes and crystal-clear waters.
• The Cyclades in the center of the Aegean Sea. The iconic Greek archipelago with its white houses and blue-domed churches. Windier than the Ionian Islands, this area is suitable for experienced sailors. Discover Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Amorgos and many other magnificent islands. The Meltemi blows regularly there in summer.
• The Dodecanese in the southeast. Close to Turkey, this archipelago offers varied sailing conditions. Rhodes is the ideal starting point to explore Symi, Kos, Patmos and Leros. The Dodecanese islands combine ancient history, picturesque villages and paradise beaches.
• The Saronic Gulf near Athens. Perfect for a short cruise from Athens. Hydra, Poros, Aegina and Spetses are easily accessible and offer peaceful sailing. This area is ideal for discovering sailing in Greece without going far from the mainland.
• The Sporades Islands in the north of the Aegean Sea. A more secluded archipelago, ideal for peaceful sailing between preserved nature and crystal-clear waters. Departing from Skiathos or Volos, you will sail to Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros. The short distances, moderate winds and numerous sheltered anchorages make it an accessible area, even for inexperienced crews. 
• The Halkidiki Peninsula in the north of the Aegean Sea. Still a secluded region, the Halkidiki peninsula is ideal for calm sailing along the coast, perfect for a peaceful and authentic cruise in Greece.

When to sail in Greece?

Greece's Mediterranean climate makes it an excellent destination for sailing from April to October. In summer, the temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C. The water temperature is around 25°C.

Here is an average of temperatures encountered in recent years in Greece:

Sailing conditions in Greece

Sailing in Greece varies by area. The Ionian Islands offer easy conditions with little wind, while the Cyclades are windier with the Meltemi, a northerly wind that blows regularly in summer, reaching 20 to 30 knots.

The Meltemi is a thermal wind that strengthens in the afternoon. It is predictable and offers excellent sailing conditions for experienced sailors. In the Cyclades, sailing is often done close-hauled or running.

The climate is hot and dry from May to September. The air temperature ranges between 25ºC and 35ºC, while the water temperature is generally above 23ºC. The distances between islands are short and sailing is mainly done by sight. The Aegean Sea offers crystal-clear waters and excellent visibility.

Documents required to rent a sailboat without skipper in Greece

You will need a coastal boat license as well as a VHF certificate if you opt for a bareboat sailboat rental in Greece. This is the equivalent of the CRR (Certificat Restreint de Radiotéléphoniste) in France, which you can obtain for 78 €. To rent a catamaran of 45 feet (14 meters) or more or a monohull sailboat of 62 feet (19 meters) or more without skipper, you will need an offshore license or equivalent.

Useful information for your sailboat rental in Greece

What language is spoken in Greece?

The official language is Greek but a large part of the population, especially in tourist areas and the islands, speaks English. In marinas and nautical services, English is commonly used.

What currency to use in Greece?

The currency used in Greece is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in marinas and restaurants, but it is recommended to have some cash for small villages.

How to get to Greece?

Many direct flights are available from Paris. Each sailing area has an airport near the departure port: Corfu airport (CFU) for the Ionian Islands, Athens airport (ATH) for the Cyclades and Saronic Islands, Rhodes airport (RHO) for the Dodecanese, and Santorini airport (JTR) or Mykonos (JMK) for the heart of the Cyclades.

How to finalize the booking of my boat in Greece?

When we receive your rental request, an advisor will contact you by phone to understand your sailing project. They will then send you sailboat proposals by email. Once the sailboat is found, you can pay a deposit on your client account to validate the rental and reserve the sailboat.

What is the transit tax?

In Greece, a transit tax (Transit Log) may be required for charter sailboats. This tax is generally included in the mandatory rental package and allows you to sail freely in Greek waters without additional customs formalities.

Good to know