Bareboat Charter Greece: Best Sailing Area for Beginners
Updated on: 19/10/2026In short:
- Ionian Islands: the easiest area for beginners. Sheltered waters, moderate wind, and 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. Book a captain, or go in May, June, or September.
- License: the US has no federal boating license, so Greek charter bases ask the skipper for a recognized certification (ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising, US Sailing Bareboat Cruising, or an IPC/ICC) and a sailing resume, plus a second crew member with sailing experience. No certification? Book a skippered or crewed charter, available in all three areas.
The three areas compared
| Criterion | Ionian | Saronic | Cyclades |
| Recommended level | Beginner | Beginner | Experienced or with a captain |
| Summer wind | 7 to 21 knots (Beaufort force 3 to 5) | 7 to 21 knots (Beaufort force 3 to 5) | 17 to 33 knots (Beaufort force 5 to 7, meltemi) |
| Distance between stops | 5 to 15 nautical miles | 10 to 20 nautical miles | 10 to 30 nautical miles |
| Sea conditions | Calm to light chop | Light chop | Choppy to rough |
| Sheltered anchorages | Very many | Many | Fewer |
| Scenery | Green islands, turquoise coves | Picturesque harbors, ancient sites | White villages, arid islands |
| Atmosphere | Nature, peace and quiet | Authentic, close to Athens | Iconic, lively |
Wind, the number one criterion
- Ionian: northwesterly maestro, calm in the morning, picks up around noon and dies down in the evening.
- Saronic: north to northeast wind, a weaker meltemi since the gulf is sheltered by Attica.
- Cyclades: the meltemi, a dry north to northeast summer wind, blows hardest in July and August, often for several days in a row.
Good to know:
- The meltemi can keep a boat in port for 1 to 3 days in the Cyclades.
- In the Ionian, sail in the morning and you'll be at anchor before the afternoon breeze builds.
When is the best time to sail in Greece?
| Period | Ionian | Saronic | Cyclades |
| April to May | Very good | Very good | Good |
| June | Ideal | Ideal | Ideal for beginners |
| July to August | Ideal (busy) | Good (busy) | Captain recommended |
| September | Ideal | Ideal | Ideal for beginners |
| October | Good | Good | Good |
Price-wise, July and August are the most expensive months in all three areas. June and September offer the best balance of 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 charter 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, and 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 a sailboat charter in the Ionian Islands.
Saronic Gulf
- Strengths: direct departure from Athens, lively harbors, and few transfers.
- Watch out for: ferry traffic around Athens and Aegina, and crowded docks 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 on Sifnos and Serifos, clear water, and fewer crowds in the Western Cyclades than around Mykonos.
- Watch out for: the summer meltemi and open-water crossings. Build 1 to 2 spare days into your plan.
- Sample one-week route from Lavrio (Western Cyclades): Lavrio → Kea → Kythnos → Serifos → Sifnos → Kythnos → Lavrio.
- Sailing time: 3 to 5 hours a day.
No license, or no wish to take the helm? A cruise in the Cyclades lets you book a single cabin and explore the islands with a crew on board.
Frequently asked questions
Catamaran or monohull sailboat for a first yacht charter?
| Criterion | Catamaran | Monohull |
| Stability | Very stable, little heeling | Heels under sail |
| Space | Very spacious | More compact |
| Anchoring | Shallow draft, access to coves | Deeper draft |
| Budget | Higher | More affordable |
| Ideal for | Families, groups, and the Cyclades | Couples, avid sailors |
In the Cyclades, a catamaran's stability makes the meltemi far more comfortable: explore our catamaran charter in the Cyclades.
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 extra 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 of 14 days or more through the Corinth Canal (toll payable). The canal has closed several times since 2021, so check its status before you book.
What about a large group?
- All three areas work well, by booking several boats that sail together (flotilla).
- Large catamarans can accommodate 10 to 12 guests.
- In all three areas, harbors have room for a flotilla to moor side by side, so your group can spend the evenings together.
