Types of boats to rent in Athens
Depending on your budget and your sailing plan, several types of boats are available:
- Monohull yacht charter: the most economical alternative, ideal for experienced sailors! The size of this boat makes it easy to enter coves and anchorage areas. What's more, the sensations of sailing on a monohull, especially the heeling over, are unique.
- Catamaran charter: perfect for those who prioritize comfort and living space. Thanks to its great stability and spacious cabins, the catamaran is the perfect option for a relaxing vacation, provided your budget allows.
- Motorboat charter: often more affordable and economical, this is the perfect option for a day charter.
Services offered for your yacht charter in Athens
Here are the various services we offer for renting a boat in the Cyclades:
- Bareboat yacht charter: if a member of the crew has sailing experience, they will be able to steer the sailboat. You will have the boat to yourselves, allowing you to fully enjoy your cruise in Greece with friends or family.
- Chartering a boat with a skipper: this is the perfect solution if no member of your group is capable of maneuvering the boat or if you want a carefree vacation. The professional skipper will take charge of navigation and, thanks to his knowledge of the region, will guide you to the best places for anchored boats.
- Yacht charter with crew: this service is generally included for luxury yachts over 20 meters. For a catamaran charter in Greece between 10 and 20 meters, it is offered as an option. A typical crew includes a captain, a cook and a hostess. They will be entirely dedicated to your comfort and will ensure that your cruise in Athens is memorable!
- Cabin cruise: you rent a cabin on a high-standard, people-sized boat, shared with other passengers. A professional crew takes care of navigation, meal preparation and service on board. This is the ideal option if you plan to travel as a couple or if you don't have the budget to rent the entire boat.
How much does a yacht charter for a cruise from Athens cost?
The following table gives you a dead reckoning of the average prices for a sailboat charter in Athens. Note that these rates may vary depending on the season, availability, type of model, age of the boat, among other factors.
| Type of boat | High Season July and August | Mid Season May, June and September | Low Season April and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monohull (2 cabins) | 3,000 USD | 2,500 USD | 2,000 USD |
| Monohull (3 cabins) | 3,500 USD | 3,000 USD | 2,700 USD |
| Monohull (4 cabins) | 4,000 USD | 3,500 USD | 3,200 USD |
| Catamaran (between 30 and 40 feet) | 7,000 USD | 6,500 USD | 6,000 USD |
| 45-foot catamaran | 13,000 USD | 11,000 USD | 9,000 USD |
- The price includes: the yacht charter and the main equipment on board (sails, crockery, Wi-Fi, dinghy, bedding and outboard engine).
- The price does not include: insurance, port and anchorage fees, the skipper, hostess, cleaning (which is often included in a compulsory package), extras (kayak, paddle sup, etc.) and provisions taken on board.
If you are interested in chartering a yacht in Greece, we encourage you to contact us directly to access our price list. Prices can vary greatly depending on the model of yacht. Lina, our expert in crew and luxury boats, will be happy to offer you the most advantageous deals.
Where to sail in Athens?
- Saronic Islands: A few nautical milesfrom Athens, the Saronic Islands are a treasure. Hydra is distinguished by its artistic atmosphere and car-free streets, Poros by its pine forests and small bays, and Aegina by its ancient temple and family-friendly beaches.
- The Cyclades: Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, these Greek islands are a must when on a yacht charter from Athens. Mykonos, with its windmills and nightlife, and Santorini, with its white villages and sunsets, are not to be missed. Naxos and Paros offer sublime beaches and traditional villages, while the small islands such as Amorgos and Folegandros guarantee a peaceful getaway.
- Sporades Islands: Located to the east of mainland Greece, the Sporades are a green oasis. Skopelos and Skiathos, with their lush landscapes and golden beaches, are popular destinations for nature lovers. Alonissos, surrounded by a protected marine park, is a paradise for divers and those seeking to explore underwater life.
- The Peloponnese: Along the southern coast of mainland Greece, the Peloponnese reveals sites of incredible richness. Monemvasia, the walled city, offers a journey back in time, and Nafplio, with its charm and history, is a pearl of the Peloponnese. The secret coves and archaeological sites scattered along the coast add a touch of adventure to every trip.
When to sail on a yacht charter from Athens?
Athens, the historic capital of Greece, enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers, making it a prime destination for yacht charter. The sailing season in Athens runs from April to October, with the summer months being the most popular due to the sunny climate and constant winds. Summer temperatures in Athens can easily reach 35°C, so there's nothing better than cooling off in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean or Ionian seas. Here are the average temperatures recorded in recent years in Athens:
| Temperatures | Jan | Feb | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air min (°C) | 6° | 6° | 8° | 11° | 16° | 20° | 23° | 23° | 20° | 16° | 12° | 8° |
| Air max (°C) | 13° | 14° | 16° | 20°C | 25°C | 30° | 33° | 33° | 29° | 24° | 18° | 14° |
| Sea water (°C) | 15° | 15° | 15° | 16° | 19° | 23° | 26° | 26° | 25° | 22° | 19° | 17° |
Wind conditions are ideal, particularly during the summer months, when the Meltemi, a north wind, blows, offering perfect sailing conditions for sailing enthusiasts. In the Cyclades, however, caution is advised, as the wind blows stronger, sometimes up to 30 knots. Plan your sailing itinerary accordingly.
Useful information for your yacht charter in Athens
What license is required for a yacht charter in Athens?
To sail in Greece, you must have a boat license, whether you are skippering a monohull or a motorboat. The European boat license is accepted if it is translated into English or Greek. If you are on a charter, you must also have a co-skipper on board (he or she does not need a boat license). Of course, if you have chosen a yacht charter with a skipper to sail in Athens, there is no need to have a license. Choosing to do your cruise with a skipper can be a guarantee of safety and comfort, especially since the skipper will be a local who knows the region well and can adapt the sailing itinerary to your needs.
How do I finalize the booking of my boat in Athens?
As soon as we receive your charter request, one of our advisors will call you to discuss your cruise plans. They will then send you suggestions for boats by email. Once you have chosen the boat that suits you, you can pay a deposit via your customer area to confirm the charter and book the boat.
Do I need insurance when I take out a yacht charter in Athens?
We recommend that you take out our cancellation insurance when you take out your yacht charter in Athens. This insurance protects all members of the crew, unlike individual cancellation insurance or that offered by your credit card, which only covers the holder.
We also encourage our customers to opt for damage waiver insurance. Even the most experienced sailors can encounter damage at sea. With this insurance, you can recover a large portion of your deposit in the event of damage related to navigation.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 3 309 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Sailor, Chef (meals not included), Mechanic, Engineer, Sailor/Chef (meals not included), Masseuse |
| Average price per week | $14,410 |
| Minimum weekly price | $729 |
| Maximum price per week | $3,429,978 |