Yacht charter Lavrion

  By Agathe LAMIGEON

June 28, 2022

Reading time: 10 minutes

Summary

 Practical information for your boat rental from the port of Lavrion

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from the port of Lavrion
2. What is there to do in Lavrion before you set sail on your sailboat charter?
3. Where can you sail during your sailboat charter in Lavrion?
4. The most beautiful anchorages to see during your yacht charter in Lavrion
5. What activities can you enjoy on your sailboat charter in Lavrion?
6. What sailing itineraries can you follow during your yacht charter?
7. What are the weather conditions?

"The Greek landscapes are truly magnificent. We took full advantage of them on board our catamaran to discover some of the islands of the Cyclades archipelago," Sébastien tells me. He went sailing for a week with Filovent on a Lagoon 42 in August.

"The Cyclades are really worth seeing! This area is magnificent and the sunsets are breathtaking," Louis tells me, who went sailing with Filovent in June on a Sun Odyssey 439.

"The Cyclades are the perfect blend of sailing experience and culture. They are made up of a large number of islands and it is very pleasant to sail there, and what's more they are full of historical places to discover," says Thierry, who went sailing in June with Filovent, on the side of the boat of a Bavaria Cruiser 41.

Lavrion, also known as Lavrio, is an excellent point of departure for a cruise to the Greek islands, being equidistant from the Saronic and Cycladic islands.

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from the port of Lavrion

What styles of boats are available for charter?

From Lavrion, you can choose from over 536 boats, the vast majority of which are monohulls (72%) and superb catamarans (25%).

In Greece, a license is required to rent any sailboat or motorboat with more than 10 HP. For motorboats with less than 10 HP, a boat license is not required.

Licenses from European Union member countries are automatically valid and accepted. You only need to have your license translated if it is not in English or Greek so that you can show it to the authorities in case of an inspection.

Licenses from non-European countries may be accepted if they meet European Union standards. In this case, no theoretical or practical test is necessary to sail in Greece. Otherwise, a theoretical or practical test will be required depending on the missing standards.

You can choose to skipper your own boat or opt for a professional skipper. Both ways of sailing have their advantages, which I will summarize in the table below.

Average rates according to the season and the size of the boat

The table below gives you a dead reckoning of the prices of yachts for a one-week charter. These prices may vary depending on the season, availability, model, age of the yacht, etc.

The port of Lavrion

The easiest, most common and fastest way to get to Lavrion is by plane. There are many airports offering flights from France to Athens with or without a stopover, such as Paris, Nice, Nantes, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, etc. Depending on your departure airport, you can be in Athens in 2 to 3.5 hours!

Once you arrive at Athens airport, you have several options. You can take one of the buses that run daily to Lavrion. Allow between USD4 and USD6 for a journey time of 1 hour 45 minutes. You can also take a taxi to your departure base for around USD70, which will take around 30 minutes.

The port of Lavrion has retained its charm with its old villas, which bear witness to its past wealth. It has the facilities to meet the basic needs of pleasure boaters: water, electricity, fuel.

Our main local partners

 Our main partners on site

Our main partners on site, but also the most appreciated by our customers are:

• SeaStar Sailing is a Greek company with a fleet of based in Lavrion. Six of our customers have tried it and awarded it a fabulous score of 18.19/20.

• HDM Sailing is a British rental company with a fleet in Lavrion. The professionalism of its team has earned it a score of 17.44/20, awarded by our 18 customers who have already sailed with them.

• Hermes Yachting is a Greek rental company with a fleet in the port of Lavrion. Our 37 customers who have already sailed with them give it a good rating of 14.03/20.

2. What is there to do in Lavrion before embarking on your sailboat charter?

The charming town of Lavrion is well worth a visit. I strongly recommend that you take a stroll along its streets, squares and avenues, which have retained their authenticity. History lovers can discover the many remains and monuments, such as the archaeological museum or the mineralogy museum.

Before venturing out of the city, I recommend you recharge your batteries atthe "Pezodromos"restaurant, which serves traditional Greek dishes. The produce is fresh, the setting is very pleasant and the waiters are charming. You're sure to have a good time there, with affordable prices of around USD20.

Don't set sail without visiting the two large and interesting ancient sites near Lavrion. There is no public transport available, so I recommend you take a taxi. To the north of the city, just 10 minutes away, is the ancient Greek city of Thorikos, on a hill called Vélatouri facing the sea. There you will find the remains of a citadel, an ancient theater to the south of the hill and the silver mines for which this region is famous. In the south of the island, take the road to Cape Sounion, at the top of a rocky hill. Considered one of the most beautiful national parks in Greece, the Cape protects the remains of the Temple of Poseidon, built thousands of years ago.

The magnificent remains of the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion (YouTube video)

3. Where can you sail during your sailboat charter in Lavrion?

Lavrion is the ideal point of departure for your next vacation to discover the Greek islands. You can choose to set off for the Saronic Islands, approaching Hydra, Aegina and Poros, sailing in the Aegean Sea, known for its calm. You can also choose to set off in the other direction, towards the Cyclades archipelago and discover the islands of Kea, Kythnos, Mykonos and Paros, with scenery worthy of a postcard. Be warned, however, that the sailing conditions in the Cyclades are much windier than in the Saronic Islands!

The Saronic Islands

Located in the Aegean Sea, the Saronic Gulf is made up of rocky and mountainous islands near the cityof Athens. They are all different in character, atmosphere and culture, and are therefore all worth discovering. I recommend 5 of them that are worth the detour!

Set sail for Poros, a sublime cosmopolitan island that's ideal for sailing! Fall under the spell of its charming coves with blue-green waters and lose yourself in its picturesque city center. The perfect place for a relaxing vacation!

Hydra is a rich, ancient commercial island where cars are prohibited. You will only find donkeys carrying goods, which gives it its traditional appearance. Don't be fooled, it is far from sleepy! Its jet-set reputation rivals even Mykonos and it is also very cosmopolitan. I recommend the superb mountain hikes, their steep aspect giving them a unique charm.

Spetses is a very pleasant island, ideal for a relaxing vacation. There is no visual or noise pollution, cars are prohibited and you get around on foot, by bike or even by horse-drawn carriage! Discover its secret coves and sunbathe on the sublimeAgii Anargyri beach in the south of the island. I also recommend swimming in the Bekiri cave for an unusual experience, not forgetting to visit the museum of Bouboulina, heroine of the Greek Revolution.

Aegina is famous for being the island of pistachios, you're in for a treat! Historically speaking, it is home to the Temple of Athena Aphaia in its center. It is one of the three temples of the Sacred Triangle, along with the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. A must-see! The island's beaches are ideal for family vacations, they are well organized and supervised with shallow waters. Lovers can also stroll along the picturesque seaside villages with neoclassical houses, a very romantic setting.

Moni is a small uninhabited island very close to Aegina. Well, not quite uninhabited, since it is home to a colony of peacocks! It is very pleasant to walk among them along the crystal-clear coastal waters or up to the bunker, the highest point on the island. This well-preserved building was used to control the port of Piraeus during the Second World War. I advise you to wear good walking shoes, protect yourself well from the sun and hydrate regularly during this journey.

The Cyclades

The Cyclades are made up of splendid lunar-like islands of sand and rock swept by the wind. Of the 250 islands, only 24 are inhabited, home to charming little villages typical of white houses and narrow cobbled streets.

Sébastien went on a week-long sailing trip with his family in the Cyclades. They chose to explore the Cyclades from the base in Lavrion. "We started our cruise by passing by Kythnos, with its famous beach that cuts the sea in two with its strip of sand. We then set off to explore the islands of Paros, Naxos and then Ios," he tells me.

The magnificent scenery of the Cyclades (photos by Claude)

For a week of sailing, I recommend visiting 5 islands, as the sailing trips are quite long: about 20 miles a day, or 4 hours. So I've made a top 5 of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades, based on the favorites of yachtsmen who have sailed in the region!

The magnificent island of Serifos in the Cyclades (photos by Thierry)

The island of Paros, known for its marble, which is said to have been used to sculpt the famous Venus de Milo, is perfect for a relaxing and peaceful vacation."You'll find plenty of places to have a drink and a bite to eat; it's a small, picturesque village. In general, we recommend Parikiá for boaters under 20, and Naoussa for those over 20," recommends Katerina, advisor at our partner rental company, Vernicos Yachts.

Mykonos, orthe "island that never stands still", is the ideal place to party! Apart from its very festive atmosphere, the island is still full of charm, as it has retained its typical Cycladic appearance. For a more peaceful atmosphere, I recommend you go to Alefkandra. Nicknamed"Little Venice", its houses overlooking the sea offer a magical setting.

Santorini is the most visited and is therefore crowded with tourists. But I still recommend you go there, because it's worth the detour! For an incredible panorama of the region, I recommend climbing to the top of the bay of the Caldera. To observe the most beautiful sunsets in the Cyclades, head to the villages of Fira, the capital, andOia, at the northern tip of the island.

Delos will delight fans of antiquity with its famous archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with admission costing USD12.

Milos owes its name to the fact that an inhabitant found the Venus de Milo in 1820 in its Roman theater. Apart from its theater, the island is known for its pirate haunts such as the iconic Kleftikos, a former pirate lair. Also visit Sarakiniko and its strangely shaped white cliffs. This beach is a real picture postcard setting!

The sublime white cliffs typical of Milos (photos by Claude)

4. The most beautiful anchorages to see during your yacht charter in Lavrion

Vathi

Katerina recommends the anchorage of Vathi on the island of Sifnos. "It's a protected gulf, with tavernas and of course a place to swim! The food in Sifnos is incredible. I'll tell you an anecdote. Our greatest and most famous chef, Mr. Tselementes, was born in Sifnos!" she tells me.

You will be well sheltered from all winds in this charming and quiet place. You will be well anchored in the sand. For refreshments, there are many taverns waiting for you on land. The water is also very shallow, making the beach ideal for families with children.

Paralia Gerontas

"Milos is magnificent! We anchored our boat at a small beach near Kleftiko and it was magical," Louis tells me. "There was no one there and it was much less crowded than Kleftiko, which is very touristy. What's more, the water was only 4 meters deep everywhere, great conditions for swimming and snorkeling," he adds.

Paralia Gerontas is a quiet anchorage not far from Kleftikos. Very peaceful and far from the crowds, Louis even had a barbecue with his friends on the beach there! Drop anchor in the sandy seabed and take shelter in this pretty bay.

Vourkari

"We really liked the anchorage at Vourkari on the island of Kea. The bistro"Vourkaríōn" helped us to moor! The food was excellent and in the evening he even lowered the dishes onto the deck of our boat! It was a magical moment", Claude tells me. He went sailing in June with Filovent, on board a Bali 4.1.

This anchorage is a real haven of peace and quiet, full of restaurants and bars to help with mooring. Well sheltered from all winds, it is the perfect place to spend the night.

The bistro brought the food to the deck of Claude's boat! (photos by Claude)

Kouros

"The stopover at Kouros on the island of Naxos is the best memory of my cruise! We were able to discover a very original historical site, the Kouros of Apollona. It is a gigantic statue of Apollo lying on the ground. It looks like the ancient Greeks wanted to bring it down to the beach, and we still don't know why it stayed here. This mystery is reminiscent of the Moai of Easter Island!" Thierry tells me.

This anchorage is ideal if you want to discover the famous statue during a short stroll. In the hollow of a small protected bay, the anchor fits perfectly in the sand.

5. What activities can you enjoy on your sailboat charter in Lavrion?

Hiking

The island of Sifnos, with its 100 kilometers of trails, is the best place to go hiking. Whether you are a novice or an experienced hiker, you are sure to find a trail to suit you! I recommend theArtemonas hike via the Poulati monastery, and theApollonia hike across Mount Prophitis Ilias.

"We rented a car for only USD40 a day on the island of Sifnos. We drove to the capital, Apollonia, in the middle of the island. We really enjoyed walking around the towns, we were fascinated by the beautiful marble sidewalks. The terrain is quite rugged, so it's quite sporty!" confides Étienne, who went on a cruise with Filovent in October, on board a Bavaria 42 Cruiser. "We climbed the equivalent of 450 steps to the church at the top of Syros, the capital of the Cyclades. It's worth the detour, the view is absolutely magnificent," he adds.

"We really enjoyed climbing up to the churches at the top of the hills in each village. They are very pleasant walks with wonderful points of view," Claude tells me.

Diving

The crystal-clear Greek waters are perfect for diving! I can recommend 4 spots based on the recommendations of yachtsmen who have sailed with Filovent.

The general favorite is the Deep Blue Wall, on the islandof Amorgos. This unique experience will have you descend along a wall to the depths where you will come face to face with an ancient amphora that belonged to a ship that sank during the Battle of Amorgos. A secret cave awaits you at a depth of 50 meters. For cave lovers, I recommend diving in the cave on the island of Santorini. You will find a multitude of caves to explore there. I also recommend Tripiti and its cavern on the island of Paros, and Paradise Reef in Mykonos.

6. What sailing itineraries should you follow during your yacht charter?

One-week sailing itinerary in the Cyclades from Lavrion

Here is a sailing itinerary for the northern Cyclades, departing from Lavrion. I'm not suggesting you head off to discover the most touristy islands such as Mykonos or Santorini, but rather take a more leisurely tour of the lesser-known islands, which are just as charming and above all less crowded! The circuit I am presenting to you is quiet and ideal for a relaxing and peaceful vacation far from the crowds. All the anchorages are calm. If you would like to take a cruise among the most famous and popular islands, I recommend that you look at a sailing itinerary departing from Paros.

Total distance traveled: 112 miles

• Day 1: Lavrion → Vourkari, Kea (15 miles - 3 hours)
• Day 2: Vourkari, Kea → Loutron, Kythnos (19 miles ~ 4 hours)
• Day 3: Loutron, Kythnos → Finikas, Syros (24 miles ~ 5 hours)
• Day 4: Finikas, Syros → Merichas, Kythnos (26 miles ~ 5 hours)
• Day 5: Merichas, Kythnos → Karthaia, Kea (10 miles ~ 2 hours)
• Day 6: Karthaia, Kéa → Lavrion (18 miles ~ 4 hours)

Map of a one-week itinerary in the Cyclades from Lavrion (clickable map)

DAY 1: A leisurely start to the Cyclades

Lavrion → Vathiavlaki, Makrónissos → Vourkari, Kea (15 miles ~ 3 hours)

We start our cruise in the Cyclades gently with the island of Makrónissos, located just opposite Lavrion. Boats generally head towards the south of the island, which is why we decided to head north, in search of more tranquility. We anchored our boat in Vathiavlaki for its clear water and magnificent wild landscapes. We enjoyed a swim in the shallow waters in this surprisingly tranquil spot, as there were only two boats there. After lunch, we set course for the island of Kea and moored at the very pretty port of Vourkari to spend the night. It has all the necessary amenities for pleasure boaters and is very quiet. After a visit to the city, we had dinner at one of the many restaurants facing the port, at the bistro"Vourkaríōn". The fish was excellent and very well cooked, for prices around 20USD. The staff were very friendly and even served us our dishes directly on the deck of our boat, which was moored right in front. Original! After dinner, I recommend a stroll along the sea to the Kea lighthouse, it offers a sublime view.

DAY 2: A hike in search of evidence of the past!

Vourkari, Kea → Otzias, Kythnos → Loutron, Kythnos (19 miles ~ 4 hours)

The next morning, we sailed to the island of Kythnos and anchored our boat in a small bay with a very pretty beach for lunch. Otzias is very well protected from the wind and the swell. We went on a long hike to the Lion of Kea and the Chora. I highly recommend this hike, which is certainly difficult, but well worth the detour! To reward ourselves for our efforts, we had lunch at the"Taverne d'Anna",which serves excellent Greek cuisine. We really enjoyed this lunch in a magnificent setting overlooking the bay, with very pleasant staff. We then headed for the island of Kythnos, and moored at the port of Loutron. We take the opportunity to stock up on water and electricity and to do our shopping. The town is charming and we also discover the hot spring at the end of the beach, it's very original! In the evening, we drink cocktails at"MamaDo.TheBurgerBar"in the heart of a very good atmosphere with good music.

DAY 3: Adjustment of course and speed for Syros and its turquoise waters

Loutron, Kythnos → Agios Stefanos, Kythnos → Finikas, Syros (24 miles ~ 5 hours)

We adjust course early on towards the very pretty anchorageof Agios Stefanos. After a swim in this calm and well-protected bay, we decide to explore the surroundings and head tothe church of St. John Church Eleimonas. This monument, located on a peninsula, is magnificent and offers a beautiful view of the coast. It is an excellent stopover before the long 4-hour crossing to Syros. We spend the night well sheltered from the wind in the port of Finikas, after having enjoyed some sunbathing on the beachof Agathopes.

DAY 4: Tour of the island of Kythnos by scooter

Finikas, Syros → Agios Dimitrios, Kythnos → Merichas, Kythnos (26 miles ~ 5 hours)

After visiting the area around Finikas, it's back to Kythnos! We stop at the anchorageof Agios Dimitrios before going around the island. We really enjoyed swimming in this calm and well-protected bay. The beach is family-friendly and quiet, with only a few white houses. For lunch, we had the impression of being alone in the world! In the early afternoon, we set course for the marina of Merichas and took the opportunity to stock up on water and electricity, and do some shopping. I recommend that you do as we did and rent scooters to tour the small churches in the center of the land and make your way to the sumptuous monastery in the heart of the island, just 20 minutes from the port. After these very pleasant strolls, we dined atthe "Byzantio Restaurant", a very nice beach restaurant on the port of Merichas. We enjoyed excellent traditional Greek cuisine while feeling warmly welcomed by the owner.

DAY 5: Stopover along a strange stretch of sand!

Merichas, Kythnos → Ormos Kolona, Kythnos → Karthaia, Kea (10 miles ~ 2 hours)

Before setting off again for Kea, we stop off at Ormos Kolona, still on Kythnos, to swim at its unmissable and very original beach. It is a strip of sand that serves as a passage to a tiny peninsula. The only inhabitants in the very peaceful surroundings are goats. I recommend that you go for a swim in the small hot spring at the side of the boat in the first cove to the north. We snorkeled in search of octopus close to the rocks, and went on some superb hikes on the goat trail to observe the anchorage from above. In the early afternoon, we set course for the island of Kea, and anchored at Karthaia, with its magnificent blue and green colors. We climbed up to the beautiful ruins on the hill and were able to observe the remains of an ancient theater. This anchorage is one of my favorites. It is well protected from the north winds at night, calm, pleasant for swimming, and there is also an archaeological site. What more could you ask for?

DAY 6: Sunrise from the ruins

Karthaia, Kea → Nissos Makronisos, Makrónissos → Lavrion (18 miles ~ 4 hours)

After a morning stroll to watch the sunrise from the ruins of Karthaia, we make another stopover on the island facing Lavrion, Makrónissos. This time we have anchored our boat in the south, at Nissos Makronisos, a perfect stop before returning to Lavrion. We enjoyed our last swim of the cruise, and we strolled tothe church of Agios Andreas, from which we had a magnificent view that made us nostalgic for these fabulous last days.

7. What are the weather conditions?

Lavrion enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate all year round. In summer, the days are long with fairly high temperatures, around 30°C. In addition to its optimal temperatures, enjoy water at 20°C from June to October.

I recommend that you go in the late season, setting off to sail in September or October. There are far fewer tourists, and the air and sea temperatures remain pleasant.

"I recommend the month of June, the weather is superb and the wind is not as strong as in July and August," Louis recommends.

The Cyclades offer breathtaking scenery (photos by Claude)

Sailing from Lavrion is quite unusual. In the western Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades, the Meltemi wind from the northeast often blows strongly in summer, at force 7. So, for pleasant and easy sailing, we advise you to head instead for the Saronic Islands. For the more experienced and adventurous, set off to discover the Cyclades. Be aware, however, that the further you sail towards the center, the stronger the wind will blow.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Sébastien, Étienne, Louis, Claude and Thierry for their testimonials, which have helped to give authenticity to the article. Many thanks also to Katerina for her valuable professional advice.