Types of boats to rent in the Cyclades
Depending on your budget and your sailing plan, several types of boat are available:
- A monohull sailboat charter is the most economical alternative, ideal for experienced sailors! The size of this boat makes it easy to enter coves and anchorage areas. In addition, the sensations of sailing on a monohull, especially the heeling over, are unique.
- A catamaran charter is 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, it is the perfect option for a day charter.
Services offered for your yacht charter in the Cyclades
Here are the different 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.
- Yacht charter with a skipper: this is the perfect solution if no one in your group is capable of manoeuvring 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.
- Crewed yacht charter: 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 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 at the side of the boat. This is the ideal option if you plan to travel as a couple or if you don't have the budget to rent the whole boat.
How much does a yacht charter in the Cyclades cost?
The following table gives you a dead reckoning of the average prices for a sailboat charter in the Cyclades. 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) | 2,500 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 |
| Catamaran (between 40 and 50 feet) | 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.
We recommend that you take out our cancellation insurance when you take out your yacht charter in the Cyclades. This insurance protects all members of the crew, unlike individual cancellation insurance or that offered by your credit card, which only covers the cardholder.
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 navigation-related damage.
Where to sail in the Cyclades?
Athens, the capital of Greece, is an ideal point of departure for exploring, during your sailing itinerary in the Cyclades, numerous islands and maritime regions rich in history, culture and natural beauty.
- Paros: the third largest island in the Cyclades, Paros is renowned for its rich historical heritage, its crystal-clear beaches and its picturesque villages. Kolymbithres beach, characterized by its impressive rocks and turquoise water, is one of the most remarkable on the island.
- Mykonos: this is a festive island, rich in architectural heritage, with notable sites such as the church of Panagias Paraportiani and the historic windmills. Alefkandra, nicknamed"little Venice", is a charming neighborhood on the side of the boat.
- Delos: a few nautical miles from Mykonos, Delos is an island sacred to Apollo and rich in Greek history and mythology. Archaeological excavations reveal its rich past, notably the sanctuary of Apollo and the lion quarter.
- Syros: with its capital Ermoúpoli, it was an important economic center and bears the traces of various historical influences, particularly Venetian. The city presents a varied architecture, with neoclassical mansions and the Apollo theater nicknamed the"little Scala di Milano".
- Milos: famous for its extraordinary landscapes formed by volcanic activity and for being the place where the Venus de Milo was discovered. Its picturesque fishing villages and the unique beach of Sarakiniko make it an unmissable destination.
- Santorini: it charms with its hilltop villages, its breathtaking panoramas, and the Caldera, a submerged volcanic crater. The beaches, such as the Red Beach, are also major attractions of the island.
- Amorgos: famous for having been used as a location for the film"The Big Blue", it is a favorite destination for hikers. The Monastery of Panaghia Chozoviotissa, nestled on a cliff, offers a breathtaking view of the sea.
What are the best anchorages in the Cyclades?
- Akrotiri Bay: south of Santorini, this bay is ideal for anchoring as it is protected from the Meltemi and the sandy seabed provides good grip. The arrival is spectacular as you pass through the Caldera.
- The bay of Sérifos: this anchorage is calm and the sandy beach at the bottom is pleasant. Your stopover in Sérifos will take you to the village of Chora in the hills: this typical village can be reached in a two-hour walk. Once you arrive, you will find the characteristics that make Greek villages so charming: white houses and small shady alleys.
- The bay of Paralia Panormos: to the south of Naxos, this is a small bay, protected from the Meltem, with a fishing port and a palm-lined beach. Unfortunately, it can only accommodate a limited number of boats, but the lucky few will not regret their stopover in this bay!
When to sail in the Cyclades?
The Cyclades enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. It is an ideal climate for a cruise from April to October. In summer in the Cyclades, the temperature is between 20°C and 33°C. The water temperature is around 25°C. Here is an average of the temperatures recorded in recent years in the Cyclades:
| Temperatures | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air min (°C) | 5° | 5° | 7° | 10° | 14°C | 18° | 20° | 20° | 17° | 14° | 10° | 7° |
| Air max (°C) | 14° | 14° | 16° | 19°C | 24° | 29° | 33° | 33° | 27° | 23° | 19° | 15° |
| Sea water (°C) | 15° | 15° | 15° | 16° | 19° | 23° | 25° | 26° | 25° | 22° | 19° | 17° |
Wind conditions are particular in the Cyclades. This sailing area is confronted with the Meltemi, a Mediterranean wind. This is a fairly powerful north wind (between 35 and 50 knots). It is quite unpredictable, so you will need to adapt your sailing itinerary accordingly. The meltemi blows from north to south, reaching 60 km/h in July and August.
Useful information for your yacht charter in the Cyclades
What language is spoken in the Cyclades?
The official language is Greek, but a large part of the population, particularly in the big cities, speak English.
Which currency is used in the Cyclades?
The currency used in Greece is the USD (US dollars) since January 1, 2002.
How do I get to the Cyclades?
From Paris, you will find many flights to Athens airport (ATH), then by ferry or domestic flight you will reach the Cyclades. Other flights are available directly between Paris and Paros airport (PAS) for a cruise in the Cyclades. There is also Mykonos airport (JMK), where there are regular flights, especially in summer.
What license is required for a yacht charter in the Cyclades?
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 chartering a boat, you must also have a co-skipper on board (who does not need a boat license). Of course, if you have chosen a yacht charter with a skipper to sail in the Cyclades, 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 the Cyclades?
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 yachts by email. Once you have chosen the yacht that suits you, you can pay a deposit via your customer area to confirm the charter and book the yacht.
Does a cruise in the Cyclades involve long voyages?
In the Cyclades, the sailing distances are often long, generally more than 20 nautical miles, or more than 3 hours of sailing. If you want shorter sailing trips in Greece, the Saronic Gulf, the Ionian Islands, the Sporades and the Dodecanese are more suitable sailing areas.
What are the different departure bases for your yacht charter in the Cyclades?
For your cruise, you can decide to leave from:
- Mykonos and Paros to be directly in the Cyclades. The airports are in these two bases.
- Lavrion for its proximity to another airport and for its wide choice of yachts available for charter.
- Athens for easy access to the port, even if you have to sail longer to reach the islands.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 3 269 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Sailor, Chef (meals not included), Mechanic, Engineer, Sailor/Chef (meals not included), Masseuse |
| Average price per week | $13,573 |
| Minimum weekly price | $716 |
| Maximum price per week | $3,370,411 |