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Boat Rental Greece — Yacht Charter in the Greek Islands | TripYacht
Boat Rental Greece — Greek Islands Yacht Charters
Greece offers two distinct sailing worlds: the Ionian Sea to the west — gentler, greener, with reliable afternoon winds; and the Aegean Sea to the east — dramatic volcanic islands, iconic whitewashed villages, and the famous Meltemi summer wind.
Why Sail Greece?
Greece has more coastline than any other European country — 13,676 km spread across 6,000 islands. Only 227 are inhabited. For sailors, this translates to an almost infinite choice of anchorages, many completely deserted even in peak season.
- Iconic scenery — Santorini's caldera, the sugar-cube houses of Mykonos, the green hills of Corfu
- Ancient history — sail past temples, Venetian forts, and Byzantine monasteries
- Outstanding cuisine — fresh octopus, grilled fish, souvlaki, and local assyrtiko wine
- Long season — sailing possible April through November; peak season June–September
Sailing Regions
Ionian Islands (Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, Paxos) — The mildest conditions in Greece. Light summer breezes, very clear water, and lush green landscapes. Lefkada is the most popular base due to its road connection to Athens.
Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos) — Dramatic scenery, iconic villages, strong Meltemi winds (15–30 knots July–August). Experienced sailors only in peak season.
Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos, Symi, Patmos) — Close to the Turkish coast, excellent for island hopping. Rhodes is the main base.
Saronic Gulf (Athens, Hydra, Spetses, Poros) — Easily accessible from Athens. Good for shorter charters or first-time charterers.
Charter Bases
| Base | Best region to explore |
|---|---|
| Athens (Alimos/Lavrio) | Saronic Gulf, Cyclades |
| Lefkada | Ionian Islands |
| Corfu | Northern Ionian |
| Rhodes | Dodecanese |
| Kos | Southern Dodecanese |
Boat Rental Costs in Greece
| Boat type | Shoulder season | Peak season (Jul–Aug) |
|---|---|---|
| Sailing yacht (32–40ft) | $800 – $1,600/week | $1,400 – $2,800/week |
| Sailing yacht (40–50ft) | $1,400 – $2,600/week | $2,400 – $4,200/week |
| Catamaran (40–45ft) | $2,200 – $3,800/week | $3,800 – $6,500/week |
License Requirements
Greece requires an ICC or equivalent national certificate. A VHF SRC license is also required. A transit log (issued at the first port of entry) is required for all foreign-flagged vessels.
Common Questions
What is the best time to charter a yacht in Greece?
The sailing season in Greece runs May to October, with the Meltemi winds making July–August best for experienced sailors. Greece offers thousands of islands across the Aegean, Ionian, and Dodecanese island groups.
How much does a yacht charter in Greece cost per week?
Yacht charters in Greece start from $329/week across 1,921 yachts on TripYacht. By boat type: sailing yachts from $329/week; catamarans from $833/week; luxury motor yachts from $13,762/week. Prices are higher in peak summer months and lower in spring and autumn. All prices on TripYacht are in USD.
Which marina is cheapest to charter from in Greece?
The most affordable starting bases in Greece are: Preveza, Mytikas (from $329/week), Preveza, Main Port (from $357/week), Corfu, Gouvia Marina (from $595/week). Cheaper bases are often inland or further from the most popular cruising grounds, so check the typical week-one itinerary before deciding.
Do I need a sailing license to charter in Greece?
An ICC or national sailing certificate. Greek waters accept most internationally recognized licenses is required to bareboat charter in Greece. If you don't hold a valid certificate, you can hire a professional skipper through your charter company for around $246/day in Greece.
What is included in a yacht charter in Greece?
A standard bareboat charter price includes the yacht, safety equipment, life jackets, flares, dinghy, and outboard motor. Not included: fuel, marina fees, provisioning (food and drink), tourist taxes, and optional crew. Many charter companies in Greece also offer a welcome package with basic provisions.
What extras do I typically pay on top of the boat price in Greece?
Common obligatory extras on yachts in Greece include: Final cleaning (~$292, charged on 620 yachts); Damage waiver (~$386, charged on 556 yachts); Charter package (~$433, charged on 367 yachts); Starter pack (~$328, charged on 311 yachts); Charter pack (~$374, charged on 288 yachts). Each operator publishes their own extras on the yacht detail page; the figures above are medians across the catalog.
How long is a typical yacht charter in Greece? Can I do less than a week?
The standard charter length in Greece is 7 days, typically Saturday to Saturday. Some yachts also offer shorter reservations during shoulder season.
What day does a yacht charter typically start in Greece?
Most yachts in Greece start charters on Saturday. Other days may be available on request, especially outside peak season.