Sailboat rental Greece

Location of Greece

Greece – or officially the Hellenic Republic – is located in southeast Europe in the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. Albania, Macedonia and Bulgaria border it to the north and Turkey to the east The Aegean Sea lies to the east of continental Greece and the Ionian Sea to the west. There are several islands in the region. It has a total area of 131, 990 km2 including 1300 islands, of which only 170 are inhabited. The population is approximately 10, 815, 197.

Can you rent a sailboat in Greece – do I need a license? The requirements.

Small boats (under a certain horsepower or length), electric boats, crewed yacht charters, and gulet charters may not require a license. Larger boats or those with more powerful engines need a skipper’s license. Before you confirm your sailing trip to Greece, please send us a copy and we will check it for you. You need to have the original copies on board, so don’t forget to take them.
To sail in Greece, one of the following qualifications is necessary:
• ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International, Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence from previous experience.• IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America, Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course” OR: • NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials), International, • UK – RYA Day Skipper practical, • USA – US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above, • Germany – “Sportbootführerschein See“ or above, • Belgium – Algemeen Stuurbrevet/ Brevet de conduite général, • France – LE PERMIS PLAISANCE
If you do not have a skipper license, it is also possible to rent a boat with a skipper

Sailboat rental in Greece – The most important ports in the 7 main regions

The sailing sector is significant in the country due to its location and the archipelago it has. There are numerous ports in Greece used for both passenger and goods transport. Besides several other ports, the most popular ones from both aspects are Aegina, Antirrio, Korfu, Heraklion, Mykonos, and Zakynthos. Most of these ports are well-equipped and offer the best services; they are also often located near the downtown areas. Greece is the land of ancient mythology. If you love archeology, history, art, and philosophy, you definitely have to visit the country. It has dozens of idyllic islands covered with fine white sand, surrounded by the blue sea. These beautiful coastal towns have ancient ruins and museums as well. Explore them all on a yacht!

The most popular ports for sailboat charter in Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands are located in the western part of Greece, in the continuation of the Adriatic. Thanks to the fairly small distances and the moderate winds, this is a perfect destination from May to October. boat rental Corfu

Gouvia Marina (Corfu)

The port of Corfu, which has been operating since 1996, can be found in a picturesque environment. It is open all year and can accommodate 1235 boats with a length of up to 80 metres. The depth of water at the port, which has two entrances, is 5.5 metres. They provide drinking water, electricity, 24-hour security service and fuel, and they also have a reception desk.

Port Zakynthos (Zakynthos)

The port of Zakynthos offers app. 70 berths for boats up to 60 metres long. The depth of the water is 6 metres. They provide basic amenities such as water, and electricity and there is a fuelling station nearby. In the winter, sailing might be more challenging due to the southern winds. boat rental Zakynthos

Vathi Marina (Ithaka)

The main port of the island Vathi Marina Ithaka is located in the northeastern part of Kioni Bay. They have an app. 300 berths and the depth of water here is 8 metres. Southern winds might make docking more difficult. There are many restaurants and bars near the port. rent a sailboat Lefkas, Ionian sailing

Sailboat yacht charter in the peninsula of Peloponnese and the Corinth Canal – the main ports

The peninsula of Peloponnese is the southernmost part of the mainland of Greece. It practically became an island with the establishment of the 6-kilometre-long waterway, the Corinth Canal in 1893.

Kalamata Marina (Kalamata)

The idyllic port can be found in the city with the same name. They have 250 berths for yachts as long as 25 metres. The depth of the water is 3 metres. They offer good-quality services at the port; if you get hungry, you can find many bars and restaurants nearby. boat rental Kalamata

Corinth Harbour (Corinth)

The port of Corinth offers berths for boats up to 20 metres long. The depth of the water is 4.5 metres. In order to make the docking process easier, the attentive staff provide help. If you would like to eat something delicious, you must try the unique culinary experience offered at the Londou Fish Tavern.

The most popular ports for sailboat charter in Athens and the islands of the Saronic Gulf

The amazing Athens is the capital of Greece. We can start our trip here, as the islands of the Saronic Gulf are especially ideal for sailing.

Athens Marina (Athens)

The Athens Marina is one of the best ports in Athens; it can be found only 9 kilometres from the centre of the capital. They accept 130 yachts with a length of 50–130 metres. They also have 25 berths for smaller yachts of 30–35 metres long. The depth of the water is 8 metres. The port is very safe. They have a 24-hour security service as well as controlled entrance and exit points.

Olympic Marina (Lavrion, Attica)

The Olympic Marina provides a modern docking opportunity in Lavrion, located in the southeastern part of Attica. They have 680 berths for ships with a maximum length of 40 metres. The depth of the water is 4.5 metres. They have water, electricity, Wi-Fi, laundry and a crane on the spot; there is 24-hour surveillance at the entrances. Athens sailing, sailing yacht charter Athens

Ayios Nikólaos Marina, Kea

It is an important port on the island of Kea, close to beautiful golden beaches and excellent fishing spots. It can accommodate 255 yachts at the same time, with a maximum length of 50 metres. The water depth of the port is up to 8 metres.

Sailboat yacht charter in the Sporades and the Chalkidiki – the main ports

The Sporades is the collective name of the islands scattered around the northern basin of the Aegean Sea, while the Chalkidiki peninsula is located in the northwestern part of the sea.

Port of Vólos

Located in central Greece, at the tip of Pagasitikos Bay, the port is the largest port on the Greek mainland. The port’s approximately 3,000-meter coastline allows for ferries, container and cruise ships and yacht reception. The port is a key link between mainland Greece and the Sporades Islands. rent a sailboat in Volos

Skiathos Marina (Skiathos)

The famous port can be found in the city with the same name, on the shores of the Aegean Sea. It can accept 350 boats with a length of up to 65 metres. The depth of the water is 10 metres. They offer laundry, health services as well as a fuelling station, and we can also take care of the maintenance of our boat. bareboat yacht charter Skiathos, sailing in Skiathos

Limin Skopélou Marina

This tiny marina can be found on the eastern side of Skopelos, in the city which bears the same name. The accommodated boats with a maximum length of 60 metres and a draught of 6 metres. They have all the basic services; they provide water, boat service and fuel, and they also have restaurants. yacht charter Skopelos, Skopelos sailing

Sani Marina (Chalkidiki)

The amazing, well-equipped port is located on the Kassandra peninsula in Chalkidiki. It can be found in a perfectly protected environment; it can accommodate 215 boats with a length of up to 33 metres. The port has a fuelling station, laundry services, 24-hour security and first-aid services as well. yacht charter Chalkidiki

The most popular ports for sailboat charter in the Cyclades

Mykonos New Port (Mykonos)

The port is located north of the historic town of Mykonos. They offer an app. 30 berths for visitors; these are for boats up to 50 metres long. The depth of the water is 6 metres. Besides the basic amenities, they have a fuelling station, a bar and a restaurant as well. Mykonos sailing, sailboat rental Mykonos

Athinios Port

Santorini’s largest port is Athinios, located on the western side of the island. Locals also refer to it as New Port or Thira Port. It can accommodate hundreds of yachts. It is very well-equipped. There are drinking water, electricity and a refuelling station. The port is very busy, especially in the high season.

Vlychada Port

Opened in 2008, Vlychada is Santorini’s most sheltered port. It can accommodate boats up to 25 metres in length. The depth of the seabed is 4 metres. There are drinking water, electricity and a refuelling station. In addition, there are bars and restaurants along the coast. Santorini sailing, Santorini sailboat charters

Ermoupolis Marina, Siros

Yachts up to 60 metres long can moor in the main marina of the tiny island of Siros. The water depth here is 9 metres. There are plenty of services available, including boat service and refuelling. Syros sailing, Syros yacht charter

Naxos Marina, Naxos

Yachts up to 20 metres in length and several 70 may berth in this marina. The maximum dive is 5 metres. In addition to the boat service, you can find the usual basic services in the marinas here. Naxos sailing, boat rental Naxos

Paroikia Marina, Paros

The most popular marina is in Paros. It can accommodate yachts up to 60 metres. They also offer refuelling, boat service and electricity. The city’s sights, the best hotels and apartments, as well as great taverns and bars, await visitors near the marina. The depth of the marina is 3.5 metres. sailing in Paros, sailing charter Paros

Sailboat yacht charter in the Dodecanese – the main ports

The Dodecanese archipelago is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. It consists of 12 larger apps. 50 smaller islands.

Rhodes Marina (Rodos)

Rhodes Marina can be found on the largest island of the Dodecanese – Rhodes. Thanks to its favourable location and modern equipment, it is among the most popular destinations among sailors. It offers 382 berths for boats up to 120 metres long. The depth of the water is 6.5 metres. Services include 24-hour security, Wi-Fi, laundry and maintenance. sailing in Rhodes, sailboat charter Rhodes

Kos Marina (Kos)

The modern Kos Marina can be found in a naturally protected gulf. There are 250 berths here for ships with a length of up to 80 metres. The depth of the water is 5 metres. They have running water, electricity, showers and a laundry service. We can also take care of the maintenance of our boat, and they have a 24-hour security service as well. As for catering facilities, there are cafés, bars and restaurants. sailing in Kos, rent a sailboat Kos

The most popular ports for sailboat charter in Crete

Agios Nikolaos Marina (Crete)

The charming port can be found in the town of Agios Nikolaos, on the northern coast of Crete. It is located in a wonderful environment, surrounded by the island’s unique architecture. There are 255 berths here for boats with a length of up to 70 meters. The depth of the water is 8 metres. We can refuel our boat, and can also choose from the shops, restaurants and bars directly next to the port. yacht rental Crete

Main sights in Greece

It would be almost impossible to list all the sights offered by Greece in a few sentences. Rebellious towns like Athens and small villages – Greece provides visitors with several different experiences and stunning sights. The capital of Greece is Athens; a place famous for the Acropolis. Once in Greece, this is probably the first sight that you should visit. You can admire the complex made of shining marble and the famous statue of Athena. Those who are interested in ancient architecture can see the Doric columns and temples while walking around the area, enjoying the sight of the amazing Parthenon as well. The Greek islands not only offer the finest beaches to tourists but also take them back in time, to the history of Crete, Naxos, Paros, Ios, Milos, Mykonos and Rhodes.

Weather and Winds in Greece

• Spring (April to June): Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. The weather is mild, with blooming landscapes and moderate winds. By early June, seas are calm, offering optimal sailing conditions.
• Summer (July to September): Temperatures soar between 25°C and 35°C, and the Aegean Sea experiences strong Meltemi winds, particularly in July and August. These winds, especially in the northern Aegean, can create challenging but exciting sailing conditions. However, the Ionian Sea remains relatively calmer. Summer days are typically sunny with little to no rainfall.
• Autumn (October to November): The temperature cools down to 15°C-25°C, and winds ease. This period offers peaceful sailing, fewer crowds, and picturesque sunsets, making it an ideal time for those seeking a quieter experience.
• Winter (December to March): The weather turns colder, with temperatures dropping to 10°C-15°C. Sailing during this period is rare due to unpredictable rains, occasional storms, and rougher seas, but it can appeal to more adventurous sailors seeking solitude and lower costs.

In autumn, it’s ideal to sail from south to north, while in summer, the winds favor routes from north to south. Sirocco, a south-southwest wind, blows from November to May, often bringing African sand with it. Meltemi, on the other hand, brings relief from the summer heat to the northern Greek coasts, particularly in July and August. Read more about sailing in Greece in September, or October

What are the Sailing Waves in Greece?

Compared to the Croatian archipelago, Greece has more favorable waves for sailing, thanks to the greater distances between islands. In the Eastern Mediterranean Basin, currents flow counterclockwise, running north along the Turkish coast and south along the eastern Greek coast. On the western side of the Peloponnese peninsula, the flow is predominantly northerly, creating a mix of calm and dynamic sailing conditions. These seasonal variations in wind and sea conditions make Greece a diverse and exciting sailing destination all year round.

Saronic Gulf sailboat charter itineraries

Day 1. Athens – Selinia Salamis (Salamina island) 9.42 km (5.85 nm), Day 2. Salamina – Aegina 26.25 km (16.31 nm) Day 3. Aegina – Poros (Poros Island) 35.54 km (22.08 nm), Day 4. Poros – Ermioni 40.00 km (24.85 nm), Day 5. Ermioni – Idra (Idra Island) 19.58 km (12.16 nm), Day 6. Idra – Coressia (Kea island) 83.19 km (51.69 nm), Day 7. Kea – Sounion – Athens77.30 km (48.03 nm)

More Athens sailing holidays, sailing from Athens to Mykonos, sailing from Athens to Santorini, sailing destinations in Saronic-gulf

Dodecanese sailboat charter itineraries

Day 1. Rhodes – Ano Symi 45.66 km (28.37 nm), Day 2. Ano Symi – Mandraki 72.02 km (44.75 nm), Day 3. Mandraki – Livadia (Tilos Island)36.33 km (22.57 nm) , Day 4. Livadia – Chalki (Chalki island) 34.47 km (21.42 nm) Day 5. Chalki – Lindos 83.93 km (52.15 nm), Day 6. Lindos – Antony Quinn Beach 28.24 km (17.55 nm) Day 7. Antony Quinn Beach – Faliraki – Rhodes 17.14 km (10.65 nm).

Rhodes sailing tours

Day 1. Kos – Kefalos 46.37 km (28.81 nm), Day 2. Kefalos – Astipalea island 65.13 km (40.47 nm), Day 3. Astipalea – Syrna & Stefania island 35.47 km (22.04 nm), Day 4. Stefania – Krevatia (Chalki island ) 80.75 km (50.18 nm), Day 5. Chalki – Tilos 33.83 km (21.02 mi´) Day 6. Tilos – Mandraki 35.74 km (22.21 nm), Day 7. Mandraki – Agios Fokas – Kos 59.47 km (36.95 nm)

More Kos sailing itinerary, Dodecanese yacht routes

Cyclades sailboat charter itineraries

Day 1. Mykonos – Tinos (Tinos island) 17, 58 km (10, 92 nm), Day 2. Tinos – Gavrio 54, 30 km (33, 74 nm), Day 3. Gavrio – Vourkari (Kea island) 46, 33 km (28, 79 nm), Day 4. Vourkari – Merihas (Kithnos Island) 37, 98 km (23, 60 nm), Day 5. Merihas – Livadi (Serifos island) 46, 54 km (28, 92 nm), Day 6. Livadi – Kamares (Sifnos Island) 23, 25 km (14, 45 nm), Day 7. Kamares – Ermúpoli – Mykonos 98, 13 km (60, 97 nm)

Mykonos sailing tours, yacht charter Mykonos to Santorini

Day 1. Fira (Santorini) – Oia 9.53 km (5.92 nm), Day 2. Oia – Karavostasis (Folegandros island) 42.34 km (26.31 nm), Day 3. Folegandros – Alopronia (Sikinos island) 19.87 km (12.35 nm), Day 4. Sikinos – Chora (Ios island ) 12.80 km (7.95 nm), Day 5. Chora – Ag. Georgios (Iraklia island) 38.18 km (23.72 nm), Day 6. Iraklia – Keros island 16.29 km (10.12 nm), Day 7. Keros – Vlychada – Santorini 82.37 km (51.18 nm)

More Santorini sailing tours

Day 1. Adamas (Milos) – Embourios 4.89 km (3.04 nm), Day 2. Embourios – Kamares (Sifnos island) 43.20 km (26.84 nm), Day 3. Sifnos – Livadi (Serifos island) 22.19 km (13.79 nm), Day 4. Serifos – Merihas (Kithnos island) 48.74 km (30.29 nm), Day 5. Kithnos – Ermoupoli (Siros island) 69.45 km (43.15 nm), Day 6. Siros – Paros 47.02 km (29.22 nm), Day 7. Paros – Pollonia – Milos 87.12 km (54.13 nm)

More Milos sailing tour, Cyclades sailing routes

Crete sailboat charter itineraries

Day 1. Heraklion – Agia Pelagia 16, 30 km (10, 13 nm), Day 2. Agia Pelagia – Thira Port 117, 79 km (73, 19 nm), Day 3. Thira Port – Oia – Agia Eirini 12, 41 km (7, 71 nm), Day 4. Agie Eirini – Panagia Kalou – Monolitas 17, 78 km (11, 05 nm), Day 5. Monolitas – Anafi 26, 14 km (16, 24 nm), Day 6. Anafi – Kamari – Vlichada 33, 11 km (20, 58 nm), Day 7. Vlichada – Heraklion 112, 88 km (70, 14 nm)

More about private boat from Crete to Santorini, or choose from Greece sailing destinations

Ionian sailboat charter itineraries

Day 1. Corfu Town – Paleokastritsa (18 km / 10 nm), Day 2. Paleokastritsa – Liapades (5 km / 3 nm), Day 3. Liapades – Agios Gordios (8 km / 4.5 nm), Day 4. Agios Gordios – Kavos (15 km / 8 nm), Day 5. Kavos – Moraitika (10 km / 5.5 nm), Day 6. Moraitika – Messonghi (5 km / 3 nm), Day 7. Messonghi – Corfu Town (15 km / 8 nm)

sailing from Corfu town

Day 1. Lefkas – Meganisi (11.74 nm), Day 2. Meganisi – Kalamos (14,06 nm), Day 3. Kalamos – Kastos (4,45 nm), Day 4. Kastos – Ithaca (Vathi) (18,43 nm), Day 5. Ithaca (Vathi) – Kefalonia (Fiskardo) (15,60 nm), Day 6. Kefalonia (Fiskardo) – Lefkas (Sivota) (12,06 nm), Day 7. Lefkas (Sivota) – Lefkas (16,57 nm)

sailing from Lefkada town