Sailing from Athens to Santorini on a private yacht

Are you planning a sailing trip in Santorini? We help with itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. We are happy to help! If you want to discover the Southern Cyclades and the island of Santorini, a cruise from Athens is the best way to do it. In this article, you can find the most important landmarks, marinas, and other useful information.

Our article gives you an overview of the following topics:

• Important facts when sailing from Athens to Santorini
• Ports in route between Athens and Santorini
• Sailing itineraries to private charter Athens to Santorini. What is the best way?
• One-way 7days sailing between Athens and Santorini
• 1-week catamaran sailing from Athens to Santorini
• Marine gas near Athens, boat gas stations en route between Athens and Santorini

Important facts when sailing from Athens to Santorini

When are the winds and weather like from Athens to Santorini?

In summer (May to September), the Meltemi is the dominant wind in the Aegean Sea. Dry, northerly winds that can be quite strong, especially in July and August. Meltemi can create choppy seas, especially in open water passages. During your trip, the main wind will probably be the Meltemi, which blows from the north or northwest. This means that you will often be sailing downwind towards Santorini and against the wind back towards Athens, which can be more challenging. At the end of September, the Meltemi calms down and the wind blows from the opposite direction. In the May-June and September-October periods, Meltemi is usually less strong, which offers more comfortable sailing conditions.. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Saronic gulf, or sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Cyclades.

Is it cheaper to fly or rent a yacht from Athens or Santorini? – the costs

Whether it’s cheaper to fly or charter a yacht from Athens to Santorini depends on several factors that introduce significant variability to the cost of both options.

Factors affecting the cost of chartering a yacht

• Yacht Size and Type: Smaller, basic yachts can be cheaper, while luxurious catamarans with crew services will come at a premium.
• Season: Peak summer months (July-August) see significantly higher yacht charter prices.
• Expenses: Longer charters generally increase the cost. Consider fuel, marina fees, provisions, and optional hired crew when budgeting for a yacht charter.

Factors affecting the cost of flying

• Advance Booking: Booking flights well ahead of time, especially outside the peak season, typically offer the cheapest fares.
• Airline and Class: Budget airlines versus established companies, and the choice of economy vs. higher cabin classes will influence the price. If your travel dates are flexible, you might find good deals or last-minute offers.

General Considerations

• Group Size: Chartering a yacht starts to become more cost-effective when split between a larger group compared to individual flight tickets.
• Experience vs. Convenience: Chartering a yacht offers a unique and flexible travel experience while flying is generally faster and more convenient.
• Budgeting for Extras: While both have upfront costs, add-ons to consider are transfers to/from airports, meals on a yacht, or any desired activities on Santorini for both scenarios.

How far is it,and how long does it take to sail from Athens to Santorini on private yacht?

The distance between Athens and Santorini is approximately 138 nautical miles from the port of Alimos. This means that approx. 20 – 23 hours of non-stop sailing on an average sailing yacht, in average weather conditions, sailing at 6-7 knots per hour. The entire Athens – Santorini – Athens route is approx. 40-46 hours of non-stop sailing.

An average motor yacht, under average weather conditions, travels at 15-25 knots per hour, so with a motor yacht the journey there can take around 6-9 hours, and the entire Athens – Santorini – Athens route is approx. 10-16 hours of travel. A motorboat comes with a lot more extra costs, the most important difference being fuel consumption.

Should I choose a one-way or round trip?

Santorini is quite far from Athens. We recommend sailing there in summer because the northeastern meltemi wind can help you along the way. If you choose the one-way route, your destination is going to be Santorini. From there, you can go back to Athens by plane or ferry. The round trip is more difficult due to the headwind that is constantly blowing on the way back. We recommend this route if you want to explore the Southern Cyclades and Santorini is just one of the stops.

Extra costs

The official currency of the country is the euro. If you are coming from a country where the euro is not the official currency, be sure to visit a currency exchange before you leave. Also, be prepared that the pricing of marinas is not uniform. You can moor for free in some places, but typically you will expect prices of around € 30-50 per port, depending on the length of your yacht. In the Cycladic islands, food is usually 1-2 euros more expensive than, for example, in the Attica Peninsula. The vast majority of our customers request a captain and crew for shorter trips as well. These costs must always be paid in addition to the boat rental, and the crew also needs a cabin for the night. The cost of the captain and the hostess in Greece is 200-230 €/night + meals. Whatever private boat charter you are planning, we will find the best solution.

What to do in Athens before sailing?

If you arrive in Athens early enough, you should take a look around the city, you can even admire the Acropolis if you have time. And if you’re a nature lover, don’t miss the National Garden of Athens! When organizing your programs, it is worth considering the time of arrival at the port. From the airport, you can reach the Alimos Marina by taxi or direct bus, so it is about an hour and a half. If you pick up the yacht at Cape Sounion or Lavrion marina, you should expect a trip of one and a half to 2 hours. In Greece, GMT +3 is the time zone, as in other EU countries, it switches between winter and summertime.

Ports in route between Athens and Santorini

Kalamaki-Alimos Marina

Most hired yachts depart from here; this port is in the Paleon Faliron district of Athens It is easily accessible by public transport and taxi even if you are arriving from the airport. You can pre-fill your yacht’s food and beverage set if you want to be ready to go right on arrival. Up to 1, 080 yachts can anchor in the bay, and 600 ships can be placed on dry docks. The port can accommodate yachts up to 40 metres long. The depth of the water is 6.5 metres. sailing in Athens

Olympic Marina, Cape Sounion

Located at Cape Sounion with beautiful views, the Olympic Marina can accommodate 680 yachts up to 40 metres long. The maximum water depth here is 10 metres. It offers a wide range of services, including free Wi-Fi, power supply, boat service, and refuelling. yacht charter Athens, bareboat charter Athens, catamaran charter Athens, sailing yacht charter Athens, luxury yacht charter Athens, motor yacht charter Athens

Glyfada marinas

Marina Glyfada A

Situated on the northern end of Glyfada Beach. Primarily accommodates smaller vessels and fishing boats.

Marina Glyfada B

Located further south and is slightly larger. Caters to recreational vessels and smaller yachts.

Marina Glyfada C

The biggest of the Glyfada marinas, capable of handling larger yachts.

Marina Glyfada E

The southernmost Glyfada marina offers modern facilities for boats and yachts. boat rental Glyfada

Lavrion Marina

Many sailors start at the marina of Lavrion in the eastern part of the Attica Peninsula, to the Cyclades. The port can accommodate up to 680 yachts. The maximum depth of the port built-in bay is 7 metres, and incoming yachts can be up to 30 metres long. yacht charter Lavrion, Lavrion sailing

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.

Mérikha Marina, Kithnos

This tiny marina can accommodate about 30 yachts up to 60 meters long and has a water depth of 8 meters. Local hotels, restaurants, and lively nightlife areas are in the immediate vicinity.

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 a number of 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. Paros sailing, boat rental Paros, catamaran charter Paros, rent a motorboat Paros, rent a luxury yacht Paros, sailing charter Paros

Karavostasi Marina, Ios

It is a medium-sized marina on the island of Ios. It can accommodate boats up to 60 metres in length. The depth of the seabed is 4 metres. There are many services available such as a water tank refill, and you can find restaurants nearby.

Adamas Marina, Milos

The Adamas Marina can accommodate 50 boats up to 50 metres in length. The depth of the seabed is 5 metres. The offered services include bars, restaurants, boat maintenance service, and water tank refills. Milos sailing, Milos boat rental

Vlikhada Marina

It is a small marina in the southeast corner of Santorini. It can accommodate boats up to 25 metres in length with a draft of 1.5 metres. Compared to its size, the marina offers many services like electricity, a marketplace, restaurants, and a water tank refill.

Athinios Port

It is the largest port of Santorini. It can accommodate hundreds of boats. You can find every important service here that you might need. It is a little far from the town of Fira, but you can go there by taxi, on donkey back, in the cable car or on foot. Santorini sailing, yacht rental Santorini, rent a luxury yacht Santorini, catamaran rental Santorini, Santorini sailboat charters

Sailing itineraries to private charter Athens to Santorini. What is the best way?

One-way 7days sailing between Athens and Santorini

With this one-week itinerary, you depart from Athens, heading southeast towards Santorini. Along the way, you will see some western and southern islands of the Cyclades. You will depart from the Olympic Marina in Lavrion so you do not have to travel too much on the first afternoon of your journey.

Day 1. Athens (Lavrion-i Olympic Marina) – Kea

27, 68 km (17, 20 nm)
Sailing around the island of Makronisos from the south and from there a little northeast, you will arrive at the island of Kea. In addition to its sandy beaches, this place glories in many attractions. You will also find a medieval castle, churches, and watermills here. Fans of Greek mythologies and legends will also be amazed by this island. The ancient temples of Athens and Apollo, the holy sites of Demeter and Askiplios, and the famous Holy Theatre are also here.

Day 2. Kea – Kithnos

37, 99 km (23, 60 nm)
Kithnos is a typical Cycladic island, known to many tourists for its healing springs. If you love caves, you should check out the Katafiki, which operated as an iron mine until 1939. You can see beautiful stalactites and stalagmites as well as interesting rock formations here. If you are interested in the island’s past, you will also find a museum of local folklore and the Byzantine church museum in Dryopida. There are also many Cycladic-style churches on the island, the most popular of which is Panagia Kanala, the patron saint of the island.

Day 3. Kithnos – Sifnos

61, 77 km (38, 38 nm)
With the help of the Meltemi, you can get to the island of Sifnos in the southeast direction relatively quickly. On the way, you will pass west of the island of Serifos and then you will arrive in Sifnos. Here you can admire beautiful olive trees and almond fields. The symbol of the island is the Church of the Seven Martyrs, seen on a tiny peninsula-like extension of the east coast. Its beautiful whitewashed walls, sky-blue dome, and Cycladic architectural style are worth a look. In addition to the iconic church, the island hides many monasteries and museums. The most significant of these is the monastery of Chrissopighi.

Day 4.: Sifnos – Milos

43, 65 km (27, 12 nm)
Sailing southwest, you will reach the island of Milos. It is not too popular among tourists yet. On this beautiful volcanic island, you can enjoy nature and the atmosphere of ancient monuments, away from the crowds. In Adamas, the Agia Triada Church has a museum. The Mining Museum showcases minerals and the mining past of the island. The most important landmarks are the early Christian catacombs from the time of the Roman Empire. There is an ancient theatre nearby, where locals still hold events and theatre performances to this day. Read more about what to do in Milos

Day 5. Milos – Ios

86, 09 km (53, 49 nm)
Sailing east of Milos, you will arrive in Ios. It is a bustling island full of life. In summer, there are parties and festivals in the capital. If you want to get away from the city, discover the Tomb of Homer! If you want to see an archaeological excavation, visit the ruins of Skarkos!

Day 6. Ios – Anafi

62, 31 km (38, 72 nm)
Sailing southeast, you will arrive at the island of Anafi, east of Santorini. It is a beautiful little island with many wonderful beaches. If you feel like it, you can sail around the island in just a few hours and visit the beaches In summer, the island is home to cultural festivals and events. Many visitors come from Santorini.

Day 7. Anafi – Kamari – Vlichada

41, 77 km (25, 95 nm)
You go west to Santorini and drop anchor in Kamari on the east coast. You can find several shops, pubs, and restaurants in the streets close to the coast. There are cinemas on the island, one of them is an open-air cinema, surrounded by trees. Be sure to visit the beach that has Certification! You can go diving or try some exciting water sports. If you are interested in the ancient history of the island, visit the ruins of Thera on
Mount Mesa Vouno on the south part of the island.

After a long northbound cruise, you arrive at the town of Vlychada. The 2-3 hour horseback riding tours are very popular here. On these guided tours, you can explore Vlychada and the nearby beaches by horseback. If you arrive early, you can go on a tour of the archaeological excavations at Akrotiri. On this tour, you will visit the ancient town of Akrotiri, go to a wine tasting and visit the monastery of the Prophet Elijah.

1-week catamaran sailing from Athens to Santorini

You have to prepare for a long journey, you will visit fewer islands compared to a one-way cruise. On the way back, headwinds can make the trip difficult in summer. This weekly trip is highly dependent on weather conditions.

Day 1. Athens (Lavrion Olympic Marina) – Kea 27, 68 km (17, 20 nm), Day 2. Kea – Milos 111, 18 km (69, 08 nm), Day 3. Milos – Santorini (Thira Port) 110, 81 km (68, 85 nm), Day 4. Thira Port – Vlichada – Kamari 23, 68 km (14, 71 nm), Day 5. Kamari – Ios 45, 28 km (28, 13 nm), Day 6. Ios – Sifnos 68, 44 km (42, 53 nm), Day 7. Sifnos – Athens(Lavrion Olympic Marina) 99, 53 km (61, 85 nm)

More Athens sailing tours or Santorini sailing tours

Marine gas near Athens, boat gas stations en route between Athens and Santorini

• Olympic Marina, Athens: Depth: 10m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.6958441, 24.0583429
• Merihas, Kithnos: Depth: 8m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.389860, 24.397059
• Mikonos Marina, Mikonos: Depth: 4.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.4475266, 25.3275272
• Tinos, Tinos: Depth: 5.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.537555, 25.161119
• Parikia, Paros: Depth: 3.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.087424, 25.151587
• Naxos, Naxos: Depth: 5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.106213, 25.372575
• Riva Tirasia, Santorini: Depth: 5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.452705, 25.344247
• Thira New Port, Santorini: Depth: 4.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.386354, 25.428268
• Rethymno Marina, Crete: Depth: 4m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 35.367884, 24.481550
• Heraklion Marina, Crete: Depth: 3.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 35.346677, 25.151282

If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable holiday, visit the beautiful volcanic island of Santorini! It is far from Athens, but on the way there, you can visit the western and southern islands of the Cyclades. Once you arrive in Santorini, watch the sunset in Oia or Fira! Find more Saronic Gulf sailing destinations, Cyclades sailing routes