Sailboat rental in Greece with or without skipper

Sailboat rental in Greece

With idyllic islands surrounding this hub of culture and history, it is the perfect place to hire a sailboat. With a sailboat, you can go island hopping to your heart’s content, stopping off at white sand beaches, bordered by crystal clear waters that glitter and gleam in the sunlight. Being at the center of one of the most famous ancient civilizations, there are also plenty of spectacular buildings to visit, which provide a valuable window into a past full of intrigue and amazing stories. 

When you hire a sailboat in Greece, you can be in charge of your own adventure from start to finish, whether you want to hire a captain or not.

Where to sail in Greece?

There are few places in the world that can rival Greece when it comes to sailing. With its stunning coastline, beautiful islands, and clear blue waters, Greece is a sailor's paradise. Whether you're looking for a relaxing holiday sailing around the picturesque islands or an action-packed adventure exploring hidden coves and secret beaches, Greece has it all.

If you're thinking of chartering a sailboat in Greece, here are some of the best places to sail to:

• The Cyclades Islands are a group of around 200 islands located in the Aegean Sea. This island chain is home to some of Greece's most popular tourist destinations, such as Mykonos and Santorini. Although the Cyclades can be busy during peak season, they offer sailors plenty of sheltered anchorages and quiet beaches to enjoy.
• The Saronic Islands are located in the Argolic Gulf, just off the coast of Athens. This group of islands is perfect for sailors who want to combine city life with island life. Athens is just a short sail away and from here you can explore the nearby islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.
• The Ionian Islands are located off the west coast of mainland Greece and are considered some of the best sailing grounds in Europe. These islands are renowned for their stunning scenery, with towering mountains, lush green forests, and pristine beaches. The Ionian Islands are also a great place to sail if you're looking for some challenging sailing conditions, as the winds here can be strong.
• The Sporades are a group of 24 uninhabited islands located in the Aegean Sea. These islands are perfect for sailors who want to get away from it all and enjoy some true isolation. Although there are no facilities on these islands, they offer sailors beautiful anchorages, deserted beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

How much does it cost to rent a sailboat in Greece?

There are a few different things that can affect the cost of renting a sailboat in Greece. The first is the time of year that you want to go. The summer months will definitely be more expensive than the shoulder season or winter. The second is the size of the boat. If you want a boat with air conditioning and a full kitchen, you're going to pay more than for a basic model. And finally, where in Greece you want to sail can also affect the price. Popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini will be more expensive than some of the lesser-known spots.

So, if you're looking to save money on your sailboat rental in Greece, consider going during the off-season, renting a smaller boat, and avoiding the most popular sailing destinations. You'll still have an amazing time and you'll be able to save some money in the process!

The harbors in Greece

There are plenty of reasons to charter a sailboat in Greece. The country has some of the best sailing conditions in the world, with warm weather and gentle winds. And of course, there are the stunningly beautiful islands dotting the Aegean Sea. But which harbors and marinas should you dock your sailboat in?

Here are our top picks:

• Korfos Marina is located just outside of Athens, in the town of Vari. It's a great option if you want to be close to the city but don't necessarily want to sail into the crowded harbor. The marina has over 400 berths and can accommodate boats up to 50 meters in length.
• Alimos Marina is one of the largest marinas in Greece and can accommodate up to 1,400 boats. It's located just south of Athens, about 15 minutes from the city center by car. The marina has all the amenities you need, including a fuel station, a laundry service, and a grocery store.
• Lavrion Port Authority is located in the town of Lavrion, about an hour southeast of Athens. The port is a major hub for sailors and there are plenty of facilities and services available, including a fuel station, a shipyard, and a market. There are also several restaurants and cafes lining the harbor.
• Marina Zeas is located in Piraeus, the main port of Athens. It's a great option if you want to be close to all the action but don't want to deal with the crowds at Alimos Marina. The marina has over 500 berths and can accommodate boats up to 50 meters in length.
• Flisvos Marina is located just north of Athens, in the town of Palaio Faliro. It's one of the newest marinas in Greece and can accommodate up to 800 boats. The marina has all the amenities you need, including a fuel station, a laundry service, and a grocery store.

Renting a sailboat with or without a skipper

There are many reasons why Greece is such a popular sailing destination. The weather is perfect for sailing with long sunny days and gentle breezes. The scenery is stunning with crystal clear waters, picturesque islands, and quaint villages. And of course, there’s the food! Greek food is healthy and delicious, making it the perfect fuel for a day of sailing.

When it comes to renting a sailboat in Greece, you have two options: a skippered charter or a bareboat charter. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh your options before making a decision.

A skippered charter is ideal if you want someone else to handle the sailing while you relax and enjoy the ride. This option is also great if you’re new to sailing or don’t feel confident enough to sail on your own. On a skippered charter, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that an experienced captain is at the helm.

The downside of a skippered charter is that it will cost more than a bareboat charter. You’ll also have less freedom and flexibility when it comes to itinerary planning as the captain will ultimately make decisions about where to go based on safety concerns and other factors.

A bareboat charter is ideal if you want complete freedom and flexibility when planning your trip. With this option, you’ll be responsible for handling all aspects of the boat including navigation, mooring, and anchoring. This option is best suited for experienced sailors who are confident in their abilities.

The downside of a bareboat charter is that it requires more time and effort to plan as you’ll need to research mooring locations, weather conditions, etc. You’ll also need to be comfortable with handling the boat on your own as there won’t be a captain there to help if things go wrong.

When is the best time to go?

The weather in Greece is the epitome of a warm Mediterranean climate, the summer weather beginning in May with temperatures of around 77°F. By July, these temperatures soar into the high 80s and rarely drop below 68°F, even at night. On the lower ground, there are hot, dry summers, which contrasts greatly with the weather in the mountains, where the temperatures are typically lower and there is much more rain.

While it’s true that the heat can be a little too much in the summer months (July and August), the Greek islands are thankfully cooled down a little by the Meltemi winds. These winds also provide you with perfect conditions for sailing.