Last-Minute Yacht Charter Greece

Seasons

When to sail Greece

Greece is really three different sailing holidays. The Ionian is gentle, the Saronic Gulf is close to Athens, and the Cyclades are wild and windy in high summer. Where you sail decides when you should go.

Greek sailing seasons and when last-minute deals appear
Season	Months	Sailing conditions	Last-minute deal outlook
Peak	July–August	Hot and dry. In the Aegean, especially the Cyclades, the meltemi, a strong northerly wind, can blow force 6–7 for days at a time. The Ionian usually has a moderate north-westerly afternoon breeze.	Fewest deals. Late discounts mostly appear on Cyclades boats, when less experienced crews avoid the meltemi.
Shoulder	May–June, September–October	Warm and less crowded. The meltemi is usually lighter and less frequent in June and September. The sea is warmest in September.	The best value. Ionian deals cluster in late May and late September; the Cyclades are at their best in June and September.
Off-season	November–April	Cooler and changeable, with more frequent southerly gales. Many fleets keep boats ashore, and some island tavernas and harbour services close.	Very low prices in April and late October where boats are in the water.

Seasons and winds are typical patterns, not guarantees. Always check the forecast and the operator's season dates.

Bases & routes

Best bases and 7-night routes

The main bareboat bases are Lefkada and Corfu in the Ionian, and Athens (Alimos and Lavrio) for the Saronic and the Cyclades. Kos and Rhodes serve the Dodecanese.

Lefkada

The Inland Sea, Ionian

Sheltered water, short hops and village tavernas: the classic first Greek charter.

Day 2: Vathi, Meganisi — about 12 nm. A sheltered harbour with tavernas on the quay.
Day 3: Kalamos — about 10 nm. A small, green island with an easy harbour.
Day 4: Kioni, Ithaca — about 16 nm. A pretty horseshoe harbour; arrive early in summer.
Day 5: Fiskardo, Kefalonia — about 6 nm. Venetian-style waterfront; tie up early or anchor nearby.
Day 6: Sivota, Lefkada — about 12 nm. A deep, calm inlet ringed with restaurants.
Day 7: back to Lefkas — about 15 nm. The Lefkas canal bridge opens to let boats through at set times.

Total: about 70 nm. Add Kastos or swap in Corfu-based routes to Paxos and Antipaxos.

Athens (Alimos)

The Saronic Gulf

Close to Athens airport and moderately sheltered, with a different island each night.

Day 2: Aegina — about 16 nm. Harbour town; famous for its pistachios.
Day 3: Palaia Epidavros — about 15 nm. A quiet bay near the ancient small theatre.
Day 4: Poros — about 17 nm. A busy waterfront facing the Peloponnese.
Day 5: Hydra — about 17 nm. Car-free and beautiful; the small harbour fills early in summer.
Day 6: Perdika, Aegina — about 25 nm. A fishing village with seafood tavernas.
Day 7: back to Alimos — about 20 nm.

Total: about 110 nm. Short of time? Agistri and Moni make easy half-day stops.

Athens (Lavrio)

The western Cyclades

Whitewashed islands and open crossings. Best in June and September; in July and August it is for experienced crews only.

Day 2: Vourkari, Kea — about 13 nm. A sheltered bay on the closest Cycladic island to Athens.
Day 3: Kythnos — about 17 nm. Kolona's sand-spit anchorage or the hot springs at Loutra.
Day 4: Livadi, Serifos — about 20 nm. A wide bay under a hilltop chora.
Day 5: Sifnos — about 12 nm. Vathi or Kamares; known for its food and pottery.
Day 6: Merichas, Kythnos — about 30 nm. A long leg that will be upwind if the meltemi is blowing.
Day 7: back to Lavrio — about 28 nm.

Total: about 120 nm. Plan upwind legs for the morning and keep a spare day for weather.

Distances are approximate straight-line sailing miles, rounded; your actual route depends on wind, stops and the operator's rules. Day 1 is check-in at the base; most charters are seven nights with check-out on the final morning.

Fleet

Boats you'll find in Greece

Sailing monohulls

Roughly 33–50 ft with two to five cabins: the most common and best-value option, and great upwind in the meltemi. Suit couples and sailing-focused crews.

Catamarans

Typically 38–50 ft with four cabins or more. Very popular in the Ionian and the Cyclades for families and groups. They're roomy and stable, but in strong winds they need careful handling, and they need more space in small harbours.

Motor & crewed yachts

Power catamarans and motor yachts cover more islands in a week. Crewed sailing and motor yachts come with a skipper and host or cook, with many itineraries in the Cyclades.

Licences & skippers

Licences and skippers in Greece

To charter bareboat in Greece you'll need:

A recognised skipper licence: the ICC, RYA Day Skipper or a national licence accepted in Greece. Some fleets also accept US certificates such as ASA 104 together with a sailing résumé; the ICC is the safest choice.
A second experienced crew member named on the crew list. Depending on the operator, they may need a licence or a signed declaration of their sailing experience.
A sailing résumé showing recent experience on a similar boat, especially for catamarans and the Cyclades.

The operator registers your crew list with the port authority before you leave. We check what your fleet accepts before you book flights.

No licence? Book a skipper

A skipper is the easy answer for crews without a recognised licence, and a smart one in the Cyclades in July and August. Skippers are paid per day by the operator and need their own cabin or berth; you cover their food on board.

Crewed yachts add a host or cook for a hotel-style week.

Budget

Costs that matter beyond the charter fee

The headline price is for the boat. Ask for the operator's mandatory extras before you pay; we show them up front.

Transit log & end cleaning

A per-boat fee charged by the operator for check-in, final cleaning and often bed linen and gas. What's included varies by fleet.

Cruising tax (TEPAI)

Greece charges a cruising tax on yachts in its waters. On charter boats the operator normally handles it; check whether it's in the price or listed as an extra.

Harbours & marinas

Town quays charge harbour dues, usually modest. Marinas cost more, especially around Athens. Many bays are free to anchor in, and some taverna jetties are free if you eat there.

Fuel & water

Fuel is paid for what you used. Catamarans and motor boats use more, and water can be limited on small Cycladic islands, so top up when you can.

Skipper & provisioning

An optional skipper's daily fee plus their food. Provisioning is easy near the bases; island prices are higher.

Deposit & damage waiver

A refundable security deposit at check-in, often reducible with a non-refundable damage waiver. Travel insurance is wise for non-refundable last-minute bookings.

How SailNow deals work here

Greek islands, unsold weeks, a better price

Greek fleets would rather sail an unbooked yacht at a lower price than leave it on the quay, especially in the shoulder weeks. We watch for those weeks and share the saving with you. Live inventory is launching soon; Deal Alerts get you first in line.

Lefkada, Corfu and Athens (Alimos, Lavrio) bases
Licence and crew-list requirements checked before you book
Skippered options for the Cyclades or crews without a licence

SailNow is a booking agent: your charter contract, check-in and deposit are with the licensed operator who owns or manages the boat. How it works · Sample deals

Good questions

Greece charter questions

When is the best time for a last-minute yacht charter in Greece?

May–June and September–October. Fleets have the most unsold weeks then, the sea is warm in September, and the meltemi is usually lighter. In the Ionian, deals cluster in late May and late September; for the Cyclades, June and September are the best months to sail.

What is the meltemi and when does it blow?

The meltemi is a strong, dry northerly wind in the Aegean that peaks in July and August. It can blow force 6–7, occasionally more, for several days at a time and is strongest in the Cyclades. It is usually lighter in June and September. The Ionian and the Saronic Gulf are far less affected.

Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Greece?

For bareboat, the skipper needs a recognised licence such as the ICC, RYA Day Skipper or an accepted national licence, and a second experienced crew member must be on the crew list. Some fleets accept US certificates such as ASA 104 with a sailing résumé, but the ICC is the safest choice. Without a licence, book a skippered or crewed charter.

Which part of Greece is best for a first charter?

The Ionian, sailing from Lefkada or Corfu. Distances are short, harbours are close together and summer winds are usually moderate afternoon breezes. The Saronic Gulf from Athens is a good second choice. Leave the Cyclades in July and August to experienced crews or book a skipper.

What extra costs should I budget for in Greece?

Expect the operator's transit log and end cleaning, harbour and marina fees, fuel, provisioning and a refundable security deposit. Greece's cruising tax (TEPAI) is normally handled by the operator; check whether it is included. A skipper is extra if you need one.

Which Greek charter bases are closest to an airport?

Athens bases at Alimos and Lavrio are a short drive from Athens airport. Lefkada fleets are reached via Preveza (Aktion) airport, and Corfu's marinas are close to Corfu airport. Kos and Rhodes have their own airports for the Dodecanese.

More answers in our charter FAQ, or ask us anything.