Who this guide is for
Greece has roughly 6,000 islands and islets, of which around 230 are inhabited. For a typical 7-day catamaran charter, you’ll see 5-8 of them — which 5-8 depends on what you’re optimising for. This guide walks the country’s four mainland charter clusters (Cyclades, Ionian, Saronic Gulf, Dodecanese) plus the Sporades, and points you at which suits which type of trip.
First-time Greece charterer with a family — Ionian or Saronic. Both have short distances between islands (12-22 nm typical legs), more sheltered water than the open Aegean, and family-friendly anchorages with sand beaches.
Couple after Cyclades classics — Cyclades from Athens (Alimos or Lavrion) or from Mykonos. Be ready for the Meltemi, the strong northerly that runs through July-August at 25-35 knots most afternoons.
History-and-ruins crew — Dodecanese from Kos. Rhodes, Kos itself, Lindos, Symi all carry Hellenistic and Byzantine sites within walking distance of charter-accessible harbours.
Quiet-week sailors — Sporades from Skiathos. Smaller charter fleet, shorter season window, fewer crowds at the marquee stops.
The five regions in detail:
The Cyclades: the iconic Greek archipelago
Highlights of the Cyclades
- Santorini: Famous for its caldera views and sunset cruises.
- Mykonos: cosmopolitan town nightlife plus quieter southern beaches at Elia and Agrari (16-20 m anchor depths, sand-and-weed holding).
- Paros & Antiparos: Naousa harbour for the dinner stop; the cave of Antiparos (160 m descent into a stalactite chamber) is the rare inland detour worth doing.
For food lovers, dock at waterfront tavernas. Discover more in our guide to Greece’s best nautical restaurants.
Best Time to Sail the Cyclades
The ideal window is May to September. Learn more in our best time to charter a yacht in Greece guide.
The Ionian Islands: Emerald Waters and Venetian Charm
Family-Friendly Anchorages
- Corfu: UNESCO Old Town plus the Canal d’Amour cove on the northwest coast; Gouvia ACI Marina handles the charter fleet (1,235 berths).
- Lefkada: Porto Katsiki is the country’s most-photographed cliff beach (limestone-pebble surface, deep-water anchor in 20-30 m); the Vassiliki bay on the south coast is the main windsurfing centre, not Porto Katsiki itself.
For yacht selection tips, see how to choose the right yacht.
Cyclades Greece Europe Yachts Charter
Exploring the Saronic Gulf and Dodecanese Islands
The Saronic Gulf: Sailing Near Athens
Must-Visit Islands
- Hydra: no cars on the island, only mules and walking. Town harbour holds 20-25 stern-to berths (fees €30-60/night for a 50ft cat); the inlet fills by 17:00 in season.
- Spetses: Dapia harbour for the overnight; Armata regatta in early September is the marquee event.
Explore routes in our Saronic Gulf sailing guide.
The Dodecanese: History Meets the Aegean
Top Islands
- Rhodes: Mandraki harbour (32 stern-to berths) puts you walking distance from the UNESCO Old Town and the Grand Master’s Palace. Anthony Quinn Bay 14 nm south is the standard swim stop.
- Kos: Asklepieion archaeological site walking distance from Kos town marina; the wind on the south coast (Kefalos, Paradise Beach) is reliable for kitesurfing.
Sailing on a Budget
Save by chartering in May or late September (boat rates 25-40% below peak July-August) and provisioning yourself rather than relying on dockside restaurants every dinner. Read budget charter tips.
Ionian Greece Europe Yachts Charter
Sailing the Sporades & Beyond
The Sporades: the Aegean’s quietest charter cluster
Island Highlights
- Skiathos: Skiathos town quay or the small Koukounaries marina at the south of the island; the Lalaria beach (white pebble, cliff-walled, dinghy-access only) is the marquee stop.
- Skopelos: Glossa harbour on the north coast; the Mamma Mia! chapel (Agios Ioannis) is the standard photo stop.
Family-Friendly Sailing Tips
Extending Your Voyage to Croatia
Combine Greece with Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Explore our Croatian island guide.
Your Sailing Questions Answered
What are crew members on a boat called?
Crew members include the captain, deckhands, and hostesses.
Do I need to tip the hostess?
Tipping is discretionary (5–15% for exceptional service).
Hostess obligations?
Meal prep, cleaning, and guest services. Details in our hostess guide.
Saronic Greece Europe Yachts Charter
