Yacht charter Greece
by Europe Yachts.

Cyclades vs Ionian — pick the right region for your crew

Cyclades is wind-driven sailing. The Meltemi blows from the north at 20-30+ knots through July and August, which delivers exhilarating downwind passages south to Santorini and demanding upwind legs back to Athens — best for crews with confident reefing experience. Ionian is the opposite: lighter winds (a thermal Maestro, not the Meltemi), shorter passages, more anchorages, calmer water. Ionian is the standard recommendation for first-time bareboat or for crews with kids — Cyclades for sailors who want to actually sail.

Meltemi season and timing

The Meltemi is the defining feature of Cyclades summer sailing. It builds through July, peaks in August, and starts to ease in mid-September. On a 30-knot day the entire Cyclades fleet sits in port; on a 20-knot day the downwind legs from Mykonos to Paros are some of the best sailing in the Mediterranean. May, June and late September deliver lighter wind windows that make the upwind return legs feasible. Plan charters around the Meltemi — not against it.

First-time crews to the Cyclades should arrive Athens, sail south with the wind for four days through Mykonos, Paros and Naxos, then base the last two days near Lavrion or Athens. Trying to fight 25 knots back from Santorini in early August is how guests turn a holiday into a survival exercise.

Marinas and base ports

Athens has two charter clusters: Alimos (Kalamaki, the largest charter base in Greece by berth count) and Lavrion (45 minutes east of Athens, the natural launching point for the Cyclades). Corfu Town and Gouvia Marina serve the northern Ionian; Lefkada Marina and Preveza serve the central Ionian. Rhodes and Kos serve the Dodecanese. Skiathos serves the Sporades. Each base has different fleet density, weather characteristics, and proximity to the headline islands.

Bareboat licensing — the Greek requirements

Greek bareboat regulations require two qualified crew members on board: a skipper with a recognised offshore certificate (RYA Day Skipper or above, ICC, IYT International Bareboat Skipper, or equivalent) AND a co-skipper with at least an introductory sailing certificate. Both names must be declared at the charter base on check-in. The skipper certificate must be the original or notarised copy. VHF radio operator certificate is also required. Europe Yachts confirms documentation acceptance pre-charter.

Mooring and Park economics

Most Greek harbours operate town quays where stern-to with own anchor is the standard mooring — fees range from free (small island villages) to €40-80/night in Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens marinas. Marina slots are limited; pre-book online for July-August. Free konoba/taverna mooring buoys are common in smaller bays — same convention as Croatia: pick up a buoy, eat ashore. There is no national park entry fee equivalent to Croatian Kornati or Mljet on the Cyclades or Saronic; the Sporades National Marine Park (Alonissos) does charge a small fee.

Greek hospitality is what brings guests back. The taverna at the head of every bay, the same kind of family-run, fish-from-the-boat menu — that is the constant from the Saronic to the Dodecanese. Croatia is closer to the Italian model of curated marinas; Greece feels lived-in.

Charter cost — what Greece actually costs in 2026

Bareboat catamarans in Greece run €4,000-8,500 per week in May-June, €7,000-14,000 in July-August (Cyclades premium), and €5,000-10,000 in September. Monohulls 30-40% less. Saronic and Ionian are typically 10-15% cheaper than Cyclades for equivalent boats. Marina costs are mid-range — Athens (Alimos, Lavrion) and the Cyclades main ports €60-90/night peak; Ionian island quays often €30-50/night. End-of-week clean and provisioning add €400-600. Crewed catamarans with skipper-and-hostess start around €11,000/week.

Greece vs Croatia — which to charter first?

Croatia wins on marina density, channel shelter, and the convenience of having a town quay or ACI marina at every overnight. Greece wins on the diversity of cruising waters in one country (Saronic / Cyclades / Ionian / Sporades / Dodecanese — five distinct sailing personalities) and on the longer charter season. For first-time bareboat crews the Ionian is the right entry point — calmer than Cyclades, dense marina coverage similar to Croatia. Cyclades is the right choice for experienced sailors who want the Meltemi-driven downwind summer passages.

72-hour free cancellation — what it covers

Every Europe Yachts Greek charter includes the 72-hour free cancellation policy on the boat fee — full refund if you cancel within 72 hours of booking, no questions asked. After that window, standard charter cancellation terms apply. The policy does not cover supplier costs (paid skipper, marina pre-bookings, transit log) once they are paid. See the full payment procedure page for exact terms.