Yacht Charter Syros

Yacht Charter Syros

On a Syros yacht charter with Borrow a Boat you can explore many of the Cyclades islands within an easy sail. Whatever you want from an Aegean Sea yacht charter, from its nightlife, to beaches and culture to deep human history, a Syros sailing holiday ticks all the boxes

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Yacht Charter Syros

Yacht Charter Syros

On a Syros yacht charter with Borrow a Boat you can explore many of the Cyclades islands within an easy sail. Whatever you want from an Aegean Sea yacht charter, from its nightlife, to beaches and culture to deep human history, a Syros sailing holiday ticks all the boxes

Perched on the steep hillside above the clear waters of the harbour, Ermopoli is the island's largest town and is the administrative centre for the Cyclades. It is also one of the oldest intact Cycladic towns, with architecture dating back centuries. Ermopolis was the destination of Greek refugees from the Greek War of Independence and as such is one of those towns you'll want to get lost in just to see, feel and smell this authentic and beautiful part of Greece.

Syros island has been inhabited for millennia and as such you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to ancient ruins and artefacts. In part blessed by not having an airport (you'll need to take a ferry from Mykonos) Syros isn't overrun with tourists, and you'll soon discover quiet sandy beaches to relax on, away from the hustle and bustle.

There are broadly two areas on the Cyclades island - the northern, mountainous end known as Apano Meria and the southern, flatter area with most of the villages. The sailor will soon find hideaway coves and the odd anchorage at the Apano Meria end, well away from roads and settlements. Bring your walking boots! For those interested in the cultural side, there are many towns and villages in the northern side of the island that you can explore at leisure.

Explore Syros By Renting A Yacht

Thanks to its central position in the Cyclades islands, a Syros yacht charter is one of those where you are spoiled for choice where to go.

Human history has swept through the Cyclades for thousands of years and those in search of ancient ruins will not be disappointed. Relics of the Athenians, Ottomans and even Minoans can be found in different places.

You can also avoid the loud crowd as you choose to anchor or moor your charter yacht in places that suit you more than they such as nearby Paros and the tiny Antiparos, which are becoming increasingly popular thanks to being far enough away yet almost close enough to Athens. For those really looking for an escape, you can head further to Amorgos that is even more laid back - or to the tiny island of Psara with its tragic history and thrilling naval history.

Mykonos, up to the NE of Syros island, is the powerhouse of Cyclades island tourism thanks to its international airport and brash resorts that are big draws to the 18-30 tourist crowd. Other important destinations for those for whom booze and music is a big part of having fun are Paros and Ios where you can have a blast 24/7 if that's what floats your boat!

How To Get To Syros

There are broadly three airports serving Syros Island - Mykonos is closest, as well as Athens and Santorini, all of which will require a ferry trip to get to the island.

Mykonos Airport

Just 4km from Mykonos Town, the airport is served by a number of European and international airlines. This is around an hour's ferry ride to Syros Island.

Athens Airport

This major international airport has flights from all over the world, and is around five hours by bus and ferry from Syros.

Santorini Airport

Several European and international airlines fly into this airport, and you can take a ferry onto Syros from there.

Marinas In Syros

Currently there is only one marina on Syros island - Finikas Marina, though there is one being built in Ermopolis Harbor.

Finikas Marina

With just 20 berths, this is the main marina on the island with boats for rent including luxury yacht charter, catamaran charter, monohull sailing boat charter, luxury motorboat charter and RIBs on a bareboat or crewed yacht charter basis.

Berth Characteristics:

20 berths

Max Length 60m (196 Feet)

Max Draught 6.5m (21 Feet)

List of additional services: Shore power, water, toilets, washing facilities, fuel, bar, supermarket restaurant and shipyard

Suggested Sailing Routes From Mykonos

With its central location in the Cyclades islands, a Syros yacht charter (bareboat charter or crewed yacht charter) can allow you to island hop the sailing area near and far with over 200 islands to choose from.

7 days - the Cyclades: What do you want from a Greek boat rental? The next Cycladic island south in the chain is Naxos where Dionysus, the god of wine is meant to have been married. Over to Paros to the west, a party island at least as good as Mykonos - with the chance to relax in style. Over the ensuing days you can hit Ios (an island famed for its beach parties), and Sifnos as you explore these jewels of the Aegean Sea. For those who want to escape the rabble, Serifos hasn't quite been tainted by tourism so you will find something quite authentic once you have climbed the steep hill into the main clifftop town.

14 days - Island chain hopping: With 14 days you can stretch your sea legs a bit and sail well beyond the Cycladesthemselves. In the first couple of days you can sail through the Cyclades and then head off west to the Peloponese and then the Saronic Islands before heading north into Athens and then back to the Cyclades and to your marina. This is an opportunity to get out and explore the different sub-cultures of Greek island life, as well as get a taste for the capital city Athens as you go.

Best Times To Hire A Yacht In Syros

The sailing season runs from late April to October with July and August being the busiest months for yacht rental. This is ironic as July and August can be the worst times to sail! Both extremely hot air temperatures and often hazardous Meltemi winds can make for big winds sailing when you honestly just want to hide from the heat.

The sea is cooler - often quite chilly - at the beginning of the sailing season but there is rainfall in Spring. As the days lengthen you will still see green fields and flowers in May and the winds can be quite benign too. Combined with the crowds being smaller, this suggests that May to early June are the sweet spot for an Athens yacht charter.

Come September and October the seas are still like a warm bath. However there are often water shortages on the islands and everything looks parched.

Sailing Weather In Syros

April to mid June: There is rainfall and the temperatures build steadily from the mid-teens to the mid 20 degree C range. There are sometimes gentle southerly winds, thoough these are replaced by ever stronger N-NW Meltemi winds that are rarely hazardous but make for exciting sailing at times.

Late June-August: You'll be unlucky if you see any rain, though it could be welcome in the summer heat! Temperatures are from 30s with recent hot days exceeding 40. The northerly Meltemi winds can be fierce and can hit F7 for a solid few days.

September-October: The seas remain warm and the Meltemi eases. These months can be the best time of year to sailas the temperatures are often in the comfortable low to mid 20s.

FAQs:

What should I consider when hiring a Yacht or Boat?

The main points to consider are what is your budget, have you got the necessary sailing experience and qualifications to manage the boat if it's not going to have a skipper, whom you are taking sailing, where exactly you wish to go and what will the weather be like on the proposed dates of your trip.

What are the Marinas in Syros?

Finikas Marina is the small, main marina on Syros, with space for 20 boats of up to 60m LOA.

When are the best times to hire a boat in Syros?

Given the large crowds, fierce heat and often feisty Meltemi winds in July and August, there are better times to do a yacht charter. We would suggest late May when the land is green, water is plentiful and the winds lighter. You also shouldn't struggle to get a berth in a marina!

Do you have to pay a deposit when hiring a Yacht in Syros ?

You will typically pay 50% up front on booking the yacht hire and the balance on arrival. You will either pay a security deposit with your credit card on departure or can get insurance covering damage in advance. In some cases (such as the recent Covid situation) charter companies may be more flexible but this depends on the individual charter companies themselves.

What happens if my Yacht breaks down?

If you are at sea and in danger, call MAYDAY on VHF Ch16 or ring the coast guard on your phone if you have reception. If you have a mechanical fault and can make it to or are on a mooring you will be able to phone a help line number given by the boat charter company.

What should I think of before I hire a Yacht or Boat in Syros?

You should consider do you have the experience to handle the yacht charter or boat hire before you book and where do you want to go along with what the weather will be like. Bring warm weather and cool weather clothing if it looks like the weather can be cool as well as warm and remember at sea it can be cool on most evenings.

What Qualifications Do I need to hire a boat or yacht?

If you want to sail without a skipper then you will need relevant qualifications like RYA Day Skipper/International Certificate of Competence (ICC)/ASA 104 Bareboat certificate or the US Sailing Certificate. For small 'day boats' or if you choose to have a skippered on board your yacht charter you typically don't require licences.

Frequently asked questions
What should I consider when renting a boat?

The main points to consider are what is your budget, have you got the necessary sailing experience and qualifications to manage the boat if it's not going to have a skipper, whom you are taking sailing, where exactly you wish to go and what will the weather be like on the proposed dates of your trip.

Do you have to pay a deposit when renting a boat in Syros?

​You will typically pay 50% up front on booking the yacht hire and the balance on arrival. You will either pay a security deposit with your credit card on departure or can get insurance covering damage in advance. In some cases (such as the recent Covid situation) charter companies may be more flexible but this depends on the individual charter companies themselves.

What happens if my boat breaks down?

If you are at sea and in danger, call MAYDAY on VHF Ch16 or ring the coast guard on your phone if you have reception. If you have a mechanical fault and can make it to or are on a mooring you will be able to phone a help line number given by the boat charter company.

What should I think of before I rent a boat in Syros?

You should consider do you have the experience to handle the yacht charter or boat rental before you book and where do you want to go along with what the weather will be like. Bring warm weather and cool weather clothing if it looks like the weather can be cool as well as warm and remember at sea it can be cool on most evenings.

What qualifications do I need to rent a boat?

If you want to sail without a captain then you will need relevant qualifications like RYA Day Skipper/International Certificate of Competence (ICC)/ASA 104 Bareboat certificate or the US Sailing Certificate. For small 'day boats' or if you choose to have a skippered on board your yacht charter you typically don't require licences.