Whether you like the idea of sailing around the Greek islands or would prefer to visit mainland ports, this guide shares all you need to know about sailing in Greece. This sunkissed land is abundant in beautiful beaches, and has an incredibly rich history too. It’s also famous for its fabulous food.
Read on for the complete Greece sailing guide. Covered here is when to go sailing in Greece, the types of boat you can hire, FAQs, and insider tips. You can also find inspiration by taking a look at our suggested itineraries and list of must-see destinations.
Best Time of Year to Sail in Greece
The Greek sailing season starts in April, and runs until the end of October. Summer, in June, July and August, is the most popular time to sail, and these months also offer the warmest temperatures of the year. Due to high demand, though, summer is also the most expensive season for boat hire.
If you can travel at another time, May and September offer favourable sailing conditions and warm weather. April and October are even quieter – and therefore more affordable – but the weather will also be a little cooler.
Top Boat Picks for Greece
To give you some idea of the sort of boats you could be setting sail in, here are three of the best hire boats for Greece.
Sailboat Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 · 2022 · Surya
- Type: Sailing boat
- Sleeps: up to 10
- Cabins: 4
- Location: Gouvia, Corfu
- Captain: Yourself (with a licence) or hire a captain
This spacious sailboat is based in Corfu, so it’s ideal for those arriving on this popular, historic island by charter flight. The 2022 boat is almost new, and offers four generously sized cabins and a couple of bathrooms.
Hellenic Yachting is the reputable charter company who own and operate the boat, and you can book it with or without a skipper. It’s well equipped, with a VHF marine radio, GPS chartplotter, and autopilot.
Hot water, a fridge, all linen and towels, and even snorkelling equipment are supplied. Add-ons such as SUP boards, WiFi and a hostess are also available to make your trip as comfortable as possible.
Catamaran Lagoon 50 · 2018 · For Sail Too – Skippered
- Type: Catamaran
- Sleeps: up to 12
- Cabins: 7
- Location: Mykonos Town
- Captain: Yourself (with a licence) or hire a captain
Set sail in air conditioned comfort from Mykonos Town by hiring this sleek catamaran. With seven cabins, it can accommodate up to a dozen people. You can hire it with or without a captain, as you prefer.
This smart catamaran is a 2018 model, and comes with some top-notch equipment including air conditioning, solar panels, a generator, an electric winch, and a VHF marine radio. Snorkelling kit is also supplied, and there’s a USB charger for your devices. If you like, you can add WiFi, paddleboards, fishing equipment, and more as optional extras.
Motorboat Ferretti 880 · 2004 (refit 2021) · Estia YI
- Type: Motorboat
- Sleeps: up to 9
- Cabins: 4
- Location: Salamina
- Captain: Captain and crew included
Refitted in 2021, this motorboat can whisk you around the Greek islands at speed. It comes with a crew, including a captain, so you don’t need to worry about navigation. Lots of equipment is also covered by the rental cost, including the sort of water sports kit you’d often pay extra for, like stand-up paddleboards, water skis, and wakeboards.
The boat has air conditioning to keep you cool during a scorching Greek summer, and the dinghy even has an outboard engine. But the real unique selling point of this charter boat is the jacuzzi, for luxurious on-board soaks. Sleeping up to nine, it’s suitable for a couple, family or group.
Must-See Sailing Destinations in Greece
Corfu
Corfu is the ideal Greek island for everyone, and is good for beginner to intermediate level sailors. It has a colourful, multicultural history involving British, French, and Venetian rule. The interior is mountainous, and the shoreline is dotted with beautiful beaches.
Best bar: The Boathouse Bar & Cocktails – welcoming Roda bar offering stunning views of Albania.
Best restaurant: Nikos Family Restaurant – Roda eatery featuring Greek and Mediterranean food Greek nights .
Best beach: Paleokastritsa – white sands, clear waters, boat tours, water sports and wonderful views.
Mykonos
With beach bars and dance clubs, Mykonos is the Greek island of choice for luxury lovers and party-goers. It’s suited to sailors who are beginner to intermediate level. Local landmarks include the iconic line of windmills above Mykonos Town.
Best bar: 54 Cocktail Lounge & Skybar – boutique rooftop bar playing classic pop and disco that’s unmissable at sunset.
Best restaurant: Phoebus – gourmet seafood plus Greek and Mediterranean fare in Mykonos Town.
Best beach: Ornos – naturally beautiful bay with soft sand, crystal clear water and plenty of facilities.
Rhodes
Rhodes is best suited to intermediate level sailors, so it’s ideal if you have a skipper or a fair amount of experience. The island has lovely beaches and an interesting history, previously being occupied by the Ottomans, the Italians, and the Knights of St. John.
Best bar: Dreams Cocktail Bar – rooftop Lindos venue offering sweeping views of the local landscape.
Best restaurant: Mylos a la carte restaurant – award-winning Greek and Mediterranean eatery with ocean and mountain views.
Best beach: Tsambika – Blue Flag beach with golden sand azure water, and Tsambika Mountain views.
Santorini
With its cobalt blue and white buildings clustered on the hillsides, Santorini is the quintessential Greek island, and best suited to experienced sailors. It’s also known for colourful lava pebble beaches and its underwater caldera.
Best bar: PK Cocktail Bar – colourful cocktails, a friendly vibe, and stunning views of the island and caldera.
Best restaurant: Ta Tertipia Santorini – authentic Greek cuisine including sharing meze and tapas-style dishes.
Best beach: Red beach – unique beach with red volcanic sand, backed by dramatic red cliffs.
Greece Sailing Itineraries & Routes
Paros 7-Day Itinerary
This one week Greek sailing itinerary from Paros takes in lots of lesser-known, unspoiled spots, as well as the quintessential Greek island of Santorini.
Day 1
- Paros: Naturally beautiful island with whitewashed, traditional villages, great food and wine, and historical and cultural treasures.
Day 2
- Kamares: Pretty, traditional harbour village with sunny beaches ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling.
Day 3
- Folegandros: Undeveloped area with a handful of good local restaurants and pristine beaches.
Day 4
- Santorini: Colourful beaches, classic domed buildings, and the underwater caldera await in picture perfect Santorini.
Day 5
- Amorgos: Rocky, untouched island with great hiking trails, lovely beaches, and traditional villages.
Day 6
- Antiparos: Small island adjacent to Paros with a Venetian castle, caves, and a traditional Greek way of life.
Day 7
- Return to Paros.
Rhodes 8-Day Itinerary
This itinerary takes you from Rhodes to Samos and back to Rhodes via historic sites, natural beauty, watersports, and parties.
Day 1
- Rhodes: Waterside Rhodes Town offers old and new town areas, and offers a contemporary European ambience as well as ancient history.
Day 2
- Symi: This unheard-of Greek island has an iconic monastery, pastel-toned buildings hugging the hillsides, and remote pebble beaches.
Day 3
- Nisyros: Surprisingly lively volcanic island with welcoming bars, characterful streets, and sweeping ocean views.
Day 4
- Kos: By day, discover pristine coves and 15 century castles, before the after-dark party starts each evening.
Day 5
- Kalymnos: This is the island for hiking, climbing, nature and seafood lovers – and incredible sunsets.
Day 6
- Leros: Dominated by the Castle of Leros and fringed by tranquil bays, only private charter boats tend to stop here.
Day 7
- Chrissi Akti: This hidden gem on the island of Crete offers a truly Golden Beach where you can sample watersports or relax and unwind.
Day 8
- Samos: Historic Samos lies close to Turkey and offers lush landscapes, ancient Greek artefacts, and pleasant beaches.
Athens 14-Day Itinerary
If you have two weeks to spare, sail from Athens for a fortnight to discover the very best of what Greece has to offer.
Day 1
- Athens: The unmissable Acropolis dominates the city, but there are plenty of other reasons besides for visiting the Greek capital.
Day 2
- Aegina: Home of the hilltop Aphaia Temple and the hillside Paleochora Byzantine ruins, plus seafood restaurants by Agia Marina beach.
Day 3
- Poros: Local attractions include the Lemon Forest, the Clock Tower, the Temple of Poseidon, as well as beautiful beaches.
Day 4
- Anavyssos: The breathtaking beaches here offer kiteboarding, windsurfing and more, plus there are cliff top ruins and authentic tavernas.
Day 5
- Kea: Very photogenic island with 13th century architecture, a history of pirates, fishing villages, and peaceful beaches.
Day 6
- Kythnos: This glorious island is famed for its hot springs, snorkelling at Agia Irini beach, and seafood dining at sunset.
Day 7
- Kamares: Sun-kissed beaches offering swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing await on this traditional Greek island.
Day 8
- Milos: The so-called Island of Colours offers unique rock formations as well as UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites.
Day 9
- Kimolos: An archeological museum, a Byzantine castle, whitewashed villages, rock formations, and fresh food await on Kimolos.
Day 10
- Naxos: A hidden gem offering the Temple of Apollo, an archeological museum, coastal trails, and a monastery restaurant.
Day 11
- Mykonos: This fashionable Greek island is known for luxury and partying, but also has an abundance of natural beauty.
Day 12
- Gavrio: Experience traditional Greek hospitality, cuisine, and crafts on this warm and welcoming island.
Day 13
- Laurium: This island has it all – a ruined temple, old silver mines, traditional tavernas, and beaches for water sports, swimming and sunbathing.
Day 14
- Kallithea: Translating as “good view,” pine-clad Kallithea has sandy beaches and significant historic sites.
Tips & Rules for Sailing in Greece
This list of useful tips should help to make your sailing adventure run like clockwork.
Giving way
When in Greek waters, a number of rules concerning giving way can help to ensure everyone’s safety. These can be summarised as follows:
- The most manoeuvrable boat should give way when there is little room for movement.
- Overtaking boats should give the leader priority and stay a safe distance away.
- A sailboat on port tack or windward tack should give way to one on starboard or leeward tack, respectively.
- If visibility isn’t clear, always give way if you think the crew can’t see you.
- Always give way to much bigger vessels.
Be weather aware
The weather is the most important factor to keep in mind when sailing in Greece. You’ll need to keep track of this yourself if you’re skippering the boat. If you have a captain, you can leave the weather watching up to them.
Consider hazards
Some Greek destinations, islands, and seas are easier to sail than others. Rocky areas can be particularly dangerous. Refer to nautical charts, and take note of any local advice. Take extra care when navigating any rugged, rocky coastline.
Avoid July and August if you can
July and August are not only the most crowded months, but can also bring strong winds to the Aegean. If you can, choose another month to set sail. April, May, September, and October are more peaceful, and cheaper, than July and August.
Hire a skipper
Do you really want the responsibility of being in charge of the boat? An experienced captain is always going to be more likely to keep you safe. Your enjoyment is also important when taking a holiday, and it might not be so much fun if you’re stressing about navigation or steering the whole time.
Hiring a professional captain really is worth thinking about, for your own enjoyment as well as safety reasons.
FAQs
What are the Best Greek Islands to Sail?
The best Greek islands to sail depend on your ability, as well as where you want to go. Corfu, Mykonos, Skiathos, and Zakynthos are ideal for beginners, while Rhodes and Santorini are best for intermediate to advanced level sailors.
Do You Need a Boat Licence in Greece?
You can sail without a boat licence in Greece if you hire an experienced skipper. To captain a boat in Greece yourself, you’ll need an ICC (International Certificate of Competence), a valid VHF Radio licence, and an original insurance certificate.
Sailing Croatia vs Greece: Which is Best?
The choice between sailing in Croatia or Greece may come down to experience. While both are beautiful destinations with lots to offer, Greece is more prone to stormy seas, and tends to have less developed marinas than Croatia. Croatia is therefore a safer option for less experienced sailors.
Sailing in Greece is best for those who’ve sailed many times before, as there’s more to contend with when sailing the open seas.
What to Pack for a Sailing Trip in Greece?
When packing for a sailing trip in Greece, remember you’ll be on or by the water all the time. You’ll also have limited storage space on board, so pack as light as possible.
Swimsuits, sunscreen, a sunhat, and sunglasses are essential. You should also bring a waterproof and windproof jacket, flip flops, and deck shoes. Casual wear should suffice for any evenings out in your ports of call.
How Much is to Rent a Boat in Greece?
Boat rental in Greece isn’t necessarily expensive. For a sailing boat, the average cost is around 50 euros per person, per day. How much you’ll pay of course depends on the dates and the type of boat you go for.
How Much is it to Charter a Yacht in Greece?
The cost of a yacht in Greece should start from around 500 euros per day. The exact cost will depend on the size of the boat, the amenities, the level of luxury, and the season. What you’ll pay per person also depends how many passengers are dividing the cost between them.