Top Destinations for Yacht Charter in Greece
Discover Greece on board a private yacht
Yacht charter in Greece is an exclusive way to experience the country from the sea, granting access to islands and secluded coves where privacy and tranquillity are guaranteed. While Mykonos and Santorini are the most famous islands, during summer—especially in July and August—the meltemi winds can affect navigation in the Aegean Sea.
For this reason, at Charter & Dreams we often recommend exploring alternative areas of Greece, ideal for smoother cruising and excellent sea conditions, without sacrificing the beauty and charm the destination is known for.
From Athens, the country’s main yachting hub, it is possible to cruise towards the Saronic Islands, sail the Ionian Islands from Corfu, or discover regions such as the Cyclades, Sporades and the Dodecanese—each offering its own distinct character and atmosphere.
Choosing a luxury yacht charter in Greece allows you to enjoy the destination at your own pace, far from mass tourism, with complete freedom and a fully tailor-made itinerary.
Classic 8-day / 7-night yacht itinerary in the Cyclades
- Day 1 Athens, Marina Zea to Delos, anchorage at Ormos Skardana; overnight on board only—its magic is experienced from the deck.
- Day 2 Mykonos, Chora Port; dinner at M-eating – lobster carpaccio with mastiha.
- Day 3 Paros, Naoussa; swim at Kolymbithres, then on to Antiparos and the cove of Sostis.
- Day 4 Ios, Mylopotas; anchorage off the golden sandy beach; sunset at Pathos Bar from the flybridge.
- Day 5 Santorini, anchorage in the caldera opposite Oia; helicopter transfer to the private helipad at Santo Maris.
- Day 6 Folegandros, Karavostasis; turquoise waters with no yachts in sight.
- Day 7 Return to Athens, disembarkation after breakfast with freshly delivered bougatsa on board.
Relaxed 9-day / 8-night yacht itinerary in the Ionian Islands
- Day 1 Corfu, Gouvia Marina; cruise to Paxos, anchorage at Lakka.
- Day 2 Antipaxos, Vrika Beach; white sand and 28°C crystal-clear waters.
- Day 3 Lefkada, Porto Katsiki; 100-metre cliffs and anchorage off a floating platform.
- Day 4 Ithaca, Kioni; Odysseus’ home visible from the sea.
- Day 5 Kefalonia, Assos; emerald-green cove surrounded by cypress trees.
- Day 6 Zakynthos, Navagio; anchorage outside the bay, tender access to Shipwreck Beach before 08:00 (no tourists).
- Day 7 Return to Corfu, disembarkation.
7-day / 6-night yacht itinerary in the Eastern Dodecanese
- Day 1 Rhodes, Mandraki Marina; cruise to Symi, anchorage at Panormitis.
- Day 2 Symi, Gialos Harbour; neoclassical staircase and sardines at Taverna Nikos.
- Day 3 Nisyros, Mandraki; visit the active volcanic crater directly from the port.
- Day 4 Kos, Kardamena; anchorage at Ormos Kardamena and swim in the Embros thermal waters.
- Day 5 Kalymnos, Vathy; dramatic climbing walls rising directly from the sea.
- Day 6 Return to Rhodes, disembarkation.
Must-see places in Greece on a luxury yacht holiday
- Santorini – Caldera: anchorage at 80 m depth with uninterrupted views of Oia, far from the crowds.
- Mykonos – Little Venice: houses over the water, exclusive tender access.
- Navagio – Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach visible only from the sea before 08:00.
- Delos: archaeological site; overnight on board beneath the stars.
- Porto Katsiki – Lefkada: white cliffs and turquoise water, anchorage only.
- Panormitis – Symi: 18th-century monastery with a 650-kg bell, accessible by sea.
FAQs about Yacht Charter in Greece:
How much does a luxury yacht charter in Greece cost?
The cost of chartering a yacht in Greece mainly depends on the yacht’s length, shipyard, year of build, season, guest capacity and crew size. Below is an indicative price guide for weekly luxury yacht charters in Greece, based on real charter rates.
Length
Low Season
High Season
24–30 m
€35,000 – €60,000 / week
€50,000 – €85,000 / week
30–40 m
€65,000 – €110,000 / week
€90,000 – €180,000 / week
40–50 m
€130,000 – €200,000 / week
€180,000 – €320,000 / week
50+ m
From €320,000 / week
From €450,000 / week
High season: July–August
Low season: April–June and September–October
Prices exclude VAT (24%) and APA (approx. 25–45%).What activities and services can guests expect on a luxury yacht charter in Greece?
- Anchoring in Santorini’s caldera with crowd-free views of Oia
- Snorkelling at Navagio before 8:00 am, when the beach is empty
- Guided visit to Nisyros’ active volcanic crater, accessed from the port
- Paddle-boarding in the Embros thermal waters (Kos)
What is the best time of year to charter a yacht in Greece?
The best time for a yacht charter in Greece is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sea conditions are generally favourable.
June and September are particularly recommended, offering pleasant temperatures, excellent visibility and calmer navigation, while largely avoiding the meltemi winds that intensify during July and August.
Is a visa required to visit Greece?
- United States: No visa required for stays up to 90 days with a biometric passport
- Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar: Schengen e-Visa required prior to boarding
- United Kingdom (post-Brexit): Visa required for stays exceeding 90 days
What other aspects should be considered when chartering a luxury yacht in Greece?
- MYBA contract: Pay special attention to force majeure, cancellation and weather clauses
- Advance booking: For July and August, booking 8–12 months in advance is recommended
- APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance): Typically 25–45% of the charter fee, covering fuel, berthing, onboard food and requested extras
- VAT: Greece applies 24% VAT to both the charter fee and APA
- Flexible itinerary: Routes are always adapted to weather conditions and guest preferences, prioritising safety and comfort
- Gratuities: Customary but not mandatory. Typically 5–15% of the base charter fee, given to the captain at the end of the charter, at the guests’ discretion and based on their satisfaction with the crew’s service
- Insurance: Guests are advised to arrange independent insurance for personal belongings, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and trip cancellation, as these are not included in the charter contract
