Destinations · Greece
Yacht Charter in Greece.
Our home waters. Six thousand islands, six distinct cruising regions, and a season that runs from April into November.
7 Islands
6 islands
5 islands
5 islands
3 islands
southern aegean
mainland coast
Why charter in Greece
Greece is the natural home of the yacht charter. The country has more than six thousand islands and islets, sixteen thousand kilometres of coastline, and a sailing season that stretches from April into November. Nowhere else in the Mediterranean offers the same combination of geographic variety, cultural depth, and reliable summer weather. In recent years Greece has become the largest single charter market in the world, with more yachts based in Greek waters than anywhere else on earth.
What sets Greek chartering apart is the range. A single week can move between the whitewashed cubes of the Cyclades, the pine-covered coves of the Ionian, the medieval old towns of the Dodecanese, or the elegance of Hydra and Spetses within reach of Athens. Every region has its own light, its own architectural character, and its own rhythm of seasons. The right one for your charter depends on who you are travelling with and what you want the week to feel like.
The cruising Regions
The Cyclades
Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Sifnos, Folegandros. The whitewashed islands of the central Aegean and the region that defines Greek chartering for most first-time guests. Reliable meltemi winds in high summer, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and a cosmopolitan dining scene make the Cyclades the most-cruised part of Greek waters. Best suited to guests who want energy and range across a single week.
The Ionian
Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos. The green, sheltered islands off Greece’s western coast, with turquoise bays and gentler winds than the Aegean. The Ionian is the natural charter ground for families with children, first-time charterers, and guests who prioritise swimming over passage-making. Venetian-era harbours give the region a distinct architectural character.
The Argo-Saronic Gulf
Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses. The gulf immediately south of Athens, and the shortest passage of Greek cruising. Ideal for shorter charters, weekend escapes, or first-time guests looking for a compact introduction to the Greek islands. Hydra is one of the most atmospheric small ports in the Mediterranean, and cars are still forbidden on the island.
The Dodecanese
Rhodes, Kos, Symi, Patmos. The southeastern islands, close to the Turkish coast and shaped by centuries of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian influence. Excellent provisioning, quiet anchorages, and a distinct architectural heritage. Cross-border itineraries into Bodrum or Gocek are possible with appropriate licensing, and increasingly popular among experienced guests.
The Sporades
Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos. The forested islands of the northwestern Aegean, surrounded by the largest marine park in Europe. The most sheltered sailing in Greek waters, and best known internationally as the setting of Mamma Mia. Genuinely unspoiled character, particularly rewarding for guests looking for a quieter alternative to the Cyclades.
Corsica pairs naturally with Sardinia across the narrow Bonifacio Strait, and combined itineraries across both islands offer some of the most rewarding cruising in the region.
Crete and the South
Chania, Heraklion, Elafonisi, Rethymno. The largest Greek island and the southernmost point of Greece. A coastline of a thousand kilometres runs past Venetian harbours, remote southern beaches reachable only by yacht, and the entrances to some of the country’s most dramatic gorges. Often combined with itineraries through the southern Cyclades.
The Peloponnese
Nafplio, Monemvasia, Methoni, Porto Heli. The mainland peninsula south of Athens, with a distinct character from the islands: fortified medieval towns, ancient archaeological sites, and the dramatic coastline of the Mani. Porto Heli has become an increasingly favoured luxury base, and the region rewards charters focused on history, solitude, and uncrowded shores.
Charter Season and Weather
The Greek charter season peaks in July and August, when the meltemi wind blows across the Aegean and the islands are at their most vibrant. June and September offer the finest balance of the year: warm water, softer winds, and considerably fewer boats at anchor. Shoulder months of May and October reward more adventurous guests with genuine solitude and the light that has drawn painters to these shores for centuries.
Sea temperatures rise from around 19°C in May to 25°C by August, and remain swimmable through mid-October. The Ionian is generally warmer and calmer than the Aegean throughout the season, making it particularly suited to families and shoulder-month itineraries. The Cyclades in high summer can see meltemi winds reach 25 to 30 knots, which the captain will work around when planning the routing for each day.
Embarkation and logistics
Athens serves as the primary charter hub for Greek waters. The majority of the Greek fleet is based at three marinas along the Athenian Riviera: Astir Marina, Flisvos Marina, Alimos Marina, and Zea Marina in Piraeus. From any of these, yachts can reach the nearest Cycladic islands within a few hours or turn west into the Argo-Saronic Gulf for a gentler start.
Secondary embarkation points include Corfu for Ionian charters, Kos and Rhodes for Dodecanese itineraries, and Chania or Heraklion for Crete-based charters. All are served by international flights or short connecting flights from Athens, and we arrange ground transfers directly to the yacht.
April to October
Athens Riviera
Six thousand across six regions
Seven to ten nights
July and August
May, June, September
Why Atalanta Seascape
Atalanta Seascape Yachts was formed from the merger of two Greek yachting houses, Atalanta Marine and Seascape Yacht Charters, with a combined heritage of more than sixty years in the industry. Our team is Athens-based, and every itinerary we design is shaped by first-hand knowledge of the anchorages, the seasonal rhythms, and the captains who work these waters year after year.
Whether the trip is a first Greek charter through the Argo-Saronic or a two-week voyage from Corfu to Rhodes, we match the right yacht to the routing and coordinate every detail before you step aboard.
Sample seven-day itinerary
A directional guide rather than a fixed plan. Every itinerary is shaped around the yacht, the guests, and the weather window of the specific week.
Weather by Month
A monthly guide to Greek cruising conditions. Values are averages for the central Aegean; the Ionian tends to be milder and calmer, the Dodecanese slightly warmer.
| Month | Air temp | Sea temp | Wind | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 19°C | 16°C | Light to moderate | 4 |
| May | 24°C | 19°C | Light northerly | 2 |
| June | 28°C | 22°C | Moderate meltemi | 1 |
| July | 30°C | 24°C | Fresh meltemi | 0 |
| August | 30°C | 25°C | Fresh meltemi | 0 |
| September | 27°C | 24°C | Moderate northerly | 2 |
| October | 23°C | 22°C | Light to moderate | 4 |
| November | 19°C | 20°C | Variable | 7 |
Explore nearby
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a yacht charter in Greece cost?
Charter rates vary widely with the size, build year, and specification of the yacht. Typical weekly rates for modern motor yachts range from around €30,000 for smaller yachts up to €1,000,000 and above for the largest. Fuel, food, and berthing are covered separately through the APA. We provide a tailored quote based on your dates, guest count, and preferences.
When is the best time to charter in Greece?
The Greek charter season runs from April into November. For most guests, the sweet spot is June or September: warm water, quieter anchorages, and softer winds than the peak months. July and August are the most vibrant but also the busiest. May and October reward guests looking for real quiet and beautiful light.
Which Greek region is best for first-time charterers?
The Argo-Saronic Gulf and the Ionian are both excellent for first-time charterers. Both offer sheltered waters, short passages between islands, and gentler conditions than the Aegean in high summer. The Ionian is particularly good for families with children.
Can I combine Greek and Turkish waters in one charter?
Yes, though it requires careful planning. Not every yacht holds the appropriate licenses for both flags, and the cross-border paperwork needs to be arranged in advance. Combined itineraries typically start or end in the Dodecanese, with a crossing to the Turquoise Coast in the middle. We handle the operational side directly with the captain and the appropriate authorities.
What is the minimum charter length in Greece?
Most yachts require a minimum of six or seven nights in high season, and some require ten. Shorter three or four-night charters are possible on shoulder weeks or with smaller yachts, particularly in the Argo-Saronic Gulf. We advise on the best routing for the time available.
How do I book a charter in Greece with Atalanta Seascape?
Contact our team through this page with your dates, guest count, and any preferences. Our Athens-based team will shortlist yachts that fit your parameters, provide a full quote including APA and expected costs, and manage the process through to embarkation.
PLAN A GREEK CHARTER
Every itinerary begins with
a conversation.
Tell us the destination that draws you, or ask us where might best
suit the trip you have in mind. We will shape something around it.