Sailing on a sailboat in Greece
Greece is amongst the world’s most popular sailing destinations - for good reason! Novice and experienced sailors love to rent a sailboat in Greece. However, due to the strong winds in some regions it is only recommended to go there if you have a lot of sailing experience.
The pros of renting a sailboat in Greece
One of the advantages of renting a sailboat in Greece is that sailboats are only fueled by the wind. You can rely on mother nature to provide you with what you need in terms of moving forward on the water. You don’t have to worry about paying extra for fuel and this makes sailboats one of the cheapest options when it comes to boat holidays in Greece.
Another great thing about a sailboat charter in Greece is that you will feel like the explorers you read about in history books. Feel the wind on your skin and leave the land behind when sailing towards the unknown depths of the Mediterranean sea.
The cons of renting a sailboat in Greece
One of the downsides of chartering a sailboat in Greece is the fact that they are only fueled by the wind. You could find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea should the wind suddenly stop blowing, meaning that you might not be able to continue your journey for a couple of hours until the wind picks up again.
The most popular sailboats to rent in Greece
One of the most popular sailboats to rent in Greece is Sailboat Ocean Star 60.1 which is available to rent in Kalamaki. Up to 14 guests fit on board the sailboat, making it the perfect boat to discover the Greek islands with a group of friends. For your comfort you can find a water maker and a fridge, as well as hot water for showers on board.
Another popular sailboat to charter in Greece is a lovely Sailboat Bavaria Cruiser 46 with the name of Kassandra. Nine people can fit on board the sailboat and some of the many amenities on board include a fridge, cutlery, a gas stove and oven. This means that you are more than prepared to cook your own meals on board the boat without having to stop at a town or city to find a place to eat every single day.
Charter a private luxury sailboat in Greece
If you have the necessary funds available and want to spend a week sailing in Greece on a private luxury sailboat, you will find the right boat for you. Experience what life is like for the rich and famous for a week on a luxury sailboat.
How many people can go on a sailboat in Greece?
The amount of people that can find space on board a sailboat in Greece highly depends on the size and the amount of cabins available on board. In general, sailboats can host between 2 and 12 people, sometimes a few more.
When is the best time to sail on a sailboat in Greece?
Like oher sailing destinations in the Mediterranean, Greece is a very popular tourist destination in the summer months and July and August. This is the time when the Greek capital and the Greek islands are most crowded and the marinas are packed. Sailing season in Greece usually lasts between April and November, making it the perfect sailing destination almost all year round. The sea can become a bit rougher in the winter months and it is definitely not recommended to sail during these months - especially as a novice sailor.
The Greek summers are dry and hot while the winters are a bit milder with stronger winds and rain. If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, but want to enjoy warmer temperatures around the low or mid 20ies, you can always come here in April/May or September/October. In the late summer months the sea is still warm as well.
There are locations here which are particularly perfect for renting a sailboat in Greece. The winds are strong, the sun is shining so that you can make the most of your sailing adventure in Greece. You can find ideal sailing conditions on many of the islands. The Saronic Islands and the eastern coast of the Peloponnesian Gulf are ideal spots for a fun sailing experience with ideal wind conditions and stunning scenery.
How much does it cost to rent a sailboat in Greece?
Renting a sailboat in Greece is one of the most popular and cheapest options for a sailing holiday in Greece. At an average price of only 50 EUR per person per day this almost beats any hotel room price in this part of the Mediterranean. Also: Keep in mind that these are only average prices and that you can find even cheaper prices to rent a sailboat in Greece off-season or when finding an amazing deal on Borrow A Boat.
What kind of boat licence do I need when renting a sailboat in Greece?
In general you need a boat licence for any kind of boat in Greece that can go above 30 hp. Any boat that can power less than that doesn’t require you to carry a boat licence in Greece.
EU citizens will be pleased to know that their boat licences are automatically recognized in Greece. Non-EU-citizens need to ensure that their boat licences comply with the standards of a Greek boat licence. Otherwise they might be rejected. If you want to be on the safe side, you should carry an International Certificate of Competency or short ICC.
If your boat licence is issued in a language other than Greek or English, you need to carry an official translation in either Greek or English with you if you want to charter a sailboat in Greece.
If you don’t have a boat licence or simply don’t want to be bothered with operating a sailboat on your Greek sailing adventure, you can always hire a skipper or captain in addition to your bareboat sailboat charter.
The best routes for sailboats in Greece
The Peloponnesian Peninsula offers fantastic sailing conditions for anyone looking at renting a sailboat in Greece. Advanced sailors can discover the Cyclades which requires more advanced skills - especially due to the stronger winds ruling this area. You can choose where to stop from 23 larger islands and over 200 smaller ones.
Start your sailing adventure in Alimos, where you can enjoy a swim in the crystal clear waters before heading to Cape Sounio in Kea where you can stop in one of the most picturesque bays. Simply enjoy the view and the sun on board the boat or go for a little hiking adventure to see this wonderful place from a different perspective. Your next stop is the island of Syros. Visit Galissas Beach for the stunning views and a swim in crystal clear water and explore Miaouli Square for its interesting architecture. From Syros sail to Mykonos, an island famous for its nightlife, white houses and luxury hotels. The island of Naxos is next on your list. Here you can discover many ancient Greek ruins like the Temple of Apollo - Portara and the Temple of Demeter, as well as Christian sites like the Holy Paleochristian Church of Panagia Drosiani dating back to the 6th century. From Naxos sail to Skinoussa, a place surrounded by turquoise waters and interesting hilly landscapes. From Skinoussa sail to the island of Ios where you get to discover some of the most stunning beaches surrounded by hills and turquoise waters. Magganari Beach and Kolitsani Beach are just two of the stunning beaches you have to discover when arriving here! The small island of Folegandros is your next stop. You can discover some of the most stunning landscapes on the island, including Vorina beach, Katergo beach and Agali beach. Milos is your next stop on your sailing adventure. Here you should visit Sarakiniko Beach which is a beach filled with unique white volcanic rock formations. You can watch the most magical sunsets here. Sail to the island of Sifnos where you should visit some of the most beautiful churches and monasteries, including the Chrisopigi Monastery, the Church of the Seven Martyrs and Panagia Poulati. Visit these places for the architecture as well as the stunning views. From Sifnos sail to Serifos. In Serifos you have to swim in the emerald waters of Psili Ammos before heading to Kalo Ampeli, another stunning beach surrounded by hilly landscapes. Sail to Kythnos, where you should visit the hot springs of Loutra. From Kythnos sail to the island of Poros. In Poros you should visit the Archaeological Museum of Poros where you can learn more about the ancient history of the island. Before heading back to Alimos, make sure to take a dip in the sea at Monastiri Beach. Head back to Alimos to end your sailing vacation in Greece.
