A Guide to the Best Sailing Destinations in Greece

Where to start your sailing vacation in Greece?

Did you know that there are 5,000 boats available for bareboat and crewed charters in Greece, offered by 300 professional yacht charter companies?

Yes, that’s a lot to choose from! But let’s break it down and explore the most popular sailing locations in Greece to help you decide where to start.

Athens – The Heart of Greek Yacht Charters

The most popular yacht charter base in Greece is Alimos Marina, located near Athens. However, there are also several smaller marinas nearby that often offer great boats and better pricing.

From here, you can sail across the Saronic Gulf, which is a perfect area for beginners due to its short distances and sheltered waters. Expect a mix of charming islands, historic sites, and lively waterfronts visiting islands like Methana, Hydra, Spetses, and Poros.

💡Good to Know: Most boats in Greece are available for a minimum of 7 days (Saturday to Saturday), so sailing itineraries are usually based on a full week.

Lavrion – Gateway to the Cyclades

The second-largest charter base near Athens International Airport is Lavrion, home to 480 boats available for rent.

This marina is the ideal starting point for exploring the Cyclades, including Kea, Syros, Paros, Sifnos, and Kythnos.

• 💡 Keep in mind: Sailing here requires experience, as the Meltemi winds (blowing from June to September) can reach up to 30 knots, especially in island channels where the wind intensifies.

For those looking for an exciting and challenging sailing experience, this is the place to start.

Mykonos & Paros – Limited availability, plan ahead

If you prefer to start from the heart of the Cyclades, consider Mykonos or Paros. These locations are extremely popular, so I recommend booking at least six months in advance.

• 💡 Good to know: only 30% of the boats here are 3 years old or newer, so if you’re looking for a modern yacht, early booking is even more crucial.

Kos& Rhodes – Discover the Doedecanese

Moving east, closer to the Turkish coast, you’ll find two beautiful islands—Kos and Rhodes. These bases offer a fantastic starting point for exploring the Dodecanese Islands, such as Symi with its colorful houses, Tilos, or the volcanic island of Nisyros. I have personally sailed in this area several times and love it for three reasons: it is less touristy and more authentic, the sea is beautifully turquoise, and the wind conditions are perfect.

• 💡 Sailing Tips: However, similar to the Cyclades, this region is also influenced by the Meltemi winds, which can create challenging sailing conditions during the summer months. If you’re planning to rent a boat here, be prepared for strong winds and open-sea passages.

⛵ Fleet availability: 576 boats in total, but just 23% of them are 3 years old or newer, so early booking is recommended if you want a newer vessel.

Ionian Sea – Relaxed Sailing Experience

Another popular sailing region in Greece is the Ionian Sea, where you’ll find two major charter bases: Lefkada and Corfu.

The Corfu charter base is just 15 minutes from the airport, allowing you to board your yacht the same day you arrive—no hotel stopovers needed.

From Gouvia Marina, you can set sail and explore Sagiada, Erikoussa, Paxos, Parga, and Mourtos, enjoying a mix of lush landscapes, quaint coastal towns, and serene, crystal-clear waters.

Lefkada is Greece’s second-largest yacht charter hub, with 1,075 boats, plus an additional 250 boats in Preveza Marina—both just 30 minutes by taxi from the international airport.

There’s Always More to Explore in Greece

As you can see, Greece offers a diverse range of sailing destinations. While we’ve highlighted six major locations, there are over 100 yachting bases across the country, each offering a unique sailing experience.

So, if you think that after a couple of trips you’ve seen it all—think again! There’s always more to explore.

Ready to set sail? Discover yacht charters in Greece with 12 Knots!