GREECE YACHT CHARTER & BOAT RENTAL
Most popular boats For rent in GREECE
Top destinations in Greece for boat rental
Types of boats available for rent in Greece
Yacht charter types available in Greece

Greece Sailing itineraries

Athens to Saronic Gulf - 7 day itinerary

Lavrion to Cyclades 7 days itinerary

Corfu 7 day sailing itinerary

Rhodes & Dodecanese sailing itinerary
Cost of boat rental in Greece
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
€3,055 |
€3,051 |
€3,095 |
€3,219 |
€4,518 |
€5,273 |
€5,722 |
€6,027 |
€5,088 |
€3,581 |
€3,275 |
€3,393 |
Sailing conditions in Greece
Temperature by month
Average air High and Low temperature during the year
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Max t° | 13 °C | 14 °C | 17 °C | 20 °C | 25 °C | 30 °C | 33 °C | 33 °C | 29 °C | 24 °C | 19 °C | 15 °C |
Min t° | 7 °C | 7 °C | 9 °C | 12 °C | 16 °C | 21 °C | 23 °C | 24 °C | 20 °C | 16 °C | 12 °C | 9 °C |
Max t° | 56 °F | 57 °F | 62 °F | 68 °F | 77 °F | 87 °F | 92 °F | 92 °F | 84 °F | 75 °F | 66 °F | 59 °F |
Min t° | 44 °F | 44 °F | 48 °F | 53 °F | 61 °F | 69 °F | 74 °F | 75 °F | 68 °F | 61 °F | 53 °F | 47 °F |
Rainy days by month
Average number of days with precipitation during the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rainy Days | 9 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 11 |
Sailing in Greece
Greece is one of the biggest charter hubs in Europe and one of the most iconic sailing destinations in the Mediterranean, known for its stunning coastline, countless islands, and centuries of history. The country offers ideal sailing conditions from spring to early autumn, with a variety of routes ranging from protected waters to open-sea passages. Surrounded by the Aegean, Ionian, Cretan, and Mediterranean Seas, Greece is a true paradise for sailors—combining cultural immersion with natural beauty.
The Greek archipelago consists of over 6,000 islands and islets, of which around 227 are inhabited, offering endless variations of sailing itineraries. Greece is typically divided into five main sailing regions, each with distinct navigation conditions and cultural landscapes: the Saronic Islands, Cyclades, Dodecanese, Sporades, and Ionian Islands.
Why Charter a Yacht in Greece
Easy access from Europe: Greece is well connected by international flights to Athens and regional airports near major charter bases such as Preveza, Corfu, Kos, and Rhodes. Most marinas are located within 30 to 60 minutes from the airport by taxi, allowing for same-day boarding.
-
Diverse sailing routes: With over 6,000 islands, Greece offers both short-hop itineraries (ideal for families and beginners) and more challenging passages with Meltemi winds (for experienced sailors). Depending on your departure point, you can explore the Saronic Gulf, Cyclades, Ionian Sea, Sporades, or Dodecanese.
-
Convenient island access: Many islands are connected by regular ferry service, allowing late-arriving or early-departing crew members to join or leave the trip without disrupting the full itinerary.
-
Plenty of ports and anchorages: While Greece may not have the most modern marinas, it offers many municipal ports with berths at a fraction of the cost compared to other European destinations.
-
Ideal sailing season: The Greek sailing season runs from March to November, with calm conditions in spring and autumn, and stronger winds (ideal for sportier sailing) in July and August.
-
Scenery & culture mix: A yacht charter in Greece lets you explore ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, waterfront tavernas, and lively harbors—many of which are accessible only by boat.
-
Cuisine: While Greece may not rank among the world’s fine dining capitals, it offers one of the most authentic and satisfying culinary experiences in the Mediterranean. Expect small tavernas serving home-style dishes made with fresh local ingredients—at very reasonable prices.
Boats for Rent in Greece
Greece has one of the largest charter fleets in the Mediterranean, with over 5,600 boats available. The fleet includes monohull sailboats, catamarans, and motor yachts, for both bareboat and crewed charter.
There are over 300 professional charter operators in the country. At 12 Knots, we’ve helped hundreds of clients find and book the right yacht since 2010
Boat type |
Capacity |
Price range weekly |
Fleet age in BVI |
Sailing Boats |
6-12 people |
From $600 |
20% of the boats are ≤ 3 years old |
Catamarans |
6–14 people |
From $1,100 |
40% are ≤ 3 years old |
Power Boats |
2-12 people |
From $1,500 |
27% are ≤ 3 years old |
Useful tip: Most charters in Greece run from Saturday to Saturday, with a minimum of 7 days. Crewed yachts and luxury boats are often more flexible and can start on any day of the week.
Greece Sailing Requirements for Bareboat Charters
A valid sailing license is required for bareboat charters in Greece. It must be issued by a recognized authority and correspond to the size and type of vessel you are planning to rent. At 12 Knots, we constantly monitor updates in Greek charter regulations because we review sailing resumes and liaise with local bases on a daily basis.
Note: Since 2019, certificates limited to "day sailing" are no longer accepted in Greece.
To bareboat charter in Greece, you should hold:
-
Day Skipper + ICC (ICC is accepted because it does not state "day use only"), or
-
Coastal Skipper (RYA or IYT), or
-
IPC (International Proficiency Certificate)
If you’ve completed ASA 103 or 104, you should apply for the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC), which includes VHF coverage and is accepted by most charter companies.
On top of your sailing certificate, you must provide a sailing resume showing sufficient experience. During check-in, base managers may ask you to perform maneuvers such as tacking, jibing, or Mediterranean mooring.
A second adult with sailing experience (or documented basic knowledge) is usually required on board. If you’re booking a skippered or crewed charter, no license is required.