Greece - Athens - Aerial View On Athens - Potential Hero - Getty

Catamaran Charter
Athens

Embark on a catamaran charter from Athens, where ancient wonders meet azure seas.

Nestled along the shores of the Aegean Sea, Athens is a mecca for travellers with its rich history, vibrant culture, and captivating landscapes.

From Athens, you can easily sail to the nearby Cyclades, an archipelago of sun-drenched islands renowned for their whitewashed villages, azure waters and ancient wonders, from iconic Santorini to the cosmopolitan energy of Mykonos and the tranquil beauty of Paros.

Alternatively, set a course for the Saronic Islands, where you can explore charming islands like Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, each with its unique character and charm. Wander through the maze of cobblestone streets, marvel at the neoclassical architecture, and indulge in the local cuisine.

Athen's blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and cosmopolitan atmosphere delivers an unforgettable journey through one of the world's most enchanting destinations.

What Makes Athens Special?

Gateway to the Greek Islands

Athens is the perfect starting point for exploring the stunning Greek islands. From the cosmopolitan city, you can easily access the nearby Saronic Islands, the iconic Cyclades, or even as far as the Dodecanese and Ionian island groups.

Excellent Sailing Conditions

The waters surrounding Athens and the Greek islands offer excellent sailing conditions, with consistent winds, relatively calm seas, and a multitude of safe harbours and anchorage.

Unspoiled Natural Beauty

While Athens is a bustling metropolis, a catamaran charter allows you to escape to the unspoiled natural beauty of the Greek islands, with their pristine beaches, secluded coves, and breathtaking landscapes.

Culinary Delights

Greece is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and a catamaran charter from Athens allows you to indulge in the freshest seafood, traditional Greek mezes, and locally sourced ingredients. Dine al fresco on deck while enjoying panoramic views of the Aegean Sea or sample authentic taverna fare in charming seaside villages.

Yacht Facilities

Athens offers modern marinas with state-of-the-art facilities and services for yacht charters. Whether you're looking to charter a sleek sailing yacht or a luxurious motor yacht, you'll find many options to suit your preferences and budget.

Stunning Coastal Scenery

The coastline surrounding Athens is dotted with picturesque bays, secluded coves, and sandy beaches, providing the perfect backdrop for a catamaran charter. Explore hidden gems along the Athenian Riviera or venture further afield to discover remote islands and pristine natural beauty.

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History and Culture

Athens is a living museum with world-famous historical landmarks like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the outstanding Acropolis Museum. Before or after your charter, immerse yourself in the city's incredible cultural heritage.

Not To Be Missed

Athens Ancient Acropolis

Visit the iconic Acropolis where, along with panoramic views of the city, you can explore the ancient ruins, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Visit the Cyclades

Embark on a longer journey to the Cyclades, a group of islands known for their iconic whitewashed buildings, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy the famous windmills of Mykonos, the volcanic landscapes of Santorini, and the traditional villages of Paros and Naxos.

Ancient Ruins

Explore ancient ruins and archaeological sites along Greece's coast. Visit the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos, an uninhabited island that was once a major centre of commerce and culture.

The Caldera in Santorini

Anchor your yacht in the stunning Santorini caldera, a huge mainly submerged volcanic crater, and dip in the crystal-clear waters. The unique geological formations and dramatic cliffs create an unforgettable swimming experience.

Explore Hydra's Harbour

Sail to the charming island of Hydra and explore its picturesque harbour, characterized by colourful 18th-century mansions, waterfront cafes, and bustling activity. Enjoy a stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit the Hydra Museum Historical Archives, and admire the island's traditional architecture.

Relaxing Onboard

After all that activity, remember to relax and enjoy the luxury of your own yacht. Lounge on deck, soak up the sun and take in the stunning views of the Greek islands as you sail from one destination to another.

Party in Paradise

Mykonos is renowned for its legendary nightlife, with world-class clubs, bars, and beach parties that attract partygoers from around the globe. Wander through the narrow streets of Mykonos Town, with its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and charming boutiques. It also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean on which to relax after dancing the night away.

Aegina Island

Explore the ancient Temple of Aphaia and enjoy this laid back island famed for its Greek hospitality

Poros Island

Admire the colourful neoclassical buildings as you sail into the picturesque natural harbour of Poros town, relax and enjoy the laid back atmosphere of this charming village.

Greece - Saronic Gulf - Buildings of Spetses island on Saronic gulf near Athens. Ideal travel destination for quiet vacations . Greece - Getty Images

The Saronic Gulf

Set sail from Athens and explore the nearby Saronic Gulf, home to picturesque islands such as Aegina, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses. Each island has its unique charm, from the bustling port of Aegina to the car-free streets of Hydra.

Best Times To Visit

When embarking on a catamaran charter from Athens, timing is everything.

For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden moments. During these periods, Greece unveils its charm without the peak season crowds.

The Greek islands also come alive during the summer with a vibrant atmosphere that bustles with life and is hard to beat.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 15.5°C (60°F) 5.8°C (43°F) wind direction 126degSE
FEB 13.9°C (57°F) 3.9°C (39°F) wind direction 163degSSE
MAR 18.3°C (65°F) 8.1°C (47°F) wind direction 185degS
APR 20.3°C (69°F) 10.4°C (51°F) wind direction 205degSSW
MAY 24.6°C (76°F) 14.6°C (58°F) wind direction 169degS
JUN 30.6°C (87°F) 18.9°C (66°F) wind direction 135degSE
JUL 36.8°C (98°F) 23.7°C (75°F) wind direction 147degSSE
AUG 34.7°C (94°F) 23.8°C (75°F) wind direction 169degS
SEP 30.1°C (86°F) 19.6°C (67°F) wind direction 178degS
OCT 26.4°C (80°F) 15.3°C (59°F) wind direction 159degSSE
NOV 21.8°C (71°F) 12.1°C (54°F) wind direction 187degS
DEC 17.2°C (63°F) 7.7°C (46°F) wind direction 156degSSE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Languages

The official language of Greece is Greek with English being widely understood in the tourist areas.

Currency

The official currency of Greece is the Euro.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Greece and very much appreciated for good service, typically you leave 10%.

Boat Types In Athens

Is A Catamaran Right For Your Trip

Stability

Catamarans have two hulls, making them more stable than a regular monohull boat, both while sailing and at anchor. So if you don't like heeling over while under sail, a catamaran is the ideal choice.

Privacy

The split-hull design allows for better separation of living spaces, with cabins in each hull providing more privacy for guests. A perfect option for two families or larger groups.

Shallow Draft

Catamarans have a shallower draft (less boat below the water), allowing them to access shallow anchorages and get closer to beaches than a typical monohull.

Deck Space

The wide deck space provides ample room for sunbathing, outdoor dining, and relaxation.

Accessibility

With easy access from the rear deck to the water, swimming and water sports activities are a cinch - not to mention getting in and out of the tender to go ashore.

Sailing Characteristics

Catamarans sail differently from monohulls. They don't heel (tilt) as much, which can be more comfortable for some passengers but may provide less of a "sailing feel" for purists.

Layout

Catamarans often feature a raised helm station with excellent visibility, and many have a flybridge for additional outdoor living space.

Group Size

Catamarans can often accommodate larger groups comfortably, making them popular for family charters.

Comfort at Anchor

The wider stance of a catamaran makes it more stable at anchor so any rolling motion is reduced - making for relaxing meals and calm sleep.

PERFECT LANDING

Space

Catamarans offer more living space both above and below deck due to their wide beam. This means they tend to have larger common areas and more spacious cabins.

Charter Types In Athens

Bareboat Catamaran Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Athens and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.

We select our fleet of yachts from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

Skippered Catamaran Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Athens and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.

On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.

Crewed Catamaran Charters

Crewed yacht charters from Athens come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

How To Book

How To Book Your Catamaran Charter From Athens.

Greece is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, it is best to book your dream boat in advance, typically six months ahead, to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.

You can search for your dream catamaran via the the link, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the build your trip link to get them working on creating the perfect trip.

Pure Thoughts

Begin your catamaran charter adventure by immersing yourself in the cultural riches of the Greek capital.

Athens is a treasure trove of historical landmarks that offer a glimpse into its illustrious past. Start with the Acropolis, home to the iconic Parthenon, and explore the Ancient Agora, featuring the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.

You can also visit the Roman Agora with its Tower of the Winds and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Don’t miss the Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and a stroll through the Kerameikos cemetery followed by a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, one of Europe's most impressive museums . Finally, see Hadrian's Library and Arch for a comprehensive historical tour.

When it comes to sailing, from Athens you can access either the Cyclades or the Saronic Islands. The latter is closer to Athens and generally more sheltered, with shorter sailing times between islands. Both regions boast a rich history, with the Saronic Gulf being closer to ancient sites like the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina and The Cyclades offers unique historical experiences, such as the ancient ruins on Delos.

Whether you seek relaxation and rejuvenation or adventure and exploration, a catamaran charter from Athens has something for everyone.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Type Of Catamaran Can I Charter From Athens?

There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Greece, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Catamaran?

If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.

When Are The Best Times To Charter A Catamaran From Athens?

For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Catamaran Charter?

The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.

How Long Does A Catamaran Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Catamaran?

Once you've found your perfect yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.

How Do I Choose The Right Catamaran?

When chartering a yacht from Athens, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.