A motor yacht charter around Greece is a heady combination of natural beauty, ancient history and warm hospitality.
A Greek charter is a magical experience where azure waters, breathtaking landscapes and an ever-present sense of history combine to create an unmatched sailing experience.
Whether you seek tranquil bays, bustling island life, or a blend of history and natural wonders, Greece has it all and it's fair to say that it's a sailor's paradise. It is one of the world's premier motor yacht charter destinations and is set apart by its breathtaking scenery and wide variety of sailing destinations.
Add to this the excellent cuisine and favourable sailing conditions, and you begin to understand why it's one of the world's most popular destinations to explore by boat.
Set in stunning emerald seas, these islands beckon with their gentle breezes and picturesque harbours. Corfu, Paxos, and Antipaxos boast lush green landscapes, charming villages, and stunning beaches, creating an idyllic relaxing haven.
Rich in history and tradition, the Southern Ionian Islands feature charming villages, ancient ruins, and Venetian architecture. This enchanting archipelago contains renowned gems like Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada.
Set sail to the Saronic Islands for a blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the birthplace of democracy in Athens before venturing to islands such as Hydra, Poros, or Aegina. These islands exude old-world charm, with car-free streets, neoclassical architecture, and secluded coves.
Located in the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades, with their iconic, blue-domed churches, whitewashed houses, and cobalt waters, are a favourite boat destination. Santorini's breathtaking sunsets, Mykonos' vibrant nightlife, and the ancient ruins of Delos are just some of the region's main attractions.
Boasting gems such as Rhodes and Kos, which are rich in ancient history, you can wander through medieval castles, visit ancient ruins, and unwind on pristine beaches. The island's warm hospitality and vibrant local culture add an extra layer of appeal.
Located in the Aegean Sea, towns like Skopelos and Skiathos offer lush pine forests, turquoise waters, and stunning vistas. Dive into crystal-clear bays, soak up the sun on golden sands, and relish the tranquillity of unspoiled nature.
Greece is home to some of the most beautiful and iconic islands in the world, including the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian, and Saronic island groups. A yacht charter allows you to island-hop and explore the whitewashed villages, ancient ruins, and captivating landscapes that make these islands so special.
Greece has a cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years; immerse yourself in history by exploring its ancient archaeological sites or admire traditional architecture in its picturesque waterfront towns and villages.
Greek cuisine is world-famous for its fresh, flavourful ingredients and a yacht charter allows you to sample the best of local specialities, from fresh seafood and Greek salads to traditional mezze platters and local wines.
Greece has over 8,500 miles (13,500 km) of coastline and over 6,000 islands to explore - of which only 277 are inhabited.
Everywhere you cruise, you'll be awed by Greece's spectacular scenery, from pine-forested hills and dramatic chalky cliffs to rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear sea.
Many of the Greek islands remain relatively untouched by mass tourism, offering pristine beaches, secluded coves, and breathtaking natural scenery that can only be fully appreciated when exploring them by boat.
Each Greek Island has its own unique character and charm, from the cosmopolitan energy of islands like Mykonos and Santorini to the more laid-back and traditional atmospheres of smaller islands. A motor yacht charter allows you to experience the vibrant local culture and way of life on each island.
Greece has no shortage of peaceful spots to anchor, meaning you can escape the crowds and only occasionally need to dock in port.
Take a break from the tourist hotspots in one of the many secluded bays you'll find around the Greek islands.
Greece is famous for its beautiful islands; explore iconic destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and many others, with each island having its own unique charm, beaches, and cultural attractions.
Indulge in delicious Greek cuisine featuring fresh seafood, grilled meats, olive oil, feta cheese, and local vegetables. Sit at a waterfront taverna and enjoy traditional dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, and delicious honey-drenched baklava.
Watch breathtaking sunsets from the deck of your motor yacht or picturesque spots on the islands.
Wander through charming villages with whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, and blue-domed churches. Experience Greek hospitality whilst sipping on Greek coffee at local cafes, and browse artisan shops for souvenirs.
If you're into nightlife, head to cosmopolitan islands like Mykonos and Ios known for their vibrant party scenes and dance the night away at beach clubs, bars, and nightclubs.
Immerse yourself in Greek culture and traditions; from religious celebrations to music and arts festivals, there's always plenty going on.
Visit ancient ruins and historical sites scattered throughout the Greek islands and mainland. Take advantage of landmarks like the Acropolis in Athens, the Palace of Knossos in Crete, and the ancient city of Delos near Mykonos.
When embarking on a motor yacht charter from Greece, 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.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 11.6°C (53°F) | 6.5°C (44°F) | 2.9mm |  E |
| FEB | 10.2°C (50°F) | 4.8°C (41°F) | 3.4mm | E |
| MAR | 13.8°C (57°F) | 7.7°C (46°F) | 3.5mm | SE |
| APR | 16.4°C (61°F) | 9.2°C (49°F) | 1.9mm | S |
| MAY | 18.9°C (66°F) | 13.2°C (56°F) | 3.2mm | ENE |
| JUN | 24.8°C (77°F) | 18.1°C (65°F) | 0.9mm | NNE |
| JUL | 31.9°C (89°F) | 23.5°C (74°F) | 0.0mm | ENE |
| AUG | 29.2°C (85°F) | 22.4°C (72°F) | 0.0mm | E |
| SEP | 24.3°C (76°F) | 19.0°C (66°F) | 3.3mm | NE |
| OCT | 22.7°C (73°F) | 15.7°C (60°F) | 0.3mm | E |
| NOV | 18.6°C (65°F) | 11.3°C (52°F) | 1.1mm | SSW |
| DEC | 13.6°C (57°F) | 8.2°C (47°F) | 5.8mm | ESE |
The official language of Greece is Greek with English being widely understood in the tourist areas.
The official currency of Greece is the Euro.
Tipping is a common practice in Greece and very much appreciated for good service, typically you leave 10%.
For luxury and comfort on the water, a motor yacht charter from Greece is hard to beat with many offering a range of activities from water sports to spa treatments to enhance your experience.
Depending on the individual yacht's amenities, you can try out jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and more. The power of most motor yachts also means you can cover more ground and explore a greater variety of locations. This combination of luxury, freedom and relaxation is what motor yacht charters are all about.
A luxury motor yacht charter from Greece offers custom-designed vessels boasting cutting-edge technology and lavish amenities.
With a wide array of water toys available, the yachts powerful engines and advanced stabilisation systems ensure smooth, swift travel to your chosen destinations.
While onboard, a highly skilled crew, including trained chefs and wellness experts, provide impeccable, personalised service.
A luxury motor yacht charter isn't just a vacation; it's an immersive journey and a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and tailored luxury.
Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.
Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.
Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.
While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.
Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.
The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.
Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.
Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Greece 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.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Greece 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 yacht charters from Greece 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.
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 motor yacht 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.
With a rich tapestry of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Greece is a sailor's paradise like no other. A Greek motor yacht charter is a magical experience where azure waters, ancient history, and breathtaking landscapes converge to create an unmatched sailing experience.
Whether you seek tranquil bays, bustling island life, or a blend of history and natural wonders, Greece has it all. It is one of the world's premier motor yacht charter destinations and is set apart by its breathtaking scenery, extraordinary history and variety of sailing destinations.
Add to this the excellent cuisine and favourable sailing conditions, and you begin to understand why it's one of the world's most popular destinations to explore by boat.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When chartering a yacht from Greece, 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.