Antipaxos island - Greece

Sailing Holiday
Greece

A sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday 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.

Areas

Northern Ionian Islands

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.

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Southern Ionian Islands

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.

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Saronic Gulf

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.

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Cyclades Islands

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.

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Dodecanese Islands

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.

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Sporades Islands

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.

Read more about Sporades Islands

Destinations

What Makes Greece Special?

Stunning Islands

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.

Rich History And Culture

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.

Thriving Food Scene

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.

Extensive Coastline

Greece has over 8,500 miles (13,500 km) of coastline and over 6,000 islands to explore - of which only 277 are inhabited.

Amazing Scenery

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.

Unspoiled Natural Beauty

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.

Vibrant Island Life

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 sailing holiday charter allows you to experience the vibrant local culture and way of life on each island.

Extended Sailing Season

Due to the warm Mediterranean climate you can enjoy favourable weather for yacht charters from April through to October.

Island Hopping Bliss

Easily sail between multiple islands, each with their own unique character in some of the world's best cruising grounds.

Greece - Southern Ionian - Scenic aerial view of the hidden beach with shipwreck by the turquoise sea on Zakynthos island, Greece stock photo

Secluded Anchorages

Greece has no shortage of peaceful spots to anchor, meaning you can escape the crowds and only occasionally need to dock in port.

What's Not To Be Missed On Your Greek Charter

Quiet Bays

Take a break from the tourist hotspots in one of the many secluded bays you'll find around the Greek islands.

Island Hopping

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.

Traditional Greek Cuisine

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.

Sunset Views

Watch breathtaking sunsets from the deck of your sailing holiday or picturesque spots on the islands.

Exploring Charming Villages

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.

Party Scene

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.

Cultural Events and Festivals

Immerse yourself in Greek culture and traditions; from religious celebrations to music and arts festivals, there's always plenty going on.

Diving and Snorkelling

The crystal-clear waters of the Aegean and Ionian seas are perfect for diving and snorkelling and are some of the best available in the Med.

Stargazing

Head to more remote anchorages to take advantage of dark skies and enjoy spectacular stargazing from the deck of your sailing holiday.

Greece - Country - Not To Be Missed

Historical Sites

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.

Best Times To Visit

When embarking on a sailing holiday 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.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 11.6°C (53°F) 6.5°C (44°F) wind direction 90degE
FEB 10.2°C (50°F) 4.8°C (41°F) wind direction 86degE
MAR 13.8°C (57°F) 7.7°C (46°F) wind direction 135degSE
APR 16.4°C (61°F) 9.2°C (49°F) wind direction 183degS
MAY 18.9°C (66°F) 13.2°C (56°F) wind direction 57degENE
JUN 24.8°C (77°F) 18.1°C (65°F) wind direction 25degNNE
JUL 31.9°C (89°F) 23.5°C (74°F) wind direction 61degENE
AUG 29.2°C (85°F) 22.4°C (72°F) wind direction 79degE
SEP 24.3°C (76°F) 19.0°C (66°F) wind direction 45degNE
OCT 22.7°C (73°F) 15.7°C (60°F) wind direction 96degE
NOV 18.6°C (65°F) 11.3°C (52°F) wind direction 194degSSW
DEC 13.6°C (57°F) 8.2°C (47°F) wind direction 118degESE
* 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 Greece

Is A Sailing Holiday Right For You

Connect with Nature

A sailing holiday allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.

Wellbeing

Looking for a total break from your everyday routine? A sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the sea while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.

Unique Accommodation

Your boat serves as both transportation and lodging, offering a total change from the everyday - and a fantastic way to explore a variety of locations.

Skill Development

Whether you're a first-time sailor or an old hand, your skipper will be happy to give tips on sailing techniques and nautical knowledge. Or feel free to sit back, relax and simply enjoy being on board.

Amazing Access

On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Quality Time with Friends and Family

The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.

Customisable Itinerary

The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat charter you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.

Cultural Immersion

On a sailing holiday you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Sunsets and Stargazing

There’s nothing quite like a night under the stars, and the deck of a boat is the perfect spot for gazing at breath-taking sunsets or clear night skies, far away from light pollution.

Family - Happy Young Family Resting On A Yacht

Freedom to Explore

On a sailing holiday you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.

Charter Types In Greece

Bareboat Sailing Holiday

A bareboat sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter on a sailing holiday 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 Sailing Holiday

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 sailing holiday, 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 Sailing Holiday

A crewed sailing holiday from Greece comes 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 Sailing Holiday Charter From Greece

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 sailing holiday 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

With a rich tapestry of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Greece is a sailor's paradise like no other. A Greek sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday 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.

Also Discover

FAQ's

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

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.