Embark on a sailing holiday 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.
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.
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.
While Athens is a bustling metropolis, a sailing holiday charter allows you to escape to the unspoiled natural beauty of the Greek islands, with their pristine beaches, secluded coves, and breathtaking landscapes.
Greece is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and a sailing holiday 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.
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.
The coastline surrounding Athens is dotted with picturesque bays, secluded coves, and sandy beaches, providing the perfect backdrop for a sailing holiday charter. Explore hidden gems along the Athenian Riviera or venture further afield to discover remote islands and pristine natural beauty.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When embarking on a sailing holiday 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.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 15.5°C (60°F) | 5.8°C (43°F) | 1.3mm |  SE |
| FEB | 13.9°C (57°F) | 3.9°C (39°F) | 0.5mm | SSE |
| MAR | 18.3°C (65°F) | 8.1°C (47°F) | 0.7mm | S |
| APR | 20.3°C (69°F) | 10.4°C (51°F) | 0.7mm | SSW |
| MAY | 24.6°C (76°F) | 14.6°C (58°F) | 0.7mm | S |
| JUN | 30.6°C (87°F) | 18.9°C (66°F) | 0.5mm | SE |
| JUL | 36.8°C (98°F) | 23.7°C (75°F) | 0mm | SSE |
| AUG | 34.7°C (94°F) | 23.8°C (75°F) | 0.0mm | S |
| SEP | 30.1°C (86°F) | 19.6°C (67°F) | 0.5mm | S |
| OCT | 26.4°C (80°F) | 15.3°C (59°F) | 0.1mm | SSE |
| NOV | 21.8°C (71°F) | 12.1°C (54°F) | 0.7mm | S |
| DEC | 17.2°C (63°F) | 7.7°C (46°F) | 1.3mm | SSE |
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%.
You can't beat a monohull charter from Athens on a sailing holiday for an authentic sailing experience and connection with the wind and water. Whether you're looking for a bareboat, skippered or fully crewed charter where you can sit back and relax, we've got all the bases covered.
Discover natural beauty in diverse cruising grounds, and soak up the local atmosphere in a wide variety of anchorages. We‘ll handpick a selection of yachts to suit your needs, so you can start planning a journey to remember.
A catamaran charter from Athens on a sailing holiday is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
A luxury yacht charter on a sailing holiday from Athens is the epitome of opulence and comfort. Our boats have beautifully designed interiors and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a supremely relaxing and luxurious experience.
Customise your itinerary according to the destinations, activities, and experiences you desire; your crew will be on hand to ensure a fully tailored and unique trip. Whether you're looking for gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, wildlife spotting around remote islands, glamorous nightlife, or swimming in secluded coves, contact one of our experts today to create a unique and unforgettable trip.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.
The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.
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.
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.
A bareboat sailing holiday 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 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.
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 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.
A crewed sailing holiday from Athens 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.
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.
Begin your sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday charter from Athens has something for everyone.
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.