Athens 4

Sailing Holiday
Athens

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.

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 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.

Culinary Delights

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.

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 sailing holiday 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 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.

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 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 Athens

Bareboat Sailing Holiday

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.

Skippered Sailing Holiday

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.

Crewed Sailing Holiday

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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Sailing Holiday 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 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

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.

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.