Greece Yacht Charter Guide

About Yacht Charters in Greece

With over 2000 islands and countless miles of coastlines to explore, Sail Connections can tailor make your yacht charter to suit a wide range of experiences.

Your choice of five unique yacht charter areas, and everywhere places of extreme beauty, hundreds of islands, beautiful sandy beaches, traditional harbours and small ports. Every place is unique and different from the other.

The Saronic Gulf: easy sailing, shorter distances

The Cyclades: challenging sailing where the winds change strength and direction unexpectedly

The Dodecanese: stronger winds and undying Greek tradition

The northern Sporades: green islands and sandy beaches

The Ionian coastline and islands: very popular and more tranquil area, appreciated by those who wish for easier and more leisurely sailing in more predictable winds, and a mix of traditional harbours and beautiful beaches.

Greece Climate

Greece invites you back time and time again, for new yacht charter experiences, in a climate suitable for sailing for 9-months of the year (March – November).

The very best months to charter in Greece are between June - September in the height of warm summer. July and August are mid-summer months, often with temperatures in the high 30’s. This corresponds with peak European holiday times, when not only are the marinas more crowded but the newest charter yachts are often booked a year ahead. However, some local areas have seasonal winds for example in the Cyclades the Meltemi in July/ August is best avoided.

The Cyclades Islands ~ wind and sailing conditions

The prevailing wind in the summer is the "meltemi", which blows from the North. The Meltemi peaks in July and August at force 5 -7 and may occasionally reach force 9 and can last for several days. During spring and autumn, you may also find winds blowing from the South

The Ionian Islands ~ wind and sailing conditions

The wind and sailing conditions in the Ionian Sea are ideal and predictable. From May-September the wind comes from the north-west at force 2 -5, mostly in the afternoon. In spring and autumn the wind is less strong and blows usually from the south-west

The Northern Sporades ~ wind and sailing conditions

The prevailing wind in the summer is the “Meltemi”, blowing from the north-east, at force 3 -5, although occasionally in July and August the winds blow stronger from the north-west at force 4 -6. By end of September the winds are usually lighter again.

The Dodecanese ~ wind and sailing conditions

In the summer the prevailing wind is the “Meltemi” blowing from a north-west direction at force 4 –6. In spring and autumn the wind is less strong and blows from the south-east.

Saronic, Argolic & Peloponnesian Area ~ wind & conditions

The Saronic, Argolic and eastern coast of the Peloponnesian Gulf is a very well protected cruising area with gentle winds averaging force 3 – 4, usually from the north to the north-east and ideal for relaxed sailing. In the Argolic Gulf, during the summer the wind is mostly from the south-east and blows at the average of force 3-5. During spring and autumn the winds are normally weaker, and blow from the south over the whole area.

To see map of Greece click here

Our Charter Services

In the Mediterranean there's such a wide choice of charter operators it's important that you sail with a reputable company. During 20-years of chartering Sail Connections has developed a network of only the best operators who continue to take care of our clients. We'll match the right boat to meet your budget, level of comfort and experience.

Our team travels to destinations worldwide to inspect boats and to get first-hand experience of the cruising grounds. We’ll offer our local knowledge ,sailing itineraries and onshore connections to ensure you get the most from your holiday. You pay no more for our service.

Experienced sailors can sail 'bareboat' themselves, or Sail Connections can include a skipper to take responsibility for your yacht, and/ or a cook to provide your meals, so you can have a more relaxing holiday. Even for experienced sailors, your carefully chosen crew become your local guides. It's fun to find authentic local restaurants and specialist local fare and entertainment, best endorsed by your crew.

Navigation and Sailing Licenses

A sailing license (usually a formal certificate at any level will do) and a VHF operator’s license is a compulsory requirement in Greece as 0f 2011for a bareboat yacht charter  Sail Connections will assist you by seeking prior approval of your documentation before you travel to avoid any last minute headaches. You must carry the original documents with you on board, in case of an inspection by the port authority.