Motor YachtCapri I59m · 12 guests
Greece
Yacht charter in Greece
Islands, routes and yachts, chosen around the wind.
A week in Greece
Greece has the longest coastline in the Mediterranean, most of it island. That is the appeal, and the reason a week here needs a plan. Pine coves, stone harbour towns and open Aegean water are all close to Athens, but rarely in the same week.
I start with how you want the days to feel: swimming stops and long lunches, or a new harbour every evening. Then I look at the wind and the distances. The yacht comes last, and it has to suit both.
When to go
- May and June
- Quieter islands, green hills, sea still warming.
- July and August
- Hot, busy and bright. The meltemi decides the route.
- September and October
- Warm sea, softer light, fewer boats.
The meltemi
In July and August a dry northerly wind, the meltemi, sets in over the Aegean. It is strongest in the Cyclades, can blow for several days at a time and often eases toward evening. It keeps the islands cool, but it shapes the week: early starts, shorter crossings and anchorages chosen for shelter.
If calm water matters more than famous names, I look at the Saronic Gulf and the Ionian first in high summer. Both are more sheltered, with short hops between islands.
Three ways to spend a week
Starting points, not fixed plans. The final route follows the people on board and the forecast.
Athens to the Saronic and the Peloponnese
The gentlest week in Greece. Short runs from Athens, sheltered water and harbour towns made for an evening walk.
Islands and harbours: Aegina · Poros · Hydra · Spetses · Porto Heli · Nafplio
Hydra harbour Athens to the Cyclades
White villages, bare hills and very clear water. Exposed in high summer, so I plan it around the meltemi and keep the crossings early.
Islands and harbours: Kea · Syros · Mykonos · Paros · Antiparos · Serifos
Santorini is further from Athens than it looks. I suggest it as a one-way week or a longer charter.
Milos The Ionian
The green western side of Greece. Lighter winds, sheltered channels and quieter anchorages. Most weeks begin in Corfu or Lefkada, so flights and where the yacht is based both matter.
Islands and harbours: Corfu · Paxos · Antipaxos · Lefkada · Meganisi · Ithaca · Kefalonia
Voutoumi, Antipaxos
Yachts I would consider for Greece
Availability moves weekly. I confirm dates and fit before anything is sent.
What a week here costs
Starting weekly rates for the yachts I list for Greece, from their current published rates. Rates change with the season, so I confirm the figure for your dates.
- Under 45m
- From €100,000 to €215,000 a week
- 45–55m
- From €110,000 to €310,000 a week
- 55m and over
- From €265,000 to €450,000 a week
APA, for fuel, food, drinks and berthing, is paid on top: for motor yachts, usually about 30–40% of the charter fee in the Mediterranean.
I confirm VAT for your exact route.
Plan a week in Greece
Dates and guests are enough to begin. I reply personally.