Sailing in Greece
Complete Guide 2026
Greece offers the Mediterranean's most diverse sailing across 6,000+ islands. The sheltered Saronic Gulf suits beginners, the Cyclades challenge experienced sailors. Charter from €1,600/week. Best months: May-June and September-October.
Islands
6,000+ (227 inhabited)
Sailing regions
Saronic, Ionian, Cyclades, Dodecanese
Charter season
May – October
Main bases
Athens, Lefkada, Corfu, Kos
Charter from
€1,600/week
Water temp (summer)
24-27°C
Meltemi
July-August, F4-7 in Aegean
Licence required
Recommended (not always enforced)
overview
Greece offers the Mediterranean's greatest variety of sailing: the sheltered Saronic Gulf an hour from Athens, the green Ionian Islands on the west coast, and the iconic Cyclades with their Meltemi winds in the Aegean. Over 6,000 islands (227 inhabited) mean you could sail a lifetime and never repeat a route.
The Saronic Gulf and Ionian are ideal for beginners — calm waters, short passages, harbours at every stop. The Cyclades and Dodecanese suit experienced sailors: stronger winds, longer crossings, but the reward is Santorini, Mykonos, and dozens of less-visited islands between them.
Charter prices start from €1,600/week for a 36-foot monohull — 10-15% less than Croatia. Greek food is legendary and affordable: harbour-side fish dinner for €8-12, village taverna lunch for €6-8. Marina infrastructure is less developed than Croatia's, but town quays are plentiful and often free.
best routes
routeIonian Islands: Lefkada to Corfu in 7 Days
120NM through Greece's calmest waters. Lefkada to Corfu via Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Paxos with 15-25NM daily legs suited to every skill level.
routeThe Saronic Gulf Circle: Athens and Back in 7 Days
A 100 NM loop from Athens through Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses. Greece's most sheltered sailing, perfect for first charters.
routeAthens to Mykonos in 7 Days: The Sailing Route
Cover 130 NM from Lavrion to Mykonos in a week, stopping at Kea, Kythnos, Syros, and Delos. Here's the day-by-day plan.
when to go
| May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air | 22-27°C | 27-32°C | 30-35°C | 30-35°C | 26-30°C | 20-25°C |
| Water | 19-21°C | 22-24°C | 24-26°C | 25-27°C | 24-26°C | 22-24°C |
| Wind | F2-4 | F3-5, early Meltemi | F4-7 Meltemi (Aegean) | F5-7 Meltemi (Aegean) | F3-5, Meltemi easing | F2-4 |
| Crowds | Low | Medium | High | Very high | Medium | Low |
| Rating |
costs
Beer Draft
€3 – 4.5
Yacht42ft Cat
€3,200 – 5,500
Skipper /Day
€130 – 180
Yacht36ft Mono
€1,600 – 2,800
Yacht40ft Mono
€2,000 – 3,200
Diesel /Litre
€1.65 – 1.85
Marina /Night
€0 – 80
Dinner /Person
€8 – 18
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view alldestination guides
destinationBest Marinas in Greece: 12 Picks From Alimos to Lefkada
Greece's marina scene is thinner than Croatia's but its town quays, fishing harbours, and free anchorages more than compensate. Here are 12 top picks with real prices.
destinationSailing Greece: The First-Timer's Complete Guide
From the sheltered Saronic Gulf to the wind-swept Cyclades, here's everything you need for your first Greek sailing trip.
destinationGreek Island Hopping by Sailboat
Your guide to island hopping through Greece by sailboat. Compare the Cyclades and Ionian islands for your perfect sailing vacation.
more about Greece
frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Greece in 2026?
A 40-foot monohull costs €1,600–2,000/week in May, rising to €2,800–3,500/week in July/August. Catamarans of similar length cost €2,800–6,200/week depending on season. Add €150–250 for end-cleaning and budget €150–300/week for optional deposit-waiver insurance.
Is sailing in Greece cheaper than Croatia?
Yes, by roughly 10–15% overall. Charter rates are lower, taverna meals cost €8–15 vs Croatia's €12–22, and many Greek town quays offer free berthing. Croatia's diesel is marginally cheaper (€1.55–1.75/litre vs €1.65–1.85), but Greek marina fees are significantly lower.
How much should I budget per person per day for a sailing holiday in Greece?
For a crew of 4 on a 40-foot monohull with a skipper, budget approximately €170–200/person/day in June, including charter, skipper, food, fuel, berthing, and flights. Go bareboat in May and that drops to around €130–150/person/day.
Are marinas expensive in Greece?
Greek marinas range from free town quays to €65/night for premium facilities at places like Alimos or Flisvos. A typical week mixing anchoring, town quays, and 1–2 marina nights costs €80–150 total for a 40-footer. The Cyclades tend to be pricier than the Ionian.
What hidden costs should I watch for when chartering in Greece?
Watch for security deposit waiver fees (€150–300/week), dinghy outboard rental (€80–120/week), late return penalties (€200–500), shore power charges (€5–10/night), and inflated prices on Mykonos and Santorini (30–60% above other islands). Always budget 15–20% above the base charter rate for extras.
Do Greek marinas accept advance reservations?
Most Greek marinas do not accept advance bookings for transient yachts. Gouvia and Alimos are exceptions, often requiring a 3-night minimum in high season. At town quays, it's strictly first-come, first-served — aim to arrive before 13:00 in July and August.
How much does a night in a Greek marina cost?
For a 12 m (40 ft) monohull in high season, expect €30–€65 at smaller marinas like Lefkada or Preveza, €50–€90 at mid-range facilities like Lavrion or Gouvia, and €80–€150+ at Athens-area marinas like Alimos or Zea. Town quays range from free to €25/night.
Is it safe to anchor overnight in Greece?
Yes, anchoring is free and legal almost everywhere in Greece, with exceptions for military zones, submarine cable routes, and protected Posidonia seagrass beds. Always set an anchor alarm, carry at least 50 m of chain, and check wind forecasts — especially in the Cyclades where the Meltemi can build rapidly to Force 7.