1 boat rentals in Greece

Greece's charter fleet includes bareboat sailboats, catamarans, motorboats, gulets, and fully crewed luxury yachts. Sailboats dominate the weekly charter market across all regions. Catamarans are in high demand across the Cyclades and Ionian islands, particularly for larger groups. See all available boat types at sailo.com/boat-rentals/Greece.

Greece is one of the world's premier boat rental destinations, offering over 6,000 islands and islets, reliable summer winds, and a vast charter fleet spread across multiple distinct sailing regions. The diversity of landscapes, from the volcanic Cyclades to the lush Ionian islands, gives sailors an unmatched range of experiences within a single country. Greece consistently ranks alongside Croatia as the top sailing destination in the Mediterranean. Browse the full Greece charter fleet at sailo.com/boat-rentals/Greece.

The best places to rent a boat in Greece depend on which sailing region you want to explore. Popular charter bases include Athens/Alimos for the Saronic Gulf and Cyclades, Lefkada for the Ionian islands, Corfu for northern Ionian sailing, Rhodes and Kos for the Dodecanese, and Mykonos for the central Aegean. Each base opens a distinct cruising ground with its own character and island chain.

Boat rental in Greece typically costs €800–€1,800 per week for a bareboat sailboat in shoulder season, rising to €1,500–€4,000+ in peak summer depending on size and region. Catamarans range from €2,500 to €8,000+ per week, with Mykonos and Santorini commanding premium rates. Crewed yachts carry additional costs for skipper, crew, and APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance). Compare live pricing across all Greek bases at sailo.com/boat-rentals/Greece.

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance, a prepaid fund used to cover running costs during a crewed charter in Greece, including fuel, marina fees, food, drinks, and port taxes. It is typically set at 20–30% of the base charter fee and is managed by the skipper or captain throughout the trip. Any unspent APA is returned to the client at the end of the charter.

Yes, a recognized skipper license is required for bareboat rentals in Greece, along with proof of sailing experience in some cases. The Greek authorities accept internationally recognized certificates such as the ICC, RYA Day Skipper, or equivalent national licenses. Sailors without certification can charter with a professional skipper, which is widely available across all Greek charter bases.

A professional skipper in Greece typically costs €150–€250 per day, paid separately from the boat rental fee. This does not include the skipper's food, accommodation ashore, or port fees, which are customarily covered by the charterer. Hiring a skipper is the most practical solution for sailors without a license or those unfamiliar with Greek waters.

For a group of 4–6 people, a 38–44 foot sailboat is the standard and most practical choice for Greek waters. Larger groups of 8 or more typically charter catamarans, which provide significantly more living space and deck area. In more exposed sailing areas like the Cyclades, a slightly larger and more seaworthy boat is recommended compared to the sheltered Ionian.

Most boat rentals in Greece follow a weekly schedule, typically running Saturday to Saturday from main charter bases. Daily and bareboat rentals are available in major tourist ports such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes. Weekly charters are strongly recommended for island-hopping itineraries across any Greek sailing region.

The best time to rent a boat in Greece is May, June, or September, offering warm weather, manageable winds, and significantly lower prices than peak season. July and August bring the Meltemi wind, which can be strong in the Aegean, making sailing more demanding but also more exhilarating for experienced sailors. October offers warm seas and quiet anchorages, particularly in the Ionian islands.

The Meltemi is a strong, dry northerly wind that blows across the Aegean Sea from approximately June through September, with peak intensity in July and August. It can reach Force 6–7 and significantly affect sailing plans in the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and eastern Aegean. The Ionian islands experience different wind patterns and are generally less affected by the Meltemi, making them a better choice for less experienced sailors during peak summer.

The Ionian islands, accessible from Lefkada or Corfu, are widely regarded as the best Greek sailing region for beginners due to calmer winds, shorter inter-island distances, and sheltered anchorages. The Saronic Gulf, reachable from Athens, is also beginner-friendly and offers easy access to popular islands close to the mainland. The Cyclades and Dodecanese are better suited to sailors with prior open-water experience.

Foreign-flagged vessels sailing in Greek waters must carry a transit log, known as a Dekpa, which is issued by the port authority upon arrival. Charter boats registered in Greece typically handle this documentation as part of the rental. If you are bringing your own boat, arrange the transit log at your first Greek port of entry before proceeding further.

Yes, most Greek marinas and organized anchorages charge berthing fees, which vary significantly between a basic quayside mooring and a full-service marina. Municipal quays in many island ports are free or low-cost but offer fewer facilities. Fees in high-demand destinations like Mykonos and Santorini are considerably higher than in less-visited ports.

Greece offers a more varied and expansive sailing experience than Croatia, with multiple distinct regions, longer passages, stronger winds, and a wider range of landscapes and island cultures. Croatia is generally more convenient for beginners, with shorter distances, denser marina coverage, and calmer seas. Greece rewards sailors with more experience and those seeking a more adventurous, open-water sailing holiday. Explore the full Greek fleet at sailo.com/boat-rentals/Greece.

For peak summer charters in Greece, booking five to eight months in advance is strongly recommended, particularly for catamarans and high-demand bases like Athens, Lefkada, and Mykonos. July and August boats — especially catamarans in the Cyclades and Ionian — sell out faster than any other charter market in the Mediterranean. Check current availability at sailo.com/boat-rentals/Greece.