Guide to Chartering in Greece: Affordable Mediterranean Cruising
White sails on the wine dark sea – Affordable yacht chartering was practically invented in this Mediterranean paradise and the islands remain welcoming to sailing tourists
In the 1970s, Greece spearheaded the flotilla and charter culture, and to this day, remains a popular destination. It’s no surprise considering Greece offers diverse sailing conditions suitable for all skill levels and budgets. Nestled within breathtaking coastlines, with crystal-clear turquoise anchorages, excellent cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, Greece continues to attract generation after generation.
Greece is also well served by budget airlines – in fact it has more than a dozen airports and there are easy connections to all the major charter bases. With around 6,000 Greek Islands and more than 9,000 miles of coastline, there’s always somewhere new to visit even for island-hopping regulars, and the industry is so well established in the region that it’s very well prepared to cater for all types of sailors and their budgets. If you’re looking for a competitively priced holiday therefore, in a friendly flotilla, a skippered yacht or a bareboat, then Greece will deliver.
From a sailor’s perspective, the region is split into six principal areas: the Ionian Sea, the Saronic Gulf, the Cyclades, the Sporades and Dodecanese, the Northern Sporades, and Crete. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of Greece, and the lonian/Peloponnese to the west.
Wind conditions vary considerably but generally get stronger as you head eastwards across the Aegean. So, for relaxed cruising consider the short leg/island-hopping option in areas such as the Ionian, Saronic Gulf and Peloponnese. The islands are just far enough apart to enjoy a good sail, while allowing plenty of time to enjoy the stunning anchorages, beaches and taverna culture. For more of a challenge the Aegean, Dodecanese in the south-east, or even Crete are a good option because the longer passages between the islands – sometimes 30-40nm – can take the best part of a day to sail depending on weather conditions.
The weather during May, June, and September is perfect as it’s typically not excessively hot, the winds remain gentle, and the anchorages are usually less crowded. July and August are the hot months and the winds are more sporadic. The season continues until early October, when the water is the warmest but the weather less predictable.
Northerly winds known as the Meltemi occur in the summer months and can reach up to 30 knots in areas like the corridor between the Dodecanese and Cycladic islands, which could be unsettling for novice crews.
With so much choice, it’s sometimes hard to know where to go on a Greek sailing holiday, but there are a multitude of charter operators big and small who will be happy to share their knowledge and advice.
When to Charter in Greece?
Although it is possible to charter a yacht between November and March, the main charter season is between late April and early October. While the rainfall in summer is minimal, there might be a few unpredictable weeks at either end of the charter season, so keep that in mind when booking.
Temperatures are consistent, ranging from the low 20s in May and October through to the high 30s in July and August. From April, things settle down and the lonian is noted for its predictable winds: calm in the morning, then 15-20 knots from 1400 until sun-down. The Saronic Gulf has moderate winds, and in the Aegean you’ll feel the power of the Meltemi from mid-May to September.
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