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Greece Yacht Charter

Our Brokers Recommend These Crewed Charters in 2024

Searching for the right charter yacht for your next Crewed Charter Greece, but not quite sure what to get? Have a look at these suggestions handpicked by our expert charter brokers, or you can get some more personalized guidance by making contact with us.

Selecting Where to Go on Your Greece Yacht Charter

“I want to see Santorini and Mykonos. My tickets are purchased for fixed dates three months from now in August, and I need to start and finish in Athens, chartering a catamaran.”

This is one of the most common inquiries and one of the hardest to fulfill. Why?

  1. Time to charter – with 3 months to charter, your best options are long gone. Ideally, book 9-12 months before the charter
  2. Flights vs Charter Location – with the distance between Athens and Santorini being 150 miles, the itinerary might not be possible due to weather, especially if we want to do Mykonos as well. Ideally, you’ll want to fly to Mykonos or Santorini or at least not plan fixed date island activities.
  3. Fixed dates– One day up or down can completely change the offer of yachts available – you might need just that one that already has another charter booked for the day before you’re planning to return. It is a great idea to have your charter booked before you purchase your tickets.
  4. Catamaran and long distances – as someone who does Athens – Santorini fairly regularly, it’s a great sail – for sport sailing. You’re on the open Aegean Sea and hiding behind islands is possible but further increases the distance – count 24 hours of sail one way and divide among the days of charter (24 hours x 2 ways / 7 days = 7 hours of sailing per day with a catamaran). Not a pleasurable experience.
  5. Time of year – Santorini in August is equivalent to Times Square on New Year’s Eve. It can be a fantastic place if you have the correct expectations. There are 6,000 islands in Greece – plenty of alternatives for high-end restaurants, history, Greek cuisine, and peaceful or more popular places. Notice places like Milos and Lefkada are becoming increasingly crowded as well.
  6. Despite all the above – inquire. We’re well-connected with local providers in all areas and are able to provide non-public offers or creatively fulfill your requirements.

Types of Crewed Charters Greece

We offer one of the largest selections of Greece luxury yachts, ranging from 50ft to 200ft. Find sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts suitable for any group size, with pricing ranging from $30k to $250k weekly. Discover luxury amenities like Jacuzzis, spas, jet skis, and onboard cinemas. – Check out Top 10 Luxury Yacht Amenities in 2024.

We also do lots of yacht comparisons to help you understand the advantages of different yacht types. For example, learn why a power catamaran beats a motor yacht in terms of stability, space, fuel efficiency, and price.

✽ Crewed yacht charters in Greece include, at minimum, a captain and at least 1 stewardess. On a larger motor yacht, the number of crew can be higher than the number of guests (including engineers, bosun, and additional stewardesses).

Catamarans
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Motor Yachts
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Luxury Yachts
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Charter Yachts with a Jacuzzi
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Charter Yachts with a Jetski
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Gulet Cruise in Croatia, Turkey and Greece
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How Much Does a Greece Yacht Charter Cost?

Our Huge selection of yachts spans a price range of €20,000 to €350,000 per week. Knowing your budget is a good way to narrow down your search for your yacht charter Greece. Search by price in our extensive Greek Yacht catalog or chat with one of our charter brokers for advice on how to set your budget and expectations.

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Boots on The Ground Update: Charter Season 2024 and What’s There To Know About Greece Yacht Charters

The charter season in Greece is developing unexpectedly, with an unprecedented number of higher-end yachts posting price reductions—an unthinkable development given the record-setting 2022 Summer Med Season.

The increased airplane fares are partly to blame for the ongoing issues in the Greek infrastructure – not enough marinas to match the demand on other islands and continued over-tourism of key Cycladic charter locations. In addition, 2022 and 2023 have seen record increases in the numbers of new yachts – some 235 crewed boats were added to the yacht charter fleet, while most of the older yacht inventory got a refurbishment – in part also due to the EU funds promoting tourism.

Donkeys are the way products have been shipped from the Old port via the Karavolades Stairs to the Town of Fira. Notice that most of them are mules - cross of a donkey and a horse
The village of Naousa in Paros - a great example of how universal the smaller Cycladic islands are. Stop by for a Greek coffee, have a snack and observe the flow of life - the fishermen, the cats, the women, the blue and white buildings...

Recent Events in the Greek Yacht Charter Industry

Positive Trends

    • Increase of Ultra High Net Worth Individuals casting a spotlight – just Mykonos has seen Elon Musk, George Clooney, Christian Bale Matt Damon, Chris & Liam Hemsworth.
    • New, Upcoming Locations offer an alternative to the – “by now dead romantic idea of Mykonos and Santorini.” Antiparos is a hot charter location frequented by Tom Hanks, Jeff Bezos, and Anderson Cooper. Anafi, Ikaria, Kythira, and Nisiros are coming up, and the clients are more educated and receptive to the idea of chartering off the beaten and crowded paths.
    • A New Client Preference for Secluded Locations – A storm of documentaries have our clients requesting new experiences – we thank My Greek Odyssey and Peter Meneas on a journey of discovering his Kytherian descent and going much beyond and more with his yacht Mia Zoi or Costas Spiliadis – chef and owner of Estatorio Milos with the yacht Milos at Sea enable us to offer new immersive experiences creating not tourists, but travelers.
    • New Experiences—From having one or multiple jetskis onboard your yacht to chartering a Greek temple for your event, things are just easier to do in Greece. We’ve considerably expanded our concierge offering to accommodate requests ranging from beach horseback riding and spearfishing to luxury cars and entertainment events.
    • More luxury yachts are gearing up to meet the EU requirements for Large Group Charters (12+ guests). Check out our Top 10 Large Group Charters verified by our Brokers!

A Year-Over-Year Decrease in Demand

    • The cost of a July airplane ticket went from $900 to $1,400, year over year.
    • US inflation of 4-9% year over year weakens the purchasing position of the major charter market
    • Continued negative coverage of key Greek islands, from overcrowding of Santorini to DK Oyster restaurant scams on Mykonos, continues to dominate the headlines
    • Turkey – following the Ukrainian conflicts, Turkey offered a safe haven to many Russian-owned yachts that risked being confiscated in Greece. In addition to the competitive VAT in Turkey (1% in Turkey vs 12% in Greece – in constant threat to be increased to full standard 24% with possible retroactivity of signed charters executed in the future) – visit https://myturkishcharter.com for up-to-date and complete yacht offer of Turkish charter yachts. Greece has found itself in between the EU legislators and non-EU Turkish competition.

Market Saturation and Construction Delays

    • Santorini Marina – still in construction, unknown delays
    • Corinth Canal – successfully reopened on June 22 after repeated construction works on 22 and 23! after walls repeatedly collapsed due to landslides.
    • Slow Opening of New Marinas – Licencing issues – limited births restrict navigation of charter vessels
    • Inflation of the Charter Fleet following record-setting 2022 yacht returns and EU subsidies for tourism that were leveraged for the purchase of new vessels.

Your Greek Charter Team

Booking with us is easy—just contact one of our Expert Charter Brokers and tell us what you want!

Martina Asmus
Martina Asmus

Owner, Charter Broker, Active CYBA Member, IYBA, ECPY

Louis Lamprell
Louis Lamprell

Charter Broker

Alex Hailwax
Alex Hailwax

Charter Broker

Mo Pristas
Mo Pristas

CharterGuru

Daniel Asmus
Daniel Asmus

Owner, Charter Broker, Active CYBA Member, IYBA, ECPY

John Boullin
John Boullin

Charter Broker

William Mc Nally
William Mc Nally

Charter Broker

Chris de Kock
Chris de Kock

Charter Broker

Marcelle Hailwax
Marcelle Hailwax

Charter Broker

Yanna Pristas
Yanna Pristas

Senior Charter Broker, Associate CYBA Member

What Our Clients Say

Our clients speak of unparalleled service, exquisite yachts, and a seamless booking process, highlighting the excellence of their yacht charter in Greece.

Bird eye view from the lighthouse of Polyaigos island, Cyclades, Greece
View of the harbor, Livadi village and Sifnos island in the distance from Chora, Serifos island in Greece.

Essential Info for Greece Yacht Charters

  • Most Yachts are Based in Athens

The majority of our crewed charters in Greece depart from Athens to the Cyclades and the Saronic Gulf. Despite the Cyclades being the location we see most clients inquire about (because of the attractive islands of Mykonos and Santorini), Greece has many more amazing destinations on offer.

It is important to keep in mind that the most hyped islands are quite crowded in the peak months, and despite the limitations made on cruise ships entering islands like Santorini, visitor numbers haven’t significantly dropped.

If you are unsure where to go, find some inspiration in our Ultimate Greece Yacht Charter Itinerary Guide. Here, you will find information about all the best charter destinations in Greece, location videos, and a complete list of our most popular itineraries.

  • The Distances Between the Islands are Quite Big

The distances between the Greek islands are quite big, especially in the Cyclades – It is, for example, a whole 150 miles from Athens to Santorini. A crewed motor yacht charter from Athens to Cyclades cruising at 12 knots usually does day hops of 3-4 hours. The time increases for catamarans cruising at around 6 knots to at least 4-6 hours per day.

For this reason, we advise, especially first-time charterers, to visit the Saronic Gulf Hydra, Spetses, and Poros instead, reducing time spent at sea and increasing time spent exploring the islands.

It is possible to cross from the Saronic Gulf to the Cyclades, which is usually done when Meltemi changes the plans of yachts from Athens.

  • Weather Conditions Can Significantly Impact Yacht Charter Itineraries in the Cyclades

The strong Meltemi winds make the journey from Athens to Santorini subject to the elements, and some flexibility is needed as weather can significantly delay the journey. To avoid this, inquire about starting in Mykonos or Santorini and skipping the long cruise from Athens.

Given that availability is contingent on the previous charter ending nearby or at your desired location, it is strongly recommended that you hold off on buying airline tickets until a boat is secured.

  • Athens to the Ionian Islands through the Corinth Canal – One of the World’s Narrowest Canals

The third most popular crewed charter destination in Greece is the Ionian Sea. The Ionian Islands are only growing in popularity, and as more infrastructure is being built to accommodate more and larger yachts, the fleet is growing.

What makes the Ionian Islands such a great cruising ground is its lesser wind, which makes sticking to an itinerary much easier, and its islands’ closer proximity, which allows for easy island hopping in smaller jumps.

Although the fleet of permanent yachts, especially catamarans, is still limited in the Ionian Islands, it is possible to charter a yacht from Athens, passing through the Corinth Canal, one of the world’s narrowest canals. It is a very unique and spectacular experience to pass through here!

Daytime view of the Corinth Canal in Greece, seen from above. The canal is narrow with turquoise blue waters, flanked by tall, steep, sandy-colored cliffs. Sparse vegetation dots the cliff sides. A bridge spans across the canal in the distance, under a clear blue sky.
Corinth Canal seen from the bridge - The Corinth Canal connects the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Gulf and the Ionian Sea

Summer 2024

Best Greece Yacht Charter Areas

Contact our Charter team for a free consultation

Want help with putting together the perfect private yacht charter vacation? Our brokers are ready to chat; just click on the chat window below, and we will get started.

Our Blog

Discover the Latest in Greece Yacht Charter with Us

At DMA Yachting, we’re committed to staying on top of the latest trends in yacht charters, from the launching of exciting new yachts to the best destinations and activities. Our blog serves as a resource to keep you informed and inspire new ideas for your adventures at sea.

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Discover

OUR FAVORITE SPOTS

There are so many places to go on a Greek sailing vacation, with the endless beautiful islands in the Aegean and Ionian Sea, that it can seem kind of overwhelming to plan a sailing itinerary.

The question is whether you want to follow the hype and visit all the most talked-about destinations or whether you are seeking a yacht charter in Greece off the beaten track.

There are loads of amazing secluded islands not overrun by tourists waiting for people to break the trend. They all have turquoise waters and ancient ruins; the difference is that you will have them more to yourself.

Here are some of our favorite spots that have been repeatedly recommended by Captains and Crew who have sailed in Greece for years:

The Old Pirate Island – Milos

Did you know that during the Middle Ages and through the Ottoman era, piracy thrived in the Aegean Sea? And Milos was actually a central hub due to its strategic location on key maritime routes. Milos, often dubbed “Pirate Island,” was ideal for pirate activities thanks to its complex coastline filled with coves, caves, and tunnels that served as perfect hideouts. These natural harbors not only allowed pirates to evade naval authorities but also to ambush passing ships and swiftly conceal their plundered treasures.

Milos was one of the most talked about destinations by Captains and Crew both at the Seminar as well as during onboard inspections at the show. They especially highlighted places like Sarakiniko Beach, known for its otherworldly, moon-like landscape and secluded bays.

Onboard Catamaran Explorion, Captain Konstantinos Perdikaris tells us: “I especially like the south of Milos, where you will find the best water and connected caves. It is just amazing. And you can only go there by boat; you cannot access it by land, and there are not even any ferries going there. It is very special and secluded.” Captain Konstantinos also points out that the port of Milos is one of the best-protected ports in the Cyclades, making this the perfect hideout even in strong weather.

Beautiful sandy beach on Milos Island in Greece with steep cliffs and blue sea
Milos Island, Greece

The Breadbasket of Greece – Naxos

If you want a taste of real Greece, this is your island. Often referred to as the ‘Breadbasket’ of Greece, Naxos is one of the region’s most fertile islands and an agricultural gem. Olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit are just some of the produce growing on this island.

As the largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos is home to Mount Zeus, the tallest peak in the archipelago and the legendary birthplace of Zeus, king of the Greek gods.

The Iconic Portara 

Another major attraction of Naxos is the Portara or the Great Door. This massive marble gateway is the remains of an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo, which dates back to the 6th century BC. It stands on the islet of Palatia, which is connected to Naxos Town by a causeway.

The Portara has become an iconic symbol of Naxos and is especially famous for its stunning views during sunset. The structure frames the setting sun perfectly during certain times of the year, making it a popular spot for both photographers and visitors looking to capture a quintessential Greek sunset.

Naxos Yacht Charter Greece
Naxos, the up and coming island that's gaining popularity as Santorini and Mykonos become saturated with travelers. In our side story, we'll be following the story of Theseus, son of Aegeus, who killed the Minotaur. It is on Naxos where Theseus lost the love of Ariadne, who helped him in the Labytinth. It is here that Ariadne found love of another... The story goes backwards, pay attention.

One of Greece’s most Protected Nature ReservePolyaigos

Part of Natura 2000 as a nature reserve unbothered by humans.

Polyaigos was by far the most mentioned favorite destination by Captains and Crew and was many times highlighted as one of the most amazing places to arrive on a yacht.

Polyaigos, literally meaning ‘many goats,’ is the biggest uninhabited island in the Aegean Sea. The reason for its name, is the huge wild goat population which live on the island.

But goats aside, Polyaigos is a deeply fascinating destination, primarily known for its dramatic natural landscape and rich biodiversity. It is part of the Natura 2000 network, which is a network of nature protection areas within the European Union. It is included notably because it supports a significant population of Mediterranean monk seals, which are among the most endangered marine mammals in the world.

Bird eye view from the lighthouse of Polyaigos island, Cyclades, Greece

The Best Place to Dine by the WaterParos

Paros, located right next to Naxos, is another destination that constantly came up when talking best destinations in the Cyclades with both Captains and Crew. It seems that the reason why Paros is so popular is because it is an island with everything.

It has numerous stunning beaches like Kolymbithres and Golden Beach, to name a few, and charming Santorini-like villages like Naoussa and Parikia, which offer vibrant nightlife and historical sites. The island is a haven for watersports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, with opportunities for windsurfing, hiking, and exploring ancient marble quarries.

Captain’s Comment

Australian Captain Kristy Steindl named Paros her favorite island in the Cyclades, with Naoussa, the small fishing village on the northern coast, being the number one place to dine by the water. Naoussa offers a plethora of seafood restaurants, offering a real authentic Greek cuisine, right on the water’s edge, providing a matchless real Greek culinary experience against the backdrop of the serene waters. The bay offers excellent protection for anchoring, ensuring a peaceful stay.

Captain Kristy insists that Paros surpasses Santorini in terms of diversity and beauty with its abundance of stunning beaches. “In Santorini, you look out over the water from the top of a hill, literally hundreds of stairs from the water. In Paros, you look out from the white streets, and the water is so close you can smell it and dip your feet in. It’s a stunning island!”

The village of Naousa in Paros - a great example of how universal the smaller Cycladic islands are. Stop by for a Greek coffee, have a snack and observe the flow of life - the fishermen, the cats, the women, the blue and white buildings...
The village of Naousa in Paros - a great example of how universal the smaller Cycladic islands are. Stop by for a Greek coffee, have a snack and observe the flow of life - the fishermen, the cats, the women, the blue and white buildings...

A Paradise Away from the Crowds – Folegandros

When onboard Jewel, a 51-foot Catamaran, we asked Captain George Iliopoulos about his favorite destinations in the Cyclades. He did not hesitate a moment before he said Folegandros. His description of the island showed true enthusiasm for this place, which he has returned to so many times, both with charters and privately.

Unlike some of its more popular neighbors, it’s peaceful and untouched by mass tourism. Chora, the main town, sits up high on a cliff, giving you some of the best views of the Aegean Sea you’ll ever see. It’s got this old-world charm with its narrow streets and classic Greek architecture that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Captain George also highlighted the island’s fantastic beaches, specifically mentioning Agali and Ambeli as favorites. One of their favorite charter activities for guests is a traditional Greek fish barbecue on the beach, enjoyed as the sun sets. Hostess and Chef Melina Chroni added that after a delicious meal of fresh seafood, cocktails around the fire always make for a memorable evening.

A panoramic view of Folegandros, Greece during sunset. The image captures the rugged, mountainous landscape bathed in golden light, highlighting the traditional white buildings scattered along the sloping terrain. The calm sea extends into the horizon under a clear sky, and a distinct church with a prominent white dome sits atop the hill, overseeing the scenic village below.
Folegandros, Saronic Islands, Greece

Yacht Charter Itineraries

Get inspired with our recommended Greek Yacht Charter Itineraries in the Aegion and Ionian Sea.

Not Sure Where to Begin?

Make sure to check out our ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GREECE YACHT CHARTER ITINERARIES. Greece is a treasure trove of experiences, and truly, you could spend a lifetime island hopping around its turquoise waters. Each region is unique, not only in its attractions but also in its weather conditions, which can affect which yacht is suitable for your journey. If you’re wondering where to begin or which yacht fits your specific needs, our expert brokers are ready to assist.

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Book Well in Advance

With 3 months to charter, your best options are long gone. Ideally, we advise you to book 9-12 months before your intended charter.

It is also important to consider to keep some level of flexibility. Coming into high season and wanting to charter in the most popular areas, Greece yacht charters can easily be booked back-to-back.

One day back or forth can completely change the offer of available yachts, as you might find that your preferred yacht is already booked one day before your selected return date. It is, therefore, also a good idea to have your Greece yacht charter booked before you purchase your flight ticket.

How do I choose the right yacht? How much does a yacht charter in Greece cost? And where is the best place to charter? We give you concrete information and facts about luxury charters in Greece, including market trends, transparent prices ($15k to $250k weekly), information about weather patterns and overcrowding, and the best Greece yacht charter deals and itineraries. -Our team consists of sailors and ex-charter crew!

Lots of companies will try to sell you the usual Greek Islands-turquoise waters pitch, focusing on famous destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos, not us. Truth is that apart from being overcrowded with tourists, the most hyped Greek Islands are also located in one of Greece’s windiest areas, and not just a quick sail from Athens.

We go beyond the usual destinations with recommendations directly from Captains and insights gained at yearly yacht shows and captain seminars to give you a more authentic charter experience in Greece

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