Stepping onto a private yacht in Greece is a dream for many — but there are details that can make or break the experience. From seasonal winds that reshape itineraries to the difference the right yacht or starting port can make, these are the insider lessons that help turn a good trip into an extraordinary one. Here are 13 things worth knowing before you plan your charter.
1. Seasonal weather can make or break your itinerary – choose your region accordingly
I didn’t realize how much seasonal weather can impact the overall experience until I saw the Cyclades during peak meltemi season. The winds in July and August can be strong enough to change plans completely — not ideal if you’ve locked in a fixed itinerary.
That said, the Cyclades are still my top pick for iconic island charm. If that’s your dream, it’s 100% worth doing – just make sure to choose the right yacht (a faster motor yacht is ideal – the longer the better ), stay flexible with your route, and listen to your captain’s advice. If you’re looking for calmer and more predictable weather conditions, or it’s your first time chartering, I’d seriously consider the Ionian Islands or the Saronic Gulf instead.
2. The real value of a private yacht is reaching locations others can’t get to
Most people do not realize just how chaotic Santorini can get in high season. In 2023, over 1.3 million cruise passengers came through, and officials had to cap cruise ship arrivals at 8,000 people per day. It can feel more like Times Square on New Year’s Eve than a tranquil island escape. Everyone’s trying to snap the same sunset photo.
And yes, Santorini is iconic — but everyone can get there. The real advantage of chartering your own private yacht is being able to avoid that chaos entirely. There are many other views that rival Santorini’s caldera, but you’ll have them all to yourself. Quiet cliffs, hidden coves, and sunset anchorages no ferry can reach — that’s what makes this kind of travel special. Next time, I will explore the yacht-friendly islands and leave Santorini for a plane trip afterward.
3. Trying to see too many islands leads to rushed days – less is more
It is a big mistake to try to tick off too many islands, like some kind of hectic to-do list. It turns the trip into a schedule, just like at home, not a holiday. Every day will feel like a mission to get somewhere, rather than enjoying where you are.
What I learned: pick fewer islands and give yourself time to enjoy them properly. Swim a little longer, stay for the sunset, and have the second bottle of wine. Crusing is about appreciating the simplicity at sea, not chasing the horizon.
4. Distances in the Cyclades are big – pick the right yacht to avoid wasting time
I think many people underestimate how far apart the Cycladic islands really are (it is 150 nm from Athens to Santorini). If your goal is to visit Santorini, Milos, or Folegandros in a single week, a sailing catamaran doing 8 knots just isn’t practical. You’ll spend more time in transit than actually enjoying the destinations.
As a rule of thumb, you really do not want more than 2-3 hours at sea per day, max, that is a range of about 20 nm for catamarans and 30-40 nm for motor yachts.
What I learned: match your yacht to your itinerary. For longer distances or ambitious plans, a motor yacht or fast power cat makes all the difference.
5. Your preference sheet is your trip’s secret weapon – fill it out well
I didn’t realize how much of the experience hinges on the preference sheet. It’s not just a form — it’s how the crew gets to know you before you step on board. Your food likes and dislikes, wine preferences, coffee habits, music tastes, and even how you like to spend your mornings — this is the info that makes the trip feel tailored. The more thoughtful you are with it, the more effortless everything feels on board.
6. Book at least 6 months ahead to get the best yacht, crew, and dates
If I could do it over again, I’d start planning at least 6–12 months out. By the time spring rolls around, most of the top yachts — the ones with the best layouts, chefs, and reputations — are already booked.
Early planning doesn’t just get you availability. It gets you choice. And when you’re spending this kind of money, you want it to be exactly right.
7. Marinas can’t be reserved – but anchoring offers more freedom and better views
Most non-sailors expect docking to work like hotels, where you just reserve in advance and show up at your slip. Not in Greece. Most marinas work on a first-come, first-served basis, and things can get competitive in high season.
But the unexpected upside? Anchoring turned out to be the highlight: rather than waking up on a busy dock with tourists looking at you drinking your morning coffee on the back deck, you can wake up in a quiet bay with no neighbors, enjoying your breakfast with nothing but the sea around you.
I recommend anchoring whenever you have the option; it saves you money and grants you those most magical mornings you could never have at home.
8. Be smart about where you start your charter and save hours of travel
You do not actually have to start your yacht charter in Athens. If you want to explore the furthest Cyclades Islands, such as Santorini (located 150 nm from Athens), Amorgos, and Folegandros, consider finding a yacht already in the Cyclades and skipping Athens altogether. This will save you a significant amount of travel time!
Your broker can help you find a yacht that has finished a previous charter in the Cyclades, either in Mykonos or Poros, and sometimes even in Santorini.
Shaving off those long crossings means more time at anchor, more time swimming, and less time burning fuel, saving you loads of APA money. If I were planning again, I’d start with the destination and work backward from there.
9. Chartering during the shoulder season can get you a great bargain
What I didn’t expect was how good shoulder season could be. We went in mid-September, the water was still warm, the weather perfect, and the crowds mostly gone.
Even better, we had access to yachts that were booked solid in July, and we got our yacht for a much better price. If your schedule is flexible, I’d absolutely recommend May or September over the peak rush.
10 Planning a rigid itinerary can backfire when the weather changes
I have mentioned this already, but will emphasize again: the weather has the final word, despite lifelong dreams and expensive restaurant bookings. It’s better to set your expectations right from the start, rather than getting disappointed on the charter when plans have to change.
I had a dream list of islands and tried to plan each day down to the hour. Then the wind picked up, and half the plan went out the window. What I’ve learned since: it’s better to think in terms of highlights, not fixed routes. The captain knows how to read the conditions and still deliver an amazing trip — but only if you give them the flexibility to adjust.
11. Not all charters are Saturday–Saturday anymore – ask for flexible options
Yacht charters used to be fixed to Saturday–Saturday, no exceptions. But that’s not always true anymore. Some yachts offer more flexible start days or even shorter or longer trips, depending on their schedule. If you’re planning around flights or events, it’s worth asking — you might have more options than you think.
12. Do not overpack – many products are included in the yacht charter
It is a common beginner’s mistake to overpack. We are afraid of missing anything on our dream vacation. But the truth is, you don’t need much at sea, and lots of essentials are already included in your yacht charter, such as most toiletries, sunscreens, towels, bathrobes, water bottles, and snorkeling gear. Talk to your broker or the captain before you stuff your suitcase.
What worked? A soft duffel (more easily stored onboard than a hard suitcase), a few breathable outfits, and things I actually wore: swimwear, linen, one pair of sandals, and a book which I hardly had time to read.
13. Your crew knows the hidden gems – trust their advice to unlock them
The best decision I made was to stop trying to out-research the captain. The crew knows where the water is clearest, where the best beach lunch is served, and where you can watch the sunset without a soul around. Once I let go of my checklist and just asked them, “Where would you go if it were your holiday?” — that’s when the real Greek adventure began.
Paying for a crewed charter is also paying for real expert guides – use them!
