Best Yacht Type for a Charter to Santorini and Mykonos

The Meltemi – The Biggest Factor in the Cyclades

When planning a Cyclades yacht charter, the Meltemi wind is the number one factor to consider:

• Blows strongest in July and August

• Can reach force 8–9 Beaufort

• Creates rough seas and delays

• May cause port restrictions for certain yachts

We see many people make the mistake of choosing a yacht that looks good in photos but struggles in these conditions. On previous charters, our clients who picked the right yacht cruised smoothly to Mykonos and Santorini – while others were stuck in port, frustrated that their itinerary couldn’t be met.

Catamaran vs Motor Yacht for Santorini and Mykonos

Sailing Catamarans

• Stable due to their twin-hull design
• Can use the wind to sail + significantly lower fuel consumption
• Can keep sailing even when motor yachts are held in port during strong Meltemi
• But: they are much slower, meaning long passages and less time ashore

For shorter Cyclades routes, catamarans are excellent. But for a yacht charter from Athens to Mykonos and Santorini, a catamaran simply won’t cover the distance efficiently in one week.

Motor Yachts

• Fast and powerful – can cover long distances in less time
• A longer waterline means smoother handling in waves
• Equipped with stabilizers for comfort during Meltemi conditions
• The right engines can be surprisingly fuel-efficient

This is why we recommend motor yachts for charters that include both Santorini and Mykonos. Speed, comfort, and efficiency make all the difference.

The Perfect Yacht for a Santorini, Mykonos Charter Looks Like This

If these two islands are on your must-see list, a motor yacht charter is best. When we select your motor yacht for your Cyclades yacht charter, we look for:

✅ Stabilizers underway and at anchor – essential for comfort in the Meltemi
✅ Efficient engines – modern builds with lower fuel burn keep APA manageable
✅ Longer hull length – the longer the waterline, the better it handles waves
✅ Experienced Cyclades crew – a captain who knows when to push through and when to adjust the itinerary

With this type of yacht, you’ll actually enjoy the journey instead of enduring it.

Best Motor Yachts for a Santorini Yacht Charter

If a Catamaran or Sailing Yacht Is Your Preferred Type – The Solution

If you love the idea of chartering a catamaran or sailing yacht in the Cyclades, there’s a smart way to make it work.

Start your charter in the islands, not in Athens.

Instead of spending days sailing the long route from Athens to Mykonos or Santorini, we recommend beginning your charter from within the Cyclades – for example:

• Mykonos yacht charters – perfect for island-hopping in the central Cyclades

• Paros or Naxos – ideal bases with easy access to smaller islands

• Santorini yacht charter – if it’s your must-see highlight, you can begin there and cruise north

It’s best to inquire early, so we can secure a yacht that’s already based in the Cyclades or finishing another charter there. This way, you avoid paying costly relocation fees.

Best Sailing Yachts for a Santorini Yacht Charter

Having Realistic Expectations for Your Cyclades Yacht Charter

Even with the perfect yacht, flexibility is important. The weather can always cause last-minute changes. Captains know the area and will prioritize your comfort and safety.

On previous charters, some of our clients who adjusted their itinerary discovered hidden islands they loved just as much as Mykonos or Santorini – and enjoyed their trip far more than those who tried to force every stop.

Choosing the Right Broker

The yacht itself is only part of the equation. The right broker makes sure you book a vessel that actually performs in the Cyclades.

We know from firsthand experience which yachts handle the Meltemi best. We attend yacht shows, inspect vessels, and speak directly with crews. That way, when we recommend a yacht, it’s not just based on specs – it’s based on real performance in the Aegean.

This is how we make sure your dream of chartering to Mykonos and Santorini becomes a reality, not a frustration.

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