Greece Catamaran Charter
We are continuing to see an increase in crewed catamaran charters in Greece, with newer models growing larger and rivaling motor yachts in space and luxury.
With accommodation for 6-12 guests, catamarans are especially popular with families and first-time charterers who want to share a comfortable and no-rush sailing holiday in the Greek Islands.
Why Charter a Catamaran in Greece?
- More Space, Better Value: A 70-foot catamaran matches the living space of an 85-foot motor yacht. Dual hulls mean wider decks, oversized cabins, and large lounges—without the motor yacht price tag.
- Lower APA and Fuel Costs: Catamarans use less fuel than motor yachts, especially sailing models. With strong Meltemi winds across the Aegean, sailing catamarans can often move without engines—slashing your APA and emissions.
- Comfortable and Family-Friendly: No heeling = no seasickness. The stable platform of a catamaran is great for families, couples, and guests new to sailing.
Top Catamaran Charters in Greece
We review hundreds of yachts yearly at charter shows. These posts feature our top recommendations, based on condition, layout, amenities, and most importantly, crew.
Where to Go on Your Greece Catamaran Charter?
For the best Greece catamaran charter experience, we recommend you choose an itinerary with short, scenic passages, calm anchorages, and diverse landscapes close together. This way, you have more time to explore, swim, and enjoy life on board.
The Saronic Islands or the closer Cyclades are ideal. Plus, the calmer Ionian islands have a growing catamaran fleet.
The Saronic Gulf (Shorter Island Hopping)
For those who want easy island-hopping, minimal fuel costs, and more time ashore, we recommend a catamaran charter in the Saronic Gulf. Just at the doorstep of Athens, it offers short sailing distances, calmer waters, and a rich mix of history and culture.
- Shorter distances between islands and more protected anchorages
- Ideal for 1-week catamaran charters
- Highlights: Hydra, Spetses, Poros and Agistri
The Cyclades Islands (Iconic but more weather dependant)
Cyclades is the area we get most requests for, mainly due to the hype of Santorini and Mykonos; however, they are far from the full story.
The Cyclades are very weather-dependent and the distances between the islands are big. It is for example over 140 nautical miles from Athens to Santorini – too far for a one-week catamaran charter. Instead, we recommend you focus on the Islands closer to Athens – Milos was actually voted the number one favorite island by Captains at the Poros yacht show last year.
- More open water and exposure to Meltemi winds
- Great if you’re looking to sail
- Highlights: Milos, Polyaigos, Paros
- Tip: Focus on the Cyclades Islands closer to Athens, or charter a catamaran that is already in the Cyclades and save lots of cruising time.
The Ionian Islands (Calm and Green)
For those seeking a more relaxed, nature-focused sailing experience, the Ionian Islands offer an entirely different atmosphere from the Cyclades. The weather is calmer, the landscapes are greener, and the architecture reflects a Venetian influence, making places like Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Corfu feel distinct from the rest of Greece.
- Sheltered anchorages and lush scenery
- Highlights: Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos
Best Catamaran Charter Itineraries in Greece
Sailing Catamarans vs Power Catamarans
| Feature | Sailing Catamarans | Power Catamarans |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Sailing enthusiasts, eco-conscious travelers, relaxed cruising | Speed, space, and a motor yacht feel at a lower cost |
| Propulsion | Both sails and Motor, some catamarans sail whenever they can, others use the engine to give extra speed | Fully motorized, operates like a motor yacht |
| Fuel Efficiency | Highly fuel-efficient, lower APA costs - the more you sail, the more you save | Higher fuel consumption, but much more efficient than motor yachts |
| Speed | Slower, depends on wind conditions - 8-15 knots | Generally faster than sailing catamarans - 10-18 knots |
| Space & Comfort | Spacious decks and living spaces | More Space and Larger flybridges and foredecks with no mast and sail obstructions |
| Best For | Classic sailing adventure, close-to-nature experience | Luxury cruising with minimal effort required |
| Ideal Destinations | Shorter island-hopping trips in the Saronic Gulf & closer Cyclades where the wind is great for sailing | Can do longer distances, best for flatter water, Saronic, closer Cyclades and Ionian Islands |
Onboard Comparison of a Sailing vs Power Catamaran
Featured Greek Catamarans
We personally inspect yachts at multiple shows each year, meeting crews and checking everything—from fuel efficiency and noise levels to family-friendly features and luxury touches.
VERINA STAR
UTOPIA
IPHARRA
GRAYONE
ABOVE & BEYOND
GENNY
ALTEYA
HYDRUS
OCEANUS
ALOIA 80
APHAEA
Take Your Private Floating Hotel Around the Greek Islands
Get in touch, let us know what you’re looking for, and one of our brokers will provide a tailored selection of the best options. You’ll also receive detailed reviews and walkthrough videos to help you make the right choice.
How Much Does a Catamaran Charter in Greece Cost?
Crewed Greece catamaran charters cost between €15,000 and €90,000+ per week, depending on the yacht’s size, season, and onboard amenities.
In the Mediterranean, pricing is plus expenses—you pay a base charter fee for the yacht and crew, and then an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) of 25–30% to cover food, drinks, fuel, docking fees, and gratuities. (the APA is higher for motor yachts)
All-inclusive charters in Greece are rare, but they do exist—contact us if that’s what you’re looking for.
Under €30,000/week
- 50–67 feet | 2–3 crew
-
Solid, well-kept yachts with a good layout and experienced crew. You’ll get A/C, water toys, and quality service. This is a great starting point for a proper crewed yacht experience in Greece.
Under €60,000/week
- 60–76 feet | 3–5 crew
- Worth the upgrade for those who value high-end cuisine, refined service, and larger spaces. Expect elegant interiors, more privacy, and a step up in amenities and crew experience.
Under €100,000/week
- 78–80+ feet | 4–5 crew
- These high-end catamarans are comparable to superyachts in layout, crew quality, and onboard experience. Top brands like Sunreef and Fountaine Pajot deliver unmatched luxury, full water toy setups, and premium onboard service.
Example Cost Breakdown
- Base charter fee: €30,000
- APA (25–30%): €7,500–€9,000 → covers fuel, meals, drinks, port fees
- VAT (currently 12%): €3,900
Estimated Total: €41,400–€42,900
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area in Greece for a catamaran charter?
We recommend the Saronic Gulf or the closer Cyclades for a 1-week catamaran charter. The Saronic Gulf (Hydra, Poros, Spetses) offers shorter distances and calm waters, while the Cyclades (Mykonos, Paros, Naxos) provide iconic scenery but require more flexibility due to strong winds.
Can I sail from Athens to Santorini on a catamaran in one week?
It’s technically possible but not ideal on a catamaran. Athens to Santorini is over 150 nautical miles, requiring long sailing days. We recommend focusing on closer Cycladic islands (Paros, Naxos, Milos) for a more enjoyable trip or looking at chartering a motor yacht instead, which much more easily handles the long distances.
How many people can we fit on one catamaran charter in Greece?
Most charter catamarans in Greece can accommodate between 6-12 guests + crew. EU restrictions limit 12 guests on charter unless the yacht is set up like a passenger ship, which is not feasible for a luxury catamaran. The cabin layout varies, with many new charter catamarans opting for 4-5 cabins of equal size, whereas others have masters, doubles, and twins. Inform your broker about your group dynamic, and they will match you with catamarans that fit your needs.
How big are the cabins on a Greece catamaran charter?
Most crewed catamarans have 4-6 cabins, each accommodating 2 guests. Cabins typically range from 8-12 square meters and come with ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, and luxury bedding for comfort.
What is a tandem charter?
A tandem charter is a type of charter where the guests are divided between 2 boats because they cannot fit on one. Usually, one of the captains is the “main captain.”
The boats usually stick together or at least monitor each other’s whereabouts with the goal of synchronizing selected experiences. That means that the kids can go for water sports, while the adults go to see a relaxing bay, and they meet in port for dinner.
What are the best departure points for a catamaran charter in Greece?
Athens (Alimos Marina) is the main departure point for the Saronic Gulf and Cyclades. For the Ionian Islands, charters often start from Corfu or Lefkada, while Rhodes is a top base for Dodecanese charters.
Do I need sailing experience to charter a catamaran in Greece?
No! Crewed catamaran charters require no experience—your captain and crew handle everything. If you want a bareboat charter, you’ll need a valid sailing license (RYA Day Skipper or equivalent).
What is the best time of year for a catamaran charter in Greece?
The best months are May to October, with June and September offering the best balance of great weather and fewer crowds. July and August can be windy (Meltemi season), which may affect sailing routes.
How early should I book my Greek yacht charter?
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 to Book Your Greece Catamaran Charter in Greece
Booking your Greece catamaran charter is simple. Even if you’re not sure what yacht you want or where you want to go, we’ll guide you through everything. It costs nothing to get our advice, and the earlier you inquire, the better—popular catamarans book out 9-12 months in advance.
Tell us your dates, group size, or even just that you’re thinking about a trip, and we’ll send you the best options. From there, you’ll have 24/7 support through the entire process, right up until you step aboard and sail off on your dream trip.
Not Sure? View Other Yacht Types
DS
Don Shields
May 31, 2025
DMA – Cute Little Cat Greece 2025…
Nadja at DMA did a great job understanding our needs, and provided many options for consideration. She took the time to review different types of boats, amenities, itineraries, etc. Her work on arranging the charter, making any changes we requested, finalizing the deal and following up all along the way was outstanding. Ultimately, we landed on The Cute Little Cat, which was incredible. Captain Dimi and his amazing crew, were fantastic. I can’t say enough about their professionalism and attention to detail. They made us feel at home from the start. The interaction with the crew was memorable and we were amazed at all the great locations we were able to see. Arguably, one of the best vacations ever.
DD
Dawn Dellario
Oct 01, 2024
Our Greek cruise on CristAl Mio
10 of us went on the ChristAl Mio catamaran yacht for 7 days around the Greek Isles. Sarah at DMA was our broker and could not have done a better job. She listened, paid attention to our details and was very patient as we gathered our group for the trip. The Yacht was magnificent, the crew was like family by the end and the service and Food was outstanding.
DT
Dana Terrell
Jun 4, 2024
A++ Sail the Islands of Greece
My experience with the yacht broker was excellent. William was very attentive to my questions even though we had a large time difference I was able to get all the information I needed And book the experience of a lifetime. The catamaran Nomad in Greece was absolutely hands-down one of the best trips we’ve ever done. Everyone loved it and was so grateful that we found it. Highly recommend and of course I would do it again!
What Do Our Clients Say?
We are proud of our long track record of happy clients, many of whom return for their second or third yacht charter with us. Our clients consistently praise the ease of our booking process, our ability to find the perfect yacht and crew match, and our responsiveness in understanding their needs and making things happen. We are here to set you up with your dream Greece catamaran charter.
Our Team
Booking a Greece catamaran charter is easy with us—just contact one of our Expert Charter Brokers and tell us what you want!
Daniel Asmus
Owner, Charter Broker, Active CYBA Member, IYBA, ECPY
+34 678 368 304
+1 (814) 564-5550
Martina Asmus
Owner, Charter Broker, Active CYBA Member, IYBA, ECPY
+1 838 259 2403
+34 639 053 238
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