Planning a yacht charter to Mykonos and Santorini? The distance is long, the Meltemi winds are strong, and not every yacht can handle it. That’s why we’ve handpicked the 10 best motor yachts that combine speed, stability, and fuel efficiency, the yachts that can actually deliver this iconic Cyclades itinerary in comfort.
We’ve been onboard each of these yachts ourselves, spoken with the captains, and tested their performance. Here are the ones we confidently recommend for a Cyclades yacht charter that includes both Mykonos and Santorini.
Broker insight
Everyone wants Mykonos and Santorini in the same week, but that stretch of the Cyclades is where the Meltemi really shows up. On the wrong boat you lose days waiting out the wind. The motor yachts on this list have the speed and the stabilizers to keep moving and keep guests comfortable, so you actually get both islands instead of having to pick one.
Louis Lamprell
Charter Broker, Active CYBA Member
10. THIS IS MINE
THIS IS MINE earns her spot for a reason that matters on this exact route: her captain specializes in it. When Louis Lamprell was onboard at the recent EMMYS yacht show in Poros, Captain George Psarros made it clear that Mykonos and Santorini are his home turf, which is rarer than you would think.
Captain George has made the Cyclades his specialty, and he knows how to work these busy islands: the anchorages that stay calm, the parties worth your time, and how to make sure the hype holds up. On a Mykonos and Santorini charter, that local knowledge makes a real difference.
THIS IS MINE is well kept, clean, and ready for active groups. She feels genuinely different. Originally built for a basketball player, she has more headroom than most yachts her size, a detail taller guests will appreciate.
She sleeps up to 10 guests in 4 cabins (master, VIP, and two twins with pullmans), with a crew of 4 who keep things running smoothly.
9. MYTHOS G
MYTHOS G ticks a lot of boxes for a Cyclades yacht charter.
She’s built for these waters: with a cruising speed of 23 knots (a top speed of 32 knots) and fuel consumption of 550 l/hr, she makes ambitious itineraries like Mykonos and Santorini in a week very doable.
She’s in top shape: originally built in 2009, she had a major refit in 2021 that refreshed everything, interiors, exteriors, and engines. Add a big selection of toys, from seabobs to jet skis, and there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Lastly, she’s got a great crew who love to host the Greek way. You will experience this at their legendary Greek Night, where they do traditional Greek souvlaki on the grill and a Greek party on the flybridge.
8. KARMA
I was onboard KARMA for brunch in Nafplion, and I am happy to report that the chef took my request for non-dairy options very seriously (with no compromise to the existing buffet). Homemade granola bars and a freshly baked apple pie are a great way to win my heart.
KARMA is a really charming, classic family-oriented motor yacht that has been in charter long enough for us to know she delivers.
The reason she is on our list of motor yachts for Mykonos and Santorini is because of her exceptional fuel consumption at only 400l/hr cruising at 14 knots. It would be well worth enquiring about a charter starting in the Cyclades Islands rather than in Athens, fitting with her finishing a charter there, and you would have yourself a very sweet deal.
This year, KARMA is taking a step up, with two additional crew members (now 7) for elevated service. The crew also won first prize for tablescape in this year’s competition, with a beautiful traditional Greek theme.
The interior style is homely, classic, and natural, using only natural fabrics throughout, such as the beautiful sheep’s wool carpet.
7. SUMMER FUN
We were onboard SUMMER FUN in Nafplion 2025.
SUMMER FUN is a very popular option for 12 guests in Greece. Why? Because she ticks a lot of boxes, she has 6 cabins (rare for this size) and 7 crew, making her a great value and unique package for a common demand. This also means that she must be reserved early.
One of the double cabins is located on the main deck. It is referred to as ‘the playroom’ and comes with a PlayStation, big screen, and separate toilet and shower room.
Her cruising speed of 23 knots and fuel consumption of 650l/hr make her an excellent option for charterers who want to reach Mykonos and Santorini.
6. ONE
ONE is a very fast yacht for 8 guests under €50,000. And you can add 2 more guests, if smaller kids, for pullman beds.
The master cabin is big for this size of yacht. However, the other cabins are a bit tight, so she is best suited for a family or a single couple.
ONE does serious speed: a cruising speed of 33 knots and a maximum speed of 40+ knots. She is a great boat to reach the spots that are not close, she happily goes to Mykonos and Santorini. Or bounce to Milos from Hydra.
Bad weather in the Cyclades? No problem, you can be in the Ionian Kefalonia in 8 hours. This level of freedom to move to better weather is a major advantage in the Greek high season.
She also has a Jetsurf and a jetski.
5. GEMAYA
If an army boat can’t battle the Meltemi, no boat can.
GEMAYA was originally a navy mine layer; she’s been rebuilt into a luxury yacht, and it makes her one of the most interesting options in the Cyclades.
The layout is unique, the interior is beautiful, and while she may not win beauty contests on the outside, she’s got unique advantages that no other yacht can offer.
She’s super tough: a steel hull with fin stabilizers means she handles the Aegean winds better than most yachts. With fuel consumption of just 225 l/hr, she’s extremely efficient for her size. This is a yacht that literally used to crack ice, now she cracks 8 Beaufort without a problem.
She’s practical: a great combination of space, length, and price. The cabins are grouped, with clever layouts for families (two- and three-bed cabins, with proper beds for kids instead of pullmans). The high bow doubles as wind protection and a perfect spot for the jacuzzi.
She’s different: onboard, you’ll even find an astronomical telescope, and the Captain loves organizing stargazing nights.
If you like yachts with a story and a purpose, this one is a standout, and one of the best bets for actually making Santorini in August.
4. NOVA
NOVA is a great fit for the Cyclades. She’s fast enough to cover the longer hops (20 knots cruising), has 0-speed stabilizers to keep things smooth when the Meltemi blows, and burns a reasonable 620 l/hr, which matters when you’re running an island-packed itinerary.
She’s also looking fantastic after her 2025 refit. The wood floors in the saloon and dining room feel elegant and a bit different from the usual carpets, the cabins are bright with big bathrooms, and my favorite touch onboard is the textured artwork on the walls, small details that make her look super good.
5 cabins sleep 12, with pullmans that are great for kids, and there are two seabobs in the toy box. The crew have a reputation for warm service (and excellent coffee).
For clients who want to see the big Cyclades highlights in comfort, NOVA is a very solid pick.
3. HAKUNA MATATA
HAKUNA MATATA is one of my favorite family yachts cruising in Greece right now. She fully embraces the family style, The Lion King theme runs throughout, and it’s genuinely fun. Each cabin is named after a different character. The two twins are set up for kids: one with a super creative jungle theme, the other with cute stuffed toys.
She cruises at 25 knots and maxes out at 27, so if you want to take your family on the adventure of a lifetime, fast island hopping through the Cyclades Islands, this is an exceptional option.
She gets a refit every year to keep her in top condition, and she is.
Our broker, John Boullin, had lunch onboard earlier, and all was praise.
2. ALEXANDRA
We were onboard ALEXANDRA in Nafplion 2025.
She has such a nice, warm, and calming feel with a very charming Ancient Greek theme throughout. You could say she is a Greek temple of yachts, with stunning white marble, column designs, Greek fabrics, paintings of ancient artifacts and pottery, and nautical items. Her wonderful crew puts on Hellenic theme nights, which are a huge success with guests.
At 164 feet with a beam of nearly 30 feet, she is the comfort pick on this list rather than a speed boat: a big, heavy, stable platform that stays composed when the Meltemi picks up. Her long-serving Greek captain has spent more than two decades in these waters, so the run out to Mykonos and Santorini feels smooth and unhurried rather than a dash.
This is a fantastic yacht for the Cyclades, perhaps for a Greek history-focused charter.
ALEXANDRA is a proven charter yacht that gets a lot of repeat guests.
1. LA PELLEGRINA I
We stepped onboard LA PELLEGRINA I in Nafplion, and the first impression is unforgettable, the saloon feels open, light, and beautifully designed. Her name comes from a famous pearl, and there’s even a striking mural of Catherine the Great wearing it on the wall.
But what makes her a strong pick for the Cyclades is her build. With a military-grade hull, carbon and Kevlar structure, and a top speed of 28 knots, she’s fast, efficient, and steady. At a cruising speed of 16+ knots, she burns around 650 l/hr, which is excellent for a yacht of her size. Add the smart top-deck design with glass sliding doors that create a windbreak, and you get a smooth, protected experience even when the Meltemi is blowing.
Her master cabin is grand, with a private aft deck, and the whole yacht feels genuinely luxurious. The crew are seasoned, many worked on PROJECT STEEL before, and know these waters well.
