Motor Yachts
Greece Yacht Charter
Motor Yacht Charters in Greece
Even though motor yachts are predominantly concentrated in the Athens/Piraeus area, you will find motor yachts available for charter in marinas all across Greece, including Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, Skiathos, Volos, Mykonos, Corfu, and Rhodes.
A motor yacht is the ideal choice if you wish to cover the major island chains of the Aegean Sea. In contrast to sailing yachts and catamarans, motor yachts offer superior speed, increased space, private suites, and onboard water toys. Their monohull design enables them to easily navigate narrow waterways with agility and style.
Greece is truly massive and there is much to be seen; chartering a motor yacht allows for maximum exploration, fitting many more islands into your itinerary compared to a charter done on a sailing yacht or catamaran. But on a yacht charter it is not only about where you go, but how you get there, and with a motor yacht, you will travel most luxuriously.
Motor Yachts vs Sailboats/Catamarans
A primary advantage of motor yachts lies in their speed, facilitating the ability to cover longer distances in a shorter time — a huge benefit given the large stretches of open sea among the Aegean Islands.
A recent increase in size among top-tier motor yachts allows for the accommodation of larger groups of guest, along with the inclusion of amenities and luxuries previously uncommon, such as generous water toy collections, open-air Jacuzzis, and much more.
It is noteworthy, however, that in contrast to sailing yachts, luxury motor yachts consume a large amount of fuel and generally entail significantly higher charter costs, a pivotal consideration for those planning a yacht charter vacation in Greece on a budget.
Additionally, the absence of sailing capabilities renders motor yachts more vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, albeit a rare occurrence during the Greek summer—a factor worth acknowledging.
MOTOR YACHT vs CATAMARAN. Experts explain the Advantages of each Luxury Yacht Charter.
Luxury Motor Yacht Charters in Greece
If you are looking for ultimate luxury and have a budget that exceeds the price of the average motor yacht, you should be looking to the top of our yacht selection to our top-tier luxury motor yachts.
Chartering a luxury motor yacht offers an unparalleled charter experience characterized by opulence, exclusivity, and superior amenities. These vessels represent the epitome of nautical sophistication, providing charter guests with an exceptional level of comfort, indulgence and customization catering to the most refined tastes.
Spacious interiors feature lavish accommodations, private suites, and state-of-the-art facilities, making the yacht a palace on the water. Onboard, guests can enjoy open-air Jacuzzis, gourmet dining experiences crafted by professional chefs, and partake in a myriad of water-based recreational activities facilitated by an extensive collection of water toys.
If you wonder what you get on a luxury motor yacht, that you do not get on a motor yacht, let me put it like this: More of everything!
Tips for Booking a Luxury Yacht Charter
- A superyacht charter offers an ideal means to efficiently explore the expansive Greek islands region. Ranging from 80-100ft luxury motor yachts to the world’s largest superyachts spanning 120-200ft, guests can tailor their experience to their preferences.
- Commencing in Athens, the primary hub for luxury yacht charters allows for swift access to the Cyclades islands—home to renowned destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos. Athens serves as a strategic starting point for an immersive exploration of these captivating locales.
- For those desiring a superyacht charter during the summer months, it is advisable to contact the charter team at least 12 months in advance to secure preferred vessels and itineraries. Planning ahead ensures a seamless and personalized experience tailored to individual preferences.
- For luxury yacht charters during the mild winter season, booking 6 months before the charter date is recommended.
Best time to charter a motor yacht in Greece
While the summer months of June to August mark the high season for yacht charters in the Greek islands, the Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm temperatures and mild winters, allows for an extended time frame to secure your ideal yacht. To optimize your Greek islands charter experience, it is recommended to avoid months associated with heavy rainfall, extreme heat, and cold.
The periods of May-June and September-October present quieter and less crowded conditions for anchorages and routes. Additionally, charter rates during these months are notably more economical compared to the high season, particularly for sought-after destinations like Santorini and the Cyclades.
Considering the limited and expensive availability of berths for larger yacht charters in popular marinas, such as the well-frequented Alimos Marina, during the peak period, early booking is wise. It is advisable to plan well in advance, as some of the most desirable dates and luxury yachts are reserved up to two summers ahead.
Popular Destinations for Greek Motor Yacht Charter
The Greek islands are grouped into clusters, each offering unique cultural attractions for a dream superyacht vacation. Greece has over 6000 islands, which of only about 200 are inhabited, scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Sea. Often overlooked, the Greek mainland offers a picturesque coastline with ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, stunning anchorages, and numerous world-famous historical sites and ruins, making it ideal for a private yacht charter.
Tip for those who Suffer from Seasickness
Motor yachts come equipped with stabilizers and motion minimizers, ensuring a comfortable sailing experience, and reducing seasickness, except during the Meltemi season when seas may be rough. For those new to chartering or those suffering from severe seasickness, consider flying to Mykonos instead of sailing from Athens to Santorini.
Cyclades - Choose Large motor yachts with experienced crew for Meltemi
The Cyclades islands, situated in the central Aegean Sea, are the most well-known yacht destinations in Greece. Mykonos, accessible by air, serves as a focal point and a convenient departure location for yacht charters in Greece.
Mykonos can pose challenges for motor yacht charters due to strong northerly winds, known as the Meltemi. Opting for a larger motor yacht with an experienced captain or a crewed yacht charter can address this issue, allowing navigation around the island’s leeward side. Large motor yachts equipped with stabilizers ensure a comfortable journey, minimizing the risk of seasickness.
Islands like Mykonos and Syros feature well-equipped marinas and numerous anchorages, providing ample options for an exciting yacht charters. Apart from Santorini’s iconic blue-white scenery, Zakynthos’ Navagio beach stands out as one of Greece’s most photographed spots, featuring the famous shipwreck Panagiotis.
Less crowded islands such as Paros, Sifnos, Folegandros, and Anafi offer tranquil settings, excellent local cuisine, and a chance to experience unspoiled Greece. The volcanic Santorini is a must-visit, though it can get crowded in the summer, posing challenges for anchoring space.
Ionian Islands - Motor yacht charter away from the crowds
Locally known as “Seven Islands“, (despite counting over 20 islands and islets), these islands are one of the premier destinations for motor yacht charters in Greece. Even larger than the Cyclades, traveling between these islands takes hours, making speed a crucial factor in the Ionian region. Despite having airports, there’s no direct flights between the Ionian islands, necessitating advance planning with the motor yacht charter rental service for visits to Zakynthos, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Paxos, and Corfu.
The cosmopolitan Corfu, exuding old-European charm, serves as a primary starting point for charters in the Ionian Islands. However, marinas in Lefkada and Kefalonia also offer convenient access.
Among the Ionian jewels, the smaller islands of Paxos, Homeric Ithaca, and Othonoi are true gems for a yacht charter in Greece. These green islands, dotted with cute little villages and surrounded by the stunning azure waters of the Ionian Sea, provide a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle. Given the potential challenges of rough Meltemi winds during the summer, opting for a large, crewed motor yacht charter is advisable.
Caves of Paxos - Yacht Charter Greece
Saronic islands (Mainland Greece) - best motor yacht charters based in Athens/ Piraeus
Most of Greece’s top motor yacht charters are based in the area of Athens/Piraeus. It is therefore the ideal place to start your yacht charter. Look for example at Alimos Marina offering state-of-the-art facilities and a wide selection of luxury yachts.
Our recommended itinerary explores the Saronic islands—Aegina, Poros, Agistri, and Hydra, home of the Poets. The advantage lies in the short distances between these islands, making island hopping easy and swift.
This region also allows for visits to many great historical sites on the mainland, including the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio and the ancient theater of Epidaurus. For your best motor yacht charter in mainland Greece, reach out to us, and we’ll arrange a tailored experience.
The Dodecanese - Berthing for large Motor Yachts
Although it’s named the 12 Islands the Dodecanese actually consists of as many as 150 islands. Situated in the southernmost part of the Aegean Sea, Rhodes takes precedence as the largest and most frequented island. Featuring one of the nation’s most extensive and contemporary marinas, Rhodes’ Marina offers ample berthing spaces for even the largest motor yachts. Noteworthy for its exceptional security measures and amenities, the marina is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from the island’s bustling international airport. A highlight of Rhodes is the well-preserved medieval city and ancient ruins, including the famous Colossus.
Patmos Island, serene and steeped in spirituality, is home to the Cave of the Apocalypse. Symi charms with neoclassical architecture, while Kalymnos is celebrated for its sponge diving and rugged terrain, and Leros offers tranquility with medieval castles.
Karpathos provides an authentic Greek experience with traditional villages and a mountainous interior, and Kastellorizo, the easternmost island, features vibrant houses and the amaxing Blue Cave. Each island in the Dodecanese contributes to a tapestry of Greek history, picturesque landscapes, and cultural authenticity.
Northern Sporades islands - Explore the Marine life with a motor yacht charter
The Greek island cluster of the Sporades offers an abundance of natural harbors and fishing sanctuaries, providing secure anchorages for motor yacht charters, often without charge. The proximity of the islands minimizes distances, leading to reduced fuel consumption, and consequently a reduction in the overall charter cost.
Skiathos, the central island, stands out for its vibrant nightlife, culinary offerings, and shopping opportunities. Adjacent Skopelos, famously known as the island of “Mamma Mia”, beckons with tranquility, featuring a coastline adorned with lighthouses, rocky formations, and pristine beaches. Alonnisos, nestled in the heart of Greece’s only Marine Park, stands as the most serene and picturesque of the Sporades. This protected area discourages activities like spearfishing and trawling, fostering an exceptional marine environment and the opportunity to encounter rare marine mammals.
The Northern Sporades are globally acclaimed for scuba diving, and renowned for both their natural beauty and marine archaeological significance. However, it is important to note that entering and mooring in these island’s anchorages may entail a small fee.
Things you should know before you go
- Greece has some protected archeological locations where it is prohibited to snorkel and scuba dive. Before you start a scuba diving expedition, confirm the area with your Captain and boat staff.
- If you want to stay the night on land during your yacht charter in Greece rather than onboard in the port, the Captain must inform the port authority beforehand as it is illegal to dock a vacant yacht at the ports.
- Consult with your yacht charter in Greece for pre-booking vehicles and tour operators for inland ATVs and bikes.
- Fishing with scuba gear is prohibited.
See Motor Yachts for Charter in Greece
- Clear All
- Ab Yachts
- Abeking & Rasmussen
- Ada Yacht
- Admiral - It
- Aegean Build
- Aicon
- Alalunga
- Alfamarine
- Alu Marine
- Amels
- Aquila
- Astillero Na
- Austal/oceanfast
- Austral Yachts
- Aventura
- Azimut
- Baglietto
- Baia
- Bali Catamarans
- Baltic
- Basimakopoulos Shipyard, Koila
- Bavaria
- Beneteau
- Benetti
- Blue Sea Maritime
- Bodrum Shipyard
- Bodrum Shipyards
- Bozburun
- Brodosplit
- Brooke Marin
- Bugari
- Canados
- Cantieri Di Pisa, Italy
- Cassens Werft
- Catana
- Catana S.a
- Cheoy Lee
- Cnb Bordeaux
- Codecasa
- Concorde Yachts
- Couach
- Cranchi
- Crn Ancona
- Custom
- Custom Built - Bodrum
- Custom Built Aluminum Cutter
- Custom Gulet-motor Sailor
- Custom Line
- Devonport
- Dufour
- Dynamique Ya
- East Yachting
- Elegance
- Etemoglu Boatyard
- Fairline, U.k.
- Falcon
- Feadship
- Ferretti
- Fethiye Shipyard
- Fitzroy Yachts
- Fjord
- Fontaine Pajot
- Fountaine Pajot
- Garcia
- Gianneti
- Grand Soleil
- Greece
- Gulet
- Gunboat
- Guy Couach
- Halkitis Shi
- Hanse Yachts
- Hatteras
- Heesen
- Horizon
- Ice Yachts
- Incetrans Shipyard
- International Shipyard Ancona
- Isa, Rodriguez Group Italy
- Italcraft
- Jaguar
- Jean-jacque Coste
- Jeanneau
- Jongert
- Koyunbaba Shipyard
- Lagoon
- Leopard
- Leopard (arno)
- Lurssen
- Maiora
- Majora
- Mastori Yachts, Bodrum
- Mccohangy Boats
- Mengi-yay Tuzla
- Mondomarine
- Moody
- Moon Yacht
- Mural Shipyards
- Nautitech
- Nautor Swan
- Neta
- New Zealand Yachts - Whangarei
- Ocean Class
- Olympic Marine
- Palmer Johnson
- Perama, Greece
- Perini Navi
- Pershing
- Picchiotti
- Posillipo
- Posillipo Technema
- Primatist By Bruno Abbate
- Princess Viking
- Princess, Uk
- Psaros Shipyard
- Riva
- Royal Denship
- Royal Huisman
- San Lorenzo
- Sealine
- Sensation Yachts
- Southern Wind
- Stephens
- Su Marine
- Sunreef Yachts
- Sunseeker
- T.b.a
- Tansu
- Technomar -i
- Technomarine
- Tecnomar
- Torgem
- Trehard
- Trident
- Trinity Yachts
- Turkey
- Turkish Shipyard
- Tuzla Shipyard
- Two Oceans
- Uniesse
- Van Peteghem-lauriot Prevost
- Vitters
- Vosmarine
- Vt Halmatic
- Westport
- Yachtbau Brune Opus 68