Greece Yacht Charter

Selecting Where to Go on Your Greece Yacht Charter

“I want to see Santorini and Mykonos. My tickets are purchased for fixed dates three months from now in August, and I need to start and finish in Athens, chartering a catamaran.”

This is one of the most common inquiries and one of the hardest to fulfill. Why?

1. Time to charter – with 3 months to charter, your best options are long gone. Ideally, book 9-12 months before the charter.
2. Flights vs Charter Location – with the distance between Athens and Santorini being 150 miles, the itinerary might not be possible due to weather, especially if we want to do Mykonos as well. Ideally, you’ll want to fly to Mykonos or Santorini or at least not plan fixed date island activities.
3. Fixed dates – One day up or down can completely change the offer of yachts available – you might need just that one that already has another charter booked for the day before you’re planning to return. It is a great idea to have your charter booked before you purchase your tickets.
4. Catamaran and long distances – as someone who does Athens – Santorini fairly regularly, it’s a great sail – for sport sailing. You’re on the open Aegean Sea and hiding behind islands is possible but further increases the distance – count 24 hours of sail one way and divide among the days of charter (24 hours x 2 ways / 7 days = 7 hours of sailing per day with a catamaran). Not a pleasurable experience.
5. Time of year – Santorini in August is equivalent to Times Square on New Year’s Eve. It can be a fantastic place if you have the correct expectations. There are 6,000 islands in Greece – plenty of alternatives for high-end restaurants, history, Greek cuisine, and peaceful or more popular places. Notice places like Milos and Lefkada are becoming increasingly crowded as well.
6. Despite all the above – inquire. We’re well-connected with local providers in all areas and are able to provide non-public offers or creatively fulfill your requirements.

Boots on the Ground:

2025 Charter Season in Greece and What to Expect

The charter season in Greece is developing unexpectedly, with an unprecedented number of higher-end yachts posting price reductions—an unthinkable development given the record-setting 2022 Summer Med Season.

The increased airplane fares are partly to blame for the ongoing issues in the Greek infrastructure – not enough marinas to match the demand on other islands and continued over-tourism of key Cycladic charter locations. In addition, 2022 and 2023 have seen record increases in the numbers of new yachts – some 235 crewed boats were added to the yacht charter fleet, while most of the older yacht inventory got a refurbishment – in part also due to the EU funds promoting tourism.

Recent Events in the Greek Yacht Charter Industry

Positive Trends

• Increase of Ultra High Net Worth Individuals casting a spotlight – just Mykonos has seen Elon Musk, George Clooney, Christian Bale Matt Damon, Chris & Liam Hemsworth.
• New, Upcoming Locations offer an alternative to the – “by now dead romantic idea of Mykonos and Santorini.” Antiparos is a hot charter location frequented by Tom Hanks, Jeff Bezos, and Anderson Cooper. Anafi, Ikaria, Kythira, and Nisiros are coming up, and the clients are more educated and receptive to the idea of chartering off the beaten and crowded paths.
• A New Client Preference for Secluded Locations – A storm of documentaries have our clients requesting new experiences – we thank My Greek Odyssey and Peter Meneas on a journey of discovering his Kytherian descent and going much beyond and more with his yacht Mia Zoi or Costas Spiliadis – chef and owner of Estatorio Milos with the yacht Milos at Sea enable us to offer new immersive experiences creating not tourists, but travelers.
• New Experiences—From having one or multiple jetskis onboard your yacht to chartering a Greek temple for your event, things are just easier to do in Greece. We’ve considerably expanded our concierge offering to accommodate requests ranging from beach horseback riding and spearfishing to luxury cars and entertainment events.
• More luxury yachts are gearing up to meet the EU requirements for Large Group Charters (12+ guests). Check out our Top 10 Large Group Charters verified by our Brokers!

A Year-Over-Year Decrease in Demand

• The cost of a July airplane ticket went from $900 to $1,400, year over year.
• US inflation of 4-9% year over year weakens the purchasing position of the major charter market
• Continued negative coverage of key Greek islands, from overcrowding of Santorini to DK Oyster restaurant scams on Mykonos, continues to dominate the headlines
• Turkey – following the Ukrainian conflicts, Turkey offered a safe haven to many Russian-owned yachts that risked being confiscated in Greece. In addition to the competitive VAT in Turkey (1% in Turkey vs 12% in Greece – in constant threat to be increased to full standard 24% with possible retroactivity of signed charters executed in the future) – visit https://myturkishcharter.com for up-to-date and complete yacht offer of Turkish charter yachts. Greece has found itself in between the EU legislators and non-EU Turkish competition.

Market Saturation and Construction Delays

• Santorini Marina – still in construction, unknown delays
• Corinth Canal – successfully reopened on June 22 after repeated construction works on 22 and 23! after walls repeatedly collapsed due to landslides.
• Slow Opening of New Marinas – Licencing issues – limited births restrict navigation of charter vessels
• Inflation of the Charter Fleet following record-setting 2022 yacht returns and EU subsidies for tourism that were leveraged for the purchase of new vessels.

Captains’ Favorite Greek Islands

Milos – The Old Pirate Island

Did you know that during the Middle Ages and through the Ottoman era, piracy thrived in the Aegean Sea? And Milos was actually a central hub due to its strategic location on key maritime routes. Milos, often dubbed “Pirate Island,” was ideal for pirate activities thanks to its complex coastline filled with coves, caves, and tunnels that served as perfect hideouts. These natural harbors not only allowed pirates to evade naval authorities but also to ambush passing ships and swiftly conceal their plundered treasures.

Milos was one of the most talked about destinations by Captains and Crew both at the Seminar as well as during onboard inspections at the show. They especially highlighted places like Sarakiniko Beach, known for its otherworldly, moon-like landscape and secluded bays.

Onboard Catamaran Explorion, Captain Konstantinos Perdikaris tells us: “I especially like the south of Milos, where you will find the best water and connected caves. It is just amazing. And you can only go there by boat; you cannot access it by land, and there are not even any ferries going there. It is very special and secluded.” Captain Konstantinos also points out that the port of Milos is one of the best-protected ports in the Cyclades, making this the perfect hideout even in strong weather.

Naxos – The Breadbasket of Greece 

If you want a taste of real Greece, this is your island. Often referred to as the ‘Breadbasket’ of Greece, Naxos is one of the region’s most fertile islands and an agricultural gem. Olives, grapes, figs, and citrus fruit are just some of the produce growing on this island.

As the largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos is home to Mount Zeus, the tallest peak in the archipelago and the legendary birthplace of Zeus, king of the Greek gods.

The Iconic Portara 

Another major attraction of Naxos is the Portara or the Great Door. This massive marble gateway is the remains of an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo, which dates back to the 6th century BC. It stands on the islet of Palatia, which is connected to Naxos Town by a causeway.

The Portara has become an iconic symbol of Naxos and is especially famous for its stunning views during sunset. The structure frames the setting sun perfectly during certain times of the year, making it a popular spot for both photographers and visitors looking to capture a quintessential Greek sunset.

Polyaigos – One of Greece’s most Protected Nature Reserve

Part of Natura 2000 as a nature reserve unbothered by humans.

Polyaigos was by far the most mentioned favorite destination by Captains and Crew and was many times highlighted as one of the most amazing places to arrive on a yacht.

Polyaigos, literally meaning ‘many goats,’ is the biggest uninhabited island in the Aegean Sea. The reason for its name, is the huge wild goat population which live on the island.

But goats aside, Polyaigos is a deeply fascinating destination, primarily known for its dramatic natural landscape and rich biodiversity. It is part of the Natura 2000 network, which is a network of nature protection areas within the European Union. It is included notably because it supports a significant population of Mediterranean monk seals, which are among the most endangered marine mammals in the world.

Paros – The Best Place to Dine by the Water

Paros, located right next to Naxos, is another destination that constantly came up when talking best destinations in the Cyclades with both Captains and Crew. It seems that the reason why Paros is so popular is because it is an island with everything.

It has numerous stunning beaches like Kolymbithres and Golden Beach, to name a few, and charming Santorini-like villages like Naoussa and Parikia, which offer vibrant nightlife and historical sites. The island is a haven for watersports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, with opportunities for windsurfing, hiking, and exploring ancient marble quarries.

Captain’s Comment

Australian Captain Kristy Steindl named Paros her favorite island in the Cyclades, with Naoussa, the small fishing village on the northern coast, being the number one place to dine by the water. Naoussa offers a plethora of seafood restaurants, offering a real authentic Greek cuisine, right on the water’s edge, providing a matchless real Greek culinary experience against the backdrop of the serene waters. The bay offers excellent protection for anchoring, ensuring a peaceful stay.

Captain Kristy insists that Paros surpasses Santorini in terms of diversity and beauty with its abundance of stunning beaches. “In Santorini, you look out over the water from the top of a hill, literally hundreds of stairs from the water. In Paros, you look out from the white streets, and the water is so close you can smell it and dip your feet in. It’s a stunning island!”

Folegandros – A Paradise Away from the Crowds

When onboard Jewel, a 51-foot Catamaran, we asked Captain George Iliopoulos about his favorite destinations in the Cyclades. He did not hesitate a moment before he said Folegandros. His description of the island showed true enthusiasm for this place, which he has returned to so many times, both with charters and privately.

Unlike some of its more popular neighbors, it’s peaceful and untouched by mass tourism. Chora, the main town, sits up high on a cliff, giving you some of the best views of the Aegean Sea you’ll ever see. It’s got this old-world charm with its narrow streets and classic Greek architecture that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Captain George also highlighted the island’s fantastic beaches, specifically mentioning Agali and Ambeli as favorites. One of their favorite charter activities for guests is a traditional Greek fish barbecue on the beach, enjoyed as the sun sets. Hostess and Chef Melina Chroni added that after a delicious meal of fresh seafood, cocktails around the fire always make for a memorable evening.