Sailing holidays in Greece
Greece is the cruising ground we know best: we have sailed five seasons here, April through October, between the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades. It is a destination that rewards preparation — the meltemi sets the pace in summer — but pays you back with spectacular anchorages, waterside tavernas and unforgettable passages.
Two basins share most charters departing from Athens. The Saronic Gulf, sheltered and easy, is perfect for a first cruise or a family crew. The Cyclades are more exposed and ask for some experience, but they concentrate the best of the Aegean: Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Paros and their turquoise bays.
Every recommendation below comes from our own logbooks: real distances in nautical miles, anchorages tested in established winds, and the mistakes we made so you don't have to repeat them.
Day by day
Flagship routes
Cyclades in 7 days from Athens
7 days · 190 nm · Intermediate
Cruising areas
Compare cruising areas
Crete
Greece's largest island and a south coast you can only reach by sea. For crews comfortable in a breeze.
Cyclades
The great Aegean classic: steady wind, crystal water and white villages. For crews with some experience.
Dodecanese
Rhodes, Symi, volcanoes and the warmest water in Greece, with a meltemi gentler than the Cyclades.
Ionian Islands
A predictable thermal breeze, short hops and Paxos' turquoise water: dream territory for a first charter.
Saronic Gulf
Short hops, sheltered anchorages, Hydra and Spetses: the perfect basin for beginners and families.
Sporades
Pine forests down to the sea, the Alonissos marine park and a softened meltemi: the green, gentle Aegean.
Comparison table
| Area | Season | Level | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crete | May to October | Intermediate | Meltemi N, strong north coast, softer south |
| Cyclades | May to October | Intermediate to advanced | Meltemi NE, force 4–7 in summer |
| Dodecanese | May to October | Intermediate | Meltemi N–NW, 12–22 knots |
| Ionian Islands | May to October | Beginner to intermediate | Maestro NW thermal, 12–18 knots |
| Saronic Gulf | April to November | Beginner | Softened meltemi, thermal breezes |
| Sporades | May to September | Intermediate | Softened meltemi, 12–20 knots |
Advice from sailors
Guides & articles — Greece
How Much Does a Week's Sailing in Greece Cost? A 2025 Breakdown
Boat, flights, harbours, fuel: the real cost of a week under sail in Greece, with 2025 figures.
Read the article →The Complete Guide to Sailing in Greece
Six cruising areas, two wind systems, thousands of islands: your starting point for planning a sailing charter in Greece.
Read the article →Do You Need a Licence to Sail in Greece?
ICC, RYA Day Skipper or a skippered charter: what you really need to bareboat in Greece in 2025.
Read the article →When to Sail in Greece: A Month-by-Month Calendar
April to October, area by area: the calendar that tells you the best month to sail in Greece.
Read the article →Find a sailboat in Greece
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to charter a sailboat in Greece?
Yes. Greece requires a recognised license (ICC or national equivalent) for the skipper plus a crew declaration for a second crew member. Without a license, chartering with a professional skipper is the standard option and can be booked directly on the platform.
Cyclades or Saronic Gulf for a first cruise?
The Saronic, without hesitation. Legs are short (10–25 miles), anchorages plentiful and the meltemi blows half as hard as in the Cyclades. Save the Cyclades for a second season or take a skipper along.
What budget should I plan for a week in Greece?
In season, expect €2,400–3,500 for a 40-foot monohull (4 cabins) and €4,900–7,000 for a catamaran. Add roughly €600–900 for provisioning, fuel, harbour fees and tavernas for a crew of six.
Can you sail Greece off-season?
From April to mid-June and mid-September to late October it is actually our favourite window: gentler winds, empty anchorages, and the sea still at 22 °C in October. Many operators drop prices by 30–40%.