A private yacht charter is perhaps the best way to discover why, for most people, Greece is all about the sea. Below is our thumbnail guide to start you off:
Speed is a basic question – the faster the boat, the more ground you will cover.
Size does matter whatever people say – larger yachts will be more comfortable in windy conditions, smaller yachts will be able to slip into small coves and anchor close to shore.
Crew – a great crew is key to a successful cruise, and Greek crews are experienced in finessing itineraries, sourcing local delicacies, making dreams happen, while respecting local laws and courtesies- increasingly important.
Kids – If there are lots of youngsters to entertain, then a wide array of water toys are great; low tech water toys are perfect for smaller children, while SUP’s and E-foils are fast replacing jetskis as the most poplar toys, as well as being kind to the environment, wildlife and getting you close to nature
Style of yacht – choose between lazing on a large-beamed, traditional schooner with a large-beamed, traditional chef, a distance-gobbling speedster with cutting edge technological design, stately comfort on a multi-decked mega-yacht, something light and nimble for slipping into hidden coves and caves, a catamaran for good value comfort, or a dayboat of any type to accessorize your villa and explore the nearby islands and beaches.
If you can’t decide where to go, then a yacht is a great solution – go everywhere!
Our team of travel experts are ready to help locate the perfect villa or yacht for your needs.
Motor Yacht
Motor yachts are considered the highest level of luxury yachts for charter. With high cruising speeds, spacious interior areas (salons, cabins etc.) and large deck spaces, they have held their mark as the top in luxury yachting. The largest advantage of a motor yacht is its speed and the capability to get from one destination to the next in less time. Motor yachts also have shallow drafts which allows for easier navigation along coastlines making coves more easily attainable and docking an easier task. Most first time charterers gravitate towards motor yachts due to their speed and space which typically means more onboard facilities and opportunities for more recreational activities
Sailing Boat
Sailing yachts are monohulled yachts which are typically under sail while cruising relying only on the motor if little wind. In the past sailing yachts to be considered the more simple type of yachts for charter, where luxury and space was limited. Today, the gap between motor and sailing yachts has narrowed dramatically, and larger sailing yachts are now very much on the same level as motor yachts. Sailing yachts are limited in their speed (approx. 10 knots), however those who charter them understand that it is not only about the destination, but also about the journey. Sailing enthusiasts tend to have a great passion for yachting and being under sail, with noiseless wind speed.
Catamaran
Catamarans are multi hulled sailing yachts which are ideal for charterers wanting the feel and benefits of a sailing yacht, however looking for more space. Relaxed cruising is also favored on a catamaran as opposed to the adrenalin sailing enthusiasts seek on a monohull sailing yacht. With the increased deck space catamarans have the capability to offer more recreational activities than a sailing yacht of a similar size. A big perk on catamaran sailing yachts is their mainly equal sized cabins and double beds, making couples vacationing together happy.
Motor Sailer
Motor Sailers are yachts with both sails and a motor. These yachts typically rely on their motor for cruising and use their sails for the ambience of sailing, when possible. Motor sailers bring the beauty of both motor and sailing yachts together; offering more space than a sailing yacht, however still keeping cruising speeds low which go hand-in-hand with the relaxed journey and keeping fuel consumption down.
Day Boat Charters
We only arrange skippered day boats as we aim to serve our clients year after year, and Greek weather patterns can be tricky…
If you have rented a villa with us, then remember that days out on the water are often the highlight of a stay. The options are:
A traditional wooden “caique” for a relaxing potter around nearby beaches and islands with a picnic
A Rib or semi rigid boat for an adrenaline fuelled race over large distances to explore more of the surroundings, or to offer fast and quick transfers
A larger motor yacht for the most glamorous way to explore or turn up to a beach restaurant.
"We are ye have so grateful for the amazing journey taken us on! We've loved seeing the different corners of this beautiful country. You've made us feel very at home here. Thank you for going on bike rides with Aisha, pulling Amira on the tube, making man, many coffees for Mariam, and making dad less scared of the ocean. Chef, special thanks for the meals! Some of our favorites were : the chickpeas, the carrot soup, the slow cooked beef, the sorbets, and the amazing seafood, of course. We hope to see you all again soon.
"
Family M. Yacht, 2021
Where to go?
Argo-Saronic
A great mix of mainland, islands, sophisticated nightlife, dining and shopping, history, culture, sightseeing and the more traditional island experience. The weather is often calm, waters flat and good for water sports, Close to Athens, so convenient if time is short or guests need to come and go. Highlights will include Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses, Nafplion, Mycenae, Epidauros and Porto Heli.
Cyclades
This is the ultimate yacht experience with the iconic islands of Mykonos and Santorini of course, but also gems like Milos, Serifos, Syros, Tinos and Folegandros as well as the undeveloped islands like Kimolos and Polyaigos. The strong prevailing north wind called the Meltemi makes precise planning difficult, and we recommend larger, faster boats here unless you are serious sailors, but the unforgettable picturesqueness and excellence of everything on offer make it the first choice for those who don’t know Greece. Take 2 weeks if you can!
Ionian
The green and Italianate islands off the west coast stretch from Corfu in the north to Zakinthos or Kythera in the south. Calm weather and easy sailing mean that this is fast becoming the most popular sailing destination in Greece despite its distance from Athens and lack of iconic white-washed churches and villages – and, as some Greek say, lack of good food…
Pass through the Corinth canal if embarking in Athens, and expect some of the best and loveliest swimming that Europe can offer. Calm, clear water, long sandy beaches backed by cliffs, pebbly coves ad caves, pretty pastel fishing villages. If you are short of time, embark in Corfu and disembark in Zakinthos both of which have airports.