Sailing routes in Greece
Greece is several different seas. From Athens (Alimos, Lavrion) you sail the Saronic Gulf and the Argolic coast: flat water, short legs, town quays — the best choice for beginners and families. The Ionian islands, with bases in Lefkada and Corfu, are green, with gentle winds and cheap berths by the tavernas. The Cyclades and the Dodecanese (Kos, Rhodes) are for experienced crews: in July–August the meltemi blows 25–30 knots. A town-quay berth costs next to nothing and marinas are few; the season runs April to October.
Greece
When is the best time to charter a yacht in Greece?
Greece's season runs April to October. In July–August the meltemi blows 25–30 knots in the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, so beginners are better off in the Ionian or the Saronic Gulf in those months. June and September bring warm water, gentler wind and prices below the peak; April, May and October are the shoulder months and the cheapest weeks of the season.
Which sailing route should I pick in Greece?
Sailing routes in Greece, planned day by day: “Athens — Hydra”, 8 days, about 120 nautical miles; “Lefkas — Ithaca”, 8 days, about 95 nautical miles; “Corfu — Lefkas”, 7 days, about 155 nautical miles; “Kos — Rhodes”, 7 days, about 190 nautical miles; “Kos — Patmos”, 7 days, about 80 nautical miles; “Athens — Thessaloniki”, 10 days, about 306 nautical miles; “Lavrion — Santorini”, 11 days, about 281 nautical miles; “Athens — Kea”, 7 days, about 158 nautical miles; “Lefkas — Kefalonia”, 8 days, about 111 nautical miles; “Athens — Milos”, 8 days, about 206 nautical miles; “Kavala — Thasos”, 7 days, about 95 nautical miles. Each route page has the legs, miles and overnight stops.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
For a bareboat charter (no skipper or crew provided), yes: a skipper's licence and, as a rule, a VHF radio certificate. Without a licence, we add a skipper, paid separately from the boat price.
What is the security deposit and how is it paid?
The security deposit is your insurance excess in case of damage, usually €1,000–8,000. It is taken at the base at check-in on a credit card issued outside Russia: charter companies don't accept Russian cards or debit cards. With a hired skipper the deposit terms may be different, and not every charter company accepts a cash deposit or deposit insurance: check with the manager.
