Bareboat and skippered sailing holidays across the Ionian, Saronic and Aegean — thousands of islands, whitewashed harbours and the best value in the Med. Here’s how to plan the perfect week.
Greece is the heart of Mediterranean sailing — thousands of islands, whitewashed harbours, ancient ruins and some of the best-value chartering anywhere in the Med. Whether you want the gentle green Ionian for a first bareboat week or the wind-blown Cyclades for a proper adventure, there's a corner of Greece to match every crew.
Few places pack so much variety into one country. You can island-hop between tavernas and empty coves, moor stern-to below a hilltop village, and swim in water so clear you can see your anchor set on the bottom. Greece also tends to be the most affordable Med destination, with a huge charter fleet keeping prices competitive.
Crucially, Greece suits every level of sailor. The Ionian, on the west coast, is famously easy and forgiving. The Aegean, to the east, offers stronger winds and longer passages for those who want to be tested. We'll steer you to the region that fits your crew.
Local tip: in the Ionian, aim to be in your chosen bay or harbour by early afternoon. The breeze fills in after lunch and the best town-quay spots and tavernas fill up fast in July and August.
Green, sheltered and gentle, the Ionian around Lefkas, Kefalonia and Corfu is the classic first-charter ground: short hops, reliable afternoon breezes and calm nights. It's our top recommendation for beginners and families.
See our 7-day Ionian Islands itinerary →
Minutes from Athens airport, the Saronic Gulf packs Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses into an easy week — a great choice if you're short on time and want history and island charm without long crossings.
See our 7-day Saronic Gulf itinerary →
Paros, Naxos, Mykonos and Santorini in the Cyclades, or Kos and Rhodes in the Dodecanese, deliver the postcard Greece — but the summer meltemi wind makes them best suited to confident crews or a skippered charter.
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| May | Warm, green and quiet, with light winds. Beautiful in the Ionian; cooler sea. Great value. |
| June | Settled sunshine and gentle breezes almost everywhere — one of the best months. |
| July–August | Hot and busy. In the Aegean the meltemi blows hardest now; the Ionian stays gentle. |
| September | Warm sea, easing crowds and the meltemi fading — arguably the finest month to sail Greece. |
| October | Peaceful and inexpensive, with more variable weather later on. |
Greece has two very different wind regimes. In the Ionian, summer means a pleasant afternoon sea breeze of 10–15 knots that dies away by evening — ideal, undemanding sailing. In the Aegean, the meltemi is a strong, dry northerly that can blow 4–7 on the Beaufort scale for days at a time in July and August. It's what makes the Cyclades exhilarating for experienced crews and a handful for beginners.
Worth knowing: if your heart is set on the Cyclades in high summer, consider a skipper. The meltemi is manageable with experience but can pin you in harbour or make crossings lively — our briefing covers the forecast signs to watch.
Greece has one of the largest and most modern charter fleets in the Med — monohulls from 35 to 50 feet and a growing number of catamarans, which are superb for families and for the stability they bring in a fresh meltemi.
Read our guide to catamaran charters →
Greece is generally the best-value Med destination. As a rough guide for the whole boat per week in season:
| Yacht | Sleeps | Typical week (season) |
|---|---|---|
| Monohull 38–42ft | 6–8 | €1,800–€3,500 |
| Monohull 46–50ft | 8–10 | €3,000–€5,500 |
| Catamaran 42–46ft | 8–10 | €4,000–€8,500 |
| Skipper (optional) | — | ≈ €180 / day |
Expect additional costs for a refundable deposit, end cleaning, fuel and any marina fees, plus a modest cruising tax (TEPAI). Split between six, an Ionian bareboat week is often one of the cheapest ways to sail the Med. We give you a full breakdown up front, with no broker fee.
Greek sailing is mostly about town quays and anchorages rather than big marinas. You'll moor stern-to the village waterfront — usually free or the price of dinner ashore — dropping your own anchor off the bow. It's the quintessential Greek experience, and easier than it sounds.
Read our Mediterranean mooring guide →
Sample routes to shape your week — each with day-by-day distances, harbours and a coast-following map.
Practical know-how for your Greece charter, from mooring stern-to to planning each passage.
Tell us your dates, group size and experience and we'll match you to the right yacht and base in Greece, plan your route and handle the paperwork — at no extra cost over booking direct.
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