Write your own Greek odyssey on a yacht charter around Athens
Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, has long been a gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Today, its prime location makes it a dream destination for sailors, offering rewarding blue-water crossings and access to both the Saronic and Cycladic islands.. Our base in Athens’ Zea Marina offers rewarding conditions for experienced sailors, with strong winds and exhilarating blue water crossings between the Saronic and Cycladic islands satisfying your taste for adventure.
The human race may belong to Africa’s Great Rift Valley, but Western civilization can trace its origins to Athens. Beyond the history, culture, and lifestyle of this 5,000-year-old city, the Mediterranean offers a world of opportunities for coastal and ocean sailors to explore.
Greece boasts more than 2,000 islands of great variety, including the lush and historic islands of the Saronic Gulf and the world-famous Cyclades. When you book a yacht charter around Athens with Sunsail, you’ll have the opportunity to discover secluded islands, snorkel around hidden coves and relax on beaches only accessible by boat.
Picturesque Kea lies a stone’s throw from Athens itself, offering sandy beaches, traditional fishing villages, ancient ruins, and even the remains of a bronze-age settlement. Whatever you want from a Greek sailing holiday – fine food and drink, open-water adventures, sun-drenched beaches, or wild nights out – it’s all within reach on an Athens sailing holiday.
Set sail from Athens and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear seas and stunning landscapes of the Saronic Gulf and Cycladic islands. The Saronic Gulf is renowned for its dependable winds, including the famous Meltemi wind. Blowing strongest in the summer months (June to September), the Meltemi offers invigorating sailing conditions, especially in July and August, while also providing a welcome breeze on hot summer days.
Explore ancient ruins, vibrant local culture, and picturesque islands, all at your own pace, with the freedom to choose your destinations. From bustling harbors to tranquil coves, this itinerary allows you to experience the best of Greece’s Aegean coastline in true sailing style. Join us for the ultimate yachting adventure in the heart of the Greek Isles!
Take the helm and enjoy our recommended two-week bareboat sailing holiday itinerary around the Cyclades islands, the most popular island group in the Aegean Sea. The name “Cyclades” refers to the islands forming a circle around the island of Delos, and these islands are some of the most beautiful in the world! Set sail from our Athens base and experience stunning sandy beaches, distinctive white and blue architecture, friendly locals, folk music and breath-taking landscapes as you island hop your way around the islands taking on the adventure one day at a time!
Set sail from Athens and embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Cycladic Islands. This 7-day itinerary offers the perfect blend of idyllic beaches, ancient history, and traditional Greek charm. From the rugged cliffs of Milos to the picturesque villages of Kythnos, each stop unveils a new facet of the beautiful Aegean Sea. With clear blue waters, picturesque harbors, and a vibrant local culture, this charter is ideal for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure, all while cruising through one of Greece’s most captivating island groups.
Embark on a two-week sailing adventure through the enchanting Saronic and Argolic Gulf, starting from Athens and exploring a collection of some of Greece’s most beautiful and historic islands. This 14-day itinerary blends the charm of quiet, secluded coves with the vibrancy of picturesque towns, ancient ruins, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or looking for a relaxed escape, this journey offers everything from lively harbors to tranquil anchorages, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Aegean Sea.
Discover the beauty of the Saronic Gulf on a 7-day Athens sailing itinerary. Set off from Zea Marina and explore a mix of cosmopolitan hotspots, charming island villages, and stunning coastlines. Whether you’re looking for history, nightlife, or tranquil waters, this itinerary has it all. This Athens sailing itinerary offers a blend of cultural discovery, picturesque villages, and breathtaking landscapes. From the traditional charm of Aegina’s Perdika to the cosmopolitan allure of Hydra and the ancient wonders of Epidaurus, each destination promises unique experiences and stunning scenery.
Enjoy leisurely sailing days, vibrant towns, and serene natural beauty as you explore the region’s highlights. With secure moorings and modern facilities at every stop, this 7 day sailing itinerary from Athens provides a seamless and unforgettable sailing adventure.
Set sail on a two-week journey through the Cyclades, starting and ending at Zea Marina in Athens. This itinerary blends exploration, relaxation, and cultural discovery as you visit iconic islands like Mykonos, Milos, and Serifos.
Enjoy pristine beaches, charming villages, and ancient landmarks, with activities ranging from snorkelling and hiking to dining in traditional tavernas. Each stop on the 14 day sailing itinerary from Athens offers its own unique charm, from the vibrant nightlife of Ios to the tranquil beauty of the Small Cyclades.
With secure moorings and modern facilities along the way, this itinerary promises an unforgettable sailing adventure through Greece’s stunning Aegean islands.
Sunsail offers a variety of yachts to choose from, each one providing a unique way to experience the magic of Athens and the Mediterranean.
Monohulls: If you’re looking for the traditional sailing experience, our classic monohulls have class, style and exceptional performance. Select from our range including the Sunsail 41.1, 44 and 46.
Catamarans: Whether you’re sailing with family or a group of friends, our catamarans are more spacious and provide luxurious comfort as you sail from island to island. Select from our range including the Sunsail 424 and 454L.
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Qualifications required to sail in Athens:
ICC qualification
At least 20 days or 400 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht
Don’t have the necessary qualifications but still want to channel your inner adventurer on a yacht charter around Athens? Hire a skipper to take the helm and navigate you around the stunning Saronic and Cycladic islands.
With expert local knowledge, your skipper can provide exclusive tips & recommendations, that will make your Athens sailing holiday even more special, while you sit back and soak up the sizzling Mediterranean sun on the deck of your yacht.
Find out more about skippered charters and how they can make your Athens sailing holiday smooth, care-free and blissful.
Athens Yacht Charter FAQs
Is it easy to island hop from Athens?
Yes, it couldn’t be easier to island hop around the Saronic and Cycladic islands on a yacht charter from Athens. Perfectly located just 10 nautical miles from Kea, 16 nautical miles from Aegina and 24 nautical miles from Cape Sounio, you’ll be exploring secluded islands and uncovering underwater treasures in a matter of hours on an Athens yacht charter.
Where are the best places to sail in Athens?
While Athens is always a fantastic port of call for adventurous sailors, some of the best places to sail in Athens on a yacht charter include:
Aegina. Spots in the harbour and marina are competitive for a good reason. Visiting Aegina feels like taking a trip back in time – you could fall in love with the landscape of red-roofed monasteries, historical ruins and lush green expanses.
Paros. This picturesque island of the Cyclades is 86 nautical miles from Athens, a fantastic destination for the experienced sailor. There are many neighbouring islands to hop between and plenty of places to try kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Hydra. Hydra Town is widely known for being the birthplace and home of a revolutionary core of navy experts during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, who would end up being one of Greece’s main advantages during the War of Independence. The rich naval history is a big attraction for sailors, making it the perfect place to moor up on your Athens yacht charter.
If you’re looking for a sailing holiday packed to the brim with activities, Athens is the place for you.
Things to do in Athens are many and varied. You could spend your charter discovering the local history, visiting ruins like the Temple of Poseidon or the majestic Acropolis, and visiting the museums on offer to see wondrous relics of mythology.
You could use your time on-land to explore Athens on foot – a keen hiker will find paradise here in the mountainous landscapes, clifftop villages and vast sandy beaches.
If you’re looking to unwind with your family, there are plenty of things to do where you can take it easy. Feast on fantastic local dishes like dolmades, moussaka and baklava in any of Athens’ fantastic restaurants and cafes, or catch your breath with a leisurely walk around The National Gardens.
Yes, sailing around the Greek islands on an Athens yacht charter is perfectly safe. Like all sailing destinations, there are more challenging passages that are suited to experienced sailors and areas with line-of-sight navigations, perfect for first-time sailors.
Your safety will always be our highest priority, so our base crew will ensure you feel comfortable, confident and safe before you cast off from our Athens base. You’ll receive an extensive safety briefing before you depart and we’re always available to answer any questions you may have.
If this is your first time planning a yacht charter around Athens and you’re excited to discover the wonders of Athens but are worried about taking the helm, you can hire a skipper who will take care of navigation for you.
When is the best time to visit Athens on a sailing holiday?
The best time to visit Athens is April-October. This season is the best for sailing, offering balmy winds and pleasant Mediterranean sunshine, without the risk of rain dampening your spirits.
You’ll find that the peak of summer is the most popular time to visit Athens, but remember that if you sail to Athens from June-August, the harbours are more likely to be crowded and it can be difficult to find good spots to moor.
The sailing conditions in Athens are fabulous. You can expect average temperatures of 24-35°C in the warmer months, perfect for leisurely island hopping or waltzing around the historic streets of the capital.
The Meltemi wind can occur anytime between May and October but is most frequent in summer, June through September. Its maximum strength and duration is during July and August. It may blow for a single day or up to a week, although usually, 3 to 4 days is most common. This wind can offer welcome relief on a hot summer day when temperatures in and around Athens can be very hot.
The Aegean Sea can be a little choppy, with wind speeds reaching up to 20mph (17 knots), which are challenging conditions for new sailors to charter a yacht in. This isn’t always the case – we recommend checking the local forecast and wind speeds before arranging your sailing holiday. You can find a more detailed guide to the Athens Sailing Conditions in our useful information section.
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Athens?
The cost of chartering a yacht in Athens will vary depending on how your dream holiday takes shape:
The duration of your trip – how many nights do you need to explore Athens to your heart’s content?
When you visit – Your Athens yacht charter may cost less if you set sail during the shoulder seasons (April/May and September/October).
The type of yacht you choose – are you content with a monohull, or do you prefer a more spacious catamaran?
Do you want to challenge yourself and take the helm on a bareboat charter or hire a skipper to navigate the crystalline waters?
Any charter extras you would like to round out your holiday.
Ready to explore Athens by sea? Start building your quote today and plan your perfect Greek sailing adventure with Sunsail.
What’s included in my Athens yacht charter costs?
Our state-of-the-art catamarans and monohulls will be equipped with all the essentials you need to enjoy an adventure to remember around Athens, plus some extras for added comfort.
Included in the cost of your Athens yacht charter, you’ll receive a full cruising area and yacht briefing before departure, starter cleaning pack (washing up liquid, sponge/cloth, etc.), and benefit from our 4-hour service guarantee.
You’ll also have:
Generic Equipment – Including RIB dinghies with outboard engine, autopilots, fully equipped galley, GPS chart plotter, wind instruments and more.
Cockpit and deck – Including bow anchor with chain and warp, boat hook, mooring lines, deck scrubber and more.
Sails – Including mainsail cover, sailties, furling genoa and more.
Security – Including life jackets, fog horn, first-aid kit, fire extinguishers and more.
Navigation – Including compass, binoculars, chart, VHF radio, navigation ruler and more.
Take a look at our bareboat charter page to learn more about what’s included in your overall Athens yacht charter cost.
What’s not included in my Athens yacht charter costs?
When working out your total Athens yacht charter cost, you may need to take the following into account:
Flights, transfers and related taxes
Mooring and marina fees
Food and drink – we do have provisioning available
Excursions and activities
Children’s life jackets (we recommend bringing your own)
Beach towels and other beachwear
Wireless Internet Connection
Masks and snorkels (we recommend you bring your own)
To make your yacht charter around Athens even more idyllic, we offer a range of optional extras, from WiFi to early boarding.
How much are the mooring fees in Athens?
You can expect the mooring fees in Athens to be similar to average mooring fees across Greece, which range from €30-80. This is usually dependent on the size of your yacht, and you may be expected to pay a supplement of 50-60% if you’re sailing on a large catamaran.
The mooring fees in Athens will vary with each marina, and other factors to consider include how long you plan to moor there and explore that island, as well as the time of year you are visiting, as spots are more competitive in the peak seasons.
How long does it take to sail Athens?
Athens offers countless wonders to behold for sailors on an Athens yacht charter, so how long does it take to sail to Athens and make the most of this destination?
Are you more interested in the city of Athens itself, and the major towns and cities surrounding it? In this case, a shorter charter may suit you better – you can spend your mornings and evenings soaking up the culture on land, and enjoy leisurely afternoons of sailing, swimming, diving and kayaking.
However, if you really want to test your sailing skills, a longer charter of up to two weeks is better. There are over a dozen picturesque islands in the Cyclades, each with its own unique attractions. Leaving yourself plenty of time to travel across the Aegean Sea and navigate these islands is crucial.
