5 hours
Cape Sounion sunset
Along the Athens Riviera past Vouliagmeni and Varkiza to the Temple of Poseidon, a swim stop and sunset at anchor.
Greece
Yacht Charter in Athens & the Saronic Gulf
The Saronic islands an hour from the capital — the ideal first charter.
Athens is Greece's main yachting hub: hundreds of sailing yachts, catamarans and motor yachts are based at Alimos, Flisvos and Lavrio marinas. Charters to the Cyclades start here, but the easiest cruising ground is the Saronic Gulf with Aegina, Agistri, Poros and Hydra. The nearest islands are an hour or so away, so a day on the water combines easily with city sightseeing and the Acropolis.
For a day trip guests usually choose Aegina, with its pistachio orchards and the Temple of Aphaia, or Agistri with pine forests and clear water. At sunset a cruise along the Athens Riviera to Cape Sounion is popular — the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon stands on the clifftop. A week-long itinerary adds Poros, with its narrow strait facing Galatas, and car-free Hydra.
The Saronic Gulf is better sheltered from the meltemi than the Cyclades, making it a good choice for families and first-time charterers in Greece. Prices are lower than in Mykonos or Santorini and the choice of boats is wider. We gather offers from operators across Attica's marinas, check the most convenient boarding point and help you compare captained yachts on price, capacity and terms.
Popular yachts in Athens
Photo: Jeremy Bishop / Unsplash
Sailing yachtBavaria C45
13.7 m · up to 10 guests · 4 cabins
from €900 / day
Photo: Marc Wieland / Unsplash
Sailing yachtJeanneau Sun Odyssey 440
13.4 m · up to 10 guests · 4 cabins
from €950 / day
Photo: David Maunsell / Unsplash
CatamaranLagoon 42
12.8 m · up to 12 guests · 4 cabins
from €1,300 / day
Photo: Herry Sutanto / Unsplash
Motor yachtPrincess F55
17.2 m · up to 12 guests · 3 cabins
from €450 / hour
Photo: Rodolfo Flores / Unsplash
Motor yachtFerretti 850
26.1 m · up to 12 guests · 4 cabins
from €6,000 / day
Prices by yacht type
The lowest indicative prices among the yachts on this page. Hourly rates suit short cruises, daily rates full-day trips, and weekly rates charters with nights on board.
| Type | from / hour | from / day | from / week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor yachts | €450 | €2,800 | €19,000 |
| Catamarans | — | €1,300 | €7,500 |
| Sailing yachts | — | €900 | €5,000 |
Indicative "from" market prices for this destination. The exact price depends on dates, duration and the specific yacht, and comes in your personal quote.
What to see from the water
- 01
Aegina
The closest large island, with pistachio orchards, a neoclassical waterfront and the Temple of Aphaia on its hill.
- 02
Agistri
A small island with pines down to the water and coves such as Aponissos — one of the best swimming spots near Athens.
- 03
Poros
A town crowned by a clock tower and a narrow strait the yacht passes just metres from the waterfront.
- 04
Hydra
A car-free island where goods are still carried by donkey, with stone mansions rising above the harbour.
- 05
Cape Sounion
The Temple of Poseidon on a headland at Attica's southern tip — most striking from the sea at sunset.
Popular routes
Full day
Aegina & Agistri
From Alimos to Agistri for swimming, lunch at an Aegina taverna or anchored off Moni, back in the evening.
7 days
Saronic islands
Athens — Aegina — Poros — Hydra — Spetses — Ermioni — Agistri — Athens: short hops and harbour nights.
Season
The season runs May to October, best in June and September. The Saronic Gulf is less exposed to the meltemi than the Cyclades, so it also works in July–August.
Marinas and departure ports
- — Alimos Marina
- — Flisvos Marina
- — Lavrio (Olympic Marine)
- — Vouliagmeni Marina
What's usually included and what costs extra
- The yacht, captain and crew
- Standard equipment and vessel insurance
- Water and soft drinks on many yachts
- Fuel on some yachts and routes
- Food, alcohol, decorations, photographer
- Water toys and transfers
- Taxes, marina fees and APA on weekly charters
Exact inclusions depend on the yacht and are always listed in your written offer.
Experience ideas
Yacht charter in Athens: FAQ
How much is a yacht charter in Athens and what is included?
A day on a sailing yacht with skipper starts around €900 and a week from about €5,000. Skipper, insurance, linen and final cleaning are usually included. Fuel, marina fees and food are extra or paid from the APA. Greek charters also carry VAT, generally at a reduced rate for yacht charter. Your quote lists everything.
Can I charter without a licence?
Yes, with a captain no licence is needed. A bareboat charter in Greece requires a recognised skipper certificate, and a second crew member must be able to handle the yacht.
When is the best season for the Saronic Gulf?
June and September bring warm water and gentle winds. In midsummer the Saronic is calmer than the Cyclades, and May and October are still pleasant for sailing.
Is it suitable for families? What should we pack?
The Saronic is one of the best family cruising areas in Greece, with short hops and calm bays. Pack soft bags rather than suitcases, sunscreen, hats and non-marking shoes. Request children's life jackets in advance.
How does booking work, and what if the weather turns?
Typically a 50% deposit is paid, with the balance due a few weeks before departure. With a gale warning the departure is postponed; whether a refund applies depends on the yacht's policy, which is stated in your quote.
Other destinations
GreeceMykonosDelos, Rhenia and the south-coast beaches from the deck of your own yacht.
from €300 / hour6 yachts
GreeceSantoriniThe caldera, volcanic beaches and the Oia sunset — without the crowded viewpoints.
from €300 / hour6 yachts
CroatiaCroatia: Split & DalmatiaDalmatia's countless islands, lavender-scented Hvar and caves of luminous blue.
from €200 / hour6 yachts
TurkeyFethiye & GöcekTurkey's most sheltered cruising ground: islands, lagoons and Lycian rock tombs.
from €150 / hour5 yachts