Photo: Jeremy Bishop / Unsplash
Greece
Sailing yacht charter in Athens
Two proven four-cabin yachts that make an ideal first sailing charter in Greece.
A sailing yacht charter in Athens is the most natural way to try yachting: Attica remains the country's main charter base, and the Saronic, with short legs and sheltered harbours, forgives a beginner's mistakes. The skipper sets the sails and the course, and you decide whether to simply sunbathe or learn to handle the sheets and wheel.
The 13.7-metre Bavaria C45 is a beamy modern design and one of the commonest boats in the Alimos and Lavrio fleets. A roomy cockpit, twin wheels and a fold-down stern platform that becomes a little beach make it excellent for a week aboard. In a decent breeze Aegina or Agistri is about two hours away.
The 13.4-metre Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 stands out for a deck that runs step-free from cockpit to bow and a bimini that keeps things bearable at noon. It moves nicely in light airs, which is why it is a favourite for sunset sails to Sounion. Each boat takes up to 10 day guests and has four cabins, suiting couples, friends and families.
Sailing yachts in Athens
What it costs
The lowest indicative prices among the yachts of this type on this page.
- Full day
- from €900 / day
- Week-long charter
- from €5,000 / week
Indicative "from" market prices for this destination. The exact price depends on dates, duration and the specific yacht, and comes in your personal quote.
Usually included
- A skipper who will happily hand over the wheel
- Yacht insurance
- Bed linen and final clean
- A dinghy for going ashore
Usually extra
- Fuel and marina fees, often from the APA
- Food and drink for the trip
- A hostess or cook on request
- Harbourside taverna dinners during the week
Exact inclusions depend on the yacht and are always listed in your written offer.
Where you go
The sailing yachts depart from Alimos, Lavrio or Flisvos. A day out covers Aegina and Agistri, or the Riviera past Vouliagmeni and Varkiza to Sounion. A week normally circles Poros, Hydra, Spetses and Ermioni, where harbours and overnight bays are only a few hours apart.
Marinas
- Alimos Marina
- Flisvos Marina
- Lavrio (Olympic Marine)
- Vouliagmeni Marina
When to go
Sailing runs May to October, most comfortably in June and September, while May and October suit those who do not mind cooler days. In summer the Saronic is calmer than the Cyclades, though the wind usually freshens after lunch. For the Sounion sunset, leave in the afternoon.
Sailing yacht charter in Athens: FAQ
Bavaria C45 or Sun Odyssey 440 — what is the difference?
The Bavaria is beamier with a slightly roomier cockpit, and its fold-down platform is great for swimming on a week. The Sun Odyssey is quicker in light winds and easy to move around thanks to its step-free deck, so it is often picked for short Sounion sails. Both have four cabins.
Is it suitable if we have never sailed?
Yes, the Saronic is one of the best areas for a first charter, with short legs and plenty of harbours. The skipper runs the yacht entirely and you join in as much as you like.
What should we pack for a week?
A soft bag rather than a suitcase, as it stows easily in the cabin, non-marking shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Towels and linen are usually already on board.