Catamaran Charter in Greece

Catamaran Charters in Greece

Greece has a wide variety of ports, allowing you to choose a perfect marina close to popular sailing vacation destinations. Globesailor has incredible fleets of catamarans to offer you for rental. Our boats range in length, size and year of manufacture, as well as the number of cabins to accommodate your preferences. Choose the boat of your dreams, which fits the needs of you and your crew and spend a week or two sailing around famous destinations such as the Cyclades, Ionian sea, Mykonos, Corfu or Saronic Gulf.

Take a day or two to visit Athens and experience one of the best Mediterranean cuisines in the world. You can also choose between renting a bareboat yacht charter and hiring a skipper and crew. When you choose our crewed option for a yacht charter, it can be the best choice if you don't have much sailing knowledge but still want the independence of chartering a yacht. Our experienced crews can take care of all the details, leaving you to do all the relaxing in the sun! 

10 Reasons to Charter a Catamaran in Greece

Read some of the fantastic things you need to add to your to-do list during your week on one of our charters.

1. Perfect Sailing Conditions

Greece has long been a haven for sailors from all over the world. The consistent trade winds, all-year-round sunshine and warm weather of Greece present optimal conditions for a catamaran charter, in addition to the easy navigation by sight due to the close proximity of all the islands. Both novice and experienced sailors will find something to suit them, with milder winds and safer bays in the Saronic Gulf, Sporades Islands and the Ionian Sea for those less confident, and stronger winds in the Aegean Sea to give a nice challenge for the pros! You can hire a crewed charter if you do not want to sail a bareboat. Your skipper will take care of the navigation, and the hostess/cook will ensure that your week's vacation is at the luxury level. Your hired crew will have their own private cabins, meaning there's plenty of space on your boat for everyone!

2. Captivating Coastline

Greece boasts over 3,700km of impressive coastline length, making it the eleventh longest in the world. This provides endless exciting navigation options for sailors. We have over 1,800 yachts available for a yacht charter from various bases along the coast, so you will surely find the perfect charter! There are thousands of islands to view, each with a unique charm, so a sailing holiday in Greece won't disappoint.The region to the south of Greece is home to a number of beautiful islands and coastlines that are popular among sailors. The Saronic Gulf, located between the Peloponnese and the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea, is a trendy area for sailing, with many sheltered bays and ports to explore. The Cyclades, a group of islands located in the central part of the Aegean Sea, are also a popular destination for sailors, with picturesque villages, clear waters, and ancient ruins to discover. The Dodecanese islands, on the southeast of the Aegean Sea, offer great winds, clear waters and many options of ports and islands to visit. 

3. Extraordinary Heritage

The rich history of Greece is one of its major attractions, with awe-inspiring ruins all over the country. A yacht charter here allows you to explore these globally-important cultural treasures. Moor your boat in Athens and pay a visit to the Acropolis, made up of white marble remnants of the city of Pericles, which was last inhabited in 510BC, is considered one of the most prominent ancient sites in the world and is truly worth exploring. Similarly, the ancient ruins of the city of Olympia are a must-see; you can view the spot where the Olympic torch is still lit at the start of each game. The Port Town of Lavrion is a less famous but excellent spot we recommend sailing to. Even though tourists frequently rush through port cities on their route to other destinations, Lavrion might be the best option if you have to spend the day at a port. It includes a tiny archaeological museum and an exciting mineral museum, highlighting the region's mining history. For good measure, it also has a massive "Mystery Hole," a geological formation that resembles a giant bubble that developed at the summit of a hill and burst, leaving a 200-foot-deep crater with a rounded shape.Some experts claim that a meteorite's impact was the cause of its origins, though this is still up for debate.

4. Breathtaking Beaches

With the eleventh longest coastline in the world, Greece has some of the best – if not THE best beaches in Europe, so this is reason enough to choose a catamaran charter here! In 2017, 486 beaches were awarded with the Blue Flag for environmental management and water quality, ranking second in the world, and with so many to choose from and such variety, there is something for everyone:

• Navagio Beach, better known as ‘Shipwreck Beach’, located on the island of Zakynthos, which is a charming cove sheltered by towering cliffs, and being only accessible by boat, it is the perfect spot to cruise your catamaran.
• Milos island’s Sarakiniko Beach is distinctive, with white, sun-bleached volcanic rocks shaped into spectacular formations
• Balos Beach and Lagoon in Crete is something different again! It’s vast pink sands, saltwater pools, and turquoise waters make for a spellbinding and unique landscape, so if you charter your Catamaran from Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos, make sure you pay a visit to Balos beach.

With a catamaran, you'll have access to some of the most secluded beaches that are only accessible by boat!

5. Countless Marinas

There are many popular marinas in Greece, as the country is known for its beautiful coastline and abundance of islands. Some of the most popular marinas in Greece include:

• Alimos Marina in Athens: One of the largest marinas in Greece and the Mediterranean, with a capacity for over 2,000 yachts.
• Gouvia Marina in Corfu: A large marina with over 800 berths, Gouvia Marina is a popular stop for sailors cruising the Ionian Sea.
• Porto Heli Marina in the Peloponnese: With its clear blue waters and well-protected harbour, Porto Heli is one of the most well-known marinas in the Peloponnese region.

At GlobeSailor, we work alongside trusted renters with great reviews all over Greece to ensure we can offer our clients the best yachts in many marinas across the country and surrounding islands.

6. Authentic Greek Culture

Chartering a yacht in Greece allows you to experience the country's rich culture firsthand as you view the country's beautiful coastlines and islands while immersing yourself in the local way of life. Many traditional Greek villages and towns are located along the coast, and sailing allows you to see these places and interact with the people who live there. You can view ancient ruins, such as the Acropolis in Athens or the Palace of Knossos on Crete, and discover picturesque villages and towns that have changed little over the centuries. We recommend stopping at Parika town, the capital of Paros, which offers traditional Cycladic architecture, local taverns and shops. While in Parika, Paros, you should also make a stop by the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a Byzantine church that is considered one of the oldest and most important in Greece!

7. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Here's more to add to your bucket list! These heritage sites are definitely worth taking the time to visitYou may be surprised to learn that Greece has a whopping 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites for you to sail to:

• The Acropolis, Athens
• Archaeological Site of Aigai (Vergina)
• Archaeological Site of Delphi
• Archaeological Site of Mystras
• Archaeological site of Olympia
• Archaeological Site of Mycenae and Tiryns
• Delos
• Old Town of Corfu
• Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki
• Mount Athos
• Medieval City of Rhodes
• Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
• Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
• Sanctuary of Asklepios and ancient theatre at Epidaurus
• Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae 
• Historical Centre (Chora) with the Monastery of Saint John on Patmos
• Meteora
• Philippi

8. Vibrant Nightlife

Greek nightlife is known for its lively and energetic atmosphere. After spending your days sailing, why not shake things up with a night on the town? Many bars, clubs, and tavernas (Greek pubs) stay open late and offer live music, traditional Greek dance performances, and a variety of food and drinks. Some popular destinations for nightlife in Greece include Athens, Thessaloniki, and the island of Mykonos. In Athens, the areas of Gazi, Monastiraki, and Psiri are particularly well-known for their nightlife, while in Thessaloniki, Ladadika and the Warehouse Cultural District are popular spots. Mykonos is known for its high-end clubs and upscale bars and is a popular tourist party destination.

9. Food and Wine

Eating in Greece is intertwined with good company and discussion, and for this reason, it is considered an important part of the everyday life of the Greeks. There are many types of eateries in Greece. Some Greek dishes are well-known and are served in restaurants worldwide. Greek cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavours, and chartering a yacht allows you to enjoy it at its freshest. You can sample local delicacies such as tzatziki, moussaka, and dolmades and try the best local wines and ouzo. Greek wine has a long history dating back to ancient times. Greece is home to many indigenous grape varieties and wine-making regions, each with its own unique characteristics. Why not read some reviews from the local restaurants and bring your crew to the perfect spot for dinner?  Some well-known Greek wines include Retsina, a white wine made with the resin of pine trees, and retsina is traditionally produced in Attica and occasionally in other parts of Greece. The red wines of Nemea, made in the south of the country, and Santorini's white wines are also highly regarded. We implore you to try some of the best traditional cuisines and leave some reviews of your own!

10. Flexibility

One of the best things about a yacht charter in Greece is the flexibility it gives you. You can make the most of your day by choosing your own itinerary and touring the places that interest you the most, whether you want to island hop, explore the coastline, or both. It's completely up to you how you spend your holiday, and sometimes, there's nothing better than relaxing in the sun on your private deck or cabin while having a good book to read!

Remarkable Ruins

A catamaran charter anywhere in Greece means you won’t be far from some of the world’s most treasured ancient ruins. Charter your catamaran from Marina Alimos in Athens, and make your way to the Acropolis, where in 510BC, the Delphic Oracle declared that the city of Pericles should be a province of the Gods - considered to be one of the most important ancient remains in the western world. Or head west to the Ancient Delphi; UNESCO world heritage site on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, considered – according the Greek mythology – to be the centre of the world. If your navigation route passes Crete, it’s worth mooring and taking a trip to the Palace of Knossos, the island’s most famous historical attraction, and Europe’s oldest city.

Island Hopping

With over 6000 islands to explore, Greece is such an ideal destination for a charter holiday. Navigate through the Ionian Sea and discover the emerald island of Corfu, much greener than others, it is cloaked in over 3 million olive trees, so is the perfect place to take a hike and breath in the freshest of air. Or sail around the Cyclades and experience the famous island of Santorini, taking in the breathtaking views of the caldera over a glass of wine at sunset, or the wild charm of the mountainous island of Andros, with its orange and almond groves and mulberry forests.

The Cyclades Islands

The Cyclades are an archipelago of 56 islands (of which only 24 are inhabited!) in the Aegean Sea, known for their stunning beaches, traditional architecture, and vibrant nightlife. From beautiful beaches to traditional villages, Byzantine churches and ancient ruins, all the attractions of the Cyclades have a unique appeal. We especially recommend you visit islands Mykonos and Santorini while sailing your catamaran in the area. 

Mykonos

Mykonos is a popular tourist destination in Greece and a classic stop for most trips to this archipelago, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque white-washed buildings. It is located in the Cyclades islands and is a popular spot for party-goers and those looking for a more relaxed vacation. Spend your nights dancing in Mykonos at one of its wide range of venues, from beach clubs and bars to clubs and music venues, meaning whatever your group is looking for, there is an option that best suits you!

Santorini

No sailing trip to Greece would be complete without making a stop in Santorini. Santorini has some fantastic and unique adventures that will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your catamaran cruise. Some of our top picks:

• The volcano of Santorini offers a unique opportunity to sail to the top of a volcano, visit the hot springs, and witness the breathtaking views from the crater.
• The island of Nea Kameni, the volcanic islet in the caldera's centre, offers a great opportunity to swim and snorkel in the warm waters.
• The island of Thirassia is the quieter and more traditional sister island of Santorini.
• The Red Beach and the White Beach, two of the most famous beaches on the island, are known for their red and white volcanic sands, respectively.

Sailing With or Without a Crew

Sailing with or without a skipper is a personal preference and depends on several factors, such as experience, comfort level, and budget. Suppose you are an experienced sailor with a good understanding of navigation. In that case, yacht charters without a skipper (also called bareboat) can be a rewarding adventure, as it provides more freedom and flexibility to explore the destination at your own pace. However, if you are a beginner or prefer a more relaxed sailing holiday, sailing with a skipper is the best option. A skipper is like the captain of the ship, and they can provide guidance, share their local knowledge, and ensure the safety of the crew and the yacht.

There is also an option to have a hostess or a cook on board. A hostess is responsible for making two of the daily meals (usually breakfast and lunch) and will take care of the boat's upkeep (tidying up common areas etc.). A cook is responsible for making all three meals on board the boat. Both crewed options allow clients to eat Greek-inspired dishes aboard a beautiful sailboat. Some guests prefer to choose the hostess option as it allows them to sail to a different marina each night and find the best authentic Greek restaurants on land. 

Getting There

Greece is well connected, with various international airports located both on the mainland and on the islands, so reaching your catamaran charter base is simple!

• Athens / Lavrio: Athens International Airport is Greece’s busiest, located 20km east of central Athens.
• Corfu: Corfu International Airport or Ioannis Kapodistrias (Capodistrias) International Airport is located 2km south of Corfu Town.
• Mykonos: Mykonos International Airport is located 4km from Mykonos town.
• Lefkada: The nearest airport is Aktion National Airport, located about 25km from Lefkada town.