Sailing Greece is regarded as a must for any adventurer.
Cruising the deep blue, discovering hidden gems, and living the boat life – doesn’t that sound idyllic?
You will have a blast sailing and exploring the Greek islands if you’re patient and a little daring.
We made a list of 7 things that you should know before setting sail in Greece.
1. Where Is The Best Place to Charter a Yacht?
Mykonos is hands down our favorite spot to charter a boat.
Mykonos has unique windmills and white houses that will leave you speechless. Let’s not forget the white sand along the coast and vibrant nightlife.
Mykonos screams sunny beach days and boozy nights.
According to Click&Boat, a yacht rental company with charters in Greece, another great starting point is the Ionian Islands.
The different locations offer everything for the whole family and with plenty of activities, you won’t get bored.
If your sailing and exploring time is limited we suggest visiting the Cyclades. Picture perfect scenery, warm waters, a chilled vibe, and history dating back thousands of years.
Great surroundings, luxurious villas, and endless fun suitable for old and young await you on the beautiful Cyclades.
2. Does it Cost an Arm and A Leg??
A boat’s fee varies depending on its size, sort, and season. Boating seasons are divided into peak times and quiet times. The best time to sail is around July and September.
During peak time, the price of getting a fully-equipped hybrid eco sailboat for 10 people is 286 euros per day.
Hight season start in July and ends at the start of September. That comes down to around 29 euros ($32) a person, which is sometimes more affordable than a night in a hotel on a famous Greek island.
3. Skipper or No Skipper?
Do you want to be your own captain of the ship? Then you can cut additional costs. But if you prefer a skipper you need to pay an extra fee for this service.
A current International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is needed if you want to navigate the vessel on your own.
You must also have a crew member that can help you during the sailing trip. He or she must be 18 years or older. No need for a VHF Radio Certificate.
4. Know The Length of Your Sailing Trip
A pretty standard sailing vacation in Greece lasts 7-10 days. If you want to visit every island, however, it is worth spending two weeks cruising the Greek Isles.
Remember to factor in your water consumption when planning the length of your trip. Because on-board you have a limited amount of drinking water in your tanks, you must avoid wasting it.
Don’t worry you can always refill and restock on water in most harbors.
5. When Is The Best Time to Sail Around Greece?
The sailing season in Greece runs from May to October. During the mid-season, the weather is mild with few storms, making it ideal for sailing the Greek islands.
July and August are peak sailing months in Greece.
This is an excellent time to sail the Greek islands and enjoy the tropical climate ranging from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius.
6. Planned Packing
Packing is essential for your Greece trip. Because space on the vessel is limited, we suggest a packing list for sailing vacations.
Because each location and island is unique, we suggest getting the following standard items for a nice experience ashore all through your sailing vacation in Greece:
- Cap
- Sunnies
- Bathingsuite
- Sun protection lotion
It’s always good to have cash on hand. You can easily enjoy food and drinks on land if you have a few bucks ready.
Most boat charter companies will provide basic supplies like life jackets, snorkeling masks, and kitchen utensils. But it’s best to check this with your booking as you might need to bring along wetsuits and drysuits too.
Food and water are usually included when you book a crew, but if you’re sailing alone then make sure to bring enough food and snacks for your trip. You will be able to stock up when you hit the shore.
Make sure to bring extra clothing, and jackets for colder evenings. Basic toiletries like soap, shampoo, and deodorant you will need to bring too. We highly recommend a first aid kit if one is not provided on board and any other medications you specifically need.
Have your certifications and important documentation packed safely, and in a waterproof bag.
Here are a few more items to consider packing:
- Portable chargers
- Bug repellent
- Ziploc bags and garbage bags
- Sailing guides and maps
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Fishing gear
- Underwater camera
- Board games
- Books or magazines
7. Patience And Positivity Required
Whatever the itinerary one seems to have, it is pretty doubtful it will all go smoothly as predicted because the weather has the ability to change everything.
The only estimations are when you’ll leave and when you’ll return; everything else is delightfully ambiguous.
Ships are enclosed spaces, and indeed the difference between an epic adventure and one marred by squabbles and frustrations is razor-thin.
To fully enjoy your adventure, it is critical to divide the tasks that must be completed while sailing.
Other than that, invest your energy into improving your photography skills and celebrate some of the most beautiful places in the world.
Keen For a Real Adventure?
If you are adventurous and don’t like the touristy areas we suggest selecting the island where you want to spend the most time.
Or simply take a map of Greece, close your eyes, and point on the map to add more excitement.
Before sailing the blue seas visit the island and talk to other travelers about other islands they’ve enjoyed.
Don’t plan too much and “go with the flow.” We know this might be hard for some but life is all about taking risks.
Stay as long as you’re having fun and if you want to move on, choose another island to visit and go there.
Ideally, you won’t make any advance reservations unless your mode of transportation requires you to arrive late in the evening, and even then, only for one night.
On the other hand, you can contact local tour operators to do all the nitty-gritty for you. Provide them with an outline and be surprised at what they plan for you.
