Chartering a sailboat in Greece: where to go?
If you want to charter a sailboat in Greece and don't know exactly where to go, what you need to know or which route to take, here we tell you more about the treasures of every sailing trip in the country: its islands. The Greek islands form more than 20 percent of the total area of Greece, among which are our favorites:
- The Cyclades Islands, this region is one of the places that attracts the most tourists annually. There you can find the famous Aegean islands such as: Mykonos, Syros, Sifnos, Irakleia, Sinoussa, Koufonisia, Naxos, as the largest, and Santorini, which is at the southern end. Without a doubt, Mykonos will sound most familiar to you, as this Greek island is the most cosmopolitan, attracting a wide range of tourists and known for its lively nightlife and entertainment. But if you are also looking for peace and quiet for your vacation, and a sail in calmer waters, set off towards Naoussa. This is a picturesque island in southern Greece, well known for its fishing port (and culture!).
- Even if your starting point is Athens, it is possible to sail through the Saronic Gulf to start your cruise on the right foot. This is a perfect route if you want to get to know the coast well, as from there you can head towards the Cyclades, or choose a wonderful and romantic route around the Ionian Islands from Corfu.
This sailing trip will take you far!
What to see in Greece?
This country is full of wonders to discover. To make sure you don't leave any behind, here is a list of some of the most charming places to visit when you hire a boat:
- The capital of Greece is one of the oldest cities in the world and a must-see stop on your vacation. In Athens, you can see the world famous Parthenon, the ruins of the ancient Agora, the famous port of Piraeus or the Acropolis, a place full of history in the heart of the city.
- Skiathos has some of the best beaches in Greece. In the south of the island is the popular Koukounaries beach with turquoise waters and beautifully lined with green trees. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a quieter place, we recommend the beaches on the northern part of the island, which can be difficult to access by land. When it starts to get dark, the town of Skiathos also comes alive, with more movement around the Papadiamantis shopping street, with cozy stores selling handmade jewelry and delicacies.
- If you are looking for great beaches, Lefkada will not disappoint you. Porto Katsiki and Egremni are two beaches surrounded by cliffs that will take your breath away. If, on the other hand, you are interested in windsurfing, we recommend the south coast and Agios Ioannis beach, which is full of surfers.
- Unlike the rest of the Greek islands, Corfu never fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, but has strong British, French and Venetian influences that can be felt in the island's capital, where the old part is incredibly beautiful and protected as a cultural heritage site by UNESCO. On the northeast side of the island, you will find many secluded coves to discover in complete privacy!
- The island of Zakynthos is home to the iconic beach of Navagio (Shipwreck), where a wrecked ship was washed ashore by the tide, an image often seen in travel magazines around the world. Besides the wreck, one of the island's biggest attractions is the opportunity to see the endangered common sea turtles (Caretta caretta) up close. The island's local cuisine also has much to offer with excellent ingredients and dishes prepared with love.
- The wonders of Crete also await you: Greece's largest island and the birthplace of Zeus has much to offer! Choose from discovering ancient ruins, snow-capped peaks or epic beaches. The island also offers a rich gastronomic culture. On the western side of the island is the province of Chania, which has priceless natural beauty, such as beaches, mountains, forests and olive groves.
Greek gastronomy: another plus!
Despite what you may have thought, Greek cuisine has much more to offer than moussaka and souvlaki! Greek cuisine has a wide variety of delicacies, as well as a wide variety of dishes that can satisfy all tastes, both carnivore and vegetarian. It is based on four secrets: high-quality fresh ingredients, the right amount of spices and herbs, the famous Greek olive oil, and simplicity of cooking.
Above all, olive oil has a special place in gastronomy, as it is used in almost every dish and has a positive effect on health. In addition, Greece's temperate climate allows fruits and vegetables to grow without the addition of artificial products, which means that many of them retain their strong flavor as they are grown completely naturally.
Hiring a sailboat in Greece: the best plan for your vacation
Think no more about it. If you are passionate about the Greek islands and sailing, you can now charter a sailboat on our platform. Discover the Aegean Sea aboard your favorite boat, and remember that you can use the filters of our search tool to further refine your search, Let's set sail towards the wonderful Greek islands!
Charter a sailboat with a skipper?
Don't have the necessary license for the boat you want to charter Or do you think that the boat you have chosen might be too difficult to maneuver?
No problem! At Click&Boat, many of the sailboats offered on the platform can be rented with an experienced skipper. When you hire a boat with a skipper, he or she takes full responsibility for the navigation, docking and maneuvering of the boat, which means you can focus on enjoying the beautiful surroundings and spending time with friends and family.
When is the best time to sail in Greece?
As for the weather in Greece, three months in particular are ideal: June, September and October. During these months you can sail to all the most famous ports and marinas without any problems. In Greece, even the water temperature can reach 30°C during the warmer months! Also, October in particular, is a good month for sailing!
