Sailing Holidays in Greece: Make memories with family and friends
Greece is certainly the place to go if you want a luxury cruise full of unforgettable experiences. Whether you go with your children, family or friends, the plethora of wondrous landscapes are sure to make your jaw drop in amazement. Take a glimpse into the past at the Acropolis, or venture into the bustling capital city of Athens to see how the modern-day Greeks live. Make your boating holiday a memorable one that you will want to repeat year after year with a custom charter.
Get ready to make memories with family, children, and friends
Greece has a rich history, fantastic weather throughout the year, and a multitude of breathtaking beaches that lure in holidaymakers from all over the globe. A cruise in a catamaran or sailboat in this European capital of culture gives you the opportunity to experience this captivating country like never before. You can find a boat that will have space for all of your party, with all the amenities necessary to make your boating holiday as fun-filled but safe as possible. Go island hopping and explore only the most desirable destinations, while participating in the best activities.
No matter who you’re visiting this paradisiacal destination with, you are sure to have a fantastic time. You should feel free to add activities and equipment to your Greek cruise in a sailboat or catamaran to ensure the maximum enjoyment for the whole party throughout. For adults, you can add things such as water skis, as well as scuba diving and snorkelling equipment. The wealth of marine life off the Greek coast will ensure that you have a truly unique cruise in Greece, full of memories that you will never forget. For the children, there is nothing better than the inflatable water toys that will keep them amused for hours on end.
Go sailing with a skipper and crew for the ultimate luxury cruise
If you want a boating holiday where the focus is on comfort and relaxation, a crewed charter in Greece will be like a dream come true! A skipper will have intimate knowledge of the area and thus can take you to all the best places without you having to lift a finger. Depending on the boat type you choose, you may also be able to travel with a crew, which will typically consist of four to six people. The crew members usually available are a captain, a cook, one or two hostesses and one or more deckhands.
A cruise in a catamaran with crew will add an extra level of luxury and comfort to your holiday. The crew is there to make sure you want for nothing and can fully relax and enjoy your holidays. Naturally, the skipper and crew will have their own sleeping quarters on board, so you won’t have to sacrifice your privacy for enhanced comfort on board.
Depending on what you want, there are several options regarding crewed boat charters, all of which can add a special element to your nautical adventure.
Is a cruise on a catamaran or sailboat better?
Many people, especially those lacking in sailing experience, wonder which type of boat will best accommodate their needs. Because it can be quite windy in some parts of Greece, families and people with less sailing experience tend to go for a catamaran, especially in the Cyclades.
Catamarans are synonymous with luxury, being practically like a second home on the water. The double hull structure has a large living room style area on the bridge, as well as a sundeck, which usually consists of two outdoor trampoline-like areas, which is great for the hotter climates like Greece. Double the amount of hulls also means double the amount of space and stability, which reduces the possibility of passengers suffering from seasickness. The only drawback of a cruise in a catamaran is that you are unlikely to get an authentic sailing experience, and they are also usually more expensive.
Today’s sailboats are specifically designed for a comfortable cruise, with bedrooms, a bathroom, a galley, a sitting area, and a storage space that enable a long-term stay. On the deck, aside from the cockpit where you steer the boat, there is also a foredeck where you can relax. A Greek cruise in a sailboat also allows you to travel further than a catamaran without consuming fuel, reducing the costs of your trip and enabling you to visit more places. A cruise on a sailboat also offers a more authentic experience for the passengers. Even though there is less space on board, you can definitely still have a holiday to remember.
As you can see, both boat types have advantages and disadvantages, but both are perfectly equipped for a fantastic boating holiday.
What holiday experiences can you look forward to during a Greek cruise in a sailboat or catamaran?
A Greek cruise, whether you stick to the mainland or visit the surrounding islands, is a dream come true. The islands near the mainland each have a special something that makes them unique and memorable and in entering the Port of Piraeus, you enter a world rich in history that will positively enthral you.
Greece’s capital, Athens, is home to impressive ruins of the former city fortress. The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most famous, best-preserved representations of an ancient citadel that you can still see in the modern day.
On Corfu, an island once ruled over by the Venetians, French, and British, you can visit the town of the same name, which has influences from a number of contrasting yet complementary cultures.
One place that every person simply must-see during a Greek cruise in a sailboat or catamaran is Santorini, the pearl of the Mediterranean. Located in the southern Aegean Sea, an eruption of volcanic lava created this archipelago around 1500 years ago. White houses with blue dome roofs stand high up on the cliffs, passive guardians over the island that invite holidaymakers from near and far.
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is also one of the most popular. To visit this island during your cruise, dock at Heraklion or Chania and discover the many cultural attractions the island has to offer.
Mykonos is the party island of the Aegean Sea, many bars lined up along the promenade that offer sensational sea views. Watch one of the magnificent Mykonos sunsets, before partying all night long.
There will also be many opportunities to try out water sports during your Greek cruise in a catamaran or sailboat. You can swim in the crystalline waters or go snorkelling amongst the rich selection of marine life. You can add many optional extras to your trip where water sports are concerned, including waterskiing, jet skiing, and surfing.
How much does a Greek cruise cost?
The price of a cruise in Greece can vary greatly depending on a number of different factors. Some of these include the season, the duration of your trip, and the size, comfort and amenities of your selected boat. If you are an experienced sailor in possession of the appropriate licence, you can opt to charter a bareboat rather than hiring a skipper. However, on larger boats, a skipper is often required in order to reduce the risk of damage. Even experienced sailors have a lot to learn from a skipper, though, as they will have intimate knowledge of the area where you’re sailing and so can take you to all the best places. For an even more luxurious trip, where you won’t have to do a thing, you should opt for a crewed charter.
As a rough guide, a cruise on a sailboat during low season can cost anywhere from €1500 per week in low season or €2500 per week in high season, while a cruise in a catamaran can cost anywhere from €4000 per week in low season or €9900 per week in high season.
Best time for a cruise in Greece
Due to its Mediterranean climate, we recommend sailing in Greece during the summer months. During the high season, the Greek islands are very popular, so for a relaxing trip, opt for a cruise in May, June, September and October.
Places to visit in Greece
Discover Athens, Corfu, Santorini (often called 'the jewel') or the largest of Greece's islands, Crete. Don't miss cruising on the incredible waters surrounding Mykonos!