Yacht Charter in Athens

No matter where you decide to sail in Greece, you'll be surrounded by captivating history. Many of the islands have ruins and archaic sites to view. One of Greece's most famous historical sites is the Acropolis in Athens. This citadel is home to some of the most iconic structures in Greece, including the Parthenon and the Erechtheion.

Athens is also home to many other famous sites, such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Agora. The capital also has a vibrant modern culture, with plenty of museums, shops, and restaurants to explore.

Four Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Athens for a Week

1. Idyllic Climate

Athens’ Mediterranean location means the area enjoys a dry, sunny, warm type of weather! It is perfect for a yacht charter, especially due to its location in the Saronic Gulf, which means it is relatively sheltered from extreme conditions. The safer bays in this area make Athens ideal for less experienced sailors as navigation should be easier, and it’s a stress-free sail for the pros. The prevailing wind is the Meltemi, which blows from the north to northeast between July and September, and though it shouldn’t affect your charter, it’s important to be aware of.

With its warm weather, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere, Greece is the perfect place to relax and take it easy. Chartering a yacht allows you to explore at your own pace, take full advantage of the luxury of privacy onboard your yacht, and spend the day trying to find the perfect spot to sunbathe and unwind.

2. Glittering Athens Riviera

When people think of Athens, they tend to conjure up images of the magnificent historical remains, but the city has so much more than that. The lesser-known Riviera is a glorious place for a yacht charter as it’s home to a perfect variety of golden sands and rocky coves, stunning marinas from which you can rent or moor your boat, and opportunities to do activities like windsurfing. With an array of bars and restaurants by the water specialising in freshly caught seafood, you can spend a day getting lost in Athens’ centre and retire to the beach for the evening to drink and dine on your yacht or in a restaurant in front of the glowing colours of a Mediterranean sunset!

3. Extraordinary Heritage

Considered to be the ‘Ancient Capital’ of the world, Athens is full of some of the most important historical remains across the globe. A yacht charter here gives you access to sites such as the remains of Ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896, and the world-renowned Acropolis and Parthenon.

4. Fascinating Tours

Athens is full of many different types of tours for you to enjoy :

• Acropolis and Ancient Agora tour: This guided tour takes you to the top of the Acropolis to see the Parthenon and other historical monuments and then to the Ancient Agora to explore the marketplace and political centre of archaic Athens.
• Walking tours of Plaka: This walking tour takes you through the charming old neighbourhood of Plaka, located at the base of the Acropolis.
• National Archaeological Museum tour: This guided tour takes you through the National Archaeological Museum, which houses some of the most important artefacts from ancient Greece.
• Food tours of Athens: This guided tour takes you through the city's traditional food markets and tavernas to sample local dishes and learn about Greek cuisine.
• Athens by Night tour: This guided tour invites you to view the major landmarks and monuments illuminated at night.
• Athens bike tours: This tour allows you to explore Athens by bike, visiting the capital's main landmarks and historical areas.
• Athens hop-on hop-off bus tours: This tour allows you to explore the area at your own pace, hopping on and off the bus at various landmarks and monuments.

24 Hours in Athens

In a place like Athens, you want a good amount of time to explore the sights, wander the charming cobbled streets and eat good food, and a yacht charter in Athens gives you this chance. Whether you visit before, during or after your charter, give yourself at least 24 hours to uncover the magic of this historical area.

You may wish to moor your boat the night before in one of Athens’ marinas so you can get up early and start your day without fuss. Once you’re up, head straight into the centre, grab a coffee from a charming café in Kotzia Square, and then head to the Acropolis, which was last inhabited in 510BC and is considered one of the most prominent historical sites in the world. When you get hungry for lunch, find Manimani restaurant – a restored neo-classical house near the Acropolis museum serving inexpensive Peloponnesian dishes. If you’re up for more walking, you can hike (or take a chilled cable car journey) to the top of Lykavittos Hill for some of the more impressive views and what may be the most impressive view throughout your whole yacht charter.

Afterwards, head back into Athens centre and find Agia Irini Square, a bohemian hub of life where many locals gather in cafes and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to soak up the locals' lifestyle, eat a traditional Mediterranean lunch and watch the world go by. On summer evenings, open-air cinemas are scattered throughout the town and are the ideal, peaceful way to end a busy day. For dinner, there are plentiful options for you to choose from, but if you want to dine with a view, head to Dionysos, which serves traditional Greek food with a breathtaking view of the Acropolis lit up at night.

Exquisite Cuisine

Greek cuisine blends traditional Mediterranean flavours with unique local ingredients to create distinctive dishes which are imitated and celebrated worldwide. Whether eating on board your boat or venturing onshore to dine in local restaurants, a yacht charter in Athens means you’re in for a culinary treat! If you want to sample the finest Grecian gastronomy, experience the Michelin-starred fresh seafood from ‘Varoulko Seaside’ in Piraeus, overlooking the Mikrolimano harbour. Otherwise, don’t miss out on the chance to try the quintessentially Greek ‘Baklava’, a sweet dessert made from phyllo pastry drenched in syrup, or taste the real version of a Greek salad made with the freshest of ingredients!

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. You can sample local delicacies such as tzatziki, moussaka, and dolmades and try the best local wines and ouzo. Why not read some reviews from the local restaurants and bring your crew to the perfect spot for lunch or dinner?

Once you’ve soaked up all the culture Athens has to offer, there are plenty of nearby destinations for you to travel to!

One of the best ways to explore the Greek islands is by yacht. Renting a yacht allows you to see the islands up close and personal and allows you to create your itinerary. The Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea are both popular sailing destinations in Greece, and each offers a unique experience.

The Cyclades: from the famous Mykonos and Santorini to Amorgos and Phlegandros.

As you sail around the Aegean Sea, you'll see some of the most famous islands in Greece, such as Mykonos and Santorini. Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife, while Santorini is renowned for its stunning sunsets and beautiful white-washed buildings. Both islands are must-see destinations, but there are also many other islands in the area that are worth visiting.

The Cyclades are the most visited of the Greek islands, with their natural coves, picturesque harbours and lively nights. It's no surprise if your group wishes to spend many hours in the area!

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!

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.

There are several sailing routes from the central port in the Cyclades in Mykonos or Paros. From here, you can set a course for more remote islands of the Cyclades, such as Amorgos and Phlegandros. Private cabins offer passengers the luxury of exclusivity; on a yacht charter, you can discover experiences that cannot be done without a boat. The length of the Grecian coastline has many beautiful lagoons and coves waiting to be found. A lagoon is typically located in the more secluded parts of the islands and offers a more peaceful atmosphere for you to enjoy.

Relaxing on a Santorini terrace, sipping a coffee or tasting refreshing Mediterranean drinks will put the finishing touch to your vacation week.

The Ionian Sea: Corfu, Zante Kefalonia and Lefkada

The Ionian Sea is an excellent option if you want a more relaxed sailing experience. The waters here are calmer, and the islands are less crowded. The Ionian Islands are also known for their beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Some of the most popular islands in this area include Corfu, Paxos, and Lefkada.

These waters are ideal for anchoring. Here you can enjoy each port departure of its quiet bays, unexpected taverns and the range of colours that draw their landscapes.

Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian islands; it will amaze you as soon as you spot it from your cabin window. Discover picturesque seaside villages, resorts, wild natural landscapes, and tiny verdant islets. Some islets are even lined with luxurious resorts. Venice's natural beauty and influence make it a great place for exploration. It's one of the best places to visit in Greece, with people from around the world visiting its many attractions. Corfu Town is the capital of Corfu and a brilliant base for exploring the island.

It is a Venetian town, with buildings similar to those in Italy and an English remains in the arcade of the old French quarter. The town gives visitors castles, hills and monasteries, and quaint little islets offshore. The Corfu port was once part of the Venetian Empire, and its influence can be seen in the architecture, which is why many refer to it as a miniature Venice. The rich history of this island also extends to Ancient Greek times when Kerkyra was its name, and it has left influences marks from many different empires throughout time. Corfu Town is well known for its picturesque waters, which are very popular among tourists; it’s no wonder why so many people flock here each year looking for an unforgettable experience!

Getting There

The city is well connected; with Athens International Airport, Greece’s busiest, located 20km east of central Athens, reaching your yacht charter base will be easy! The Greek capital also offers guests many marina options for yachts. Some of the most well-known include the Alimos Marina, the Flisvos Marina, and the Marina Zeas. These marinas offer various amenities, such as boat storage, repairs, and fuel.  Alimos Marina is one of the largest marinas in Greece and the Mediterranean, with a capacity for over 2,000 yachts.

Weather in Greece

Sail aboard a catamaran, sailing yacht, motorboat or even luxury yacht around the Greek islands. The Greek coasts enjoy mild temperatures in winter, but rain and wind are recurrent. However, snow is not to be expected in Greece or on cruises in most cases. In the summer months of July, August and September, on the other hand, the weather is usually arid and hot, and summer storms are also common.

The islands located to the east of the Aegean Sea tend to have a more humid climate than the islands of the central Aegean.

In Santorini, a favourite of travellers and sailors, the average summer temperature usually reaches 34 degrees Celsius, with water temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius. During autumn or spring, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the ports are not as crowded, thus ensuring an excellent cruising experience.

Sailing Conditions in the Mediterranean

For sailing in the Greek islands, utmost importance to have up-to-date wind information available. Even if you are an experienced sailor, caution should be exercised in this area. You must be prepared for strong and constant winds in July and August.

Chartering a Boat

GlobeSailor has an incredible fleet of yachts, catamarans, motorboats and luxury yachts to offer you for rental. Our boats range in length, size and year of manufacture, as well as the number of cabins and berths 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 on the trip of a lifetime! You can also choose between renting a bareboat charter and a crewed charter (meaning hiring a skipper and crew). Our crewed option for a boat rental can be the best choice if you don't have much sailing knowledge but still want the independence of chartering a boat. Your skipper or captain will take care of the navigation, and the hostess/cook will ensure that your vacation week 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!

Our experienced crews can take care of all the details, leaving you and your guests to do all the relaxing in the sun! Whatever type of boat rental you're looking for, GlobeSailor can help you find it!

One of the best things about a yacht charter in Greece is its flexibility. 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 entirely up to you how you spend your holiday, and sometimes, there's nothing better than relaxing in the sun on your private deck or one of the cabins while having an excellent book to read!

Whether you're looking for a relaxing holiday or an action-packed adventure, sailing in Greece has something to offer everyone. And visiting Athens is a must-do while on a sailing trip in Greece; it perfectly blends ancient history and modern culture.