Greece · Cyclades & Ionian · Private crewed charter
A week in the Greek Islands
Whitewashed villages, ancient ruins and long lunches at harbourside tavernas. Sail the Cyclades from Athens or choose the calmer, greener Ionian Sea.
Sample itinerary
The Cyclades from Athens, seven nights
A classic round trip from Athens through the Cyclades. Each passage is a comfortable half-day sail, leaving plenty of time to swim, explore and eat well ashore.
- Day1
Athens to Kea
Board in Athens and sail to Kea. Visit the little port of Korissia, the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo and the famous lion carved from the island's rock in the 6th century BCE, then anchor at beautiful Poleis or enjoy the tavernas of Vourkari.
Ancient sites · Tavernas - Day2
Kea to Syros
The elegant capital of the Cyclades. Anchor in the bays of Varis, Delfino or Kini, taste the island's famous loukoumi and explore its neoclassical streets.
Culture · Swim · Local sweets - Day3
Syros to Mykonos
The most glamorous island in the Cyclades. Wander the lanes of Chora and the iconic windmills, then choose between beach clubs, fine dining and Mykonos nightlife.
Beach clubs · Dining · Nightlife - Day4
Mykonos to Paros
One of the most beautiful islands in the Aegean. Explore the fishing village of Naoussa and the capital Parikia, and swim in turquoise coves. Paros is famous for windsurfing.
Villages · Watersports - Day5
Paros to Sifnos
Anchor in Vathi, Faros or Platis Gialos for translucent water and great tavernas. Visit the medieval clifftop village of Kastro and dine in Apollonia, home to some of the island's best restaurants.
Swim · History · Gastronomy - Day6
Sifnos to Kythnos
An unspoiled island with deeply indented coves. Swim off the extraordinary double-sided sandbar at Kolona and explore the inland villages of Chora and Dryopida.
Sandbar · Quiet anchorages - Day7
Kythnos to Sounio
Sail toward Cape Sounio and watch the sun set behind the Temple of Poseidon, the same view ancient sailors watched for on their way home.
Temple of Poseidon · Sunset - Day8
Return to Athens
A short morning sail back to Athens to disembark, with time to visit the Acropolis before your flight.
This is a sample route. In July and August the meltemi wind can blow strongly in the Cyclades, and your captain will adapt the plan to the weather and to your group.
Charter area
Where you'll sail
- Start & finish · Athens
- Nearest airport · Athens (ATH)
- Typical passages · 20 to 50 nautical miles
- Best season · May to October
Another way to sail Greece
The Ionian Sea
Kefalonia & Ithaca
Start from Kefalonia, the largest Ionian island, and visit Ithaca, home of Odysseus, with its pretty villages of Kioni and Vathy.
Paxos & Antipaxos
Sea caves, fjord-like coves and Voutoumi beach on Antipaxos, among the finest beaches in Greece.
Lefkas, Skorpios & Atokos
Sail past Onassis's private island of Skorpios and anchor off uninhabited Atokos, where dolphins are often seen. The Ionian has calmer summer winds, ideal for families.
What to expect
What is included
Usually included
- The yacht, captain and crew
- Linens, towels and water toys
- Your private chef on fully crewed yachts
Usually extra
- APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), typically 25 to 35% of the charter fee, which covers food, drinks, fuel and berthing, with a full account at the end
- VAT on the charter fee, at the local rate
- Crew gratuity, typically 10 to 15%
- Flights and transfers
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much does a crewed yacht charter in Greece cost?
Rates depend on the yacht, season and group size. Mediterranean charters are usually priced for the yacht and crew, plus an APA (typically 25 to 35%) for food, drinks, fuel and berthing, and VAT. Your broker gives you a full, transparent quote.
What is APA?
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. In the Mediterranean, charters are usually priced for the yacht and crew only. The APA is paid in advance and covers food, drinks, fuel, marina fees and similar running costs. Your captain keeps a full record and any unspent balance is returned to you.
When is the best time to charter in Greece?
The season runs from May to October. June and September offer warm seas with fewer crowds. July and August are the hottest months, when the meltemi wind can be strong in the Cyclades; the Ionian is calmer.
Cyclades or Ionian?
Choose the Cyclades for iconic islands such as Mykonos and Paros, vibrant towns and lively sailing. Choose the Ionian for green islands, shorter passages and calmer water, ideal for families.
Your week, your way
Let's plan your Greek odyssey
Tell us where to send it and a charter specialist will email you this sample itinerary, with yacht options matched to your dates and group. There's no cost to you.