Renting a sailboat in Greece

Countless islands, the glittering sun and light breezes make for perfect sailing condition

Greece is home to several large archipelagos. This allows for incredibly diverse cruises that vary from one island to the next. The eastern Mediterranean sun and reliable wind will add even more to your idyllic voyage. What more could a sailor’s heart desire?

From laidback bliss to thrilling adrenaline rushes - your perfect Greek region awaits you

Greece is incredibly diverse. Depending on your location, you can look forward to a chilled-out stroll along a beach or thrilling strong-wind sailing experience. Protected areas in the Ionian Sea, the Saronic Gulf or the Sporades will provide a more relaxed experience. For a more active holiday take a trip to the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.

Sail in the land of the Gods on your Greek sailboat rental

Discover the Mediterranean magic of Greece as you find yourself visiting modern shopping centres and ancient ruins, thereby encountering the perfect blend of past and present. With its plethora of beautiful islands, Greece is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world and is a perfect option, whether you are looking for a sporty sailing experience, a family holiday or a relaxing trip. Float between a myriad of islands on your sailboat rental in Greece and discover a different Aegean port every day.

What sailing options does Greece offer?

Greece has a total of 3054 islands, only 87 of which are inhabited, meaning that it offers a vast array of sailing opportunities for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to experience exciting excursions and discover fantastic coasts that will impress even experienced sailors. The Greek sailing area can be divided into four areas, each of which has two charter bases. From here you can start your journey. With their modern marinas and well-equipped facilities, you are sure to have fun and feel relaxed even before you have left the dock.

Here are the main bases for your sailboat rental in Greece:

• Cyclades: Athens, Lavrion
• Ionian Sea: Corfu, Lefkas
• Sporades: Skiathos, Volos
• Dodecanese: Kos, Rhodes

What do you need to remember when renting a sailboat in Greece?

In order to make your sailing holiday in Greece as easy and enjoyable as possible, there are a few important things you should keep in mind:

1. If you are planning to sail a sailboat in mainland Greece or the Greek islands, it is vital for you to obtain the International Certificate of Competence for Inland and Coastal Waters or the Sport-coastal Ship-licence (SKS/BR). In addition, a second crew member must have a sailing licence or proof of experience.
2. Various airlines offer inexpensive flights to Greece. Please note that your arrival destination will change depending on the island or charter base from which you choose to board your sailboat. If you have any questions about the the best destination to fly in to, please get in touch with us via phone or email.
3. EU citizens need a valid identity card or passport to enter Greece.
4. Depending on your charter base, we recommend booking flights to the following airports:

• Athens, Lavrion: Athens Airport
• Corfu: Corfu International Airport
• Lefkas: Preveza Airport (direct flights from Düsseldorf). Onward flight to Lefkas charter base
• Skiathos: Airport Skiathos
• Volos: Volos Airport
• Kos, Rhodes: Kos Airport

Tip: Make sure you have all the necessary documents before departure in order to make your trip as smooth as possible.

What kind of weather can I expect in Greece?

Greece has a predominantly Mediterranean climate, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius between May and September, which is Greece’s dry summer season. The temperature can sometimes even rise to 40 °C in July and August. The weather is very mild during this time and there is very little rainfall. Occasional heat storms can occur, however. In winter there is more precipitation, but the weather remains rather mild. The summer months in particular offer ideal conditions for Greece.

What specific sailing conditions apply to a sailboat rental in Greece?

Water depths and tides around the different bases

In the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades, the tidal range is so small that it can often be disregarded. In addition, the water level in this area is influenced more by the wind than by the tides.

Similarly, in the Ionian Sea, the tidal range only reaches 0.1 to 0.5 metres. Here, the surface current flows anticlockwise in a northerly direction along the coast.

It then turns west and flows south along the Italian coast. Throughout its course, the current is rarely stronger than one to one and a half knots. Only in the narrow sea channels, such as at Preveza, can it rise to up to three knots.

In the eastern Mediterranean, the sea level height is generally influenced more by the wind than by the tides. In addition, air pressure has an impact on water depths, with high air pressure and offshore winds lowering the sea level, and low air pressure and onshore winds causing it to rise.

Which berths and ports can I call at in Greece

The many bases, located both on the islands and the mainland, form a large number of attractive starting points for your sailing trip - with a great number of must-see sites. We have compiled a list of a few highlights for you!

In the Cyclades, don’t miss:

• Athens
• Epidauros
• Cape Sounion
• Poros
• Paros
• Naxos
• Mykonos
• Santorini

Jet around the Ionian sea and be sure to visit:

• Corfu Town
• Gastouri
• Palaiokastritsa
• Paxos, Gaios
• Lefkas Town
• Preveza
• Vonitsa
• Parga

Some must-see locations in the Sporades:

• Skyros
• Alonnisos
• Skopelos
• Skiathos
• Gulf of Volos

Don’t forget the Dodecanese:

• Kos
• Kalymnos
• Amorgos
• Astypalea
• Nysiros

Wind conditions in Greece

The meltemi wind system dominates the eastern Mediterranean. This repeatedly causes strong winds with speeds of four to six, primarily in the Cyclades, the Sporades and the Dodecanese, These winds are also especially noticeable during the day. The Meltemi usually calms down in the evening. On particularly stormy days, however, it can sometimes reach strengths of between six and eight Beaufort, making the winds noticeable at night too. These strong wind periods can last up to three days. The wind coming from the northwest makes the area a challenging sailing area for sailboat rental in Greece.

Particular attention should be paid to the strong down gusts on the leeward side of the islands, blowing across the anchorages, as well as cape and jet effects on the island sides or between them.

The Ionian Sea is somewhat calmer and more stable. The charter area is dominated by thermals. In the morning the wind is still rather weak, but it starts to pick up around noon as the sun rises. Here it can reach up to five Beaufort. There is usually a lull that begins around 7 or 8 p.m..

Scansail Service - plan your next sailboat rental with us

If you would like a personal consultation on your sailboat rental in Greece, our service team will be happy to help you. Contact us between 09:00 to 17:00 using the number: +49 40 388422. We look forward to receiving your call!