Catamaran Hire in Greece

Hire a catamaran in Greece

Countless islands and the perfect blend of sun and wind

Greece is home to several large archipelagos, each of which offers up very different cruising experiences. This, coupled with the eastern Mediterranean sun and reliable wind conditions, promises a truly unforgettable trip.

A different experience in every region: Sporty sailing trips to comfortable cruises

Greece is a region of exceptional diversity. In some regions you can look forward to relaxed strolls along the beach, while in others you should expect something a little more adventurous, with strong winds and currents. For a relaxed trip, visit the protected areas in the Ionian Sea, the Saronic Gulf, or the Sporades. For something slightly more sporty, visit the Cyclades or the Dodecanese, where you can benefit from the influence of the Meltemi wind. 

Set sail through the Land of the Gods on your catamaran hire in Greece

It’s not just the breath-taking landscapes and ancient ruins for which Greece is famous that attract holidaymakers from all over the world. Greece also has a fascinating history, and also an array of delicious dishes that you can sample in the numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants lining the coast. You can even head to the shops after soaking in the sea at the beaches to pick up some souvenirs for your friends and family.

Set sail on your Greek catamaran hire and discover a different port every day!

Where can you go sailing when you hire a catamaran in Greece?

The main bases when setting sail in Greece are:

In the Cyclades

• Athens
• Lavrion

In the Ionian Sea

• Corfu
• Lefkas

In the Sporades

• Skiathos
• Volos

In the Dodecanese

• Kos
• Rhodes

What should you be aware of during a catamaran hire in Greece?

In order to ensure that your Greek catamaran hire goes smoothly, you should bear the following things in mind:

• To set sail in Greece or any of its islands, you must be in possession of the International Certificate of Competence for Inland and Coastal Waters or the Sport-coastal Ship-licence. A second crew member must also have a sailing licence or proof of experience.
• Many airlines offer cheap flights to Greece. However, you must remember that you will need to fly into a different airport, depending on your port of origin. If you have any questions about flights, we would be happy to offer you guidance via phone or email.
• EU citizens need a valid ID card or passport to enter Greece

Which airport should you fly to when travelling to Greece?

There are many different airports all over the country, but here is a list of where you should fly to depending on your port of origin:

Athens Airport

• Athens
• Lavrion

Corfu International Airport

• Corfu

Preveza Airport

• Lefkas

Airport Skiathos

• Skiathos

Volos Airport

• Volos

Kos Airport

• Kos
• Rhodes

Top Tip!

Ensure that you have all necessary documents before setting off so that your catamaran hire in Greece can go off without a hitch!

What weather and sailing conditions can I expect in Greece?

The climate in Greece is predominantly Mediterranean, which means that you can expect temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C in the summer, which lasts from May until September. In July and August, the temperatures can get as high as 40°C. During this time of the year, you won’t see much precipitation but there might be the occasional storm. During the winter, there is typically more precipitation, but the weather remains mild throughout. This means the summer months generally offer the best conditions for sailing.

What sailing conditions are especially important to consider during a catamaran hire in Greece?

Water depths and tides around the different sailing areas

In the Ionian Sea, the tidal range is also so small that it is insignificant at just 0.1 to 0.5 metres. The surface current here flows anti-clockwise towards the north along the coast. From here, it then turns west and flows south along the Italian coast. The strength of the current rarely reaches stronger than 1-1.5 knots, except in Preveza, where it can reach as high as 3 knots.

In the eastern Mediterranean, like in the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades, the sea level is influenced more by the wind than the tides. The air pressure also affects the water depths. In general, high air pressure and offshore winds mean a lower sea level, while low air pressure and onshore winds cause the sea level to rise.

Which berths and ports can you stop by during a catamaran hire in Greece?

There are a large number of places from which you can hire a catamaran in Greece, both on the mainland, and the offshore islands.

In the Cyclades, you can stop by:

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

In the Ionian Sea, some highlights include:

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

In the Sporades, you should stop off at:

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

Some of the best places to stop by in the Dodecanese include:

• Kos
• Kalymnos
• Amorgos
• Astypalea
• Nysiros

Wind conditions in Greece and the surrounding islands

The Meltemi winds are predominant throughout the eastern Mediterranean, with wind speeds of 4-6 on the Beaufort scale. These winds are usually stronger during the day, but usually ease off in the evening. When the weather is particularly bad, the speeds can get as high as 6-8 on the Beaufort scale and when this happens, the winds remain noticeable well into the night. These periods of strong winds and poor weather can last up to three days and, coming from the northwest, these winds often make sailing challenging for those hiring a catamaran in Greece.

You should pay extra attention to the strong down gusts on the leeward side of the islands!

The Ionian Sea is somewhat calmer and more consistent than the other areas of the Mediterranean Sea surrounding Greece. This area is dominated by thermal winds, which are rather weak in the morning and are only really noticeable from around noon, when it can reach a strength of around 5 on the Beaufort scale. From around 7 or 8pm, the wind usually dies down.

Take a chance on the Scansail service and plan your next catamaran hire in Greece with us!

If you would like customised help planning your catamaran hire in Greece, feel free to get in contact with our customer service team, who will be happy to help you from 09:00 to 17:00 on +49 40 388422. We look forward to helping you book your dream sailing holiday!