Everyone wants to witness the beauty and charm of the Greek Islands at least once in their lives but picture yourself doing it on a catamaran charter. At Sailyachts.com, we can make your dream Greek getaway a reality with our line-up of top-class catamarans.
Our seasoned team of sailors and boating enthusiasts will help you find your perfect vessel and route for your one-of-a-kind adventure. From must-see destinations to practical sailing tips, we’ve got you covered with this detailed guide to chartering a catamaran in the Greek Islands.
Why Choose a Catamaran in the Greek Islands?
Uncovering the turquoise waters, idyllic beaches, and striking landscapes of the legendary Greek Islands is pretty spectacular, no matter how you travel. However, nothing says luxury like exploring Crete’s captivating corners, Kefalonia’s tranquil shores, and Santorini’s remarkable scenery on a lavish catamaran.
By choosing a catamaran, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Greek Islands in the utmost comfort. Our Sailyacht.com vessels are equipped with stylish cabins, modern amenities, and abundant deck space to ensure your time out at sea is as easygoing and rejuvenating as possible.
Catamarans are an especially great option if you’re sailing around the Greek Islands in a large group. They offer plenty of space and generally have generously sized living and kitchen areas suited to anyone looking for a recreational or relaxing expedition.
Better still, catamarans boast superior stability in comparison to many other boats, and they can safely travel at relatively fast speeds. Their shallow drafts also make anchoring closer to shore easier than most of their counterparts. Overall, chartering a catamaran through the Greek Islands will afford you a safe, comfortable, and premium experience.
Planning Your Trip
When you start putting your plans in place for your catamaran charter around the Greek Islands, there are a few things you need to consider.
Firstly, you’ll have to pick out the spots you want to stop at and where they’re located in relation to one another. The iconic Cyclades are a hotspot for sailors, but you’ve also got five other groups of islands to discover, including the stunning Ionains and the lesser-known Sporades. Every set of islands features breathtaking scenery and fascinating culture, so you can’t go wrong no matter where you choose (more on this later if you need some inspiration!).
How much time you have on your hands will also dictate what kind of trip you’ll embark on. If you have two weeks to spend at sea, this will give you ample time to check out a slew of different islands, but you can also cover a lot of ground in just one week. To avoid losing a lot of your time to sailing, those of you leaning towards a week-long stint are best off picking one set of islands or a few closely situated destinations.
Another factor to bear in mind is the time of year you decide to charter a catamaran in the Greek Islands. From April to October, Greece experiences its busiest sailing season. The warm, dry weather and favorable sea conditions attract thousands of sailors every year, especially from June to August.
This increased demand leads to higher prices and a need for early reservations, which may influence your decision. Conversely, sailing between November and March allows you to enjoy lower rates and fewer crowds. However, the weather can be rather chilly, and the sea conditions potentially rough.
Provided your schedule allows it, it’s worth booking your catamaran charter for April, May, September, or October. That way, the prices will be moderate, the seas will be a little less busy, and the temperatures won’t be uncomfortably hot. Additionally, you likely won’t need to book too far in advance to secure your spot, giving you some extra flexibility.
Tips for a Smooth Sailing Experience on a Catamaran
After years of sailing the seas in a catamaran, our Sailyacht.com team has amassed quite a few tips and tricks to make your excursion as seamless as possible.
- If you decide to go for a bareboat charter, you or someone in your group must hold a valid boating license. This must be an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or an equivalent from an accredited body.
- Even if the weather forecast looks promising, it’s a must to pack a few warm layers and a waterproof jacket.
- Consider if your route is reasonable, given your timeframe. It’s better to see fewer spots in-depth than to rush between locations.
- Catamarans are among the most spacious sailing boats, but reducing the amount you pack is still essential to maximize space onboard.
- When you’re out on deck, there’s usually not much protection from the sun, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Must-Visit Destinations and Activities in Greece
Deciding which jaw-dropping beaches, quaint towns, and staggering vistas to add to your itinerary can be pretty tricky. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of some of the most coveted destinations in Greece.
- Santorini: The most recognizable of all the Greek Islands, Santorini is home to magnificent sunsets, enchanting blue-domed churches, and immaculate black sand beaches.
- Mykonos: Mykonos offers much of the charm of Santorini but with a little more glamor, plus a renowned party scene and postcard-perfect windmills.
- Crete: The largest Greek Island, Crete has everything from crumbling ruins and dramatic coastlines to cute towns and untouched beaches.
- Zakynthos: Between the incredible Shipwreck Beach and hidden blue caves, Zakynthos is as picturesque as anywhere on the planet.
- Corfu: Filled with vibrant green landscapes, ancient historical landmarks, and lively towns, Corfu is the true gem of the Ionian Sea.
- Rhodes: If top-tier cuisine, crystal-clear waters, and a rich culture appeal to you, Rhodes has each of these in droves.
How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Catamaran in the Greek Islands?
The cost of catamaran charters around Greece’s islands varies a lot. You’ll need to take the time of year and availability into account, as well as the type of charter you’re going for. In most cases, the latter will be one of the biggest determining factors of your charter’s cost.
If someone in your gang is a confident, licensed sailor, you’ll have the option of a bareboat charter. This is the most economical charter and comes at around €3,500 a week. Alternatively, you might want a skippered catamaran, in which case you’ll pay the same fee as you would for a bareboat, plus an additional €220 per day. For the ultimate sailing trip, why not book one of our crewed charters? You’ll pay the bareboat fee with an extra €170 per crew member, which includes chefs and deckhands.
While these fees are typical of the low season, they may be noticeably higher during busier periods. Contact Sailyachts.com directly by email, phone, or online inquiry form to find a more accurate price for your specific timeframe.
Final Words
Let’s kickstart planning your catamaran charter in the Greek Islands with sailyachts.com. When you sail with a boat from our fleet of catamarans, you’re guaranteed a vessel that ticks all the boxes for your sailing needs.
Whether you’re ready to make your booking right away or would like to discuss your plans in depth with a member of our team first, get in touch with Sailyachts.com today. You can contact us using our inquiry form, over the phone, or by email, and we’ll work with you to create your ideal maritime adventure!
