What a Yacht Charter in Greece Costs
Greece sits in the middle of the Mediterranean price range — below Croatia, above Turkey — with the widest choice of grounds, from the big-wind Cyclades to the sheltered, family-friendly Ionian. A crewed week buys you island-hopping where the anchorage changes every night and the taverna is a tender ride away.
Below is an honest 2026 planning guide: indicative weekly bands, then the line items — the APA that funds fuel, food and berths, plus Greece's cruising tax and VAT.
Indicative 2026 prices
A cabin on a shared, fixed-itinerary catamaran — the most affordable way to sail Greece as a couple or solo.
Shoulder-season, Cyclades / Ionian / Saronic. Base fee before APA.
Larger or luxury boats, and July–August dates in the popular Cyclades.
Prices are quoted in EUR. Crewed charters run on a base fee plus an APA; Greece's monthly cruising tax (TEPAI) and VAT are normally built into the price — confirm on your quote.
What sits on top — the full breakdown
| Cost | Typical | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Base charter fee | The bands above | Covers the boat and crew for the week. |
| APA | 20–35% of base | Advance kitty for fuel, food, drinks and berths — reconciled with receipts at the end. |
| Cruising tax (TEPAI) | Usually included | Greece's monthly per-length fee on charter yachts, normally paid by the operator inside the price. |
| VAT | Usually included | A reduced rate applies to qualifying charter itineraries; your quote states the treatment. |
| Berths | From the APA | Small Cyclades harbours fill fast in meltemi season — crews often anchor in lee bays instead of chasing a town quay. |
| Gratuities | 5–15% of base | Mediterranean norm for good service, in cash to the captain for the crew. |
What moves the price
- Region — the Cyclades in peak meltemi season command more than the calm Ionian or Saronic.
- Season — June and September run below the July–August high, with gentler winds too.
- Boat class — a crewed catamaran sits below a luxury yacht for the same week.
- Distances — island-hopping across the Aegean uses more fuel than a sheltered Ionian loop.
Greece typically sits between Turkey and Croatia on price — mid-range for the Mediterranean, with the widest choice of cruising grounds.
When to go (shoulder season is cheaper) →Not sure which country? Compare all five →
Costs, seasons & planning
How much does a yacht charter in Greece cost per week?
As a 2026 planning guide, a crewed catamaran or sailing yacht for 6–8 guests runs roughly €12,000–€35,000+ per week depending on boat and season, July–August highest. Greek charters add VAT (reduced to around 12% when the itinerary qualifies) and crewed boats carry an APA of about 20–35% for fuel, food, drinks and berths. Greece typically sits between Turkey and Croatia on price.
When does the meltemi wind blow, and which islands suit beginners?
The meltemi is a strong, dry north wind that blows across the Aegean mainly from mid-July to early September, strongest in the Cyclades — exhilarating for experienced sailors but demanding. For families, first-timers and calmer sailing, choose the Ionian (Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia) or the Saronic Gulf near Athens, which are far more sheltered. June and September everywhere are calmer and cheaper than peak August.
Which Greek islands are best to sail?
The Cyclades (Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini) for iconic scenery and lively harbours with real wind; the Ionian for green, sheltered, easy sailing ideal for families; the Saronic for a short-hop week straight from Athens; the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos, Symi) for a quieter, history-rich east; the Sporades for pine-clad calm. KyanoSail covers all of them.
When is the best time for a sailing holiday in Greece?
June and September offer warm seas, long settled days, lighter crowds and lower prices, plus gentler winds than the meltemi-heavy high summer. July–August is hottest, busiest and windiest in the Cyclades; May and October are quiet, cheaper and cooler.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in Greece?
Not for the crewed and skippered charters KyanoSail focuses on — a professional captain runs the boat. Bareboat charter in Greece requires two competent people aboard (skipper plus co-skipper) with recognised certificates and a VHF licence.
What's the difference between crewed, skippered and cabin charter?
Crewed: captain plus crew (often a cook) handle everything. Skippered: a professional skipper sails while you live aboard more independently. Cabin charter: you buy a single cabin on a fixed-itinerary departure and share the yacht with other guests — the most affordable way to sail Greece as a couple or solo.
How much should I tip the crew in Greece?
Discretionary — 5–15% of the charter fee for good service is the Mediterranean norm, in cash (EUR) to the captain to share with the crew at the end of the week.
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