Is Sailing the Greek Islands Worth It? The Real Cost Compared

Chartering a yacht in Greece is often cheaper per person than hotels plus ferries, and it solves the problem that ruins island-hopping itineraries — moving between islands without losing half a day each time.

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Sailing vs hotels and ferries

One week, four people, shoulder season:

So it isn’t cheaper for four. But at eight people on a larger catamaran the per-person figure drops toward €700–800 — and you’re waking up in a different bay every morning with no ferry timetables, no check-ins and no transfers.

Where to sail

Ionian — for beginners. Sheltered, short hops, light winds, and the Meltemi doesn’t reach it. Corfu, Lefkas and Kefalonia. This is where to charter your first Greek boat.

Cyclades — for experience. Spectacular and genuinely challenging. The Meltemi blows 25–35 knots for days in July and August and will pin you in port. Not a beginner’s cruising ground, whatever the brochure says.

Saronic — the middle ground. Close to Athens, moderate winds, good for a shorter trip.

👉 Compare Greek yacht charters

Do you need a licence?

For bareboat yes, plus a VHF radio certificate. For skippered or crewed, no — you just turn up. Full detail in whether you need a licence.

A skipper costs €150–200 a day. Split across six people that’s roughly €200 each for the week, and in Greek waters local knowledge of which bays shelter from which wind is worth considerably more than that.

When to go

• May–June: best conditions, before the Meltemi builds. Ideal.
• July–August: hottest, busiest, and the Meltemi at its strongest.
• September: excellent — warm sea, calmer winds, lower prices.

Is it worth it?

Yes if you’re six or more, you want to see several islands without transfers, or the sailing itself appeals.

No if there are two of you and budget matters, you want nightlife every evening, or anyone aboard is prone to seasickness.

Regional comparison: Croatia vs Greece vs Turkey. Ferry alternative: ferries vs flights.

Frequently asked questions

Is sailing cheaper than hotels and ferries?

Not for two or four people. At six to eight it becomes competitive, and you avoid transfers, check-ins and ferry timetables entirely.

Where should beginners sail in Greece?

The Ionian — Corfu, Lefkas and Kefalonia. Sheltered, short hops, and the Meltemi doesn’t reach it.

Do I need a licence to charter in Greece?

For bareboat yes, plus a VHF radio certificate. Skippered and crewed charters require nothing.

When is the best time to sail in Greece?

May, June or September. July and August bring the strongest Meltemi winds, which can pin you in port for days.