Our Greece Bareboat Yacht Charter

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Bareboat Sailing Holidays - CLICK HERE

It's rather difficult to describe the atmosphere in print as the sounds, smells and ambience of Greece make cruising here a real escape from the daily grind at home.

The Greek people are among the most welcoming in the world and their cuisine is perfect for the environment in which it is served. Grilled lamb and other traditional dishes with garlic, fresh herbs and olive oil will really crank up your taste buds!

Greece offers a world of different bareboat sailing, from the gentle deep blue waters of the Ionian in the west, to the more adventurous and hedonistic Greek Islands in the east.

To see our range of Greece bareboat yachts please find our online bareboat availability here...

The Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are the most relaxing of all sailing locations in Greece. The ‘spiritual home’ of Sailing Holidays Ltd, the Ionian offers waters of the most amazing clarity, dockside tavernas, ‘short-hop’ sailing, and an ambience of sights and smells that is hard to describe in print.

It is easy to see why this is one of the most popular destinations in the world for British sailors.

The Ionian Islands are off the western coast of Greece and stretch from Corfu in the north to Zakynthos in the south. The sailing area of the Ionian Islands is principally made up of six islands. From north to south they are Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos (Zante). The Greek mainland also contributes many beautifully scenic ‘ports of call’ such as Parga, Mourtos and Kalamos. You are never short of a bay, taverna or beach to spend a relaxing day or evening.

Expect a friendly welcome from your Greek hosts, with food fresh off the spit or straight out of the garden. Moor up outside a taverna for the evening meal and a few of the local ‘tipples’, and buy fresh bread and tomatoes for when you throw anchor in a secluded bay for lunch the next day.

Saronic Islands (Aegean Sea)
From the main port of departure from Athens, Kalamaki marina, you can follow two main sailing routes: The Saronic route and the Cyclades route.

The Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros, Angistri, Hydra, Dokos, Spetses and the Peloponnesian coast offer smooth sailing sheltered from strong winds.

The Saronic route is highly recommended for easy sailing, especially in July and August for avoiding the strong winds blowing down in the Cyclades, also for a shorter break of less than two weeks. Along this route you will find many Cosmopolitan towns, ancient temples, Byzantine castles, small fishing ports and unspoiled anchorages.

You should not miss a visit to Poros, Hydra, Spetses, also Yerakas, Leonidion, Monemvasia (referred to as the Greek Gibraltar), Elaphonissos and Kithira will also surprise you with their natural beauty, sandy beaches, the totally unspoiled and friendly small ports and peaceful anchorages.

Cyclades Islands (Aegean Sea)
Lying just to the south east of the mainland Greece is the Cyclades Islands, famous around the world as some of the most picturesque in this ancient country. In fact, if when looking for photos of Greece you will more than likely find pictures of the blue domed churches, turquoise waters, and the rugged landscapes of the Cyclades Islands. 

The Cyclades are so named as the island group, including Mykonos, Syros, Santorini, Paros and Naxos, all lay in a circle around the Island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo. You can visit this island easily during your sailing holiday.

The Cyclades is also world famous as a fantastic sailing ground, with over 200 islands to sail between and explore. A little more challenging than other areas due to its situation in the middle of the Aegean Sea and the famous Meltemi winds, a northerly wind that channels between the Islands, the Cyclades is a good bet for those wanting a great sail.

Skiathos
From Skiathos, the so called "small Mykonos", you can start your holiday enjoying the unspoiled bays and small ports of the Gulf of Volos, sailing to the beautiful green islands of Sporades, such as Skopelos, Alonissos, Skantzoura and Pelagos. Sheltered and unspoiled anchorages, sandy white beaches, will offer you the pleasures of an unforgettable holiday.

Within 50 miles you can sail up to the Halkidiki peninsula. This peninsula reaches down into the Northern Aegean, with three smaller peninsulas Kassandra, Sithonia, and Mount Athos. On the green Sithonia you will delight in the peace and tranquility of small ports and beautiful anchorages.

At Porto Carras, you will reach an extra modern marina, that offers you superb shore side relaxation. You can delight the spectacular views of the medieval monasteries of Mount Athos, that have been separated from the modern world. Relax through sailing, fishing and swimming in the blue Aegean sea waters.

The Dodecanese - Kos and Rhodes (Aegean Sea)
You can start your Dodecanese route from either Rhodes (Marina Mandraki), just opposite the famous medieval city, or from the new built marina of Kos, in the popular island with its lush green wooden hills.

The cruising possibilities in the Dodecanese are endless, thanks to the 14 beautiful and unique islands in this area. In this Eastern part of Greece, and along the Turkish coast, in the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea, some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean can be found.

Discover Simi with its picturesque harbor, Patmos with its famous monastery of St.John, Arki, Lipsos, Leros, Kalimnos home of the sponge divers. It is worth a visit to the whole group of islands in the Dodecanese. There is an endless, amazing variety of opportunities for pleasurable sailing, historic exploration, nightlife, or alternatively the tranquility and relaxation of the numerous small bays.

Sailing Certificates Required
To charter in Greece you need a minimum of RYA Day Skipper or ICC (International Certificate of Compentence).