Why a Private Yacht Charter in Greece is the Ultimate Luxury Experience
Why a Private Yacht Charter in Greece is the Ultimate Luxury Experience
Private yacht charter in Greece holidays offer an unmatched blend of freedom, privacy, and indulgence. Whether you’re anchoring beside a hidden cove or dining on the deck at sunset, this is a luxury travel experience that’s shaped entirely around you.
What Makes a Private Yacht Charter in Greece So Special?
A private yacht charter in Greece experience isn’t just about the boat — it’s about waking up to the sight of pastel villages clinging to cliffs, the scent of herbs wafting from sun-baked hills, and the slow rhythm of the Aegean. Greece offers more than just beautiful waters. It offers history, culture, and deeply personal moments you won’t find on a cruise or package holiday.
Some highlights include:
- Total privacy with no crowds or schedules
- Exclusive access to hidden bays and beaches
- Onboard chefs, hosts, and captains who cater to your every need
- Island hopping at your pace
- Premium sailing vessels with luxury features like jacuzzis, water toys, and personal chefs
It’s not about travelling. It’s about living the destination.
Where Can You Go on a Greek Yacht Charter?
One of the most exciting parts of a private yacht charter Greece holiday is the route itself. You can start in Athens and head south into the Saronic Gulf. Or set sail from Rhodes to explore the Dodecanese. Each island group brings its own personality.
Cyclades: The Icons of the Aegean
- Think whitewashed villages and vivid blue domes
- Highlights include Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos
- Great for nightlife, boutique shopping, and cliffside dining
Ionian Islands: Lush and Laid-back
- Best accessed from Corfu, Lefkada or Kefalonia
- Ideal for families or first-time sailors
- Known for emerald bays and relaxed tavernas
Dodecanese: History and Hidden Gems
- Discover medieval castles in Rhodes and Ottoman charm in Symi
- Great weather and fewer tourists
- Clear waters and authentic Greek life
Sporades and Northern Aegean: Quiet Escapes
- Think pine-covered coastlines and dolphin sightings
- Less commercialised, more local
- Skopelos and Alonissos are green, peaceful and lovely
- Each route can be shaped around your mood and style.
Charter Types: Finding the Right Fit
Not all yachts are the same — and that’s the beauty of it. With Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, your private yacht charter Greece holiday is handpicked to suit your travel preferences and group size.
- Bareboat Charters: Perfect if you have sailing qualifications and want full control
- Skippered Charters: A professional sailor handles the navigation, you relax
- Crewed Charters: Includes captain, chef, and staff for total comfort
- Catamarans: Stable and spacious – ideal for groups and families
- Motor Yachts: Luxurious and fast – cover more distance in less time
- Gulets: Traditional wooden vessels with modern interiors
If you're unsure, we’ll help you choose what works best.
What’s Life Like on Board?
From the moment you arrive, your yacht becomes a floating sanctuary. Wake up to calm seas. Sip coffee while dolphins glide past. Hop off for a swim in secluded coves.
Life on board includes:
- Freshly prepared meals by onboard chefs
- Lounging on sun decks or soaking in a jacuzzi
- Paddleboarding, snorkelling, or jet skiing
- Sunset cocktails and movie nights under the stars
And the best part? No unpacking and repacking. You bring your room with you.
Hotels to Pair With Your Yacht Charter
If you’d like to enjoy land-based luxury before or after your sailing holiday, we recommend these hotels:
Katikies Santorini
Dramatic cliffside views, private plunge pools, and seamless service. This romantic escape is carved into the caldera and known for its whitewashed design and five-star dining.
We often have exclusive rates and extras here — ask us what’s available.
Domes of Elounda, Crete
Set above a calm bay with views of Spinalonga Island. The suites and villas come with outdoor Jacuzzis or pools, and there’s a calm sophistication throughout. Great for couples or families.
We’ve got a wide selection of current offers – get in touch for the latest.
Booking With Awake & Wander Luxury Travel: What You Get
When you book your private yacht charter Greece holiday with us, you’re not just booking a boat. You’re booking full support and financial peace of mind:
- We’re ATOL licensed and a proud member of Protected Trust Services
- All tailor-made holidays include Supplier Failure Insurance
- Flights booked through us come with Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance
- We tailor everything to your needs, not off-the-shelf packages
- We’re independent – giving us access to a wide network of operators and yachts
- You’ll always speak to a real person who knows your booking
Your holiday is protected from start to finish.
Our Take:
"There’s something powerful about moving at sea level — no traffic, no queues, just sky, sea, and possibility. A private yacht charter Greece trip lets you take the wheel (or hand it to someone else) and create a holiday that’s entirely yours.”
– Awake & Wander Luxury Travel
Why Choose a Private Yacht Charter Over a Cruise?
You might be wondering — why choose a private yacht over a cruise ship?
- Privacy: You’re not sharing the experience with thousands of others
- Flexibility: No fixed itineraries
- Personal service: Your crew knows you by name
- Unique access: Anchor in places no cruise ship could ever go
The difference is personal. And unforgettable.
Is It Suitable for Families?
Absolutely. Children love the sense of adventure — swimming off the deck, spotting dolphins, learning to sail.
Yachts can be equipped with safety nets, shaded areas, and family-friendly cabins. Crewed charters often include staff who love working with kids.
We’ll help you choose the best layout and route for your family.
When Is the Best Time to Charter a Yacht in Greece?
The Greek yacht charter season runs from late April to October. The best months for sailing tend to be May, June, September, and early October.
- Warm, pleasant weather
- Calmer winds
- Fewer crowds than peak summer
Spring and autumn offer excellent sailing and more relaxed shoreside experiences.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Private yacht charter Greece holidays are more accessible than many expect. Pricing varies depending on boat type, crew size, season, and route — but it’s worth weighing the full value:
- Luxury accommodation, meals, and transport in one
- Exclusive access to beaches and anchorages
- Personalised service throughout
- Time together without distractions
For groups or families, the cost per person can compare favourably to a luxury resort or villa.
Sample Itineraries to Spark Your Imagination
Each private yacht charter Greece holiday is unique, but here are a few ideas to inspire:
7 Nights – Cyclades Breeze
- Day 1: Depart Athens for Kea
- Day 2: Syros – culture and cuisine
- Day 3: Mykonos – glamour and beaches
- Day 4: Delos – sacred island day trip
- Day 5: Paros – charming villages
- Day 6: Sifnos – calm and quiet
- Day 7: Return via Cape Sounion sunset
10 Nights – Ionian Discovery
- Corfu to Paxos, Anti-Paxos, Lefkada, Meganisi, Ithaca and Kefalonia
- Clear, calm waters and green islands
- Perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring harbourside towns
We tailor every itinerary based on your pace and interests.
Sustainability at Sea
A private yacht charter Greece experience can be a greener way to explore — especially with eco-conscious choices:
- Use of solar panels on newer yachts
- Water-saving onboard systems
- Plastic-free provisioning by crew
- Reduced energy use compared to hotels and multiple transfers
Choose sailing yachts to harness wind power for most of your journey. You can also follow best practice environmental tips from Sustainable Sailing Greece — their guide helps sailors protect marine life and seagrass meadows in the Ionian and Aegean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in a private yacht charter Greece holiday?
Most packages include the yacht itself, skipper or crew, fuel, onboard amenities, and sometimes meals. We'll confirm exactly what’s covered based on your chosen charter.
Do I need sailing experience to enjoy a private yacht charter in Greece?
Not at all. Many guests choose skippered or fully crewed options so they can simply relax and enjoy the journey.
How far in advance should I book my private yacht charter Greece trip?
We recommend booking 6–12 months ahead for peak summer dates. For spring and autumn, 3–6 months is often fine.
Can families go on a private yacht holiday in Greece?
Yes, it’s fantastic for families. We help you select child-safe yachts and design itineraries that suit all ages.
What’s the best time of year for a yacht holiday in Greece?
Late April to October is sailing season. May, June, and September offer great weather without the summer crowds.
Are meals and drinks included on board?
Crewed yachts usually include meals tailored to your preferences. Bareboat charters allow you to shop locally or dine ashore.
Where do most private yacht charter Greece routes start from?
Popular departure points include Athens, Corfu, Lefkada, Mykonos, and Rhodes — depending on your itinerary.
What kind of yachts can I choose from?
You can charter catamarans, sailing yachts, motor yachts, or gulets. We’ll help match you with the right type based on comfort, speed, and group size.
Is a private yacht charter suitable for a honeymoon or anniversary?
Absolutely. Many couples choose yacht holidays for privacy and romance. Sunset dinners on deck are unforgettable.
Can I combine a yacht holiday with a luxury hotel stay?
Yes — and many travellers do. We’ll recommend beautiful hotels for before or after your time at sea.