| Many people like the idea of chartering a yacht and | | | | motorsailer? What level of comfort do you want |
| sailing around the idyllic Greek islands, but there are a | | | | aboard? Will you require a skipper? If you require a |
| number of important points you should consider before | | | | bareboat (i.e. you intend to do the sailing yourself, |
| you start organising it, to ensure a successful holiday. | | | | without skipper or other professional crew aboard), |
| When to Go | | | | what size of yacht are you experienced in handling? |
| The sailing season in Greece lasts from March to early | | | | Remember that European regulations, require that two |
| November. During the Spring months, the weather | | | | qualified people be aboard. Another option is to sail in a |
| during the day varies from cool to warm and is usually | | | | group or flotilla of other boats. These can be a |
| cool at night. The sea temperature is not usually | | | | combination of bareboat and skippered yachts, and |
| suitable for swimming until the middle of May and then | | | | can provide you with the right balance of educational |
| you can swim right through to the middle of October. | | | | support and local knowledge. |
| The months of May, June, September and October | | | | Length of Trip |
| usually have warm to hot daytime temperatures and | | | | In order to get the most out of a yacht charter, the |
| pleasant temperatures at night. There are good winds | | | | minimum length of trip should be about 7 days. As for |
| at this time, but they are often variable. In July and | | | | the maximum amount of time, that is up to you. Many |
| August there are stronger winds, particularly in the | | | | companies will offer discounts for longer charters. |
| Cyclades islands. Spring and Autumn are the most | | | | Good charter companies will have lots of local |
| popular seasons for yacht chartering in Greece | | | | knowledge on the best routes and places to visit, and |
| because this is when the climate is most suitable and | | | | will work with you to agree an itinerary, which suits |
| there are far fewer tourists on the mainland and on | | | | your needs. Remember that you do not have to |
| the islands, than there are in high Summer. | | | | spend all of your time aboard the boat. You could |
| Deciding on the Type of Charter | | | | arrange a couple of days at the beginning at the end |
| There are many options to choose from and when | | | | of your charter to explore the mainland. It is well worth |
| planning your trip you should consider the following | | | | spending at least two or three days in Athens, which |
| questions. How many people will be in your party and | | | | unfortunately is often side-stepped by people who visit |
| will they require single or double berths aboard? Do | | | | Greece and head straight for the islands. |
| you require a sailing yacht, a motor yacht or a | | | | |