Where are the best places to sail in Greece in 2024?

05 September 2024 7 min

Are you dreaming of discovering the turquoise waters, breathtaking coastline, rich history, exquisite beaches and vibrant culture of Greece by yacht but don’t know where to set sail from?

We understand that it can be difficult to decide where to sail in Greece as there are so many fantastic options. How can one choose between Crete’s Blue Flag beaches and Santorini’s world-renowned sunsets? However, there are some places that stand out from the crowd depending on who you’re travelling with and what type of holiday you want. Whether you want an action-packed itinerary or a slow-paced retreat where you can switch off from the world, Greece is a sailor’s paradise for anyone and everyone who visits.

In this blog, we’ll be taking you through:

Where to sail in Greece as a family
The best places to sail in Greece as a couple
Where to sail in Greece as a first-timer

All you need to do is sit back, relax and start imagining yourself sailing around the crystalline waters of Greece as we explore destinations such as Athens, Crete, Corfu, Hydra, Santorini and Lefkas.

Where to sail in Greece as a family

Whether you’re travelling with younger children, grandparents or the whole extended family, Greece offers a slice of heaven for you and your loved ones. The best time to sail in Greece is during the summer months, which is ideal if you have school-aged children and are looking for a fun-filled summer holiday destination.

As you start thinking about your next holiday, you might be wondering about the best places to sail in Greece for families. We think Athens and Crete offer an enchanting blend of relaxation, adventure, exploration and, most importantly, fun.

Why is Athens one of the best places to sail in Greece for families?

Athens is a cultural wonderland with countless opportunities for exploration. No matter who you’re travelling with, everyone will find something to fall in love with in Athens. From the Theatre of Dionysus and the Parthenon to the Acropolis, where will you visit first?
Are you an adventurous family? There are plenty of exhilarating diving and snorkelling spots near Athens, where you can uncover underwater treasures and come face to face with mesmerising marine life. One of our favourite places to sail in Greece for snorkelling, diving and swimming is Vouliagmeni, and if you want to venture further out then the remarkable Cape Sounion.
One of the most popular and well-connected places to sail in Greece, you have everything you need all in one place, from delicious restaurants and cultural activities to supermarkets and medical facilities. When you book an Athens yacht charter with Sunsail, you’ll also have exclusive access to the fantastic facilities at Zea Marina, including a swimming pool, ATM, several bars and WiFi.

For the ultimate family-friendly holiday, book an Athens Yacht Charter and prepare to enjoy everything from golden beaches to ancient temples. Build a quote and start planning your Athens sailing itinerary today.

We offer a range of options to accommodate your family’s needs, whether you’re looking for a spacious and stable catamaran perfect for energetic kids, children’s life jackets for added safety, or safety netting to ensure everyone stays secure on board! You can also add a skipper to your sailing holiday if you’d prefer to let someone else take the helm while you hang out with the kids.

Why is Crete one of the best places to sail in Greece for families?

Similarly to Athens, Crete has a vibrant, rich culture with something to discover around every corner, perfect if your family members have different interests. From the Palace of Knossos to the Cave of Zeus, where will you explore first?
Crete is home to around 140 Blue Flag beaches, one of the highest numbers out of all the Greek islands. These beaches are renowned for their cleanliness, water quality and sustainability practices so you can rest in the knowledge that your family can have the time of their lives splashing around in the crystal clear waters while also staying safe.
As well as their environmental qualities, Crete has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches that all the family will love. With shallow waters to keep children safe, unique pink sands that are picture-perfect and an array of rare wildlife, Elafonisi Beach is one of the best beaches in Greece, and the whole Mediterranean.

Crete is ideal for eco-conscious families, looking for clean beaches and an abundance of wildlife. Take a look at our sustainable travel policies and tips for eco-friendly sailing to find out more about how you can preserve the planet while creating memories with your family.

The best places to sail in Greece as a couple

Offering a sensational blend of natural beauty, history, culture, delicious cuisine and gorgeous beaches, Greece is the perfect holiday hotspot for couples, much like some of our other Mediterranean destinations such as Italy.

Whether you’re looking for an idyllic honeymoon yacht charter, celebrating a birthday or simply want to enjoy a romantic holiday, we think Santorini and Hydra are two of the best places to sail in Greece as a couple.

Why is Santorini one of the best places to sail in Greece for couples?

Santorini has recently been named the world’s top sunrise and sunset destination. What could be more romantic than strolling along a golden beach, admiring the pink and orange hues of twilight?
The turquoise waters, characteristic blue and white buildings, and rugged landscape make a stunning backdrop for a couples holiday. We couldn’t think of anywhere else as postcard-perfect as Santorini.
Are you and your partner foodies? Moor up and spend your days wine tasting at some of Santorini’s top wineries before enjoying delicious authentic Greek cuisine. Tuck into Souvlaki, Moussaka and Sfougato while you take in the breathtaking sea views.

Why is Hydra one of the best places to sail in Greece as a couple?

Hydra is an exceptional destination for couples if you want to spend your days walking around hand-in-hand and taking in stunning sights, as it’s a car-free town.
Are you a couple who love to immerse yourselves in culture? Hydra is renowned for its fantastic museums, rich history and breathtaking landmarks. Will you visit Lazaros Koundouriotis Mansion, Historical Archives Museum of Hydra or Komiseos Theotokou Monastery?
Hydra is home to a number of blissful beaches where you and your partner can relax, unwind and feel the sun melt your cares away. Some of the best beaches near Hydra include Vlychos Beach, Spilia Beach and Hydronetta Beach.

Have you fallen in love with the sound of enchanting Hydra? When you book an Athens yacht charter with Sunsail, you can follow our Athens sailing itinerary and uncover the treasures of this breathtaking island as a couple.

Where is the best place to sail in Greece for the first time?

Is this the first time you’ve set sail around the gorgeous islands of Greece? Perhaps this is your first time taking the helm anywhere in the world. With over 6,000 beautiful islands to explore, there are so many incredible places to sail in Greece as a first-timer.

Two of the best places to sail in Greece for the first time are Corfu and Lefkas, as they capture the essence of the Mediterranean and offer calm sailing conditions to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Why is Corfu one of the best places to sail in Greece for the first time?

Birdseye view of yacht floating on the clear turquoise water in Corfu

Corfu is renowned for its idyllic sailing conditions, calm azure waters and low tidal range which is a dream come true if you’re sailing one of our world-class catamarans or monohulls for the first time.
Corfu is a fantastic destination if you want to explore as much of Greece as possible. Following one of our carefully curated Corfu sailing itineraries, you’ll uncover the secrets of Corfu, Lakka (Paxos), the Sivota Islands, Plataria and so many other spectacular spots.
If it’s your first time navigating the Aegean Sea or Ionian Sea, you may feel more comfortable hiring a Skipper for all or part of your sailing charter. When you choose Sunsail for your first yacht holiday in Greece, all three of our sailing bases, including Corfu, offer skippered yacht charters.

Can you picture yourself sunbathing on the breathtaking beaches of Corfu after a day of cruising around the Ionian Sea? Build a quote and book your blissful Corfu sailing holiday today.

Why is Lefkas one of the best places to sail in Greece for the first time?

Sailing boat in the blue waters in Lefkas, Greece

Similarly to Corfu, Lefkas experiences exceptional sailing conditions and is classed as a ‘level 1’ sailing destination which means it’s ideal for first-time sailors. If you’re imagining yourself sitting on the deck of your yacht with the sun on your face, the breeze running through your hair and stunning natural landscapes everywhere you look, Lefkas is the best place to sail in Greece for you.
Have you never stepped foot on a yacht before but still want to experience life on the open waters in Greece? We have a sailing school in Lefkas, which offers all the qualifications you need to go from sailing zero to sailing hero in just a few short days. Learn more about our sailing schools.
As one of the main Ionian Islands, Lefkas is in the perfect location for island hopping and channelling your inner explorer. Our Lefkas sailing itineraries showcase Greece in a new light, taking you to unforgettable places, including Ithaca, Meganisi, Paxos, Kalamos and Kastos.

There’s truly no better place to sail in Greece for the first time than Lefkas. If you’re ready for your next adventure, build a quote and book your idyllic Lefkas yacht charter today.

If you haven’t taken the helm on an exhilarating bareboat charter before, ensure you meet the necessary requirements by checking out our blog all about the qualifications you need to sail a yacht. Though if you feel like letting someone else take the wheel, consider adding a skipper to your holiday for sailing technique tips and a helping hand on board.

Whether you’re planning a family holiday that will be remembered for years to come, searching for the most heavenly romantic holiday destinations, or casting off and sailing around the Mediterranean for the first time, there are many incredible places to sail in Greece.

All that’s left for you to do is choose which of our sailing bases in Greece to visit, build a quote, book your dream holiday and start planning your itinerary. Learn more about what to bring, travel times, and expected weather by clicking on the ‘Useful Information’ tab on each of our destination pages. If you have any questions about where to sail in Greece, get in touch with us today.