Greek islands charter routes: 7-day, 10-day, 14-day itineraries

How to Think About Distance and Pace on a Greek Charter

The Aegean and Ionian seas are unusually forgiving for planning purposes. Most classic island-to-island passages fall between 10 and 40 nautical miles, which means a competent crew on a Bavaria Cruiser 46 or similar 40-46 foot monohull can expect to arrive at most destinations by early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day for swimming, exploring, and securing a berth. That rhythm - morning departure, afternoon arrival - underpins every itinerary worth considering.

What complicates the arithmetic is the Meltemi. This north-to-northwesterly seasonal wind blows across the Aegean from roughly late June through mid-September, sometimes reaching 25-35 knots and occasionally gusting above that. In the central and eastern Cyclades especially, it creates a clear directional bias: heading north or northwest against the Meltemi is uncomfortable and sometimes impractical on a charter boat. Most experienced skippers plan their Cyclades loops to move broadly southwest in the afternoon and southeast or south in the morning, using the wind rather than fighting it.

The Ionian Sea west of the Greek mainland operates under a different weather regime. The maestro, a light northwesterly sea breeze, fills in most summer afternoons and is far gentler than the Meltemi, making the Ionian the preferred choice for less experienced crews or families with children. The Saronic Gulf, southeast of Athens, sits between these two worlds: close enough to the Aegean to catch some of the Meltemi in strong conditions, but sheltered enough to sail reliably through the season.

The charter season runs from late April through October, with the optimal window for most crews being May-June and September-October. July and August deliver sunshine and warm water but also peak crowds, compressed marina availability, and the most aggressive Meltemi periods. Base charter prices for a well-equipped Bavaria Cruiser 46 or Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45.1 run roughly 2,800-4,500 EUR per week in shoulder season and 4,500-7,000 EUR per week at peak. Catamarans - a Lagoon 42 or Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 - command a premium of 40-70% over comparable monohulls. All prices are for the bare-boat; extras including fuel, marina fees, provisioning, and skipper hire stack on top.

Fleet concentration matters for logistics. Athens (Alimos, Zea, and Lavrion marinas), Corfu Town, Lefkada, Kos, and Rhodes are the main bases. Where you start determines what is realistically reachable without burning half your days on long passages.

Three 7-Day Routes

Seven days translates to roughly six sailing days once you account for departure day and the return to base. At a comfortable pace, that means six passages averaging 20-30 NM each, a total of around 120-180 NM. Keep that number in mind when you look at a chart and feel the urge to add just one more island.

Saronic Gulf Classic (Athens base)

Starting from Lavrion or Alimos, this is the most accessible option for crews flying into Athens. Day one puts you in Aegina (20 NM), an island that has genuine character beyond the tourist veneer - the Temple of Aphaia sits on a pine-covered ridge above the port, and pistachio trees are everywhere. From Aegina, a short hop south reaches Poros (15 NM), where the narrow channel between the island and the Peloponnese mainland is one of the most striking passages in Greek waters. Hydra follows - a carless island where donkeys still carry luggage from the port up to the hillside hotels. Spetses closes the southern arc before you head back north via Epidaurus or directly to Piraeus. The Saronic suits catamarans particularly well because anchorages are relatively sheltered and marina infrastructure is developed. Budget 60-120 EUR per night for a marina berth depending on vessel size and location.

Cyclades Light (Paros base)

This route requires flying into Mykonos or taking the hydrofoil to Paros, where a modest charter fleet operates out of Parikia and Naoussa. With Paros as a home port, you can reach the core of the central Cyclades without long passages: Naxos (10 NM), the largest island in the group and the one with the most substance beyond beach tourism; Koufonisia (25 NM from Naxos), a pair of low-lying islands whose clear turquoise water looks more like the Bahamas than the Aegean; Amorgos (35 NM), remote enough to feel like a different world, with a monastery clinging to a cliff face above the east coast; then back via Donousa and Iraklia. This route threads through some of the least-visited Cyclades without requiring passages that would alarm a cautious crew. Water is relatively scarce on these islands, so carry enough aboard for a day or two of independence from marinas.

Ionian Starter (Lefkada base)

Leftkada is connected to the mainland by a causeway and swing bridge, making it the easiest Ionian base to reach by car or bus from Preveza airport. A seven-day loop from Lefkada runs south through Meganisi (a small island adjacent to Lefkada and popular for its deep sheltered bays), then across to Kefalonia and Ithaca (the island of Odysseus, predictably charming but manageable in scale), and back north to the west coast of Lefkada with its celebrated beaches at Porto Katsiki and Egremni. This route rarely involves passages longer than 25-30 NM and the afternoon breeze is reliable enough that most sailing happens under canvas rather than motor. A Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 or a Beneteau Oceanis 45 is well-suited here; both are widely available in Lefkada fleets.

Three 10-Day Routes

Ten days provides a meaningful extra margin. With eight sailing days at 25-30 NM per day, you have a budget of around 200-240 NM - enough to add a genuinely remote destination without feeling rushed.

Dodecanese North (Rhodes or Kos base)

The Dodecanese are historically rich and geographically sprawling, which makes them excellent for crews who want variety. Starting from Rhodes: day one north to Symi (22 NM), a harbour that appears unchanged from a century ago despite being one of the most photographed anchorages in Greece; then north to Datca in Turkey (28 NM, check your charter insurance covers Turkish waters - many do not without an additional rider costing 100-300 EUR); back across to Kos (35 NM); north to Kalymnos (13 NM) and Leros (20 NM); Patmos (20 NM, another required stop - the monastery of St. John and the cave where Revelation was supposedly written draw genuine pilgrims as well as curious tourists); then back south to Rhodes via Astypalaia or direct. This route averages 25-30 NM per sailing day and delivers an unusually wide range of anchorage types: busy commercial ports, tiny coves reachable only by anchor, and everything in between. Note that the Dodecanese sit closer to the Turkish coast than to Athens, and charter flights typically route via Rhodes (RHO) rather than Athens.

Extended Cyclades Loop (Syros or Mykonos base)

A 10-day loop from Mykonos can take in islands that most week-charterers miss. After the obligatory first night in Mykonos (or directly to Tinos, 8 NM, if you want to skip the crowds), head south to Paros and Antiparos - the small island attached to Paros by a regular ferry, with an impressive stalactite cave and a small yacht anchorage. Then east to Naxos, Koufonisia, and Donoussa before pushing to Amorgos, including both the main port of Katapola and the spectacular north coast anchorage below Chora. On the return leg, Ios and Sikinos (barely touched by mass tourism) offer contrasting overnight stops before Folegandros, whose clifftop Chora is among the most dramatically situated villages in the Aegean. Return to Mykonos via Paros. A Lagoon 42 handles this route well because the anchorages vary widely in depth and swinging room, and the catamaran's shallow draft allows close approach to beaches that monohulls cannot reach.

Ionian South Expedition (Lefkada or Preveza base)

Starting from Lefkada, head south with intent. Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island and takes at least two days to do partial justice - Fiskardo in the north is the yachting hub but the anchorages around Assos and Antisamos on the east coast have far fewer boats. Zakynthos lies another 35 NM south and is reachable in a comfortable day sail. The famous Navagio (Shipwreck) beach on Zakynthos's west coast is best visited early morning before the day-tripper boats arrive. From Zakynthos, the return north via the inner channels between the islands and the mainland gives a completely different perspective on the region before returning to Lefkada. This is a route that rewards a Bavaria Cruiser 50 or a similar heavier charter yacht with good tankage because fuel and water stops are less frequent in the southern Ionian.

Two 14-Day Expeditions

A fortnight on the water changes the nature of the trip. After the first week, provisioning rhythms are established, the crew has settled into watch patterns, and the boat feels like home rather than a rental. This is when genuinely remote islands become available, and when itineraries can absorb a weather day or two without compressing the rest of the trip.

Full Cyclades Circuit (Athens base)

Beginning in Lavrion (cheaper marina fees than Alimos and close to Athens airport), this route takes in the full arc of the Cyclades over two weeks. First week: Kea (30 NM), the closest Cyclades island to Athens and underrated because most charterers skip it; south to Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades and a functioning city rather than a resort; Mykonos; Tinos; Andros, the most prosperous island in the group and the one with the best hiking infrastructure. Second week: south along the eastern arc through Paros, Naxos, and the small islands (Koufonisia, Iraklia, Schinoussa), then Amorgos; back via the western arc through Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios, Santorini (one night maximum - it is genuinely spectacular but operationally challenging for yachts due to the caldera anchorage's depth and intense ferry and cruise ship traffic), Sifnos, Serifos, Kythnos, and back to Lavrion. This covers roughly 400-450 NM and visits around 16-18 islands depending on stopovers. A Sun Odyssey 519 or a Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 with a dedicated professional skipper makes a two-week circuit of this kind genuinely comfortable rather than exhausting.

Ionian to Saronic Crossing (Corfu to Athens)

A point-to-point charter rather than a loop, this requires either a one-way repositioning fee (typically 500-1,500 EUR depending on the base and the operator) or flying into Corfu and home from Athens. From Corfu south: Paxos and Antipaxos (the latter has water so clear it is almost implausible), Lefkada, the Echinades islands (a scattered group in the central Ionian, rarely visited by charter yachts but excellent for anchoring), Kefalonia, Zakynthos. Then the 80 NM offshore passage across the open Ionian to the Peloponnese - typically overnight or in a single long day, and the most genuinely open-water moment of the trip. Methoni at the southwest tip of the Peloponnese marks the re-entry into sheltered water. From there, the route threads east along the Laconian coast and up through the Saronic to Athens. This is a proper passage-making trip rather than a hop-scotch around one archipelago, and it suits crews who have done at least one prior charter week and want to cover ground rather than revisit the same comfortable circuit.

Provisioning, Fuel and Anchorage Tips Per Route

Saronic Gulf

Provisioning is easy throughout the Saronic because all main islands have at least one well-stocked supermarket accessible from the port. Marina infrastructure is the most developed in Greece here: Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses all have formal berths. Hydra is exceptional in that the port authority is strict about vessel size in the main harbour; yachts over 15 metres often anchor in the second bay (Mandraki) instead. Fuel is available in Aegina and Poros; plan to top up there rather than relying on Hydra or Spetses. Anchorage fees in the Saronic are increasingly common at popular spots, running 3-10 EUR per night for a mooring ball; budget accordingly.

Cyclades

Provisioning becomes more strategic once you leave Paros or Naxos. The smaller islands (Koufonisia, Iraklia, Donoussa) have minimal shops: a small grocery that stocks UHT milk, tins, and pasta but not fresh produce beyond tomatoes and cucumbers. Stock the boat fully from a large supermarket in Paros or Naxos before heading east. Water is genuinely scarce on several islands; a charter yacht with 200-litre tanks should treat every marina stop as a water-fill opportunity. Fuel is available reliably in Naxos, Paros, Santorini, and Mykonos; elsewhere, confirm with the local port before planning a refuel. Anchorage ranges from free swinging-room to protected bays with mooring lines run ashore (8-20 EUR per night charged by whoever set them up, sometimes the taverna owner). The famous anchorages at Kleftiko on Milos and Kolona on Kythnos are free but fill quickly - arrive before noon in peak season.

Ionian

The Ionian is the most provisioner-friendly region outside the Saronic. Lefkada, Argostoli (Kefalonia), and Zakynthos Town all have large supermarkets within walking distance of the marina. The Ionian also has better-developed anchorage infrastructure than the Cyclades: many bays have taverna operators who will take your stern line for free if you eat at their restaurant. This works out well in practice - an evening meal ashore in exchange for a safe night's mooring is a fair exchange. Fuel is widely available; in the Ionian you are rarely more than 30-40 NM from a certified fuel dock. Marina costs are slightly lower than the Saronic or Cyclades: expect 60-100 EUR per night for a 45-foot monohull at a main port marina.

Dodecanese

The Dodecanese route is the most demanding logistically. Rhodes and Kos have full provisioning facilities, but once you leave the main centres, smaller islands have limited stock. Symi, Leros, and Patmos each have a reasonable minimarket in the main port, but fresh produce is limited. Fuel availability is good in Rhodes, Kos, and Kalymnos; confirm in advance for Leros and Patmos. The wind in the Dodecanese can be strong and directional - the strait between Kos and Bodrum funnels the Meltemi and can reach 30 knots on an afternoon when the forecast said 15. Allow extra time margin when planning passages in the eastern Aegean.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance do I need to book a charter in Greece?

For peak season (July and August), booking 8-12 months in advance is standard for popular boat types and bases. Shoulder season (May-June, September-October) can often be booked 2-4 months out without significant difficulty. Last-minute availability exists but is unpredictable, and desirable vessel types are typically gone early.

Do I need a sailing licence for a bareboat charter in Greece?

Greece requires either a recognised national licence (such as an RYA Day Skipper or ICC) or proof of sailing experience accepted by the operator. Requirements vary between charter companies; most ask for a logbook showing at least 500-1,000 NM as skipper or co-skipper. If you do not have formal certification, a skippered charter with a professional skipper hired through the charter operator is straightforward and adds roughly 150-200 EUR per day to the total cost.

What is the best Greek island area for a first charter?

The Ionian and the Saronic Gulf are generally recommended for first-time charterers. The Ionian's gentler maestro wind, well-developed anchorage infrastructure, and shorter passages make it forgiving. The Saronic has the advantage of proximity to Athens and reliable marina berths on every island, reducing the stress of finding an anchorage at the end of the day.

How much should I budget beyond the bare-boat price?

A realistic all-in budget adds 30-40% on top of the charter fee. For a week on a 45-46 foot boat at 4,000 EUR, expect roughly 300-500 EUR for fuel depending on how much motoring you do, 400-700 EUR for marina and anchorage fees, 600-900 EUR for provisioning (food and drink aboard), and 200-400 EUR for meals ashore. Skipper hire adds 150-200 EUR per day.

Can I anchor overnight in Greece, or do I need a marina every night?

Free anchoring in approved areas is legal and common in Greece. Many of the best overnight spots are anchorages rather than marinas: you drop the hook in clear water and tie a line ashore if the holding is poor. Some anchorages now have private mooring balls (3-20 EUR per night) and a growing number of popular spots charge an anchoring fee collected by a harbour authority tender. Full marina berths are not necessary every night and sleeping at anchor is genuinely pleasant in calm summer conditions.

Is Greece suitable for catamarans, or is it mainly a monohull destination?

Both vessel types work well. Catamarans are popular in Greece because many anchorages are calm enough to skip a marina, the large deck space suits families, and shallow draft allows access to beaches and coves that monohulls cannot reach. The tradeoff is cost - a Lagoon 42 or Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 typically costs 40-70% more per week than a comparable monohull. Some of the narrower harbour channels (Poros, parts of Corfu Old Town) require more careful manoeuvring in a catamaran due to the larger footprint.