Where to Sail in Greece

October 01, 2024 6 min

There are so many great spots to visit on a Greece yacht charter, so let us help you to find the best places for your own adventure.

This guide cuts through the clutter to highlight what to see and do as you sail around the Greek waters, and when you venture inland. Whether you’re after a laid-back holiday or a packed itinerary, we’ve got the insights to help you plan the perfect trip.

On this page:

Where to Sail in Greece for Relaxation
Where to Sail in Greece for Culture
Where to Sail in Greece for Adventure
Create the Perfect 2025 Greek Sailing Charter with The Moorings

Where to Sail in Greece for Relaxation

If you want to use your yacht charter as an opportunity to slow down and reprioritise your wellbeing, there are plenty of places to sail in Greece where the pace is slower and you can focus completely on getting back to nature and back to yourself.

The best place for relaxation in Greece is Corfu and the Saronic Islands – but what makes these the best places to sail in Greece for relaxation?

These are both great places to start learning to sail, with gentle balmy breezes and excellent cruising conditions. Read our blog on The Best Time to Sail in Greece to learn more about this.
Saronic Gulf in particular is a “nursery” for new sailors, as it’s protected on all sides from choppy conditions and you can’t drift far while navigating the currents.
The coasts are dotted with fishing villages, tranquil beaches and gorgeous landscapes for you to explore.

Here are a few examples.

1. Perdika

The tranquil fishing village of Perdika (on the mainland, just opposite Corfu) is a fantastic place to catch your breath. As you approach the anchorage, you’ll be faced with rolling green hills and rocky cliffs. You could stay by the coast – choosing any of the great nearby beaches and swimming in the crisp blue water – or head over to the uninhabited Moni Island to spot wildlife like peacocks, deer and goats.

2. Lakka Bay

The second largest village on the island of Paxos, just south of Corfu, Lakka is a sparsely populated and extremely charming place to sail. The bay itself is quite popular, but stroll a little further inland and you’ll find vineyards, olive groves and fields dotted with sheep. You can see a little of everything here if you want to – from the picturesque lighthouse to sea caves and hot springs – but you could just as easily pick your favourite beach and sunbathe the afternoon away.

3. Kalámi Bay

kalami bay from above - azure blue water and white sands frame by slight hills with quaint building and and lush green shrubbery

Kalámi is a breathtaking sight – a wide horseshoe-shaped bay, surrounded by lush pine-covered hills and olive groves, dappled with yellow and red-roofed houses. This former fishing village can be found on the northeast coast of Corfu. There are a number of traditional restaurants here, where you can eat seafood dishes that have gone straight from boat to table, and sample delicious local wines.

Where to Sail in Greece for Culture

If you’re a self-professed culture vulture, Athens and its surrounding areas are a must-see. These spots pack a cultural punch with historical sites and bustling local life. You’ll get a deep dive into Greek culture here, sure to enrich your sailing experience.

What makes Athens the best place to sail in Greece for culture?

Why go remote for culture when you can get it from the source? Athens is considered the birthplace of theatre, science, literature, art and democracy – it may be one of the best places in the Mediterranean for culture.
Many of Greece’s most iconic landmarks can be found in Athens and across the Saronic Gulf – from the Acropolis to the Temple of Aphaia, budding historians will be delighted with the temples, ruins and monuments.
These very popular destinations naturally offer more to do – if you prefer a packed itinerary, it’s easy to encounter great things to do around Athens or Hydra.

Here are our top three places to sail for culture.

1. Marina Zea, Athens

Anchor in this bustling bay, right in the centre of Athens, to plunge feet-first into the birthplace of culture. The best way to start is to simply explore the marina – walk over 1km across the waterfront, ducking in coffee shops, cafes, markets, bars and more. Then you’re free to explore Piraeus, visiting cultural hotspots like the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, or take public transport (it should take about half an hour) into the centre of Athens.

2. Epidaurus Town

Epidaurus – located on the Argolid Peninsula, on the west side of the Saronic Gulf – is one of the most important historical sites in Greece. Once you sail into the gorgeous town, set to a backdrop of vibrant greenery, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. The best thing to do, however, is to follow the walking paths lined with ancient ruins, and make your way to the well-renowned UNESCO world heritage site, the Theatre of Epidaurus, for a summer performance.

3. Hydra

The Saronic Island Hydra is an incredibly popular vacation destination for great reason. Boasting good food, good beaches, and plenty to see and do, it offers a little of everything to the passing sailor. You won’t find a car or bike on Hydra, as people get around by donkey or horse – this creates a sense of being whisked back in time that visitors won’t soon forget. Hike up to the old windmill and Old Quarter of Kiafa for unforgettable views, and get to know the friendly locals.

Where to Sail in Greece for Adventure

Ready for some sailing excitement? The Cyclades and Dodecanese offer just the right mix of wind and waves for those looking to test their skills and explore off the beaten path.

The best places to sail in Greece for adventure are the Cyclades and Dodecanese Islands. Located in the southeast of Greece’s territory, and subject to strong meltemi winds, sailing through these islands can present a challenge even to experienced sailors. We don’t recommend sailing here if you’re still building your confidence, but if you’re ready for an adventure, you’ll love visiting these islands.

That said, there are still plenty of adventures to be had within the gentler waters of the Ionian and Saronic islands.

Here are three of our favourite sailing destinations for an adventure.

1. Methana Peninsula

On the western side of the Saronic Gulf, Methana is a pleasant peninsula home to an inactive volcano. You can stay by Methana Town, where there are thermal baths to soak in and many hotels you could spend the night in. But if you want to explore, you can take to the hills and hike through the paths surrounding the volcano, or find the fantastic Peristeri Cave after a morning at the beach.

2. Santorini

This delightful crescent-shaped island in the Cyclades is a feast for the eyes, with pristine white-washed buildings and staircases that scale the towering hills. If you want to make the most of your time in Santorini, we highly recommend taking the Fira to Oia Walk. This is approximately a four-hour hike – although this can be a challenge, especially with multiple terrains to contend with, the incredible scenery washes away everything else. Santorini is another volcanic island – after hiking across it, you could also sail over to Nea Kameni and traverse its volcanic park.

3. Rhodes

If you think you would relish the challenge of sailing so far from base, Rhodes is an incredible place to discover many ancient ruins and natural phenomena. Among the fascinating sites here, we recommend visiting the one-of-a-kind Jacob’s Canyon and Kritinia Castle for breathtaking panoramic views of the island.

Create the Perfect Sailing Charter with The Moorings

No matter what you want to get out of your yacht charter, you can have it with The Moorings. We offer bareboat, power and crewed charters across a range of incredible locations worldwide.

Not only do we equip you with state-of-the-art monohull and catamaran yachts, but we also create detailed sailing itineraries to help inspire you and guide your journey. Take a look at our Corfu sailing itineraries and Athens sailing itineraries to learn more about these fantastic destinations.

When you’re ready to get started with your Greece yacht charter, pick your favourite destination and start building your quote.