Yacht Charter Athens
Our base in Alimos Marina, close to Athens, is the perfect starting point for sailing the Saronic Gulf, whose smooth, calm waters make it ideal for those who have just started sailing.
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Athens sailing charter
An Athens sailing charter offers something for everyone, from impressive ancient ruins to open-air markets, from vibrant nightlife to secluded Greek islands where you can swim or snorkel in crystal blue-green waters.
History enthusiasts can visit the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion or the nearby Temple of Athena. Other fascinating places include the site of Kolona on Aegina, the ancient open-air theater at Epidavros and the Temple of Aphaia.
On your Athens yacht charter a trip to Poros should not be missed. Sail into the harbor for the best view of this beautiful town with its red-tiled houses and colorful little taxi boats. Then wander the narrow winding streets and stop for a break at one of many delightful cafes.
From our Alimos base, there are many other places to discover that are within easy reach, including Kythnos, Aegina, Palaia and Methana. Our team will be more than happy to recommend local highlights.
To sail in Athens, you’ll need a sailing license recognized by the local port authorities, or you can hire a skipper. Read our guide to sailing qualifications for more information.
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Top Things to do in Athens
See the view from the Temple of Poseidon
Head to Sounion and walk among giant gleaming-white columns that date back to 444 BC and enjoy expansive views over the distant Greek islands. As one of the top things to do in Athens, it can get busy, so a visit here is best first thing in the morning or at sunset.
Lunch and sunbathing at Love Bay
This scenic little bay on Poros offers a day of relaxation, with sun loungers, divine views and refreshments on tap. Stop for a snack and stay for a delightful swim during your Greece yacht charter in Athens.
Horseback riding in Hydra
With no cars permitted on Hydra, horseback riding is the perfect activity for touring the best of this island’s scenery. There are a few different outfitters offering horseback riding.
Ancient Greek Theatre of Epidavros
One of our top things to do is to spend some time touring this ancient amphitheater, famed for its classic Greek construction and astounding acoustics. This UNESCO-listed monument is still used for concerts today.
Weather insights
When is the best time to visit Athens?
The best time to visit Athens and the Saronic Islands is summer, with great temperatures averaging 86ºF in July and August and plenty of sunshine hours.
However, the Saronic Gulf and its islands have great weather conditions year-round, with mild winters and dry summers. In spring, between March and May, and fall, between September and October, the weather is still sunny and warm with very little rain. The area has a long sailing season.
What are the sailing conditions in Athens?
The sailing conditions for Athens yacht charters are normally relatively calm, so popular with families and novice sailors.
Enjoy sheltered sailing in the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs with typically N to NNE winds averaging Force 3 to 4. In the summer you’ll find SE winds in the Argolic Gulf averaging Force 3 to 5.
During spring and autumn, the winds are normally weaker and blow from the south. In the Saronic Gulf, you do not usually get the meltemi wind (the strong wind that is found in other parts of Greece) due to its sheltered position.
The reef of Aghios Cosmas, SE of the entrance of Alimos Marina, is difficult to spot at night, although there is a light on it. Stay clear of the Mermingia rocks, 4.5 miles SE of Alimos Marina in the direction of Cape Sounio.
Use the moorings on the floating pontoon and the head of Pier 3, as no anchors are allowed.
Sailing Athens with Dream Yacht Charter
Yacht charter Athens
Enjoy Aegean sailing with an Athens Greece yacht charter. Enjoy the best of Greek food and culture on board your own catamaran or monohull.
Skippered Athens sailing charters
You do not need any sailing knowledge to be able to cruise the Aegean on your own yacht. Hire a skipper to take care of the sailing while you enjoy relaxing and seeing the sights.
Athens Easy Crewed charters
Sail aboard a private yacht with your friends and family with our easy to book and affordable Easy Crewed packages – skipper and water toys included! Choose your own itinerary, with the flexibility to add on a hostess/cook for meals if you’d like.
Athens sailing itinerary
Take a look at our Athens sailing vacation suggestions
Useful information for yacht charters in Athens
How do I get to Athens from the US?
Fly to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) direct from New York with Emirates, or with scheduled stops from San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago with American Airlines.
We can arrange airport transfers on request and the airport is a one-hour taxi ride away from your Athens yacht charter.
What language is spoken in Athens?
The language spoken in Athens is Greek.
What is the currency for Athens?
The currency in Athens is the Euro (EUR).
What documents do I need to sail Athens?
To visit Athens you will need a valid US passport. US citizens do not need a visa for visits to Greece for up to 90 days.
To sail Athens you will need a sailing license that is recognized by local port authorities.
Talk to us to make sure you have the correct documents before you travel.
How do I get around Athens?
You can get around Athens and mainland Greece easily by taxi. You’ll find taxis at the main drop off and pick up destinations, such as ports and airports.
What is the Wi-Fi like in Athens?
You’ll find free Wi-Fi in many town squares, shopping malls, restaurants and cafes, but you may find that speeds vary.
Cell phones with sim cards from European Union countries (except Switzerland) operate without roaming fees. For other countries, please contact your provider. Local sim cards are available for sale at telecommunication shops.
What regulations are there in Athens?
The regulations in Athens vary depending on weather conditions. Scuba diving is allowed only with an instructor and after seeking permission from the port authorities. Fishing requires a special license.
Make sure you’re aware of the regulations ahead of your Athens yacht charter.
Where can I find weather forecasts in Athens?
You can find Athens weather forecasts on the Meteo website.
What provisioning is there in Athens?
There are plenty of choices for provisioning in Athens. Please refer to the base guide.
What baggage can I take on my yacht charter, Athens?
Please take only soft bags and not suitcases as they are too cumbersome on board.
What is the electrical current in Athens?
The electrical current in Athens is 220V (power sockets are F type).
What is the dialing code for Athens?
The dialing code for Greece is +30, and the Athens area code is 21.
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FAQ
See all our FAQsWhy should I book with Dream Yacht?
Dream Yacht Worldwide is now the world’s leading yacht charter company and offers you:
- A diverse fleet of yachts with a wide variety of models and manufacturers to suit every type of sailor.
- We have 40+ exciting destinations and we’re a pioneer in finding new sailing grounds.
- You can be assured of our commitment to customer service excellence.
- You’ll receive a warm and friendly welcome from our base teams who will share regional tips, recommendations and advice.
- We’re also a trusted seller of new and used boats and an innovator in charter management options – sailing is our business.
What licenses do I need to hire a yacht and sail myself?
The skipper of a yacht has primary responsibility for the safety of the crew and yacht at all times. Many destinations require just relevant experience demonstrated by a sailing resume.
To charter in the Mediterranean, it is mandatory that you hold a sailing license recognized by the local port authorities for bareboat charters in Italy, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Malta, Montenegro and Turkey. Other destinations that require a license include Madagascar, Seychelles, Thailand, Brazil and Sweden. For Belize, the port authority will issue a certificate of competency and an application is made on arrival.
You must take your proof of competency and original certificate with you on your charter. We advise you to contact our team about your qualifications and destination requirements before booking.
By accepting the yacht contract you are confirming that you and/or members of your crew are capable and competent to sail the yacht in the conditions and cruising area of the charter. We reserve the right not to hand over the yacht if, after inspection, it is the opinion that the charterer is not, or may not be competent to be in charge of the vessel.
What is a skippered yacht charter?
A skippered yacht charter is when you rent one of our boats for you and your guests and a professional skipper sails it for you. No sailing experience is needed.
You will need to choose a yacht with a cabin for your skipper to sleep in as they are responsible for your yacht for the duration of your charter. We will find the skipper for you once you have found your perfect destination and yacht.
You will need to pay for your skipper’s food. You can invite the skipper to dine with you on board or out at a local restaurant.
What is the difference between crewed and by the cabin charters?
Our by the cabin charter charters offer exciting destination tours on a set itinerary crafted by our destination experts. You can book a double cabin and private bathroom and will share the boat with other guests who have booked the other available cabins. You will be looked after by a professional skipper and hostess with itineraries ranging from three to 11 nights. There is a set menu and included meals and drinks vary depending on location.
Can you tell me about your yachts?
Our super premier yachts are less than 12 months old from their first charter date, while premier yachts are less than three years old from their first charter date. Our yachts are well maintained and undergo regular, scheduled technical inspection.
In case of emergency, you can rely on our hotline, at any time, seven days a week. If you experience a technical failure affecting major and important parts of the yacht, we will repair the failure within four hours of receiving your call during working hours (8am to 5pm). If you lose more than four hours (during working hours), we will compensate you for one full day. If the repair takes more than one day, we will provide you with a similar boat or compensate you on a pro-rata basis. If restrictions to this guarantee apply in specific areas, this will be detailed during the charter check-in at the base.
Do I need insurance for my bareboat charter?
We highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits. Please make sure you have personal travel insurance that covers sailing.
We will insure the vessel throughout the charter with first-class insurers against all risks, to provide permission to charter as under contract terms and to cover third-party liability.
The following options are available in limited locations:
- Security Deposit: This varies on the size of the boat and when the boat is returned without damage it is refunded.
- Damage Waiver: The charterer agrees to pay a non-refundable damage waiver at the time of booking, as well as a reduced damage deposit on embarkation that is refundable upon completion of the charter should no damage occur.
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