General
Where is Yachts Greece based?
Yachts Greece is based in Alimos, a coastal suburb of Athens, Greece. The full address is Themistokleous 58, Alimos 17455. Alimos Marina is the largest charter base in Greece and the starting point for most of our charters.
How long has Yachts Greece been in business?
Yachts Greece was founded in 1979 by Nikos Odysseas Papadakis. The company has been operating for over 47 years.
What languages does the team speak?
Our team speaks English, Greek, Italian and French, covering the main charter and yacht-buying markets in Europe and beyond.
How can I contact Yachts Greece?
You can reach us by phone at +30 210 9836312, by email at info@yachtsgreece.com, or by visiting our office at Themistokleous 58, Alimos 17455, Athens, Greece. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 Greek time.
Yacht Sales
How do I buy a yacht through Yachts Greece?
Browse our 510 listings at yachtsgreece.com/yachts-for-sale, request information on yachts of interest, then arrange a viewing in Greece. We manage the full process: viewing, survey, sea trial, negotiation, contract and registration. Our complete guide to buying a yacht in Greece sets out each step in detail.
What does it cost to use a yacht broker?
There is no charge for the buyer. Brokerage commission is paid by the seller out of the sale price, typically a percentage of the agreed amount, in line with international yacht brokerage standards.
Can I sell my yacht through Yachts Greece?
Yes. We list yachts based in Greece and the wider Mediterranean. Initial valuation is free. Once you accept our listing terms, we arrange professional photography and an inspection report at our cost, and distribute the listing across yachtsgreece.com and partner platforms.
What is the VAT status of a yacht?
In the EU, yachts are either VAT paid (VAT has already been settled and the yacht can be used commercially or privately within the EU without further VAT charges) or VAT not paid (typically yachts registered outside the EU). VAT status materially affects price and cruising rights. We list VAT status on every relevant sale listing, and explain the implications in our buying guide.
Do you arrange yacht surveys and sea trials?
Yes. For every serious offer, we coordinate independent yacht surveys and sea trials with experienced Greek and international surveyors. The cost of the survey is typically borne by the buyer, in line with industry practice.
How long does it take to complete a yacht purchase in Greece?
For a straightforward purchase, four to eight weeks from accepted offer to delivery is typical. Survey scheduling, haul-out availability and registry processing are the usual constraints. Purchases involving a change of flag, a company structure or incomplete documentation take longer, and three months is a realistic allowance.
What does it cost to run a yacht in Greece each year?
Annual running costs typically fall between 8 and 12 percent of the vessel value, covering berthing, insurance, crew where applicable, maintenance, antifouling, surveys and fuel. Sailing yachts sit at the lower end of that range and motor yachts at the upper end, largely because of fuel and engine maintenance. Our guide to yacht types compares running costs across the four main categories.
Where can I berth a yacht in Greece?
The main options around Athens are Alimos, Zea, Flisvos and Lavrio. Regional marinas operate in Corfu, Lefkada, Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos and elsewhere. Permanent berths in popular marinas are limited, particularly for catamarans and larger vessels, so securing a berth should be arranged alongside the purchase rather than after it.
Should I register a yacht under the Greek flag or another flag?
The Greek flag is the natural choice for vessels based and used primarily in Greece, and is required for commercial charter operations under Greek registration. Alternative flags such as Malta, the Marshall Islands or the Cayman Islands are common for larger yachts and international cruising. The choice affects VAT treatment, crew certification requirements and where the vessel can operate commercially, so it is worth deciding before purchase.
Can I visit a yacht before deciding to charter or buy it?
Yes. For purchases, viewings are arranged at the vessel berth, most often in the Athens area, and we accompany you. For charters, viewing a specific yacht depends on whether it is in port and between bookings, which is easier outside peak season. Where a viewing is not possible we provide full photography, layout plans and video where available.
Yacht Management
Do you provide yacht management services?
Yes. We provide technical and administrative management for yachts based in Greece, covering Greek flag administration, crew recruitment and payroll, maintenance planning, berthing, insurance renewals and regulatory compliance. Management can be full service or limited to specific areas.
Yacht Charters
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Greece?
Daily charter rates in Greece typically range from around €400 (low season, smaller sailing yachts or catamarans) to €40,000 or more (high season, fully crewed superyachts). Most charters fall between €2,000 and €8,000 per day. Each yacht on yachtsgreece.com lists both high and low season daily rates.
When is the Greek charter season?
Late April through late October. High season, June, July, August and early September, has the highest rates and busiest islands. May, late September and October are excellent value with similar weather.
Where do charters typically start?
Most charters embark from Athens, usually Alimos Marina (the largest in Greece) or Lavrio for itineraries heading to the Cyclades. Western Greek charters often start in Lefkada or Corfu. Dodecanese charters can start in Kos or Rhodes.
Are charters all-inclusive?
Bareboat and skippered charters typically include the yacht and skipper (if applicable). Crewed charters include the crew. APA (advance provisioning allowance, usually 25 to 35 percent of the charter fee) covers food, drinks, fuel and mooring. VAT applies on most charters embarking in Greece. Our practical charter guide explains exactly what is and is not included.
Can I charter without a sailing licence?
For bareboat charters in Greece, you (or a co-skipper) need a recognised sailing qualification (RYA, ASA, ICC or equivalent) plus a VHF licence and a sailing CV. For skippered or crewed charters, no licence is required, as the captain handles all navigation. Full requirements are set out in our charter guide.
What types of yachts are available for charter?
Our 199-yacht charter fleet includes motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor sailers. Capacity ranges from 2 guests on smaller sailing yachts to 49+ guests on cruise vessels. Crewed and bareboat options are both available. See our comparison of yacht types to find which suits your plans.
Can I charter a yacht for a single day?
Many charters are quoted on a daily basis, but most yachts have a minimum charter duration (typically 3 to 7 days, especially in high season). Single-day charters are possible on selected yachts subject to availability. Contact us for short-term enquiries.
What happens if something breaks during a charter?
On crewed charters the captain and crew handle repairs and coordinate with our office, and we maintain relationships with technicians and yards across the cruising areas. On bareboat charters you contact the charter base, which arranges assistance. All charter yachts carry comprehensive insurance, and serious mechanical failure that prevents use of the yacht is covered by the charter agreement.
What is the cancellation policy for charters?
Cancellation terms are set out in each charter agreement and vary by yacht and operator. As a general pattern, cancellations well ahead of the charter date recover a larger proportion of payments than late cancellations, and the deposit is usually non-refundable within a defined window. We recommend trip cancellation insurance, which covers most unforeseen circumstances.
Are children and pets allowed on board?
Children are welcome on most yachts and crewed charters can provide life jackets in appropriate sizes, safety netting and child-friendly menus on request. Catamarans are particularly suited to families because of their stability and space. Pets are accepted on some yachts at the owner’s discretion and must be agreed in advance.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements on a crewed charter?
Yes. Before a crewed charter you complete a preference sheet covering dietary requirements, allergies, preferred cuisine, drinks and any celebrations during the trip. The crew provisions accordingly. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, kosher and halal requirements can all be accommodated with notice.
Destinations
What are the most popular Greek charter destinations?
The Cyclades (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos) for the classic Greek experience; the Ionian (Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia) for calmer winds and family-friendly sailing; the Saronic Gulf for short trips from Athens; the Sporades for nature; and the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos, Symi) for cross-border itineraries to Turkey.
Can a charter cross from Greece to Turkey?
Yes, but cross-border charters require additional paperwork and are best discussed with our office in advance. Yachts must be appropriately registered and documented for cross-border movement.
Logistics
How do I get to my yacht?
Athens International Airport is the main hub for charters in central and southern Greece, with direct transfers to Alimos Marina (45 minutes) or Lavrio (1 hour). Kefalonia, Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes airports serve regional charters.
What about insurance?
All charter yachts carry comprehensive third-party insurance and hull insurance. We strongly recommend personal travel and trip-cancellation insurance for charter clients. For yacht buyers, we coordinate with several Greek and international insurers for hull and liability coverage.
Do you offer concierge services?
Yes. We maintain partnerships with Greek concierge providers for shore arrangements: helicopter transfers, restaurant reservations, private beach access, special events, and onboard chefs.
What payment methods do you accept?
Yacht charter and sale transactions are typically processed via bank wire transfer in EUR. We provide full invoicing with VAT details. For charters, payment is staged: deposit at booking, balance before embarkation, plus APA on board.
Practical Information
Is there internet and mobile coverage while sailing in Greece?
Mobile coverage is good across most of the Aegean and Ionian, including at sea near the islands, and weaker in remote bays and on longer open crossings. Many yachts carry onboard wifi via mobile data. For guests who need reliable connectivity throughout, satellite systems are available on larger vessels and this should be confirmed before booking.
What should I pack for a yacht charter?
Soft luggage rather than hard suitcases, because rigid cases are difficult to stow on board. Bring swimwear, light clothing, a warm layer for evenings and open crossings, non-marking deck shoes or bare feet, sun protection, a hat and sunglasses, and any personal medication. Towels and bed linen are provided on crewed charters and on most bareboat vessels.