It’s no secret that Greece is one of the top destinations for holidays in the world – and this extends to boating holidays, too. It’s one of the best Mediterranean sailing spots overall for boat rental, with all-round good weather, cheaper rates than competing destinations, plenty of marinas and a whole host of stunning beaches and more to be enjoyed by holidaymakers from all walks of life.
There really is nothing quite like renting out a boat and experiencing other countries (or even your own) by sea, so why not read on to find out all you need to know about this amazing destination and everything it has to offer?
Boat rentals across Greece
One of the most fantastic features of Greece, aside from the points mentioned above, is the fact that there are so many different destinations to sail from, and even to, for a rich travelling experience you simply won’t find anywhere else. With this in mind, let’s take a look at just some of the areas where you can rent fantastic boats for day use and charters.
Athens
It wouldn’t be worth mentioning Greece as a sailing destination worthy of exploration and leaving out Athens. This stunning Greek capital has a major airport and six marinas, so those hoping to get sailing will definitely be spoiled for choice.
For many, Athens is chosen as the starting point for their boating vacations, as costs are low (and remain competitive between the companies operating there), and it’s a great hub to work from when travelling by sea. It has its own amazing attractions, views, culture and more, so you won’t miss out on setting up here and building an itinerary to suit your wanderlust.
Cyclades Islands
One of the first areas you’ll want to head to from Athens is the Cyclades Islands. A circle of 220 islands, there’s certainly a lot to see and do no matter how long you plan to stay. With all the traditional vistas that are synonymous with Grecian architecture and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, you’ll be able to peruse the area at your leisure on sparkling waters and at your own pace. If you want to relax visit Santorini, if it’s adventure you’re after why not go hiking in Amorgos, or if partying is more your thing Mykonos can be a great selection.
Boating enthusiasts should be aware that these islands have some of the strongest wind speeds in all of Greece, especially in the summer months, so making sure you hire a boat with a skipper can be especially important to maintain safety.
Ionian Islands
To the west of mainland Greece lie the stunning Ionian Islands, where sailors and holidaymakers can enjoy a more scenic, back-to-nature vibe. As many of these islands have featured heavily in literature, there are certainly a lot of destinations to get lost in. You can stop by the fishing villages of Ithaca, the outstanding vineyards of Kefalonia, or take boat rental Corfu to the next level by visiting some of the world’s most spectacular beaches and unrivalled natural landscapes.
Sporades Archipelago
For a quieter, less-explored sailing holiday that can truly make you feel like you’ve been transported to paradise, the Sporades Archipelago is a lesser-known destination that’ll fulfil all those dreams of sailing away to uncharted territories. There are simply so many hidden gems here that one holiday won’t be enough, but the good news is that hiring a sailboat, motorboat, catamaran, and many more vessels will be so simple, so it won’t take long for you to get your trip underway.
Dodecanese Archipelago
If you are hoping to take your boating holiday even farther, towards Turkey in fact, the Dodecanese Archipelago could be worth the extra trip. Home to Rhodes, which is best known for its fortified walls and the wonderful pine forests of Nor, as well as Kos, which plays host to some of the clearest waters and outstanding beaches, you’ll never experience another holiday quite like it.
It might be worthwhile to keep in mind that this area is noticeably calmer when sailing and has warmer climates on average, it’s still extremely easy to rent off-season and still have an amazing time.
A quick run-down of the top boat rental spots in Greece
As there are just so many amazing destinations all across Greece, we thought we’d give you a quick reference list that you may want to keep in mind when booking your holiday. Here are just some of the top spots for tourists:
- Zakynthos
- Paxos
- Kefalonia
- Ithaca
- Kythira
- Lefkada
- Skiathos
- Santorini
- Mykonos
- Fira
- Island of Hydra
- Naxos
Top things to do in Greece
As these fantastic places are full of fun things to see and do, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to mention some of the fantastic activities you could get up to during your stay. Here are just some of the things you might want to add to your itinerary:
- Wine tasting
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Visiting museums, art galleries, architectural sites, and other attractions
- Walking tours
- Rock climbing
- Canoeing/kayaking
- Diving
- River rafting
It goes without saying that immersing yourself in the rich culture and making sure to taste local foods and drinks and partaking in traditions where possible can elevate your overall experience.
How to rent a boat to explore Greece
The best way to go about renting a boat for your sailing holidays around Greece is to find and use the specialist skills of a reputable provider. One of the leading names in the industry and based in Greece itself is SamBoat.
This online platform has a host of vessels to meet the needs of new and experienced sailors alike – and whether you want to relax with a skipper at the helm or man a boat yourself and take to the waves, you’ll have every opportunity open to you. With a super simple 2 click system, you can select your desired Greek destination (the great news is that here at SamBoat, we operate from more than one marina in Greece, as well as from others all over the world).
With 300,000 individuals sailing with us in 2021alone, a website that supports 6 languages and boasting over 90,000 authentic reviews, we’re certainly going to be a fantastic selection for your next Greek sailing getaway.
As a P2P platform, you can rent your boat for free via our website, too. The process is risk-free and will only take a few clicks, so you can connect with the right individuals and start making money with little fuss.
Affordable boat hire in Greece
Here at SamBoat, we aim to bring outstanding sailing experiences without a huge price tag. From charters to day rentals, and with holidaymakers with varying requirements in mind, our rates start from €50 per day. With bookings taken in advance as well as on the day, our platform simply requires a few clicks and then you can be on your way with fully licensed, insured vessels of all shapes and sizes. We also have a host of skippers ready and waiting to take you on the trip of your dreams, so you won’t have to lift a finger if you don’t want to (of course, if you do, you can book unmanned vessels, also).
We understand better than most just how deeply rewarding sailing can be in destinations all around the world, and we aim to cater to as many boating enthusiasts as possible.