The Peloponnese is one of the most historically layered cruising destinations in Greece, and a motor yacht is the most practical way to explore it. The peninsula is large enough that a sailing yacht constrained by wind and angle can spend too much time under engine, but a motor yacht moves on its own terms: Nafplion in the morning, Porto Heli by afternoon, Monemvasia by the following day. The coastline alternates between Byzantine fortress towns perched on sea-washed rocks, fishing harbours with reliable tavernas, and small coves where the only other presence is a fishing boat at anchor.
The motor yachts available for a Peloponnese charter span a wide range, from nimble 30-metre vessels that can enter the smaller harbours to 60-metre superyachts based out of Porto Heli or Kalamata, carrying chase tenders and jet skis. The Argolic Gulf is the most popular area: protected from the prevailing winds, with Nafplion, Hydra and Spetses within a short passage of each other. The south-east coast around Monemvasia and Gytheio is less visited and rewards those willing to position further.
Weekly rates for motor yachts in the Peloponnese run from around 50,000 to 350,000 euros. An advance provisioning allowance of approximately 30 percent covers fuel, food, drinks and berthing. Porto Heli is the main charter hub and has well-equipped marinas; Kalamata serves the southern itineraries.
Nafplion has a quay long enough for yachts to 50 metres and the old town is one of the best-preserved Venetian settlements in Greece. Monemvasia, built on a rock connected to the mainland by a causeway, has a medieval village that is entirely closed to vehicles. Gytheio has a working fish market and a quay where a motor yacht berths comfortably in the town.
