Sailing out of Athens puts you in some of the most rewarding waters in Greece. The Saronic Gulf may lack the meltemi intensity of the Cyclades, but it offers steady afternoon breezes and a compact cruising ground that suits sailing yachts perfectly. The charter sailing fleet based around Athens typically runs from around 24m to 50m, covering monohull performance cruisers and classic gulets, all with experienced local crews who know the passages well. Weekly rates for a crewed sailing yacht from Athens generally begin around 20,000 euros for a well-fitted 30m and can reach 80,000 euros for a larger, more luxurious example. The advance provisioning allowance adds roughly 30% for fuel, berthing, provisions and crew expenses. Athens makes embarkation and disembarkation easy: the airport serves direct routes from across Europe, and the marinas at Alimos and Piraeus are well equipped. Sailing south from Athens, you enter the Argosaronic very quickly, with Aegina, Hydra, Spetses and Poros all reachable in comfortable day sails. The Peloponnese coast adds depth for longer charters, with anchorages at Nafplio, Leonidio and Monemvasia that reward the extra time. An Athens-based sailing charter also offers the option of a one-way delivery through the Corinth Canal into the Ionian, one of the great passages in European sailing.
