FAQs

Greece offers an extraordinary range of sailing grounds — over 1,400 islands and roughly 13,676 km (8,498 miles) of coastline, the longest in Europe. The most popular cruising areas are:

• The Ionian Islands — gentle winds, short distances, ideal for beginners and families.
• The Cyclades — steady Meltemi winds, dramatic landscapes, perfect for experienced sailors.
• The Dodecanese — varied scenery, historic harbours, and a mix of wind conditions.
• The Sporades — lush green islands, sheltered bays, and moderate winds.
• The Saronic & Argolic Gulfs — calm waters near Athens, great for short trips.

The right destination depends on your experience level, group, time of year, and the kind of holiday you want. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll suggest the best fit.

The official charter season runs from April to October. May, June, and September are widely considered the sweet spots — warm seas, lighter crowds, and pleasant winds. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with stronger Meltemi winds in the Aegean. Spring and autumn offer the best value and a more relaxed atmosphere.

It depends on the type of charter you choose:

• Bareboat charter — yes, you'll need a recognised sailing license (Greek open-sea license, RYA Day Skipper, ICC, or national equivalent). At least two crew members must hold qualifications or have demonstrable sailing experience. We'll ask you to complete a short sailing résumé so we can confirm.
• Skippered charter — no license required. A professional skipper joins the trip and handles the sailing while you enjoy the holiday.
• Crewed charter — no license required. Includes a skipper plus additional crew such as a chef, hostess, or deckhand. Ideal for fully hassle-free, luxury holidays.

Either book a skippered charter and enjoy the trip without the responsibility of being captain, or join a flotilla holiday where you sail your own yacht as part of a small group led by a lead boat. Flotillas are an excellent way to gain experience in safe, supported conditions.

All Nautilia skippers are licensed, experienced, English-speaking professionals who know Greek waters intimately. Many speak additional languages — let us know your preference when you book.

The Security Deposit is a refundable amount you leave at the start of the charter, varying with the yacht's size. It covers your liability for any loss or damage during the charter — anything beyond that amount is covered by the yacht's insurance.

At the end of the charter, provided no damage has occurred, the deposit is refunded in full. Accepted forms include cash or bank transfer. Personal checks are not accepted.

An insured deposit option is also available — instead of blocking the full amount, you pay a smaller non-refundable fee that covers your liability. Ask us for details if you'd like to use this option.

The base charter price typically includes the yacht itself, basic equipment, dinghy and outboard, bedding, and standard navigation gear. Generally not included: fuel, port fees, provisioning, end-of-charter cleaning, skipper or hostess costs, and any optional extras. We'll outline everything clearly in your proposal so there are no surprises.

Charter prices vary widely based on yacht type, size, season, and additional services. As a rough guide: small monohulls in low season start around €1,500–€2,500 per week, while large catamarans in peak season can reach €15,000+. Send us your details and we'll give you a precise quote within 24 hours.

For most bareboat charters in Greece:

• Check-in typically takes place around 17:00 on the first day of your charter (usually a Saturday).
• Check-out is around 09:00 on the morning of the last day.
• Standard charter durations are 7, 14, or 21 days.

We can make special arrangements where possible to fit your travel schedule — different days, alternative times, or one-way charters between bases. Just let us know your preferred plan.

You are responsible for returning the yacht at the pre-agreed place and time. If circumstances (bad weather, mechanical issue, etc.) make this impossible, contact us as soon as possible so we can adjust the plan.

Check-in is from late afternoon (around 17:00). If you arrive earlier in the day, you can usually drop luggage at the marina office, explore the port town, or grab lunch nearby. We can also arrange early provisioning so your yacht is stocked and ready when you board.

Life aboard is closer and more communal than a hotel — with one to six other people in a relatively small space, you'll share both the joys and the daily realities of life at sea. A few honest things to know:

• Privacy is limited. Catamarans offer more room and stability than monohulls — worth considering for couples or families.
• Self-sufficiency matters. Yachts at anchor manage their own water, power, and waste — you'll learn to use them wisely.
• It's not air-conditioned luxury 24/7. Most yachts run AC only when shore-powered or with the generator on. At anchor, you'll rely on open hatches and sea breezes — wonderful, but not for everyone.
• The reward is real. Picking the right destination and the right yacht turns the small inconveniences into part of the adventure.

If any of this sounds intimidating, a skippered or crewed charter removes the operational side entirely — you just enjoy.

Yes. We can arrange full or partial provisioning so your yacht is stocked when you arrive — from basic breakfast supplies to a full week of meals and drinks. Just send us your shopping list or let us know dietary preferences and we'll handle it.

Absolutely. Honeymoons, birthdays, anniversaries, milestone celebrations — we can arrange flowers, champagne, special meals, or anything else to make the trip memorable. Tell us what you're celebrating and we'll suggest options.

Yes, especially in calmer regions like the Ionian, Sporades, and Saronic. We always recommend life jackets sized for children, sailing in sheltered areas, and shorter daily passages. Catamarans are particularly popular with families thanks to their stability and space.

For peak season (July–August) and popular yachts, 6–9 months ahead is ideal. For shoulder season (May–June, September), 2–4 months usually works well. Last-minute charters are sometimes possible — just ask.

Cancellation fees depend on how far in advance you cancel: 30% if cancelled 91+ days before departure, 50% if 46–90 days, and 100% if within 45 days (plus 25% of any skipper or hostess arrangements). If the yacht is re-chartered for the same period under the same conditions, your fee is refunded less a €300 administration fee. Full details are in our Booking Information page.