If you are looking for a romantic and adventurous trip, sailing through the Aegean Sea is the perfect answer.
This article will explain the best routes, budgets, transportation, time arrangements and other details of sailing in the Aegean Sea. Let's set sail together!
The charm of sailing in the Aegean Sea
Sailing is different from ordinary island tours. We can freely choose the islands to dock, arrange the time as we like, and enjoy the rhythm of sunrise and sunset on the deck. It is especially suitable for couples, groups of friends, families with children, and even solo travelers to join the boat group to experience the in-depth tour of a small group.
Highlights include:
- Wake up on a different island every day
- Avoid the crowds and explore hidden bays
- Swimming, snorkeling, and fishing on the boat
- Enjoy the sea view, sunset, and starry sky every day
Best sailing season
- Late May – mid-June: Good weather, not many people, high cost-effectiveness
- September – early October: Avoid the summer crowds, the sea is still warm
- July – August: Although it is the peak season, the Meltemi season (strong winds) often brings turbulence, it is recommended to assess whether you are seasick in advance
Popular sailing routes recommended
We can choose different routes according to time and preference:
1. Cyclades Island Hopping (Classic)
- Departure Port: Paros, Naxos or Athens
- Recommended Islands: Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Santorini, Milos
- Style: Photography Paradise, Blue and White Town, Volcanic Island, Cliff-like Sea View
- Recommended Duration: 7-10 Days
2. Saronic Gulf Short Route (Recommended for Beginners)
- Departure Port: Alimos Pier, Athens
- Islands: Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses
- Advantages: Short voyage, stable wind and waves, suitable for 3-5 days short-term experience
3. Dodecanese Cultural Tour
- Departure Port: Kos or Rhodes
- Islands: Nisyros, Symi, Halki, Rhodes
- Style: Quiet, Few People, Rich Cultural Heritage, Greek Style
- Recommended Duration: 8-10 Days
Transportation: How to get to the departure point?
- Athens International Airport (ATH): has the most flights and can connect to many routes
- Paros Airport (PAS): suitable for island hopping tourists, but there are not many flights
- Kos International Airport (KGS): the gateway to the southeastern islands
- Ferry: such as Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets connecting the main islands and Athens
It is recommended to use a taxi or book a transfer service to the pier. The drive from Athens Airport to Alimos Port takes about 45 minutes and costs $35–$50.
Cost and Booking Method
1. Cabin Charter
- Suitable for singles or couples
- Price: $950–$1,400/person/week
- Includes: boat fee, captain, insurance, beds
- Excludes: meals, fuel, port fees (average of about $200 per person)
2. Skippered Yacht Charter
- Suitable for families and groups of friends
- Price: $3,500–$7,500/boat/week (6–10 people)
- Captain fee is required: about $200/day
- Chef, tour guide and other services can be added
Recommended platform:
- Sailo
- Zizoo
- Navigare Yachting
- Dream Yacht Charter
What should I bring for a sailing trip?
Recommended equipment:
- Soft-shell luggage (hard cases are difficult to store)
- Quick-drying clothes, swimsuits, slippers, sun-protective clothing
- Waterproof bags, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50)
- Seasickness medicine (especially for travel in July-August)
- Portable music equipment, snacks
Practical Tips
1. Boarding time is usually every Saturday afternoon, and the return trip is the next Saturday morning
2. You can go to the supermarket to buy food before boarding, as prices on the island are slightly expensive
3. There is a limit on fresh water on the ship, so it is a virtue to save water when taking a bath
4. The signal is still good on the nearshore islands, and you can apply for a local SIM card or eSIM
5. It is recommended to bring a small amount of Euros in cash to deal with the situation where there is no card swipe equipment in small ports
Highlights of sailing life experience
- Daily snorkeling, diving, sunbathing on the sea
- Dock in the town at night and try the traditional Greek cuisine on the island
- Exercise near the sea in the morning and watch the Milky Way at night
- Customizable celebration sessions for birthdays/proposals/anniversaries
Let's set sail
Sailing on the Aegean Sea is a luxury of slowing down the pace and a romance of returning to nature. From the blue and white town to the quiet bay, from sunrise to the starry sky, every second is worth cherishing. If you are also looking for a special island trip, you might as well choose to island hop on a sailboat. Let us sail to the deep blue dream of the Aegean Sea together.
