Greece Gulet Charter
History and culture collide at the original Mediterranean cruising ground.
Chartering a Luxury Gulet in Greece
Explore endless miles of glorious Greek island chains, enhanced by world-class cuisine from your on board chef and a glittering array of towns, beautiful islands, and the odd secluded bay on a Greece gulet charter.
HELM Gulets to Charter in Greece
Preparing for Your Greek Gulet Cruise
What is a Gulet?
Cruising gulets are a unique boat type, these sublime vessels combine the best features of a sailing yacht, a catamaran and a motor yacht into a single motor sailer, with powerful engines and great sailing capabilities.
Traditional gulet vessels in Greece are wooden sailing boats, originally from Turkey, that have been adapted for leisurely cruising along the Aegean and Ionian coasts. They typically feature broad beams, two or three masts, and spacious decks, perfect for guests to enjoy. Gulets are known for their classic charm and stability, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern amenitites.
Luxury gulets charters come with a full crew of captain, chef, stewards and deckhands, and usually offer half or full board dining options. You have the option of a gulet cabin charter or a full Greece gulet charter.
Why Choose a Gulet in Greece
Gulet charters in Greece offer a unique blend of luxury and tradition, which allows guests to explore secluded islands and crystal-clear bays inaccessible to larger cruise ships. With personalised itineraries, guests enjoy flexible sailing routes, tailored service, and gourmet meals prepared onboard. The spacious design and relaxed pace of gulets create an intimate and tranquil cruising experience, ideal for families, friends, or romantic getaways.
Gulets seamlessly combine the charm of traditional wooden craftsmanship with the comforts of modern luxury, offering a sailing experience that feels both authentic and indulgent.
Best Sailing Seasons
The sailing season in Greece on a gulet runs from May to October, with the best weather (and the high season for tourism) from July to August, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s to the early 30s at the height of summer.
Where to go on a Greek Gulet charter?
Greece is the root of western civilisation and there is something magical about exploring it in style aboard a traditional gulet, from the ancient ruins of Athens to the chic parties and glitzy shopping found on Mykonos.
A vast history trickles down cliffsides to dreamy Aegean Sea villages, rendered stunning from the deck of a private Gulet charter, and ancient monuments with long shadows pierce Cyclades sunsets.
Head out form Alimos to the Saronic islands of Hydra, Spetses and Poros, or head south into the Cyclades - Mykonos and more!
Or begin from Rhodes and sail the south Dodecanese, or nip across to the Turkish coast and explore the bays, bazaars and Byzantine ruins on a Turkish gulet excursion.
The Cyclades Islands
Watch the mountains dissipate to an undulating shadow across the skyline as your Greece gulet charter heads towards the Cyclades Islands. Swim stops are abundant, with staggeringly pretty vistas filling every notch of the compass. Kea's beautiful beaches and ancient temples are great for a first mooring.
Visit the caves and hot springs on the beautiful island of Kithnos, and follow the Meltemi breeze southeast to Sifnos for an intensely atmospheric introduction to iconic Cycladic architecture: all white walls and blue roofs, before sailing onwards to Naxos: a haven for natural beaches, windsurfing and champagne-hued sands accentuated by poetic views.
Sailing in the Cyclades offers a breathtaking mix of iconic whitewashed villages, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant island culture. Highlights include visiting Santorini, famous for its volcanic cliffs, sunset views, and ancient ruins like Akrotiri. Mykonos is renowned for its lively nightlife, upscale beach clubs, and iconic windmills overlooking the harbour. Naxos offers a blend of lush landscapes, traditional villages, and historical sites such as the Portara, while Paros is loved for its charming old towns and excellent windsurfing conditions. Lesser-known islands like Milos and Amorgos captivate visitors with their unique rock formations, crystal-clear waters, and tranquil, authentic atmosphere.
The region is known for its strong meltemi winds, providing exhilarating sailing conditions for enthusiasts. With a gulet, guests enjoy access to secluded beaches, hidden coves, and authentic local tavernas scattered across this world-famous island group.
The Ionian Islands
Choose the Ionian Islands for mild sailing-friendly breezes and a more relaxed atmosphere. See the Venetian architecture of Corfu and climb the old fortress for stunning views over the mountains to the north and the hypnotic beach to the south.
The Ionian region is known for its lush green landscapes, calm turquoise waters, and Venetian-influenced architecture, offering a distinctly different charm from the Aegean. Islands like Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos feature picturesque harbours, hidden caves, and vibrant local culture. The gentle sailing conditions and short distances between islands make it ideal for relaxed, family-friendly cruising.
In the Ionian Sea, Gouvia Marina in Corfu is a major hub, offering modern facilities and easy access to the northern Ionian islands. Lefkada Marina is another popular starting point, centrally located for exploring both the northern and southern Ionian routes. Zakynthos, known for Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves, is a favourite stop for its dramatic coastline and lively atmosphere.
With a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and welcoming seaside villages, the Ionian Sea provides a serene and enriching gulet yacht charter experience.
The Dodecanese Islands
Choose a luxurious fully crewed traditional Gulet charter to sail in style to the Dodecanese Islands for full immersion into an unspoiled side of Greece. Watch in tranquillity from the deck as you sail by islands still bearing the traces of empires long gone.
The Dodecanese archipelago offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, set against the backdrop of the southeastern Aegean Sea. Islands like Rhodes and Kos boast medieval castles, ancient ruins, and vibrant town centres. Smaller islands such as Symi, Patmos, and Leros provide a quieter charm, with colourful harbours, serene beaches, and spiritual landmarks like the Monastery of St. John. Sailing through the Dodecanese allows guests to experience both well-known attractions and hidden gems, all within a sun-drenched, culturally rich environment.
The Saronic Gulf
Sailing in the Saronic Gulf offers calm seas, short distances between ports, and a rich blend of history and natural beauty, making it ideal for relaxed cruising. Islands like Hydra, Poros, and Aegina are easily accessible from Athens and showcase charming harbours, traditional architecture, and cultural landmarks.
Crowned with the inspiring view of the Acropolis, Athens is a city of unique beauty and unparalleled, visible history and an ideal beginning to a Gulet cruise in Greece. And yet a modern metropolis awaits, where vibrant traditional tavernas mingle with world-class cocktail bars and myriad cultural sights: from Ancient Greece and the Byzantine to modern Greek.
Romantics should walk the Agora, the ancient marketplace, once amongst the busiest areas of the city, now a striking atmospheric stroll amongst fallen columns and olive trees. Follow the streets to the Athens marina that has space for even the most demanding of superyachts, as well as a tremendous backdrop of city life animated by a million flickering embers illuminating the hills of Athens, once night falls.
The region is perfect for first-time sailors or families, with sheltered bays, mild winds, and numerous swimming spots.
The Sporades Islands
The Sporades islands in northern Greece, offers a stunning and less crowded alternative for yacht guests seeking natural beauty and authentic charm. The Sporades, comprising of islands like Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros, boast lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters, and idyllic beaches accessible only by boat. Each island has its own unique character, from the vibrant nightlife of Skiathos to the serene marine park surrounding Alonissos, home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
Cruising by a gulet allows visitors to explore hidden coves, traditional villages, and historic sites at their own pace, all while immersed in the unspoiled beauty of the northern Aegean.
Planning Your Gulet Charter
Opting for a luxury gulet charter in Greece gives sailors unprecedented access to the country's beguiling coast: from the laidback charms of the Sporades Isles, ideal for families and couples seeking out starlit wild anchorages, and the iconic Ionians home to Corfu, Paxos and Lefkas, to the Saronic Gulf, with cosmopolitan Athens and dazzling islands like ruin-topped Aegina and car-free Hydra.
Fine-tune your luxury Gulet charter to your tastes, opting to take along a full crew of your own to manage every facet of your trip, from route planning to sailing and looking after the safety of each person aboard your boat. For a more laidback luxurious holiday to Greece, opt for a fully crewed gulet charter to benefit from the knowledge of a local captain and a full crew of sailing professionals who will ensure a smooth journey whether you're exploring the powdery white beaches of the Cyclades or the mostly uninhabited Sporades islands, where a little local knowledge can go a long way.
Gulet charters are available with a selection of styles and sizes to suit even the most demanding of tastes and be hired bareboat, with just a skipper, or a full crew.
Choosing the Right Gulet
When selecting the size for a gulet charter, consider the number of guests, level of privacy, and onboard amenities. Smaller gulets (up to 20 metres) are ideal for couples or small groups, offering intimacy and easier access to secluded bays. Medium-sized gulets (20–30 metres) comfortably accommodate larger families or groups, with more spacious cabins and lounging areas. For ultimate luxury and space, larger gulets (30+ metres) provide multiple decks, crewed service, and premium features, perfect for special occasions or high-end charters.
When deciding on which greece gulet charter is perfect for your trip, you'll need to assess the amenities. Start by checking cabin configurations, ensuring each guest has comfortable sleeping arrangements. Look for features that match your lifestyle preferences, such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, water sports equipment, and shaded outdoor lounges. Assess dining options, whether there’s an onboard chef, customisable menus, and indoor/outdoor dining spaces. Finally, consider crew experience and service level, as a professional, attentive crew significantly enhances the overall charter experience.
If you are unsure about choosing the right gulet, talk to our team of yacht charter experts today.
