Greece charter costs: 35m motor yacht €30,000–€55,000/week; 50m €90,000–€160,000/week. Add 30–35% APA + 13% Greek VAT. Total cost is approximately 160–175% of base rate. Best season: June and September.
Yacht Charter Cost in Greece — 2025/2026 Rate Guide
Greece is Europe's largest charter market — 1,400+ islands, a charter season running May through October, and a fleet that spans gulets to 80m superyachts. Understanding the cost structure — base rate, APA, Greek VAT, and season variations — is essential before you budget. This guide gives you real rate data by vessel size and destination region.
May–Oct
Charter season
Peak: July–August
13%
Greek VAT
On base rate in territorial waters
30–35%
APA (typical)
Of base charter rate
September
Best month
Wind down, still warm
Greece charter rates by vessel size (peak season)
EUR rates. Peak season (July–August). Low season (May–June, September–October) is 10–20% lower. USD shown at €1 ≈ $1.08.
| Vessel type | LOA | BCR / week | APA (32%) | VAT (13%) | Total / week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sailing cat | 18–24m | €12,000–€22,000 | €3,840–€7,040 | €1,560–€2,860 | €17,400–€32,000 |
| Motor yacht | 30–35m | €20,000–€35,000 | €6,400–€11,200 | €2,600–€4,550 | €29,000–€51,000 |
| Motor yacht | 35–45m | €30,000–€65,000 | €9,600–€20,800 | €3,900–€8,450 | €43,500–€94,000 |
| Motor yacht | 45–55m | €60,000–€120,000 | €19,200–€38,400 | €7,800–€15,600 | €87,000–€174,000 |
| Motor yacht | 55–70m | €100,000–€200,000 | €32,000–€64,000 | €13,000–€26,000 | €145,000–€290,000 |
| Motor yacht | 70m+ | €200,000–€400,000+ | €64,000–€128,000+ | €26,000–€52,000+ | €290,000–€580,000+ |
Rate variation by season
May
−20% vs peakWind: Mild · Crowds: Low
Warm, calm. Some restaurants and tavernas not yet open. Excellent value.
June
−5% vs peakWind: Building Meltemi · Crowds: Moderate
The best month overall. Warm, mostly calm. Peak summer crowds not yet arrived.
July
Peak rateWind: Meltemi (Cyclades) · Crowds: High
Peak season pricing. Meltemi can reach Force 6 in Cyclades. Ionian calmer.
August
Peak rateWind: Meltemi (Cyclades) · Crowds: Very high
Busiest month. Meltemi strongest. Book ports in advance. Ionian preferred.
September
−10% vs peakWind: Easing · Crowds: Moderate
Experienced charterers' favourite. Water still 26°C. Meltemi fades mid-month.
October
−20% vs peakWind: Variable · Crowds: Low
End of season. Some areas closing. Weather becoming unpredictable after mid-October.
Full cost example — 45m motor yacht, 7 nights, Greek islands
Based on a typical Cyclades itinerary: Athens → Mykonos → Paros → Santorini → Hydra → Athens.
| Item | Notes | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Base charter rate (BCR) | Peak season, 45m motor yacht | €80,000 |
| Greek VAT (13%) | On BCR | €10,400 |
| APA (30%) | Fuel, food, ports — held by captain | €24,000 |
| Charter insurance (5%) | On BCR + APA | €5,200 |
| Crew gratuity (12%) | Cash at end, customary | €9,600 |
| TOTAL outlay | €129,200 | |
| APA surplus (est.) | Returned after charter | −€3,000 |
| NET total | ~€126,200 |
Greece charter cost — FAQ
How much does a yacht charter cost in Greece?
A yacht charter in Greece costs €15,000–€300,000+ per week depending on vessel size. A 35m motor yacht runs €30,000–€55,000/week base rate; a 50m motor yacht €90,000–€160,000/week; a 65m+ superyacht €150,000–€300,000/week. Add APA at 30–35% of base rate for fuel, provisioning, and port fees. Greek VAT at 13% applies to charters conducted within Greek territorial waters (most itineraries are). Total cost is 160–175% of the base charter rate.
What is Greek VAT on yacht charters?
Greece charges 13% VAT (FPA) on charter fees for itineraries conducted in Greek territorial waters. This applies to the base charter rate and, technically, APA — though treatment of VAT on APA varies by central agent. Unlike some flag states, there is no commercial-waters exemption. VAT is typically quoted separately from the base charter rate in the MYBA contract. For a €80,000/week charter, Greek VAT adds €10,400. Non-EU charterers cannot reclaim Greek VAT.
When is the best season for a yacht charter in Greece?
Best season: June, early July, and September. High season (July–August) brings the Meltemi — a strong NW wind across the Cyclades that can reach force 6–7. The Ionian Islands (Lefkada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos) are far calmer than the Cyclades in summer. September is regarded by experienced charterers as the optimal month: warm water, lower winds, fewer crowds, and rates 10–15% below peak. May and October offer excellent conditions in the Ionian at 20–25% below peak rates.
What is the best area of Greece for a yacht charter?
Four primary cruising areas: Ionian Islands (Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos — calmer than Aegean, recommended for families and first-timers); Cyclades (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros — iconic but affected by Meltemi in summer); Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos, Patmos — close to Turkey, less wind affected); and Saronic Gulf (Athens to Hydra — convenient for fly-and-charter, shorter passages). Each island group suits different itinerary types.
What is included in a yacht charter in Greece?
The base charter rate covers: use of the vessel, all crew (captain, chef, steward/s), standard safety and navigation equipment, and linen/towels on most modern vessels. Not included (paid from APA): fuel and port fees (substantial — a 50m motor yacht burns 300–500L/hour at cruise speed), food and beverages, mooring fees in marinas, and any paid activities. Water toys are included on most charter vessels but not all — confirm the inventory before booking.
Do I need a transit log for a yacht charter in Greece?
Yes — Greece requires a transit log (deltio kiniisis) issued at the first port of entry, which records the vessel's movements between ports. This is the captain's administrative responsibility, not the charterer's. Ports of entry include Piraeus, Corfu, Rhodes, Heraklion (Crete), and others. The captain presents the transit log at each port authority (limenarchio). Failure to maintain it properly can result in fines. Your captain will handle all of this — mention it to confirm they are familiar with Greek regulations.
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