Booking is easy — just contact us (through the online form or WhatsApp) with your desired dates, number of people, and the type of boat you want (sailboat or catamaran). We’ll reply within a few hours with availability and a quote. If the offer works for you, you can ask us to temporarily hold the boat for you (an “option”) while you finalize your plans. Once you confirm, you’ll pay a deposit to secure the booking, and we’ll send you your unique reservation code along with all other details.
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak summer months. For July and August (high season), it’s best to book 6–10 months in advance to secure your preferred dates. In spring or autumn, when demand is lower, booking 3–6 months ahead is usually enough. Of course, you can contact us last-minute — if a boat is available, we’ll do our best to help — but choices may be limited.
Our sailing season in Greece runs from early May to mid/late October, when weather conditions are best for sailing and enjoying the sea. May and October can be cooler and may occasionally reduce sailing days due to weather, but many guests love the quieter atmosphere. Outside this season we don’t run tours because of winter weather.
We primarily focus on the beautiful Sporades Islands (our home base), including places like Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, and many hidden bays perfect for swimming and relaxed sailing. These islands are great for families or groups of friends.
On request, we also organize trips in the Saronic Gulf (great for shorter, calmer routes from Athens) and among the Ionian Islands (Lefkada, Corfu, Zakynthos), known for emerald water and gentle winds.We can also create fully customized itineraries outside these areas, but these three regions are where we have our strongest partner network and best flexibility.
Standard private charters are 7 days and 7 nights, usually from Saturday to Saturday. This gives you time to visit around 5–6 different islands or destinations with plenty of time to enjoy each spot. Boarding is usually the afternoon of the first day, and departure is the morning of the final day.
All our charters are private, meaning your group gets the whole boat to yourselves with crew (skipper and optional additional staff). You won’t be sailing with strangers. This gives you complete privacy and flexibility with your route and pace. If you’re interested in shared cabin charters with others, we can recommend options with other organizers.
It mainly depends on the size of the vessel you choose. Typical sailboats from our offer have capacity about 6 to 10 guests, as they have 3-5 double cabins available. Catamarans can accommodate 8—10 guests comfortably, as they are wider and have more space. When planning, we will recommend an adequate boat according to the size of your group. Please note that for comfort and safety we do not exceed the maximum number that the boat is certified to accommodate. Do your best to, when contacting, indicate what more accurate number of peoplein order to provide a suitable boat and comfortable accommodation for all guests.
Yes, the itinerary is flexible and we make it in agreement with you. Before the trip, we will listen to your wishes — whether you like quiet coves or more lively places, historical sights, specific islands you want to see and the like — and suggest a route accordingly. Of course, we will also have to take into account weather conditionsand safety at sea, so the skipper will give an expert suggestion of what is feasible. Our advice is not to try to see “everything at once” — Greece has over 2000 islands, it is impossible to visit a large number in one week. Instead of rushing to visit the maximum number of places, it is better to relax and enjoy each destination. Quality of timespent on an island or in a bay is more important than the quantity of locations. We can adjust the itinerary on the fly — if you particularly like somewhere, we can stay longer, or vice versa. It is important to us that the pace of the trip matches your preferences.
Absolutely!Previous sailing experience or skipper's license are not requiredfor our tours because it is about charter with crew. This means that you get an experienced professional skipper(captain) who will steer the sailboat, navigate and take care of all technical aspects. You and your group can relax and enjoy yourself, without having to worry about maneuvering the boat. Even experienced sailors often hire a local skipper to have a more relaxed holiday — the local captain knows the area, the weather and the best ports, which contributes to the safety and quality of the trip. In short, no prior knowledge is required, just goodwill for an adventure at sea.
Price transparency is very important to us, which is why we clearly state in advance what is included and what is paid additionally. In the basic price of the charter included with: yacht rental, all standard marine equipment, services professional skipper, bed linen and towels, gas for the kitchen, basic safety set on board, as well as all prescribed taxes and VAT. Also included is the fee for staying in the home marina on the first and last night.
Not included in the pricethe following costs that are customary for guests to bear: fuel (charged according to actual consumption), water and electricity in the marinas during the trip, port fees in other ports, final ship cleaning, as well as food and drinks for guests during the tour. According to experience, these costs usually amount to about 300-700 € per week per group, depending on the route and habits.
💬 Important note: According to international charter practice, guests provide food and drink and for the skipper, because he is part of the crew that stays on board throughout the tour. The skipper eats the same as the guests — whether you're cooking a meal on board or heading to a restaurant, count on him joining the group for a meal too. This is a common standard in the charter industry and is part of the costs you plan under food.
You can buy food and drinks before departure (with our help around the organization and grocery list) or we can prepare provisioning in advance according to your preferences. We will state all the details of the included and additional costs precisely when booking, so you know exactly what awaits you.
The recommendation is to bring light, comfortable clothes adapted to summer, swimsuit and sun protection. Be sure to pack a cream with a high SPF, sunglasses and a hat/hat, because the sun at sea is very strong. Also, it is good to have a light jacket or sweatshirt for windy evenings on the water. Beach towels many forget, so remember to bring them too (we provide bed linen and small shower towels, but beach and sun towels are up to you). Adapt the footwear to the boat - sandals or sneakers with soft soles that do not slip are best, and be sure to leave high heels at home. Pack everything in soft bag/backpack instead of in a hard suitcase, as there is limited storage space in the cabins. Apart from personal wardrobe and cosmetics, you don't have to worry about the other — our ships are equipped with all the essentials (bed linen, dishes, basic toiletries and even a hairdryer on request). And of course, don't forget your camera or your phone — you will record wonderful moments on sailing!
The day on the sailboat is organized relaxed, but dynamic enough to see a lot.
In the morning most often We have breakfast on board in a quiet harbor or bay. After breakfast, we set sail for the next destination — time sailing between islands depends on the route and can be from about 2 to 5 hours.During the sailing we usually take a break along the way, in some nice bay, so that you can jump into the sea and take a bath. Somewhere along the way on the boat we also prepare a light lunch or snack.
We then proceed to the destination for the day and arrive at port or bay in the afternoon (around 15—16h). This leaves you plenty of time to spend afternoons and evenings on land — you can explore the island, tour beaches or sights, stroll through scenic spots.
Dinners are most often organized on the coast, in local taverns or restaurants, to taste authentic Greek cuisine (which is part of the experience). Our skipper will be happy to recommend good restaurants and help with booking if necessary in popular venues. After dinner, you can enjoy the nightlife of the island — relax with a drink or music, as many islands offer a lively atmosphere for those who want to continue their pastime.
The next morning, we embark on a new adventure to the next destination and so each day brings a new experience, and you at the same time completely relax to the rhythm of the sea.
The safety of our guests is The highest priority. Although a sailing vacation is a bit adventurous in nature, it is not dangerous if the rules and the sea are respected.
At the beginning of the trip, the skipper will hold a detailed security briefing for all passengers. He will introduce you to rescue equipment, the rules of movement on board, emergency procedures and basic Rules of conduct at sea. On board there are all the prescribed safety elements (life jackets for each person, including children's sizes, belts, signaling devices and a first aid kit).
Our vessels even Exceeding the minimum requirements prescribed by law for safety equipment and all are insured against accidents, damage to third parties and the like. In addition, the vessels are technically maintained to the highest standard — during the winter months we pay a lot of attention to servicing and checks, in order to avoid any breakdowns or unpleasant situations during the season.
Experienced skipper take care of navigation and weather — forecasts are monitored and in case of bad weather the route is adjusted so that we are always in a sheltered port or safe zone. We do not sail in stormy conditions; specifically, we do not sail if the wind reaches storm strength (7 bofors ~ over 30 knots), except perhaps a short downwind if the skipper judges it to be completely safe in a sheltered area.
Also, night sailing is not practiced except in emergency situations — every day we anchor or tie ourselves before dark for your safety and comfort. With adherence to crew instructions and basic caution, sailing is a very safe form of rest. Relax — your safety is taken care of by a professional, and you enjoy the sea in complete safety.
Families with children are more than welcome! We consider sailing to be one of the best choices for a family vacation. Children love being on a boat — it's a real little adventure for them: they can learn about the sea, nature, swim in beautiful places and spend quality time with their parents.
We have experience with the youngest passengers and do not have strict age restrictions — even babies and young children can go sailing with proper supervision. Of course, child safety is a shared responsibility. On board we have children's life vests, guardrails, and if desired, we can install and protective net along the fence of the ship (the so-called. safety net) that prevents the little ones from slipping through the slit and further reassures the parents.
While sailing, children generally stay with you on deck — we recommend keeping an eye on them at all times, just like anywhere else. Parents are obliged to supervise children at all times on the sailboat, especially while playing in the cockpit, on deck or in the water. The skipper will also give advice — e.g. how far they are allowed to go with water toys, whether they can jump off the boat, and the like — depending on their age and swimming knowledge.
In practice, children get used to the boat very quickly and usually enjoy it more than anyone — but it is important that the rules are followed (e.g. no running on a wet deck, etc.). With proper precautions, sailing is safe for children and gives them unforgettable memories. Many of our guests say that after this holiday their children loved the sea more than ever!
Of course! If you're curious about how everything works on a sailboat, our skippers will do their best to show you the basics. You can learn how to keep the course (direction), to help raise the sails or to tie a ship in the harbor. The participation of guests in sailing is welcome, but completely voluntary.
However, in certain situations, such as docking in a bow (throwing a rope) or anchoring (release of anchors), the skipper may ask you for a short assist. It is quite simple and does not require any previous skill. The skipper will give you previously clearly explain what you need to do, show you how everything works and guide you through the whole process so that you feel completely safe. In practice, it is a small moment of collaboration that is also a fun part of the experience for many guests.
The skipper is also yours guide and a host on board, will be happy to answer any questions and even teach you basic sailing skills if you are interested. For many guests, especially children or those who like new skills, this is a great opportunity to gain knowledge — you'll learn a little about winds, navigation, and maybe a couple of real sailor knots. 🙂 All this, of course, with the vigilant supervision of the skipper who will make sure that everything is safe.
By the end of the trip, you might be pleasantly surprised at how much you've mastered — you might want to enroll in sailing school yourself after this adventure!
Believe it or not, seasickness is not common with our guests — especially since we carefully choose routes and sail in suitable weather conditions. In the summer months, the sea is generally calm in the areas where we sail, so most people do not have problems with nausea.
If you know you are prone to “sea sickness”, we can plan a sailing trip to a more stable vessel— for example, catamarans have two hulls and are very stable, they tilt and swing less, so they are an excellent choice for those who are sensitive to rocking.
Also, you can always take precautions: we recommend that you bring anti-nausea pills (Dramina or etc.) or use natural remedies such as ginger. Behavior on board is also important - stay as much as possible in the fresh air on the deck and focus on the horizon, this often helps to calm the stomach. Avoid reading or looking at the screen while we are on the waves, and consume alcohol in moderation.
Hydration Important: drink enough water throughout the day. We also have special anti-nausea bracelets on board (which by pressing acupressure points can relieve symptoms), so feel free to ask for them. If you do get sick, the skipper has experience with it — we will slow down, change course or let you steer the helm for a short time (active participation often distracts and eases discomfort).
In the most popular destinations of the Adriatic and Aegean, the sea is really mostly calm in the summer months, so The vast majority of guests do not have any problems with nausea and enjoys the gentle rocking of the boat (some even say it puts them to sleep like a baby!).
Our sailboats and catamarans are designed to be comfortable for a multi-day stay. Each ship has several cabin(bedrooms) with beds for two people — cabins are smaller than hotel rooms, but cozy, with ventilation (windows/arches) and storage space.
There are also Toilets (WC) with shower— usually 2 or 3 bathrooms on a medium-sized sailboat, shared by guests. Larger catamarans may also have private bathrooms with each cabin. The ship owns kitchen (galley) with refrigerator, stove and sink, so that meals can be prepared on board.
There is also a common living room (indoor living room) with a coffee table and benches for sitting, which is connected to the kitchen — you can stay there if the weather is unconditioned outside. On the deck you have a sunbathing and seating area (cockpit with benches and a coffee table under an awning).
In short, a sailboat is like a small apartment on the water — has everything you need for comfort: sleeping cabins, bathroom, kitchen and relaxation area. Of course, the space is more compact than on land, but it is wisely used Electricity and water are limited resources on board, but they are regularly replenished in ports (water) and through motors/generators (electricity). Each cabin has lighting, and also a fan, and there are charging sockets on board (see the next question about electricity).
Also, each of our yachts has auxiliary boat (inflatable boat, so called. Dinghy) with an outboard motor, with which the skipper can transfer you to the shore when we are anchored in the bay.
In general, we try to provide maximum comfort: bed linen and towels are provided, there is music (radio/Bluetooth system for music), shower on deck (with sea or sometimes warm water for rinsing after swimming), equipment for water sports (eg diving masks, stand-up paddleboards or similar — available on request).
In the cabins you will also find sockets (220V) that work when we are connected to electricity in the marina or through an inverter while sailing. All in all, our guests often say that they are pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and fun life on board is at the same time!
In the basic offer we do not provide food and drink— you decide for yourself what to eat and drink while sailing, which gives flexibility. The most common arrangement is to breakfast and light lunch are eaten on board, and that dinners are spent in restaurants on the coast when we stop at a place or port.
Before departure, we can help you buy groceries for breakfasts, snacks and drinks (you can send us a list of groceries in advance, so we will organize the supply and everything will be waiting for you on board). In the morning you can then enjoy coffee and breakfast on the deck while anchored in the beautiful bay. Many of our skippers are very resourceful, so they may also prepare a local salad, snacks with wine, etc.
Dinners we recommend staying on the mainland — the Greek islands are famous for their excellent taverns and local cuisine, and it would be a shame to miss out on that offer. The skipper will give a recommendation of the best taverns wherever we are, and can also reserve a table in advance for your group during popular evenings. Of course, you decide — if you ever want to stay in a quiet bay and dine on a boat at sunset, that's possible too.
The ship's kitchen is equipped for basic cooking, so with the groceries we bring you can prepare a meal. If you want a completely carefree holiday in terms of cooking and maintenance, we can also provide hostess/cook for an additional fee — a person who would prepare meals and maintain the cleanliness of the interior of the ship during the voyage. Such a thing should be announced in advance when booking.
What to do drinks Concerning, we advise you to bring or buy your favorite drinks before sailing (or in major ports during the trip) — we have a refrigerator and a cool storage place on board. Drinking water, juices and snacks are must-haves on the shopping list. Ultimately, this type of model where you choose your own food gives you the freedom to experience both the gastronomy of the island and to consume exactly what you like on board, whenever you want.
Modern sailboats are equipped with basic power systems so that you can use smaller devices. On board you have lighting, water pumps, refrigerator and 12V sockets (car charger) constantly, and 220V Sockets work whenever we are hooked up to a city power supply in a port (or while an inverter/generator is running on larger vessels).
So, mobile phones, cameras, laptops and similar devices will be able to charge every day either directly (some yachts have USB ports) or when we sail into the port and connect to electricity. We recommend that you also bring a car cigarette lighter charger (12V) for the phone, because while we are sailing, 12V outputs can be used.
As for internet, most of our guests rely on the mobile network. In areas where we sail it generally has a good signal coverage (3G/4G) most of the time, except perhaps in some very remote bays. For EU citizens, roaming in Greece is charged at the same rates as at home (at no extra cost), so you can use your package.
If you come from outside the EU or want a local card, you can buy a Greek prepaid data sim card for the internet (e.g. Cosmote, Vodafone) at very reasonable prices. Also, in many ports and places on the islands they are available Wi-Fi networks (cafes, restaurants often offer free Wi-Fi if you sit at them).
So you'll always have a way to connect — either via mobile internet on board, or when we're ashore. For those who want a complete digital detox, sailing provides an ideal opportunity to disconnect from the internet and enjoy nature, but it is understood that communication is important today, and we have done our best to make it possible as well.
Please note only that electricity and water on board should be used economically while we are sailing (because the tanks are limited) — the skipper will give you a brief briefing on this (e.g. to save water when showering and not leaving consumers unnecessarily lit) so that we can push each section to the next port without any problems.
Sailing is nevertheless a seasonal activity and for the most part we have good weather, but occasionally there is a windy or rainy day. In case of bad weather, our first priority is safety - the skipper will follow the forecast and will adjust the sailing plan so that we avoid risks.
This may mean that we will change the order of visiting the island or stay a day longer in a safe harbor until the storm passes. For example, if a very strong wind is announced, it is possible that we stay in a sheltered marina that day and resume sailing as soon as conditions permit. In general, we do not sail in a stormy wind (7 bofors and stronger), unless it is possible to sail safely downwind to the next sheltered spot and the captain deems it to be okay.
Greece has a lot of islands that provide leeway — in case of severe Meltemi wind in the Aegean, we can take refuge south of the larger islands where there are no large waves and continue the journey when the situation calms down.
Rain in itself is not a problem for sailing (the sailboat has a closed cockpit with a tarpaulin), but if there is not much enjoyment due to bad weather, we can always stop at some port and take the time to tour the mainland, museums, and the like. Bring a light raincoat just in case — short-term summer showers can happen.
In short, the itinerary is not fixed 100%— we will change it as we go depending on the weather, because it is important to us that everyone is safe and that at the same time you get the best from your vacation. Sometimes it is these unplanned changes that bring undiscovered places and beautiful surprises!
At the time of booking, a payment is made 50% of the total price in order to officially secure the appointment, and the advance payment is made exclusively by bank transfer in accordance with the instructions that we send with the offer. Remaining 50%is paid before boarding, and the precise deadline and details will be clearly specified to you. Payment is made in full in euro (EUR), and if you prefer a different payment rhythm, it is possible distribute the entire amount in several installments by prior arrangement, to make it easier for you to plan your expenses. All the prices we list already include VAT and all taxes provided by law, so there are no hidden costs or additional fiscal obligations.
Yes, the reservation is confirmed by the payment of a deposit. Deposit amounts 50% of the total charter price and is paid after you confirm the reservation, so that your appointment and boat are guaranteed to be booked for you. Only upon receipt of this payment does the reservation become official (until then the offer is non-binding). If you book very late, just before departure (e.g. less than a month), you must pay the full amount immediately — you will be informed in good time. The deposit is an advance by which you confirm the seriousness of the reservation, and we ensure that the boat is no longer offered to other guests for that period. By agreement, it is possible to arrange different terms of deposit payment, depending on the situation and the availability of the ship.
It depends on the boat you book. For ships that are in management of our company— Bavaria Carlita, Marivana M and Nissos Kea— no need to pay a security deposit. However, if you choose a boat from our fleet partner companies, the standard charter industry practice applies: the security deposit ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 EUR, depending on the type and size of the vessel. In some cases, there is an option to pay instead of a full deposit non-refundable deposit (so-called damage waiver) in the amount of about 400 EUR, which significantly reduces your obligation and risk. This information will be clearly indicated to you when sending an offer for a specific ship, so you always know in advance whether a deposit is required and in what amount.
In the event of a cancellation, we apply a flexible approach to provide guests with the best possible solution. In the event that the arrangement is canceled for compelling reasons, return of the deposit paid not possible, but you the entire amount of the deposit remains availablefor use in another free term, either in the same season or next year. In this way, you do not lose any of the amount you have paid, but you can fully use it for a new trip.
Ovakav scenario je izuzetno redak, ali želimo i njega da pokrijemo. Može se dogoditi neka nepredviđena situacija – na primer, ozbiljan kvar ili oštećenje broda pred polazak, koje se ne može otkloniti na vreme, ili neki događaj više sile. U takvim slučajevima, naša obaveza prema vama je ili da vam obezbedimo odgovarajuću zamensku jahtu iste ili više klase bez dodatnih troškova, ili da vam ponudimo puni povraćaj svih plaćenih sredstava. Trudićemo se da prvo nađemo rešenje – saradjujemo sa partnerima i drugim charter kompanijama i pokušaćemo da pronađemo sličan brod i uslugu na iste datume. Ako to nikako nije moguće ili vi ne želite zamenu, refundiraćemo vam celokupan iznos koji ste uplatili. Eventualne dodatne troškove koje ste imali (npr. avionske karte) nažalost ne možemo pokriti. Ali ponavljamo, ovakav slučaj je krajnje redak; naša flota je održavana tako da se problemi ne dešavaju, a i ako dođe do manjeg kvara u sezoni, rešavamo ga između smena gostiju. Do sada se nismo našli u situaciji da moramo da otkažemo potvrđeno putovanje i činimo sve da tako i ostane.
The basic additional items that are not covered by the charter price are fuel, possible port charges outside the home port, water and electricity in the marinas during the trip, final cleaning, and your own consumption (food, drinks, souvenirs, excursions on land). As we stated in the “what's included” section, no hidden costs— everything that is not covered will be clearly presented to you before the trip. Fuel for a sailboat is consumed mainly when there is no wind or when maneuvering in ports; the average consumption for a week is 100—250 € for sailboats, respectively 200-400 € for catamarans. Water for replenishment of the tank and the connection of electricity in the marinas are charged symbolically (a couple of euros per port), and the ports charge overnight accommodation per meter of the ship due (in Greece it is usually 10—30 € per night for an average boat). Final ship cleaningIt is mandatory and is paid once. before boarding (typical 200-300 €for a medium-sized sailboat), and bed linen and shower towels are included in the cleaning price for all guests. All listed items together average about 300—700 € per week for the whole group. We also note that in Greece does not charge tourist tax especially for staying on board. In addition to the cost of arriving at the port of departure and personal expenses, these items will not significantly increase the total cost of the trip, but they should definitely be planned. You can always contact us for an accurate cost estimate based on your specific route.
The tip is optional, but common practice in the charter industry as a nice way to reward the crew if you are satisfied with the service. As in restaurants, leaving a tip is your voluntary expression of gratitude for a good job — not strictly necessary, but every crew member will greatly appreciate it. In the Mediterranean, it is standard to keep an eye on the crew 5-15% of the charter price in the name of the tip. The amount, of course, depends on your impression: if you consider that the crew contributed remarkably to your enjoyment, you can opt for a higher percentage; if the service was correct but not above expectations, a smaller amount is also perfectly fine. In some other destinations (Caribbean all-inclusive charters) the standard is higher (10-20%), but for our area 5-10% is most often enough, while ~ 15% represents a very generous tip. How is the tip given? Usually at the end of the trip, when disembarking, the amount is handed over in an envelope Captain, and he will further distribute it equally among the crew members. You can give cash in euros. If you only had a skipper with you, it is of course advised to tip him directly. Please note again — it's up to you. Our crew is paid for their work, but tipping is a nice custom and an incentive to give the maximum every next time. In any case, the most important thing for us is that you are satisfied, the tip is only the icing on the cake if you feel that we have met or exceeded your expectations.
Eolia Sailing, like all serious charter companies, has insurance of the vessel concluded with reputable insurance companies. This means that the yacht is insured against risks at sea (damage, collisions, fire) as well as having a policy Responsibilities to third parties (which includes coverage for possible injuries to passengers). Thus, you as guests are insured in terms of the responsibility of the skipper for any omission on our part. However, your personal travel insurancenot included in the price, and we recommend that you have it. Travel health insurance can provide you with security in case of illness or injury while on vacation. Please note that The crew is not medically trained— although the skipper has basic first aid training and we have a basic first aid package on board, for more serious health services we rely on local clinics ashore. Therefore, it is good to have health insurance coverage for abroad. In short, the yacht and our liability are insured, but for your complete peace of mind, consider personal travel insurance. You will be calmer, and we, of course, will help you communicate with any services if, God forbid, it is needed during the trip. Fortunately, such situations are rare — mostly our guests return home tanned and smiling, without any inconvenience.
Yes, all our charter prices are expressed in euros (EUR) and as such they are final, which means that include VAT (value added tax) and any associated fees. So there are no additional taxes when you arrive — the amount we arrange covers all statutory duties. The only thing that can possibly be extra is if you are looking for some special services that are not standard (e.g. transfer from the airport, etc.), but we will clearly emphasize this in the offer if it is the case. Standard port tax, environmental tax and similarly are either included or minimal, and we talked about them in the additional costs section. Once again, price transparency important to us - no unpleasant surprises or “small print” surcharges. When you get a final quote, you'll know exactly what's all included, and we're behind that price.
Of course — we recommend that before paying Read the FAQ carefully, and we will send you a brief document of our sailing guideline. Always feel free to ask if something is not clear to you. Also, when paying by bank transfer, check with the bank commissions and transaction time (sometimes international payments take a couple of days, so do it in a timely manner). We will also provide you with the so-called. Boarding info with contacts and the exact location of our port, as well as instructions on what to bring and at what time to arrive. We want the whole process — from booking to returning home — to go smoothly and that you enjoy every step of the way. That is why we are always available for further questions. Happy planning and we look forward to taking you on an unforgettable sailing trip!