Booking with charterAyacht information
Most people who message us about sailing in Halkidiki want the same thing. Clear info, no surprises, and a trip that feels easy from the first email to the last swim. Below is how we run our charters in Northern Greece, with the small local details that make a big difference once you are actually on the water.
We sail around the three peninsulas of Halkidiki, just southeast of Thessaloniki. Depending on your days and the weather, we may stay in the more sheltered gulfs between Kassandra and Sithonia, work our way down the Sithonia coast, or plan longer legs toward the Athos Coast where the scenery gets wilder and the sea can feel more open. If you want a quick official overview of the region, start here: Visit Greece, Halkidiki.
General information for yacht vacations
All our yachts are open waters sailing yachts maintained and skippered by their very experienced owners. All yacht have:
- 3 double cabins min
- W/C with hot water and shower
- fully equipped galley with kitchenware
- a diesel engine that allows them to move with our wind
- small inflatable dinghy with motor
- bimini top for shade in the cockpit area
- pillows for the cockpit seats
- all necessary navigation and safety equipment (with rigorous yearly inspections)
- 12v car type sockets for mobile car chargers
- sheets, pillowcases, and towels are offered for more than 3 days charters.
On a typical Halkidiki route, you spend most of your time in the cockpit and on deck, not down in the cabins. That is why shade, a decent dinghy, and a clean, practical layout matter more than people expect. In July and August the sun is strong and the heat sits on the water, so the bimini is not a luxury, it is what keeps the day comfortable.
A quick note on electricity and charging because it always comes up. On a sailing yacht the power is limited, so we ask guests to charge phones and cameras in a sensible way, especially overnight. If you have a medical device that needs charging, tell us early and we will plan it properly. It is never a problem, we just do not like surprises.
The Skipper is there to navigate the boat, sail and make sure you are safe and happy, not to cook or clean. He may ask for your assistance sometimes.
That help is usually simple and takes seconds. Hold a line while we dock, pass a fender, keep a child away from the edge when we are manoeuvring. If you want to learn a bit of sailing, I am happy to show you how to trim a sail or read the wind on the water. If you want to do nothing at all, also fine, just tell us so we set the pace right.
Safety comes first on every trip. Before we leave we do a practical briefing: how to move on deck, where to sit when we tack, why we do not jump into unknown water near rocks or inside ports even if it looks calm. It is common sense stuff, but it keeps the holiday relaxed.
Sea and outdoor activities depend on the weather and your own fitness level. Always follow local safety advice and skipper instructions.
Don’t forget to have:
- swimsuit
- sunglasses
- hat (and a spare)
- beach towel
- suntan
A few extra things that make life easier on board in Halkidiki. Soft bags instead of hard suitcases because storage is in lockers, not wardrobes. Light deck shoes with a non-marking sole if you plan to move around a lot. A thin jacket for the evening, even in summer, because after sunset the breeze can feel cool when you are still a bit wet. Also bring a simple dry pouch for your phone. People always say they will be careful, then the first wave proves them wrong.
If you are sensitive to seasickness, bring what works for you and take it early, not after you already feel bad. The gulfs between Kassandra and Sithonia are often kind, but wind against current can still make a short chop. It comes and goes, no drama, just be ready.
Where we are and how you reach the boat
Halkidiki sits in Central Macedonia, south of Thessaloniki, and it is easy to reach by road. Most guests fly into Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) and then drive down. Kassandra and Sithonia are both straightforward, but in high season the traffic around the main junctions and beach towns can be heavy, especially Friday afternoons and Sunday returns. Give yourself a buffer, it saves stress and it keeps the first day on the boat calm.
For local background and events around the city, Thessaloniki tourism is useful: thessaloniki.travel. For weather planning close to your dates, I always recommend checking a reliable marine forecast from the official service: Hellenic National Meteorological Service. Forecasts change, and on the sea the difference between a gentle breeze and a messy afternoon can be just a few knots.
What you actually do on a yacht vacation here
The simple routine is swim, sail, eat well, repeat. The nicer part is how flexible the days can feel. A calm morning sail, a long stop in clear water, then an evening in a small harbor for a walk and a proper meal. Water clarity is usually best in late spring and early summer, and again in September when the sea is still warm but the crowds are lower.
If you love snorkelling or diving, tell us. We keep it realistic with the route and conditions, and when it fits we can point you to local pros. For general dive info around the area, have a look at portoscuba.com and then message us with what you want to do. We will tell you what works with your sailing days.
Seasonal feel, winds, and crowds
May and June are my favorite months for relaxed sailing. The anchor spots feel spacious, the air is warm without being heavy, and you can take your time. July and August are peak season with family holidays, busy roads, and full tavernas near popular areas. It is still beautiful, you just need earlier starts and a skipper who knows where to hide when an anchorage fills up.
September is a sweet spot. Warm water, less noise, and sunsets that feel slower. October can still be great for experienced travelers, but we plan more conservatively because weather can change faster. Some years it stays summer-like, other years it turns quickly, so we keep the plan flexible and we check updates often.
Booking procedure
Obviously, the earlier you make a reservation more discount we are able to give you. After contacting us we will send you an offer via email. Should you choose to accept it will put the dates on option for 7 days which means that you should transfer 50% of the agreed amount to our bank account (or PayPal account or charge your credit card). Then we will verify your booking. If in the meantime we have a “hot” customer interested for the same dates we will ask you either to complete the transfer in the next day or cancel. You may ask for 7 days more if you need it. The rest of the bill must be paid no later than 20 days before the charter. We will need full name address, I.D. or passport number and tel number of the person or company making the money transfers and the VAT number if you are an E.U. resident. as well as the names address and passport or ID numbers of everybody onboard. This is so we have all the necessary paperwork ready for your arrival. Before leaving port you will sign the charter agreement and we will take it to the coastguard for declaration along with a crew and passengers list as per Greek law.
If you are booking during Greek holiday weeks, do it early. Around Orthodox Easter dates
Sun, Apr 12 2026
and the Holy Spirit holidayMonday, June 1 2026
, roads get busier and the best boats go first. It is not only visitors. It is locals moving too, so the whole rhythm changes for a few days and even simple things like parking can become a headache.After your booking is confirmed, we also talk through the human side of the trip. Who sleeps where, who gets seasick, who likes early starts, who wants quiet coves, who prefers a lively harbor. These details matter more than people think and they help the skipper shape a route that fits your group instead of forcing you into a generic plan. If you are travelling with kids, we also talk about lifejackets, shade, and how long you want to stay underway in one go. Honest answers make the week smoother.
Start times, meeting point, and provisioning
We usually meet at the boat in the departure port, do a short briefing, stow luggage, and then head out when everyone is ready and the conditions make sense. If you want to start very early or arrive late, tell us in advance so we can plan it with marina rules and daylight. Some ports are easy for parking, others are tighter in high season, so arriving with a bit of buffer time saves nerves. If you are coming straight from the airport, do not plan it too tight. Flights are late sometimes, and traffic happens.
Timetables, opening hours and routes can change without notice. Always double-check locally before you travel.
For multi-day trips, most groups like to do a simple first-day shop for water, snacks, fruit, and breakfast basics. We can suggest what to buy and how much, based on your route and how often you want to eat ashore. If you have allergies or food restrictions, mention them early. Also, keep it simple the first day. Overbuying is the classic mistake. Boats have fridges, but not supermarket-sized ones, and nobody wants to play Tetris with watermelons.
If you want to eat ashore often, we plan for harbors and easy dinghy landings. If you want quiet nights at anchor, we plan for good holding and protection for the expected wind. Either way, we keep an eye on the forecast and we avoid rushing. Rushing on the sea is how people get tired and grumpy.
Who this kind of charter suits
Families love the swim stops and the short hops between anchorages, especially on calmer routes inside the gulfs. Couples usually go for sunsets at anchor and quiet mornings with coffee in the cockpit. Groups of friends like a mix, one night in a harbor for dinner and a walk, then a night at anchor under the stars. Older travelers often prefer steadier pacing and comfortable stops, and we plan with that in mind, no rush.
If someone in your group has limited mobility, tell us honestly. We will explain what is realistic on a sailing yacht, and we will choose the right boat and the right plan. Some days are super easy, some docks are not. Better to talk about it now than pretend it is fine and struggle later. Same with very young children. It can be a fantastic holiday, but we want the right rhythm and the right expectations from day one, ok?
If you want to talk through dates, ports, and what kind of boat fits your group, send a message and we will set it up properly.
Not sure where to start? Contact our local travel agency for friendly, personalised advice, seasonal offers and travel options.
call us: +306980700070
send a message via WhatsApp
call or text us on Viber
send a message via Messenger
Don’t forget to mention:
- Number of persons, possible dates
- The hotel you’ll be staying
- The activity you are interested in
Changes to the Itinerary
Tours and holidays suggested itineraries are not standard. In case the weather is not what we expected the skipper will suggest alternatives so you will have a smooth and safe trip. Depending on the mood of the group you may choose not to visit crowded destinations to spend more time at the unspoiled places.
This is where local experience really pays off. In Halkidiki a forecast can look calm and then a thermal breeze builds in the afternoon, especially in the hotter months. Sometimes we flip the day. Sail early, swim and relax when the wind is up, then move again later if it calms. Other times we stay put because the anchorage is perfect and nobody wants to leave. That is a good day too.
If you are aiming for the Athos Coast, we keep it respectful and within the legal navigation rules. You can enjoy the coastline views from the sea, and it is one of the most dramatic parts of the region. For background on the area, there is a straightforward reference here: Mount Athos (Wikipedia). Conditions can be more exposed there, so we only go when the weather window is right and your group is comfortable with longer legs.
A few practical route ideas (without locking you in)
If you want an easy, family-friendly feel, we focus on shorter distances with plenty of swim stops and time at anchor. If you want more sailing time, we plan longer crossings and pick anchorages that are comfortable in the expected wind direction. If you want a food-focused trip, we include harbors where you can step off the boat and eat well without a long walk in the heat. None of this is fixed. It is just how we shape the days so they feel natural.
One more practical detail. In peak season, some popular spots fill up fast by late afternoon. If your group hates crowds, we go earlier or we pick quieter bays. If your group likes a bit of life, we time it so you can still find a place to tie up and enjoy the evening. The point is not to “do everything”. The point is to have days that feel right for you.
Local crew, local habits
We are not a call center far away from the sea. We are here, we sail here, and we know what a harbor looks like at 18:30 in August. That local reality is what keeps your vacation smooth.
Our local team of skippers, travel agents and scuba instructors with over 20 years of experience in Halkidiki is here to help you.
If a sailing day sounds like your kind of holiday, ask us about day trips and multi-day routes around Halkidiki. We will tell you what fits your dates and your crew, and what to avoid so you do not waste time.
If you’d like to explore the coast, ask us about day trips at sea and sailing boat options.