Motor Yacht Charters
Motor Yacht Charter Greece
Speed, range, and shore-side stability for the most demanding Greek itineraries.
Why a motor yacht in Greek waters
In its favour
- Beat the Meltemi: arrive ahead of weather, not behind it.
- Stabilisers neutralise anchor-side roll on outside swell.
- Full air-conditioning at anchor without generator noise.
- Tender garages free deck space for sun pads and dining.
- Two daily destinations are realistic on long passage days.
Worth knowing
- Fuel adds 8 to 14% to APA in peak season.
- Larger draft excludes some shallow anchorages on Paxos and Antiparos.
- Mooring fees on Mykonos and Hydra are higher than sailing tonnage.
Best suited for
- Families with grown children booking a private cabin each
- Itineraries crossing more than two island groups in one week
- Charters in July or August when Meltemi limits sailing comfort
- Repeat clients used to the comfort floor of recent-build interiors
- Multi-generational groups where mobility around the boat matters
When to book a motor yacht
Motor yachts hold their value of comfort year-round, but July and August are when they save the week. The Meltemi peaks 25 to 35 knots, often for three days at a stretch. A sailing itinerary forced to wait out wind in a single port loses the variety that made the charter worth the price. A motor yacht keeps moving. September and October are the quietest months of the season, with warm water still and the long-shore winds softer, ideal for slower-paced family weeks and shoulder-rate pricing.
Notes from George
- Ask whether the yacht has zero-speed stabilisers. The standard fin-only systems work at 8 knots and up, not at anchor.
- Two tenders is worth paying for when you have eight guests. One drops people on the beach while the other runs to the village for the lunch reservation.
- Fuel pricing is rarely fixed before booking. Build a 10% APA cushion if the itinerary includes long transits to the Sporades or Dodecanese.
- Heesen, Benetti, and Custom Line layouts above 35 metres usually carry a master forward with private terrace. Worth asking before viewing.
- Don't book on length alone. A well-laid 40-metre often gives more usable sun-deck space than a poorly-laid 45.
Frequently asked
About motor yacht charter greece
How much does a motor yacht charter in Greece cost?
Weekly rates start around €25,000 for a 50-foot motor yacht with a couple as crew, and run to €600,000+ for a 50-metre vessel with seven crew, two tenders, and a full toy kit. Most of our motor yacht charter weeks settle between €70,000 and €180,000, before APA (typically 30 to 35% of the base rate) and 12 to 24% Greek charter VAT depending on itinerary.
What's the difference between APA and the base rate?
Base rate covers the yacht and crew. APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) is paid up front and pays for fuel, food, drinks, dockage, and other running costs during the charter. APA is run as a transparent account and any unspent balance is returned at the end of the week. For motor yachts, APA is higher than sailing because fuel is the largest variable.
Can a motor yacht reach the Sporades from Athens in one charter week?
Yes. A 20-knot motor yacht covers Athens to Skiathos in about 8 hours. We typically build a 7-day route as Athens to Cyclades to Sporades or vice versa, with two full days at anchor in each group. Tighter than that and the charter feels rushed; longer and you lose the variety that makes the loop worth doing.
Do motor yachts come with a chef?
Most motor yachts from 30 metres up carry a dedicated chef. Below 30 metres, the captain's partner or chief stewardess often handles galley duties to a high standard. The 2026 fleet shows the chef position separately on every motor yacht listing; ask if you don't see it called out.
Is a motor yacht the right choice for our honeymoon?
If your honeymoon vision is morning yoga on deck and quiet anchorages where you barely hear the engine, a sailing catamaran will give a softer rhythm. If it's room service in a master suite with a sea-view shower, a 30-metre motor yacht with a separate crew zone delivers privacy that a sailing boat cannot match. Both work for the right couple.
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