Mediterranean Yacht Charter - Luxury Yacht Rentals & Top Routes

Book a 7-day private charter from Cannes to Corsica and Sardinia to lock in a timeless introduction to Mediterranean luxury. Start with breakfast on deck while crystal waters slip along the bow, then step ashore for intimate visits in belle towns with storied markets. Your crew tailors a pace that balances downtime with guided experiences, and the captain charts daily routes to maximize calm seas and stunning scenery.

On this route, plan 4-6 hour day legs: Cannes → Calvi, Calvi → Bonifacio, Bonifacio → Santa Teresa Gallura, Santa Teresa Gallura → Porto Cervo, Porto Cervo → La Maddalena. The formations of coastlines reveal crystal coves, pine-fringed bays, and medieval sites. You can begin with breakfast on deck, then board tenders for shore walks, and finish with a sunset cruise and dinner on board in a sheltered cove.

Choose a worldwide broker with access to 40-60m yachts; typical weekly rates range from €70,000 in the shoulder months to €250,000 in peak season, all inclusive of crew, chef, and water-sports gear. Look for options that include a corfus itinerary or flexible sale promotions, and confirm a dedicated captain who can tailor anchorages at Calvi, Bonifacio, La Maddalena, and Porto Cervo. A private chef can craft seafood dinners that highlight regional specialties and wine pairings, with thoughtful site visits and onshore experiences that elevate the journey.

Seasonality matters: May–October offer the best sea conditions and longest daylight for a seven-day charter. If you want more time, add Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, or a second week to extend the loop from Cannes to Corsica, Sardinia, and back. Book early through a trusted broker to secure peak-season dates; thanks to worldwide networks, you can arrange the right yacht, crew, and route for a legendary experience on the crystal Mediterranean.

Plan a Luxury Mediterranean Yacht Charter: Key Factors & Itinerary Design

Start with a 7–10 day itinerary focused on capri, private marinas, and uninhabited coves to maximize serenity.

Work with an experienced captain and crew who tailor each leg to weather, currents, and your pace. Choose a vessel with a shallow draft to reach whitewashed harbours and intimate anchorages, and plan ashore days for exploring cliffs and formations along the coast. The crew handles provisioning and tender transfers, so your schedule remains flexible.

Define your priorities for the itinerary: privacy, iconic views, and a balance between movement and downtime. Map daily legs with anchor points and safe marinas, and build in lighter days to enjoy serenity at anchor. This approach keeps your plan practical rather than overwhelming.

Itinerary design options unfold in two directions. Option A targets the capri–Amalfi corridor: capri, Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi, with a night at a private marina along the coast. Schedule stops at lookout points above dramatic cliffs and rock formations to capture sunrise light, then ashore for dinner beneath whitewashed walls when weather allows.

Option B moves north along the north Tyrrhenian coast to Corsica and Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, with Burgess Point as a quiet anchor and a couple of uninhabited coves for day-long privacy. Include marinas at Bastia or Calvi, then loop back toward the mainland, keeping a steady pace to avoid fatigue and ensuring early departures for calmer seas and clearer horizons. where possible, alternate between sheltered coves and lively ports to balance energy levels.

For practical planning, assign your itinerary around anchor points that offer both opportunities to ashore and open water days. Use a simple point-to-point map, label each day by distance and expected seas, and designate early-morning starts when winds favor smooth passages. The plan provides room to adapt to weather while keeping your private, immersive experience intact.

To refine provisioning and timing, compare a sample schedule with a distant benchmark like cebu to calibrate stocking, fuel, and tender time. On each leg, reserve 1–2 ashore experiences–a stroll along a shore with a shoulder of dramatic cliffs, a private dining terrace, or a visit to a small harbour market. This keeps your itinerary cohesive and ensures the journey remains comfortable and rewarding.

Thanks to a modular design, you can adjust the next leg based on marine conditions, ensuring the north winds or waves don’t compromise quality. This approach preserves a sense of serenity while offering compelling scenery, private moments, and access to marinas that support seamless transfers ashore and back aboard your vessel.

Choosing the Right Yacht Size, Crew, and Onboard Amenities for Greece

Choose a 45–55m motor yacht for a 6–10 guest party in Greece; this size delivers generous cabins, ample deck space for al fresco dining, and easy access when crowds surge in ports while preserving privacy on anchor days.

Plan a crew of 4–6 on a 45–55m hull: captain, chef, engineer, and two stewards. This team keeps service seamless during island hops and in busy harbors, while still allowing for quiet evenings under starry skies.

Onboard amenities should balance detox options, chic style, and practical needs: detox menus, a shaded al fresco dining area overlooking the sea, a gym, spa-like showers, a galley stocked for seafood, a watermaker, efficient air conditioning, a reliable tender package for island hops, and good Wi‑Fi for after-holiday connectivity.

Route selection should balance scenery and practicality: anchor days in coves overlooking caldera views, explore Paros and Naxos, and weave in quieter ports to avoid crowds. A deck dining scene can feature seafood while sunsets drift over the acropolis skyline near Athens.

Let the crew deliver a welcoming service that blends chic elegance with the blue Aegean light; interior style should emphasize clean lines, warm timber, and a calm palette. The captain and crew coordinate sail to glide between ports without haste, giving guests time to savor seafood courses and the sea from a shaded lounge.

Season planning includes origins from the netherlands and balearics, enriching routes with varied provisioning as you move toward Greek shores. This comes from rising demand for private charters that pair classic ports with hidden bays.

Unforgettable experiences await in Greece when you choose the right yacht size, a capable crew, and onboard amenities that support detox, chic style, and comfortable living–an elegant holiday that feels welcoming from the first hello to the last sunset.

Crewed vs Bareboat: What Fits Your Experience and Budget

Go crewed if you want a hassle-free week with families or first-timers; it provides a base for luxury with a captain, steward, and chef handling navigation, provisioning, and berthing, which provides peace of mind so you can focus on the blue seas, fragrant coves, and famous spots along greece’s coast. For many, it also evokes an époque of refined travel where privacy and service co-exist.

Bareboat suits seasoned sailors who crave control over routes, weather decisions, and provisioning freedom. It lets the itinerary be yours, and every day turns into a personal experiment in winds and sun, offering truly exclusive moments when you chart hidden bays yourself.

Cost snapshot: a week on a state-of-the-art crewed yacht around 50–60 ft in high season commonly runs €25k–€45k, excluding provisioning and fuel; a bareboat in the 40–45 ft range typically costs €6k–€12k, with season and size pushing higher or lower. For a turnkey, exclusive experience, crewed is the safe bet; bareboat keeps the base budget lean if you have the experience and a capable crew.

In greece, plan island-hopping between famous spots such as the Cyclades and Dodecanese, with sivota offering fragrant coves and calmer anchorages away from the crowds. A crewed yacht can add guided snorkeling and diving adventures, and you can turn toward monaco for a Riviera-style extension with nightlife and exclusive beach clubs.

On a crewed charter, you get a ready-to-go schedule, access to an exclusive itinerary, and a crew-provided menu; you can snorkel in calm bays, sip sunset cocktails on deck, and explore island beaches with less effort compared to a bareboat.

Decision hinges on experience, group size, and whether you want nightlife access or tranquil anchorage; for families or first-timers, having a crew makes safety and activities straightforward, while groups of experienced sailors can craft their own course and make your itinerary yours by skipping rigid schedules.

Bottom line: crewed fits most travelers seeking ease and access to greece’s top spots; bareboat suits adventurous, budget-conscious skippers who want a deeply personalized voyage and are comfortable with the responsibilities afloat.

Selecting Greece Routes: Island-Hopping from Athens to the Cyclades and Dodecanese

Recommendation for planning: Book a 9–12 day charter from the porto of Piraeus that threads the Cyclades first and then threads into the Dodecanese; this keeps leg times reasonable and leaves room for enjoying coastlines, ancient sites, and high-end experiences.

In the Cyclades, anchor Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Syros, and Santorini, with Milos or Sifnos as optional add-ons. Expect short hops of 25–70 nautical miles and 3–6 hour legs on a contemporary superyacht. Paros offers a graceful chora and chic restaurants and shopping scenes in Naousa and Parikia; Naxos blends ancient ruins with lush coastlines and easy beach stops; Mykonos delivers renowned restaurants and vibrant parties plus a stroll through the cosmopolitan chora; Syros provides a refined, quieter tempo with excellent local markets; Santorini rewards with dramatic caldera views, beautifully contrasting white and blue architecture, and subtle shopping along the town routes. If time allows, Milos presents striking coastlines and unique rock formations perfect for quemar anchors and tender excursions.

From the Cyclades, head toward the Dodecanese, with Rhodes as the anchor point. Allocate 2–3 days to Rhodes Old Town, ancient ruins, and a stroll through the historic harbor area. Then hop to Kalymnos, Kos, Symi, and Astypalea, enjoying short hops of 12–40 nautical miles between each stop. Kalymnos is a diver’s and climber’s paradise with a lively harbor and solid dining options; Symi charms with pastel Chora fronts and tranquil harbors; Kos offers a well-preserved ancient site, vibrant port life, and shopping along the harbor; Astypalea provides a picturesque hilltop Chora and authentically relaxed island atmosphere. This sequence balances coastlines, culture, and contemporary comforts while keeping travel times manageable for a large, well-equipped charter fleet.

When you plan shore time, reserve mornings for Chora strolls and temple or ancient site visits, then dedicate afternoons to restaurants and beaches. In Delos or nearby sacred sites, private tenders can deliver a concise, high-value excursion that complements a day at sea. For evenings, seek restaurants with local flavors and sea views; on Mykonos and Santorini, you’ll find a range from classic tavernas to high-end boutiques and shopping districts that mirror marina activity and Monte Carlo–like service at the best charter homes.

For a seamless experience, work with a broker who offers a curated roster of charters, including large, contemporary fleets and options with home-port service in Piraeus or Rhodes. Look for offers that include provisioning, trained crew, water toys, and flexible itineraries that adapt to wind and sea conditions. A well-rounded package covers on-board cuisine, port calls in charming ports, and access to local experiences, from wine tastings to guided tours of ancient temples and chora districts.

Seasonality matters: May through October delivers favorable sailing conditions and warm seas, with peak routes in July and August requiring early reservations for moorings and restaurant reservations. If you are looking for quieter weeks, target late May or September when temperatures remain pleasant and coastlines are less crowded. For a cross-regional comparison, the region around Croatia offers similar island-hopping vibes, but the Greece route emphasizes ancient ruins, sacred sites, and a maritime culture that feels distinctly home to the Aegean–perfect for a high-end charter looking to enjoy a cohesive, luxurious experience with a Mediterranean flavor comparable to Monaco or Saint-Tropez in vibe, yet anchored to Greek coastlines and island life.

Consolidate the itinerary into clear miles and days: plan 2–3 days among Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos, then 1–2 days on Syros and Santorini, followed by 2–3 days in Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos, and Symi. This “loop” keeps the boat comfortably sized for enjoying the coastlines, the intimate chora streets, and the refined dining and shopping scenes while offering ample opportunities for ancient-site exploration and modern leisure alike.

Looking for the best balance of culture and leisure? Target a route that includes Delos by a short tender from Mykonos or Paros, a couple of memorable shore visits, and a final stretch through Rhodes’ medieval walls into a relaxed Santorini sunset–an experience that combines antiquity, contemporary luxury, and the hospitality of the region with a distinctly Mediterranean flair, and leaves you with a consistent, satisfying point to call home at journey’s end.

Must-Visit Beaches and Anchorages for a Luxury Yacht Charter

Anchor at Cala di Volpe, Sardinia, as your first stop: theres access to world-famous dining, sunshine and a peaceful, blue-water welcome that sets the tone for upscale yachting.

• Cala di Volpe Bay, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

  Why visit: iconic bay with pristine water, backed by boutique hotels and renowned restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes. Access by motor yacht is straightforward from the north; the anchorage cushions the boat from easterly winds, and a tender ride puts you into Porto Cervo for shopping and sunset cocktails. Hold in 6–12 m of blue-hued seabed, drop with a short cavo of chain for security, and keep a generous swing to enjoy the essence of the coastline.

• Cala Brandinchi (Little Tahiti), San Teodoro, Sardinia

  Why visit: powdery white sand, crystalline water and a tranquil, peaceful setting ideal for a slow morning swim. Access by motor yacht is easy from the northern coast; anchor just beyond the reef where the seabed shelves gently, typically in 4–8 m. The arc of sun over the pine-scented shore creates a soulful backdrop for lunch aboard or ashore at a local trattoria offering light, fresh dishes.

• La Maddalena Archipelago, La Maddalena, Sardinia

  Why visit: world-famous cluster of isles with dramatic blue water and winding coves. Anchorage options include Cala Spalmatore and Cala Granara, where the wind stays calm and the anchor holds well in sand. Access is best with a motor yacht from Caprera, and tender trips lead to secluded beaches, local markets, and handcrafted dishes from island eateries–plus the rising sun over dramatic rock formations makes for an unforgettable experience.

• Lavezzi Islands, Bonifacio, Corsica

  Why visit: remote, unspoiled anchorage with pristine turquoise water and a peaceful atmosphere unlike crowded bays. Access by motor yacht is via the Bonifacio channel; anchor in 8–15 m in sandy patches, with good holding near grassy bottoms. A short tender ride delivers you to dramatic coves for snorkeling, and sunset drinks on deck highlight the essence of a secluded cruising day.

• Li Galli and the Amalfi Coast, near Positano, Italy

  Why visit: dramatic cliff-backed bays, world-famous limestone stacks and a vibrant yachting scene. Anchorage options include sheltered bays off Li Galli or along the Amalfi shore where depths range from 8–16 m in sandy to gravel bottoms. Access ashore is easy by tender, with upscale dining in nearby towns offering soulful, coastal dishes and an opportunity to witness a remarkable sunset over the coastline.

• Capri: Marina Piccola Bay, Capri

  Why visit: iconic blue grotto scenery, protected waters and a nightlife-friendly corridor for a late-afternoon approach. The bay provides a reliable anchorage in 6–12 m with good holding in sand and weed. Tender ashore brings you to chic cafes and gelaterias; the skyline at sunset delivers that quintessential, uplifting moment unique to yachting in this cluster of isles.

• Pollensa Bay and Cap de Formentor, Mallorca

  Why visit: crystalline water and sweeping coastal views with a collectors’ array of beaches nearby. Anchor off the calmer edge of the bay, typically in 7–14 m, then use a tender to reach sandy beaches and coves. The coastline offers a rising horizon of cliffs, gentle climate conditions, and dinner options that pair well with a final sea breeze and a soulful sunset–an elevated experience for any charter.

plus, each stop blends access with freedom: you can choose to linger for a peaceful afternoon, or push on to the next blue-hued sanctuary. When planning, mix iconic world-famous harbors with hidden coves to keep the itinerary dynamic, ensure you have local anchorage rules in mind, and rely on expert guidance to respect protected zones while enjoying the essence of the Med.

Logistics and Budgeting: Fuel, Provisioning, Dock Fees, and Taxes

Lock in a weekly fuel plan and pre-book provisioning across key Med hubs. Use a state-of-the-art fuel-management system and confirm daily caps with the captain. This keeps spend predictable every day, avoids spikes in palma's busy ports, and frees travelers to enjoy the north routes with ease. It also makes the voyage an escape from routine while you sample the sites along the coast, touching the heart of Mediterranean yachting.

Fuel consumption on a 40–60 m superyacht at 12–14 knots averages about 200–400 liters per hour. Over a 6–8 hour day, this yields 1,200–3,200 liters. With diesel around 1.5–2.2 EUR per liter in the Med, daily fuel costs typically run 1,800–7,000 EUR. If you push into longer crossing segments or encounter galea winds, expect the higher end. Plan for refueling in Palma, greece, or other major ports where supply is abundant.

Provisions: plan by selecting local suppliers in palma and greece, prioritizing seasonal produce and fresh fish from nearby fishing sites. Budget for 60–250 EUR per guest per day for food and beverages, with cocktails often adding 20–40% to the bill. To bring value, stock a mix of famous wines and local spirits, matching the vibe of each anchorage. Include temple-like pauses during quiet evenings and keep options versatile to support even winter itineraries when the sea feels calmer. This approach lets you bring standout meals to even casual evenings and keeps the crew motivated on longer escapes.

Dock fees and taxes: berth charges depend on length, season, and port. Shoulder-season rates for a 40–60 m yacht typically run 60–120 EUR per meter per day; peak season often 120–250 EUR/meter/day. In palma, athens, and other famous sites, expect higher figures in winter and peak months. Always request tax-inclusive quotes and verify applicable VAT or port dues for greece or spain; taxes can add a few percent to base charges and may require separate handling for crew services. Use a local agent to manage berthing permits and to optimize the anchorage choice when terre or sheltered bays are available.