The Caldera at Dawn
Sail into the caldera in the early morning before the day boats and cruise ships arrive. Anchor in silence beneath the cliffs with the village of Fira glowing orange above you. There is nothing quite like it in Greece.
Cyclades · Greece
Yacht Charter Santorini
Sail into the caldera at dawn before the cruise ships arrive. Anchor beneath the cliffs of Oia, swim in the volcanic hot springs and watch the most famous sunset in the world from the water.
Sailing Santorini, Greece
Why Sail to Santorini?
Santorini is the rim of an ancient volcanic caldera, a near-circular bay surrounded by sheer black and red cliffs that drop hundreds of metres to the sea. Sailing into it under your own canvas, before the first ferries of the day, is an experience that is simply not available to any other kind of visitor.
From the water you see Santorini as it was meant to be seen. The white villages of Fira and Oia perch impossibly on the cliff edge above you. The volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni sit in the centre of the caldera. You can anchor off and walk to the crater rim, or swim in the thermal hot springs directly from your yacht. The water inside the caldera is deep, dramatically blue and sheltered from the open Aegean swell.
Vlamis Yachts departs from Alimos Marina in Athens. Santorini sits at the southern arc of the Cyclades, approximately 130 nautical miles from Athens, a two-day sail or overnight passage through some of the most beautiful island scenery in the Mediterranean. The caldera is reached as the highlight of a Cyclades charter rather than as a local day trip.
What to Expect
Santorini by Yacht
The caldera offers anchorages and experiences that no hotel on the clifftop can match.
Volcanic Islands & Hot Springs
The volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni sit at the centre of the caldera. Walk to the active crater rim and swim in the natural thermal hot springs directly from your yacht's tender.
Sunset from the Water
The Oia sunset is famous worldwide. Watching it from the deck of a yacht anchored in the caldera, with a glass of Greek wine, is a completely different experience from fighting the crowds on the cliff path above.
Ammoudi Bay
The small fishing port below Oia. Excellent seafood restaurants sit on the water's edge, accessible by boat far more easily than the 300-step climb from the village. Anchor off and take the tender ashore for lunch.
Akrotiri & the Red Beach
On the southern coast, the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri sits beneath distinctive red volcanic cliffs. The Red Beach is accessible only by sea. Anchor off and swim ashore. One of the most dramatic anchorages in the Cyclades.
Thirassia
The quieter island on the western rim of the caldera. Far fewer visitors than Santorini itself, with a handful of tavernas and superb views back across the water to the main island. A perfect overnight anchorage.
Getting There
Athens to Santorini: the Cyclades Route
Santorini is the natural end point of a one-week Cyclades charter from Athens. The route south through the islands is one of the great sailing passages in the Mediterranean.
A typical one-week itinerary from Alimos Marina:
- Day 1: Alimos Marina, Athens to Kea (4 to 5 hours)
- Day 2: Kea to Kythnos or Serifos (6 to 7 hours)
- Day 3: Serifos to Sifnos (4 hours, best food in the Cyclades)
- Day 4: Sifnos to Paros or Naxos (5 to 6 hours)
- Day 5: Paros to Ios (5 hours)
- Days 6 to 7: Santorini, two nights in the caldera
Two-week charters can explore more of the Cyclades or return via Milos and the western islands. One-way charters finishing in Santorini are available with the yacht repositioned by our delivery skipper. Explore the full Cyclades guide.
How to Charter
Bareboat, Skippered or Crewed
Bareboat Charter
Charter independently with your own qualified skipper. Requires a recognised licence (RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104, ICC or equivalent) and co-skipper. The Cyclades in summer requires solid offshore experience. The Meltemi can be strong in July and August.
Skippered Charter
A professional Vlamis skipper joins your group for the week. No licence or experience required. Strongly recommended for first-time Cyclades charterers and for anyone sailing in July or August when the Meltemi is at its strongest.
Crewed Charter
Full crew including skipper, hostess and optional chef. Fully provisioned and managed. The ultimate way to experience Santorini and the Cyclades, available on our larger sailing yachts, catamarans and motor yachts.
Day Cruises
Day Cruises from Athens
Vlamis operates daily cruise programmes from Alimos Marina, Athens, to the Saronic islands and the Athenian Riviera, on vessels ranging up to 49 passenger capacity. These day cruises depart from Athens, not from Santorini.
To experience the Santorini caldera itself, the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni, the thermal hot springs, the Red Beach and the sunset off Oia, the best option is a multi-day charter sailing south through the Cyclades with Santorini as the final destination.
Contact us to plan the right itinerary for your dates and group. We respond within one business day.
Good to Know
Yacht Charter Santorini FAQs
How much does yacht charter in Santorini cost?
Charter prices vary by yacht, season and charter type. In line with our booking policy we do not publish fixed rates here. Request a quote or check our charter calendar for current availability and pricing, and we will come back within one business day.
Can I charter a yacht from Athens to Santorini?
Yes. Santorini is approximately 130 nautical miles from Alimos Marina in Athens, a two-day sail or one overnight passage through the Cyclades. Most charterers include Santorini as the southern destination of a one-week itinerary, stopping at Kea, Paros or Naxos en route. One-way charters finishing in Santorini are also available.
When is the best time to charter a yacht in Santorini?
June and September are the best months: warm water, manageable Meltemi winds and the island before or after the peak-season crowds. July and August bring the Meltemi at its strongest, with fast and exhilarating sailing but demanding conditions. Recommended for experienced sailors or with a professional skipper on board.
Is Santorini suitable for beginner sailors?
The Cyclades in peak summer can be challenging for first-time charterers due to the Meltemi. We recommend adding a professional skipper, sailing in June or September, or starting with the Ionian islands (Lefkada or Corfu) which offer more sheltered conditions. Contact us and we will suggest the right option for your experience level.
Can I visit the Santorini caldera on a day cruise?
Vlamis day cruises operate from Alimos Marina in Athens, not from Santorini. To experience the caldera, the volcanic islands, the hot springs and the Oia sunset, the best option is a multi-day charter sailing south through the Cyclades with Santorini as the final destination. Contact us to plan the itinerary.
Plan Your Santorini Charter
Sail into the Caldera.
Tell us your dates, group size and preferred charter type and we'll come back with a tailored proposal within one business day.