Buying A Boat In Greece: Your Guide To The Best Spots

Nov 18, 2025 by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey boat enthusiasts! Thinking about making the jump and buying a boat in Greece? Awesome choice! The Greek islands offer some of the most stunning sailing grounds in the world, with crystal-clear waters, breathtaking scenery, and a rich maritime history. But, where do you even start when looking to buy a boat in Greece? This guide is here to help, breaking down the best places to buy, what to consider, and how to navigate the process. So, let’s dive in and get you one step closer to your dream of cruising the Aegean Sea!

Why Greece is a Top Choice for Boat Buyers

First things first, why buy a boat in Greece? Well, the reasons are plentiful, guys! Greece isn't just a destination; it's an experience. The allure extends far beyond the obvious beauty.

Stunning Sailing Grounds: Picture this: you're gently gliding across the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, or navigating the Cyclades with their iconic whitewashed villages. Greece boasts thousands of islands, each offering unique sailing experiences, from secluded coves to vibrant marinas. The consistent winds and calm seas during the sailing season make it a dream for both seasoned sailors and those just starting out.
Rich Maritime History: Greece has a history deeply intertwined with the sea. This means there's a strong boating culture, readily available expertise, and a network of support services for boat owners. You'll find skilled shipwrights, experienced mechanics, and a wealth of local knowledge to help you maintain and enjoy your boat.
Cost-Effective Ownership: While the initial investment in a boat can be significant, the ongoing costs of boat ownership in Greece can be surprisingly reasonable compared to other parts of the world. Mooring fees, maintenance, and other expenses are often more affordable, especially when you factor in the long sailing season.
Vibrant Boating Community: Greece has a thriving boating community, with numerous regattas, sailing events, and social gatherings. This is a great way to meet fellow boaters, share experiences, and make new friends who share your passion for the sea.
Easy Access and Stunning Destinations: You can effortlessly access hundreds of Greek islands from marinas all around Greece. This ease of navigation opens up all the wonderful and picturesque places, such as Santorini, Mykonos and Crete.

So, if you are looking to buy a boat in Greece, you have many great reasons to do so. Now, let’s get into the specifics of where to look!

Top Locations to Buy a Boat in Greece

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: where are the best places to buy a boat in Greece? The answer depends on what you're looking for, but here are some of the top spots, each with its own advantages:

Athens and the Saronic Gulf

Athens, the heart of Greece, is a natural starting point. The Saronic Gulf, right at its doorstep, offers a fantastic blend of convenience and sailing opportunities.

Advantages: Easy access to a wide range of boats, from small day sailors to large yachts. Numerous marinas offer excellent facilities and services, and the proximity to Athens makes it easy to handle paperwork, maintenance, and provisioning. The Saronic Gulf itself provides sheltered waters, ideal for both beginners and experienced sailors.
Marinas to Consider: Alimos Marina, Flisvos Marina, and Olympic Marina are among the most popular choices, each offering various amenities like repair services, restaurants, and shops.
Types of Boats Available: You’ll find a diverse selection, with a focus on sailboats and motor yachts.

The Cyclades Islands

The Cyclades, with their iconic whitewashed villages and stunning blue waters, are a sailor's paradise. Buying a boat here puts you right in the heart of the action.

Advantages: Direct access to some of the most beautiful sailing grounds in the world. Buying a boat in the Cyclades means you can start exploring the islands immediately. This area attracts boaters from all over the world, which means there is a large and experienced network of service providers.
Marinas to Consider: While marina space can be limited, you'll find options in places like Syros, Paros, and Mykonos. However, many boat owners in the Cyclades prefer to use their boats as their own "hotel" for access to all the beautiful islands.
Types of Boats Available: Generally, you will find sailboats and catamarans because these types are more capable of navigating between the islands.

Lefkada and the Ionian Sea

The Ionian Sea, known for its calm waters and lush green islands, is a fantastic choice for a relaxed sailing experience. Lefkada, in particular, is a popular hub.

Advantages: The Ionian Sea is known for its gentle winds and sheltered waters, making it perfect for families and those new to sailing. Lefkada offers excellent marina facilities and easy access to the other islands in the Ionian, such as Corfu, Paxos, and Zakynthos.
Marinas to Consider: Lefkas Marina, in particular, is a well-equipped marina with a range of services.
Types of Boats Available: Here, you'll find a wide variety of sailboats, motorboats, and catamarans.

Other Notable Locations

Thessaloniki: Located in Northern Greece, Thessaloniki is a bustling city with marina options and good access to the northern Aegean Sea. It is a good option if you plan to explore the northern islands or sail towards Turkey.
Rhodes: One of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes, offers a strategic location for exploring the southeastern Aegean. It has a well-established marina and good connections to other islands and Turkey.

What to Consider Before You Buy

Before you start browsing listings, there are a few key things to consider when you want to buy a boat in Greece:

Your Budget: Be realistic about your budget. The initial purchase price is just the beginning. You'll also need to factor in running costs like insurance, mooring fees, maintenance, and repairs. Create a detailed budget to avoid any financial surprises.
Type of Boat: What kind of sailing do you envision? A sailboat, motorboat, or catamaran? Consider the size, features, and intended use of the boat. Do you want to go island hopping, long-distance cruising, or simply day sailing?
New vs. Used: New boats come with warranties and the latest technology, but they're more expensive. Used boats can offer excellent value, but you'll need to carefully inspect them and consider potential maintenance costs.
Condition of the Boat: If you're buying a used boat, a professional survey is essential. This will help identify any potential issues with the hull, engine, rigging, and equipment.
Legal Requirements: Understand the legal requirements for boat ownership in Greece. This includes registration, insurance, and any necessary permits.
Taxation: Consider the taxes involved in purchasing and owning a boat in Greece. Research the relevant VAT (Value Added Tax) regulations and any potential import duties if you’re bringing a boat into Greece from another country.
Location: Consider where you plan to keep your boat. The location will impact mooring fees, access to services, and sailing opportunities. Consider whether you want to live aboard the boat.

The Buying Process

So, you know you want to buy a boat in Greece. Now what?

Find a Broker: A reputable yacht broker can be invaluable. They can help you navigate the market, find suitable boats, and handle the paperwork. Make sure to work with a broker who is licensed and has experience in the Greek market.
Research and Viewings: Once you've identified potential boats, arrange viewings. Bring along a knowledgeable friend or a surveyor to help assess the boat's condition.
Survey and Sea Trial: Before making an offer, get a professional survey. A sea trial will give you a chance to assess the boat's performance and handling. Hire a professional surveyor to perform a comprehensive inspection of the boat’s hull, engine, electrical systems, and rigging.
Make an Offer and Negotiate: Once you're satisfied with the survey and sea trial, make an offer. Be prepared to negotiate, and have a clear understanding of the boat's market value.
Complete the Sale: Once the offer is accepted, the broker will handle the paperwork. This includes drafting a sale agreement, transferring ownership, and registering the boat. If you’re purchasing a boat that is currently registered in another country, you may need to go through the process of deregistration and re-registration in Greece.
Insurance: Secure boat insurance.
Mooring: Find a suitable mooring for the boat.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Owning a boat in Greece is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with ongoing maintenance responsibilities. Here's what you need to keep in mind:

Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance for the engine, rigging, and other essential systems. This will help prevent costly repairs down the line.
Hull Cleaning: Keep the hull clean to prevent the build-up of marine growth, which can affect the boat's performance.
Winterizing: In the off-season, you'll need to winterize your boat to protect it from the elements. This may include removing the sails, draining the water systems, and protecting the engine.
Local Services: Utilize local boatyards and service providers. Greece has a wealth of skilled professionals who can help with maintenance and repairs.

Conclusion

Buying a boat in Greece is an exciting prospect! With careful planning and research, you can find the perfect vessel to explore the stunning Greek islands. Start your search, connect with a reputable broker, and get ready to experience the freedom and adventure of sailing in the Mediterranean. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Fair winds and following seas, guys! I hope you now know the best place to buy a boat in Greece! Happy sailing!