A catamaran is the most comfortable way to sail Greece, and it has become the first choice for families and groups who want space, stability and easy days at anchor. This complete guide covers the popular brands, the right size for your crew, what a week costs, and where a catamaran shines across the Aegean and the Ionian.
Why charter a catamaran in Greece?
Greece rewards boats that anchor well, and that is exactly what a catamaran does. Two hulls give you a stable platform that barely rolls, a huge living area, and a shallow draft that lets you tuck into bays close to the sand. You also get more privacy, because cabins sit apart in the hulls, and far more deck space for swimming, sunbathing and dining under the stars. For a full comparison with a keelboat, see our guide to catamaran vs monohull.
The main catamaran brands
Most charter catamarans in Greece come from a handful of respected builders. Each has its own character.
- Lagoon (for example the Lagoon 46 and Lagoon 51): the most popular cruising catamarans, known for volume, comfort and a raised helm with great visibility.
- Bali (for example the Bali 4.2 and Catspace): famous for a solid foredeck instead of trampolines and a garage-style tailgate that opens the cockpit to the sea.
- Fountaine Pajot (for example the Isla 40, Astrea 42, Elba 45 and Aura 51): elegant, well-built cruisers that balance performance and comfort.
- Excess (for example the Excess 11): a sportier, more responsive feel for crews who still want to enjoy the sailing.
What size catamaran do you need?
Size is really about how many cabins you need and how much space you want, not just length. As a rough guide:
- 38 to 40 feet (3 to 4 cabins): great for a couple or a small family who want catamaran comfort on a tighter budget.
- 42 to 46 feet (4 cabins): the sweet spot for families and groups of six to eight, with the Lagoon 46 a firm favourite.
- 50 feet and up (4 to 6 cabins): spacious flagships such as the Lagoon 51 and Aura 51 for larger groups or those who want extra luxury.
To match cabins and berths to your crew, read our guide to yacht cabins, berths and layouts.
What does a catamaran charter cost?
A catamaran costs more than a monohull of the same length, but shared between a full crew it can be excellent value. Prices vary with the model, the year, the season and whether you sail bareboat or with a skipper. The lowest prices are in spring and autumn, and the peak is July and August. For a detailed breakdown of the charter fee, deposit and extras, read how much a yacht charter in Greece costs.
Best bases and islands for a catamaran
Hellenic Yachting bases catamarans in Lavrion (near Athens), Lefkas, Rhodes and Corfu, which between them cover the best cruising grounds in the country.
- From Lavrion: the Cyclades and the Saronic Gulf, with iconic islands and reliable summer wind. Start with our guide to sailing the Cyclades.
- From Lefkas or Corfu: the calm, green Ionian, perfect for a relaxed catamaran week and ideal for first-timers and families.
- From Rhodes: the Dodecanese, with historic harbours and quiet southern islands.
Bareboat or skippered?
If you hold the right sailing qualifications you can charter a catamaran bareboat and be your own captain. If not, or if you simply want to relax, add a professional skipper who knows the local waters. Many crews new to catamarans take a skipper for the first day and continue on their own. Learn more in our guide to bareboat, skippered and crewed charters.
Who is a catamaran best for?
Catamarans are ideal for families with children, groups of friends who want a private cabin each, and anyone who values comfort at anchor over upwind performance. If luxury is the priority, our guide to the features of a luxury catamaran charter explains what to look for. Families in particular should read our pick of the best family catamarans.
What is included in a catamaran charter?
A standard bareboat catamaran charter includes the yacht and its equipment: sails, engines, safety gear, navigation electronics, a dinghy with outboard, bedding and a basic galley inventory. Not included are fuel, marina fees away from the home base, provisioning, and any extras you choose such as a skipper, hostess, air conditioning fuel or water toys. Always check the exact inventory and what the security deposit covers, so your budget is complete before you sail.
Provisioning and life aboard
Living on a catamaran is easy and sociable. The galley is well equipped for cooking on board, the fridges hold a week of supplies, and the wide cockpit table is where the crew gathers for long breakfasts and dinners. You can provision yourself at a supermarket near the base, or arrange delivery to the boat before departure. Most crews cook simple meals aboard and eat ashore at tavernas every few nights, which keeps the holiday relaxed and the budget under control.
Tips for a great catamaran week
- Book early for July and August, when the best catamarans go first.
- Plan your route around the wind, not the map, especially in the Aegean.
- Pack light in soft bags, as storage is generous but lockers are shaped to the hulls.
- Add a skipper for the first day if the boat is bigger than you are used to.
- Leave time for swimming stops. The best moments are often at anchor.
How a catamaran handles Greek conditions
Greece has two very different sailing characters, and a catamaran suits both. In the Aegean, the summer Meltemi wind can blow fresh from the north for days at a time. A catamaran handles this comfortably on a reach, staying level and dry while a monohull would be heeled hard over, though you plan the route so the wind is on the beam rather than on the nose. In the Ionian, where the breeze is gentler and often arrives as an afternoon sea breeze, a catamaran ghosts along easily and spends long, calm nights at anchor. In both seas, the shallow draft lets you anchor closer in and find shelter that deeper boats cannot reach.
When to book and how to save
Catamaran demand is highest for July and August, and the newest, best-equipped boats are reserved months ahead, often during the previous winter. If you want a specific model for peak summer, book early. To save money without losing much sun, look at late May, June, September and early October, when prices drop, the sea is warm and the islands are quieter. Booking a slightly older catamaran, or being flexible on your start day, can also lower the price while keeping all the comfort that makes a catamaran special.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can a catamaran sleep?
A typical 42 to 46 foot charter catamaran sleeps eight to ten guests in four cabins, plus a skipper cabin. Larger models can take twelve.
Is a catamaran good for beginners?
Yes. The stable, level platform and easy anchoring make catamarans very beginner-friendly, and you can add a skipper for extra peace of mind.
Do catamarans get seasick less?
Because they do not heel and roll much less at anchor, catamarans are the most comfortable choice for anyone prone to seasickness.
When should I book a catamaran for Greece?
The best catamarans for peak summer are reserved months ahead, often over the winter. Book early for July and August, and you will still find good availability for spring and autumn closer to the date.
Ready to find your catamaran? Browse our catamaran fleet in Greece or tell us your dates and crew and we will send you the best matches.
