Budgeting Your Week-Long Sailing Adventure in Greece

Budgeting a week of Sailing in the Ionian Sea

A week sailing the blue waters of the Ionian sea can sound like a dream reserved for the rich and famous. But with a little planning and savvy budgeting, this adventure can be accessible to any budget-conscious traveller.

This guide will help you break down the essentials of planning a budget-friendly sailing trip in Greece, perfect for beginners and those seeking a new and thrilling experience.

1. Boat Hire

The first step in planning your sailing trip is finding the right boat. Prices will vary depending on the size, type of boat, and season. A typical sailboat for one week ranges from €1,200 to €3,000 during peak season (July–August). In my experience I used Sunsail and it was great - go check them out with this link.

Bear in mind if Sailing with friends the price will drop massively per person and will seem much more reasonable than it looks. For example, a €3,000 boat between 6 people would only equate to €71 euros per person a night which is no dearer than a nice hotel.

Tip: If you don't have sailing experience, consider hiring a skipper. They can cost an additional €150 to €200 per day but offer valuable local knowledge and peace of mind.

2. Fuel and Docking Fees

Fuel costs depend on your itinerary and sailing style. Budget around €100 to €300 for fuel for a week. Docking fees usually range from €20 to €50 per night if you're mooring at an organised marina.

Tip: To save money, consider anchoring in bays overnight, which is often free or cheaper than docking. Also note that many ports will not charge for stays off season, it works on a simple first come first serve basis - If yer not fast yer last!

3. Flights

Flights to Greece should be booked well in advance to secure the best rates. Depending on your departure location and the time of booking, return flights can range from €100 to €400.

Tip: Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights, and be flexible with your dates to find the best deals.

4. Food

Dining in Greece varies from affordable tavernas to luxury dining. Onboard dining is another cost-effective option, allowing you to enjoy homemade meals as you sail. Budget around €150 to €250 per person for a week.

Tip: Stock up on groceries in larger towns where prices are generally lower and shop at local markets for fresh produce.

5. Additional Activities

While sailing, there are plenty of additional activities to enhance your adventure - Here are some ideas below.

Scuba Gear

Snorkelling Equipment

Paddleboard

Digital Camera

Tip: Go check out my blog on the essentials to pack with you when Sailing in Greece for a better insight into what you should bring and links to buy them online.

Total Estimated Budget:

Here's a rough estimate of your budget for a week-long sailing trip in Greece:

Boat Hire: €1,200 - €3,000

Skipper: €1,050 - €1,400 (if needed)

Fuel & Docking: €140 - €350

Flights: €100 - €400

Food: €150 - €250 per person

Additional Activities: €100 - €200 (optional)

Estimated Total: €1,740 - €4,450 (excluding optional activities)

Conclusion

Sailing around Greece doesn't have to break the bank. With careful planning, it can be a remarkably affordable way to explore this beautiful region. Everyone will be different and plan according to what they feel fits most appropriate!