Family Sailing Holidays in Greece

A family yacht charter in Greece can be one of the most enjoyable and memorable holidays you take together — especially when it’s planned around children and a relaxed pace.

For families considering their first sailing holiday, we focus on the Ionian Islands on Greece’s west coast. This part of Greece is known for calm waters, short sailing distances, and easy-going island life, making it particularly well suited to family sailing holidays and first-time yacht charter guests.

On this page, we explain what a family sailing holiday in Greece is really like, including example Ionian routes and what to expect from the moment you leave your front door in the UK to the moment you return home.

Greece has many beautiful sailing areas, but they are not all equally suited to families — especially those travelling with children or new to sailing holidays.

The Ionian Islands, located on Greece’s west coast, are widely regarded as one of the most family-friendly sailing regions in the Mediterranean. Sailing distances are short, winds are generally lighter, and the coastline offers plenty of sheltered bays where families can swim and relax safely.

Another reason families love the Ionian Islands is the pace of life ashore. Harbours are small and welcoming, villages are easy to explore on foot, and evenings tend to be relaxed rather than busy. This makes it much easier for families to settle into a natural rhythm without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

For these reasons, the Ionian Islands are often the best place to start for a family yacht charter in Greece, particularly for first-time sailing holidays.

🇬🇷 Ionian Islands (Lefkada / Preveza) – family-friendly & relaxed

From Your Front Door to Your Yacht in the Ionian Islands

Your family sailing holiday in the Ionian begins at home, not at the marina.

Most families travel from the UK to Preveza Airport (also known as Aktion), typically on a morning or early-afternoon flight. It’s a small, easy-to-navigate airport, which makes travelling with children far less stressful than larger international hubs.

On arrival, a short transfer of around 30 minutes takes you to the marina near Lefkada, where your yacht will be waiting. Boarding usually takes place in the afternoon and is intentionally unhurried. You’ll meet your skipper, settle into your cabins, unpack properly, and get comfortable on board.

There’s no pressure to sail on the first day. Many families enjoy a relaxed first evening nearby or simply settle in and enjoy being on the yacht.

The following morning is when the sailing holiday really begins — often with a gentle first sail and a swim before lunch.

🇬🇷 Saronic Gulf (Athens) – easy access & short hops

From Your Front Door to Your Yacht in the Saronic Gulf

Sailing holidays in the Saronic Gulf are among the easiest in Greece, particularly for families and first-time charter guests.

Most guests fly from the UK to Athens International Airport, with a wide choice of direct flights. From the airport, a transfer of around 45 minutes takes you to Alimos Marina on the Athenian coast.

Boarding normally takes place in the afternoon. Once on board, you’ll meet your skipper, settle into your cabins, and have time to relax before the journey begins. Many guests choose to enjoy their first evening ashore or dine on board without sailing on the first day.

The Saronic islands are close together, meaning short sailing distances and calm days. The first sail is often gentle, with swimming stops and relaxed afternoons setting the tone for the week ahead.

🇬🇷 Cyclades – iconic Greece & lively sailing

From Your Front Door to Your Yacht in the Cyclades

A sailing holiday in the Cyclades combines dramatic scenery, iconic Greek islands, and more adventurous sailing.

Most guests fly from the UK to Athens, then transfer to either Alimos or Lavrion Marina. Alternatively, some itineraries begin on islands such as Paros or Mykonos, reached via domestic flights or ferries.

Boarding usually takes place in the afternoon. After meeting your skipper and settling in, there may be the option to sail a short distance on the first evening, depending on conditions and preferences.

The Cyclades are known for stronger winds, particularly in summer, which makes them ideal for confident sailors or families choosing a skippered yacht. The sailing is rewarding, with lively passages balanced by beautiful anchorages, beaches, and vibrant island towns.

🇬🇷 Dodecanese – warmer waters & quieter routes

From Your Front Door to Your Yacht in the Dodecanese

Sailing holidays in the Dodecanese offer a calmer, more traditional Greek island experience, often with fewer crowds.

Most guests fly from the UK to either Kos or Rhodes, depending on the starting marina. Transfers from the airport to the marina are usually short and straightforward.

Boarding typically takes place in the afternoon, allowing time to settle into the yacht and meet your skipper. Many itineraries begin without sailing on the first day, giving guests time to relax after travelling.

The Dodecanese islands are more spread out, creating longer sailing passages and a slower pace. This area suits families with older children or guests looking for a quieter, more authentic sailing experience.

🇬🇷 Sporades – green islands & nature-led sailing

From Your Front Door to Your Yacht in the Sporades

The Sporades are ideal for guests who enjoy nature, clear water, and a relaxed rhythm on the water.

Most sailing holidays begin with a flight to Skiathos, a compact island airport that is easy to navigate. From there, a short transfer takes you to the marina where your yacht will be waiting.

Boarding usually takes place in the afternoon. Once on board, you’ll meet your skipper, unpack, and enjoy a calm first evening nearby or at anchor.

The following days focus on gentle sailing between green islands, secluded bays, and protected marine areas. The pace is unhurried, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying the natural beauty of the islands.

One of the things families enjoy most about a sailing holiday is how naturally the days unfold. There’s no fixed schedule to follow and no need to be anywhere at a particular time.

Most days begin with breakfast on deck, followed by a gentle sail lasting a couple of hours at most. You’ll usually stop in a calm bay for swimming before lunch, with plenty of time for children to swim, paddleboard, or simply relax on board.

Afternoons are unstructured. Some families head ashore to explore a small harbour or village, while others stay on the yacht and enjoy the water. Evenings are just as flexible — sometimes spent eating ashore, other times enjoying a simple meal on board.

This relaxed rhythm is what makes family yacht charters in Greece so appealing. There’s space for adventure when you want it, and plenty of downtime when you don’t.

When planning a family sailing holiday in Greece, it’s helpful to think of routes as a starting point rather than a fixed plan. Weather conditions, your children’s energy levels, and what you enjoy most all play a part in how the week unfolds.

The example routes below are designed specifically for families sailing in the Ionian Islands. They focus on short sailing days, calm waters, and a relaxed pace, while still offering variety and memorable places to explore.

These routes are not prescriptive.

Your skipper will always adapt the plan as needed to make sure the week feels comfortable and enjoyable for everyone on board.

Best for first-time family yacht charters

Day 1 – Travel & Arrival in Lefkada
Fly from the UK to Preveza Airport and transfer to the marina near Lefkada. Boarding usually takes place in the afternoon, giving everyone time to settle in, unpack, and get comfortable on board. There’s no pressure to sail today. Many families enjoy a relaxed first evening nearby or simply staying on the yacht as the holiday begins.

Day 2 – Lefkada to Meganisi
Your first sailing day is deliberately short and gentle. After breakfast, you’ll set off toward Meganisi, often stopping for a swim along the way. Meganisi is a favourite with families thanks to its sheltered bays and calm atmosphere.

Day 3 – Exploring Meganisi
A slower day to enjoy swimming straight from the yacht, paddleboarding, or visiting one of the small villages ashore. This is often the day where families really relax into the rhythm of the trip.

Day 4 – Meganisi to Kalamos
Sail across to the quieter island of Kalamos. The sailing remains easy and unhurried, with time for swimming before arriving. Kalamos feels traditional and peaceful, which many families enjoy as a contrast to busier islands.

Day 5 – Kalamos to a Secluded Bay
Spend the day enjoying calm waters and quiet anchorages. These are often children’s favourite days — swimming, jumping in from the boat, and enjoying long, relaxed afternoons.

Day 6 – Return Towards Lefkada
Begin making your way back toward Lefkada, stopping for lunch and swimming along the way. The pace remains flexible, depending on how everyone is feeling.

Day 7 – Final Day Near Lefkada
Enjoy your final full day close to the marina. Some families choose one last swim, others prefer a relaxed afternoon onboard before a final evening ashore or on the yacht.

Day 8 – Disembark & Travel Home
After breakfast, disembark and transfer back to the airport for your return journey home.

Best for families wanting a little more variety

Day 1 – Travel & Arrival in Lefkada
Fly from the UK to Preveza Airport and transfer to the marina near Lefkada. Boarding takes place in the afternoon, allowing time to settle in, unpack, and relax onboard before the week begins.

Day 2 – Lefkada to Sivota
A gentle sail south brings you to Sivota, a pretty harbour surrounded by green hills. Sailing time is short, leaving plenty of time for swimming and exploring ashore.

Day 3 – Sivota to Paxos
Sail toward Paxos, known for its clear water and welcoming harbours. The journey remains relaxed, with opportunities to stop for a swim along the way.

Day 4 – Paxos to Antipaxos
A short hop takes you to Antipaxos, famous for its turquoise water and shallow swimming bays. This is often a highlight for families, especially children who enjoy swimming straight from the yacht.

Day 5 – Exploring Paxos
Return to Paxos and enjoy a slower day. Families often spend time swimming, wandering the harbour, or relaxing onboard.

Day 6 – Begin the Journey Back Toward Lefkada
Start heading north, stopping at calm bays for lunch and swimming. The pace remains flexible, based on how everyone is feeling.

Day 7 – Final Day Near Lefkada
Spend your final full day close to the marina, enjoying the water or a relaxed afternoon onboard before a final evening ashore or on the yacht.

Day 8 – Disembark & Travel Home
After breakfast, disembark and transfer back to the airport for your return journey home.

Choosing the right sailing route is usually less about distance and more about what suits your family’s pace, confidence, and interests. Both Ionian routes are family-friendly — the difference lies in how much variety you’d like during the week.

Route 1: Lefkada – Meganisi – Kalamos

This route is ideal if this is your first family sailing holiday, if you have younger children, or if you want the shortest possible sailing days with plenty of time to swim and relax.

Route 2: Lefkada – Paxos – Antipaxos

This route we would recommned to families who feel comfortable with slightly longer (still gentle) sailing days and would enjoy a bit more contrast between islands, including some of the clearest swimming water in the Ionian.

If you’re unsure, many families choose Route 1 for their first sailing holiday and return later to explore Route 2 once they know how much they enjoy life on board.

A family yacht charter in Greece isn’t the right holiday for everyone — and that’s a good thing. The best sailing holidays work because they suit the people on board.

A family sailing holiday in the Ionian Islands is a great fit if you enjoy being outdoors, your children like swimming and simple adventures, and you’re happy with a flexible plan rather than a fixed schedule. Many families also enjoy the fact that you unpack once and explore at a relaxed pace throughout the week.

It may not be the best choice if you prefer busy resorts, structured daily activities, or nightlife-focused holidays. Sailing holidays are about slowing down rather than filling every moment.

We’re always happy to talk this through honestly. The right holiday should feel right before you book.

Packing for a family sailing holiday in Greece is usually simpler than people expect. Space on board is comfortable but shared, so packing light makes life easier for everyone.

Clothing
Most families spend the majority of the week in swimwear and casual clothes. Bring a few changes of lightweight clothing, one warmer layer for evenings, and a light waterproof or windbreaker. Comfortable shoes with non-marking soles are useful on board, along with sandals or flip-flops for ashore.

For Children
Sun hats, UV swim tops, and water shoes are practical additions, especially for pebble beaches. A small rucksack for days ashore and one familiar comfort item for younger children can also be helpful.

Practical Essentials
Soft-sided luggage is important for storage on board. Sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, any personal medication, and phone chargers are usually all that’s needed. Some families like to bring motion-sickness remedies, even if they’re not normally required, just for peace of mind.

What You Don’t Need
There’s no need for formal clothing, large suitcases, or lots of toys. Most yachts provide bed linen and towels, and children tend to stay busy with swimming and life on the water.

Keeping packing simple helps the holiday feel relaxed from the very start.

A family sailing holiday in Greece should feel exciting, but also clear and manageable from the very beginning.

If you’d like to talk through whether a family yacht charter in the Ionian Islands is the right fit for your family, we’re happy to help. We’ll answer questions honestly and help you decide whether this type of holiday suits you — without pressure or obligation.