Some trips are planned, others are dreamed of and sailing between Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini aboard a wooden schooner, sails filled with wind and the Aegean sun spilling across the deck, clearly belongs to the second category.

Why choose a schooner in the Cyclades instead of a standard sailboat

A schooner often called a gulet in the eastern Mediterranean is a traditional wooden-hulled vessel with tall masts and spacious decks, built for both sailing and comfortable living aboard. Unlike a standard bareboat charter, it usually comes with a full crew captain, sailor, and often a cook larger cabins, and generous deck lounging areas perfect for eating, sunbathing, or dining under the stars without ever leaving the boat. For travelers seeking a private cruise experience through the Cyclades without giving up the charm of sailing itself, it's arguably the best balance between luxury, authenticity, and life at sea.

How much does it cost to charter a schooner in the Cyclades in 2027

Prices vary widely depending on length, build year, number of cabins, and season. As a market reference (based on 2026 rates, which serve as a useful guide for 2027, since operators typically adjust rates by 3% to 8% year over year):

Schooner charters in Greece cover areas such as the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Sporades, and the Ionian, with rates starting around €15,000 per week in low season for smaller, more modest vessels.
A 27-meter schooner with five cabins can run between €15,000 and €20,000 per week with crew, depending on the season.
At the luxury end, a 42.5-meter schooner with a crew of seven can reach €25,500 per week, including extras like a jet ski or diving equipment.
For smaller groups who prefer a classic bareboat sailboat instead of a crewed schooner, prices drop considerably: a 14-meter sailboat with four cabins can be chartered for roughly €15,000 to €20,000 per week.

In high season (July and August 2027), expect the year's highest prices, while June and September offer a good balance of great weather, calmer seas, and more affordable rates.

What's usually included in the charter

- Professional crew (captain, sailor, and, on larger boats, a cook).
- Fuel for a limited number of engine hours per day (the rest is sailed under wind power).
- Bed linen and towels.
- In many cases, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, or kayaks.

Typically not included: food and drink on board (unless you book an all-inclusive package), port fees, crew gratuity, and extra fuel if you use more engine hours than agreed.

A typical Cyclades itinerary

A classic week might start from Athens or Lavrio as the home port, with stops in Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos, wrapping up with lesser-known coves like those of Koufonisia or Iraklia for travelers seeking a quieter finish. The advantage a schooner has over a ferry or a fixed hotel is precisely this: you can drop anchor in a different bay every single night.

Practical tips for 2027

- Book early. The best schooners for July and August are often fully reserved between December and March.
- Ask about the age and maintenance of the wooden hull — a key factor with traditional vessels.
- Confirm exactly what's included in the price (food, drinks, fuel, taxes) before signing the charter contract.
- Travel outside July–August if price and fewer crowds matter more to you than peak-season buzz in hotspots like Mykonos or Santorini.

Traveler reviews

"We chartered a 24-meter schooner for ten people, and it was the best decision of the year. The captain knew every hidden cove around Paros and Antiparos that no ferry ever visits."
Elena R., Seville

"What I appreciated most was never having to unpack in a new hotel each day. Waking up in a different bay every morning, with fresh coffee on deck, beats a hotel room hands down."
Marco T., Milan

"The price seemed steep at first, but split between eight people and with all meals included, it actually worked out cheaper than a luxury hotel in Mykonos for the same number of nights."
Julia and Peter, Amsterdam

Frequently asked questions about gulet rental in the Cyclades

Do I need sailing experience to charter a schooner?

No. Most schooners in the Cyclades come with a professional crew included, so no sailing license or prior experience is required.

What's the best time to sail the Cyclades in 2027?

June, the first half of July, and September offer good weather, steadier winds (the meltemi tends to peak in the heart of August), and somewhat lower prices than full high season.

How many people can a schooner accommodate?

It depends on the length: mid-sized schooners (24–27 meters) typically have four to six double cabins, for a total of eight to twelve guests, while the largest luxury models can carry more than fifteen.

Does the charter price include food?

Not always. Many operators offer optional full-board or half-board packages with the onboard cook; it's worth confirming this before booking.

Can I charter a schooner for just a few days?

Yes, though a full week is the most common offer. Some operators in places like Ibiza or Formentera already offer half-day or full-day trips, a model that's starting to appear in some Greek ports too for shorter excursions.

Are there extra taxes to pay in Greece?

Yes, expect port fees and, in some cases, the cruising tax (TEPAI) applied to vessels sailing Greek waters, along with the customary crew gratuity at the end of the charter.