The Cost of Sailing in Greece: A Complete Cruising Budget Breakdown
For sailors, Greece truly is everything you imagine—private coves, sun-drenched beaches, charming seaside villages, quiet anchorages, and family-run tavernas where you’re treated like an old friend.
With its rich sailing history, warm hospitality, and some of the best conditions in the Mediterranean, it’s no wonder Greece tops the list for cruisers year after year.
After spending most of last season sailing in Croatia, we’ve just returned to Greece – and it didn’t take long to be reminded of one of its greatest charms: how affordable it is. From the price of a marina berth to a lazy lunch by the sea, things here just go a little easier on the wallet.
Dive deeper into the comparison in our article on Greece or Croatia?
Whether you’re bringing your own boat or planning a yacht charter in Greece, this guide breaks down the real cost of sailing in Greece—from moorings and marinas to fuel, food, maintenance, and even charter prices—so you can plan your budget with confidence.
Cruising Tax in Greece: TEPAI
If you’re sailing your own boat, the only thing you must pay before entering Greek waters is the TEPAI cruising tax.
We paid online in advance, and the cost was €125 for five months. Your exact amount depends on your vessel’s length and how long you plan to stay:
- 7–8 m – €16/month
- 8–10 m – €25/month
- 10–12 m – €33/month
- Over 12 m – €8 per metre per month
This fee grants you permission to cruise Greek waters—no other entry fees are required, although some port authorities may tack on a €15 cash “handling” fee, not strictly official but widely accepted.
Marinas and Mooring Fees in Greece
When it comes to mooring, Greece still offers some of the best value in the Mediterranean—a big reason budget-conscious sailors choose it over other destinations. That said, with the sailing scene booming, prices have begun to creep up, especially in popular ports.
Greece has dedicated marinas in many sailing areas, but not the same volume of full-service facilities as places like Croatia. To fill the gap, you’ll find plenty of town quays and private docks offering safe refuge and basic amenities like electricity, water, and sometimes showers or toilets.
In some harbours, seaside restaurants and tavernas have their own small docks—or a few mooring buoys—where visiting boats can tie up for free, provided you dine with them. These spots are a great way to enjoy a meal ashore while securing a berth for the night. Facilities are usually limited, and space can be scarce in peak season, so it’s worth calling ahead or arriving early.
Med-mooring (stern-to-quay with anchor or lines forward) is the norm throughout Greece. Outside of dedicated marinas, you’ll often find no fixed mooring lines, meaning you’ll need to drop your anchor to secure the bow—so keep plenty of chain ready.
Typical Marina and Mooring Costs (€/m, Per Night)
| Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Town Quay/Public Pier | €0.00 – €3.00 | Cheapest option; very basic or no facilities. Pay the Port Police or sometimes not at all. |
| Private Marina | €3.00 – €10.00 | Usually includes mooring lines, security, water/electricity (sometimes extra), showers, laundry, fuel dock, or store. Quality and service vary. |
| Restaurant/Taverna Dock or Mooring Buoy | Usually free* | Typically if you dine at the establishment. Facilities limited; space scarce in summer. |
Extras Often Charged Separately:
- Electricity: €3–€10/day
- Water: €2–€5 per fill or flat rate
- Laundry/Wi-Fi/showers: Sometimes included, often coin-op or flat rate
Anchorages in Greece
One of the true joys of sailing in Greece—and the biggest way to keep your budget low—is the abundance of beautiful, well-protected, and entirely free anchorages.
From wide sandy bays to quiet coves tucked beneath whitewashed villages, there’s no shortage of safe, scenic places to drop the hook. Holding is generally good—sandy bottoms are common, though you may encounter weed, rock, or steep shores.
That said, popular anchorages near charter hubs like Lefkada, Corfu, or Athens can get packed in summer, with boats anchored close and chains crossed in a tangle of stress. If possible, avoid these in high season or arrive early with patience.
In busy bays, sailors are often expected to run stern lines to shore to fit more boats and preserve space.
Groceries and Provisions
Groceries in Greece are generally very affordable compared to those in other European countries. Avoid the marina convenience stores—always get to the nearest supermarket instead (unless you enjoy paying €5 for a cucumber).
Our weekly grocery budget is €150, which has increased considerably in the last few years. This includes all our fresh meat, fruit and veggies plus, pantry staples, drinks, snacks, and the occasional treat (cheese pies and baklava around here).
Eating Out in Greece
Dining out in Greece is one of the real highlights of cruising here, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Local tavernas are usually family-run, welcoming, and affordable, offering hearty home-cooked meals, fresh seafood, generous portions, and house wine that’s cheap and surprisingly good.
Even in touristy spots, a meal for two with drinks might cost €25–€40. In smaller villages, it can be even less. Many tavernas near anchorages or town quays will let you use their mooring lines or fill your water tanks if you dine with them.
Price Examples:
- Budget Bite – Souvlaki or gyros (takeaway or casual taverna): €3–€5 per portion
- Mid-Range Meal – Family-run taverna (shared plates, house wine): €25–€50 for two
- Splurge Meal – Upscale restaurant or seafood feast: €50–€100+ for two
Fuel Costs in Greece
Depending on where and when you sail, mornings often start calm—great for a swim but not for covering miles under sail. In the height of summer, many sailors rely on the engine to make passages or reach tavernas before the lunch rush.
Diesel in Greece typically costs €1.60–€2.00 per litre, depending on location and whether it’s delivered by truck or bought at a fuel dock. It adds up quickly if you’re motoring daily.
Staying Connected
Staying online while cruising Greece is surprisingly easy and affordable. If you’re working remotely, navigating with online charts, or just sharing sunset shots, you’ll want a good local SIM.
We picked up a Cosmote SIM for €15 with unlimited data and excellent coverage across most islands. Vodafone and WIND also offer competitive plans, though coverage can be patchier in remote spots. Top-up is easy online or at kiosks.
For a stronger signal and multiple devices, a portable Wi-Fi router is a great option. Just pop a data SIM card, and it broadcasts your connection as a dedicated onboard network—often with better reception than a phone alone. For an extra boost, many cruisers mount the router’s antenna higher up the boat (such as on the pushpit or radar arch) to improve range in anchorages.
For remote anchorages and reliable high-speed internet, Starlink offers coverage throughout the Greek Islands (setup around €250, and plans for €80/month).
Boat Maintenance, Upkeep, and Administration Costs
The background costs of owning a boat are an inevitable part of cruising. Greece is generally more affordable than many other Mediterranean sailing grounds—especially compared to Western Europe. Costs vary by region and work type:
- Haul-out & launch – €8–€15/m each way (discounts for round trip)
- Hard stand storage – €0.20–€0.40/m/day (€6–€12/m/month)
- Labour rates – €25–€45/hour for general work; €40–€60/hour for specialists
- DIY work – Often allowed, saving on labour
- Parts & supplies – Common spares priced similarly to Western Europe; importing rare parts can be costly and slow
- Insurance – €400–€1,000/year (third-party), €1,000–€3,000/year (comprehensive)
- Registration – €200–€1,000+ upfront; some jurisdictions have annual renewal fees
- TEPAI tax – €8–€12/m per month
Example Winter Storage in Preveza (12 m yacht, October–April):
- Haul & launch: €250–€350
- 6 months hard stand: €900–€1,500
- Miscellaneous maintenance & supplies: €200–€500+
Chartering a Boat in Greece: Costs
If you’re not bringing your own boat, chartering in Greece can be surprisingly affordable compared to other Mediterranean destinations:
- Bareboat monohull (40 ft) – €1,500–€3,000/week (shoulder season), €3,500–€6,000/week (peak)
- Catamaran – +30–50% premium
- Skipper fee – €150–€200/day
Additional costs:
- TEPAI tax (same as private boats)
- End cleaning: €100–€250
💶 Our Weekly Cruising Budget: Greek Island Edition
| Category | Weekly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Groceries | 150 |
| Eating Out & Entertainment | 90 |
| Mooring | 50 |
| Diesel | 20 |
| Mobile / Internet | 20 |
| Laundry | 20 |
| Other | 50 |
| Total | 400 |
We also spend €5,000–€10,000/year on maintenance, upkeep, storage, and administration.
Final Thoughts: The Real Cost of Sailing in Greece
While prices have been rising, cruising Greece can still be very affordable—especially if you anchor often, sail instead of motor, and skip overpriced marina snacks. Whether you own your boat or choose to charter a yacht in Greece, understanding these costs will help you make the most of your budget.
Got questions about the cost of sailing in Greece or living aboard? Drop them in the comments—we’re happy to help.