Private yacht charter in Mykonos
Mykonos is the social centre of the Cyclades, and the island many Aegean charters start from or pass through. From the water it shows two faces: the windmills and white lanes of Chora, and a south coast of sheltered bays and beach clubs. A Mykonos yacht charter takes in both on your own timing, then leaves for quieter islands when the crowds arrive.
The island sits at the centre of the group, between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos, and in summer the meltemi sets the order of the week.
Mykonos from the water
The south coast. From west to east, Ornos, Psarou, Platis Gialos and Paraga, then Elia and Kalo Livadi. The bays face south, away from the summer north wind, and Ornos and Psarou, closest to town, give good shelter when the meltemi blows. Lunch ashore, the tender back, and the afternoon at anchor.
Delos. Sacred in antiquity as the birthplace of Apollo, Delos lies less than five nautical miles south-west of Mykonos Town. The whole island is an archaeological site, on the UNESCO list since 1990, and visitors may not stay overnight. Its harbour is exposed to the wind, so the visit is timed around the meltemi.
Rhenia. Uninhabited since the 1980s, Rhenia lies across a narrow strait from Delos and took its graves once burial was forbidden on the sacred island. Its indented coast gives quiet coves for a swim and lunch at anchor.
Paros, Antiparos and Naxos. A few hours to the south. Naousa, on the north side of Paros, has a natural harbour; Antiparos lies across a channel under two kilometres wide; and Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, keeps the marble Portara beside its harbour.
Ios and Santorini. Further south, Ios, then the caldera of Santorini, often the last stop of a week that runs one way. See Santorini yacht charter.
A week from Mykonos
In high summer the simplest week runs south with the wind: Delos and Rhenia, Paros and Antiparos, Naxos, Ios, then Santorini and its airport. Paros and Naxos are 10 nautical miles apart, and Ios lies about 20 miles south of Naxos. A week can also begin in Athens and end in Mykonos, by way of Kea, Syros and Tinos, rather than sail back against the meltemi. A loop ends with a passage north into the wind, so it suits June and September best.
When to go
The season runs from late May to early October. The meltemi blows from the north from June to September and is strongest in July and August, typically at 20 to 25 knots in the Cyclades and at times up to force 8. It usually rises in the morning, peaks in the afternoon and can hold for several days, so routes keep to the lee of the islands and run with it; a larger, stabilised yacht makes the crossings more comfortable. June and September bring lighter winds and quieter anchorages. The busiest weeks peak around the 15 August holiday, when the ferries run full and pilgrims fill Tinos for the feast of the Dormition.
Marinas and arrival
Tourlos, the new port about two kilometres north of the town, takes the ferries and cruise ships, and most charters embark there. The old harbour in the town has limited room and serves smaller yachts and tenders, while larger yachts anchor off. Berths are scarce in July and August, so the embarkation point is agreed with the captain in advance.
The airport, about four kilometres from the town, has international flights through the summer and handles private flights, and Athens is under an hour away by air. Ferries from Piraeus and Rafina arrive at the new port.
Yachts and what a week costs
Crewed yachts are based in Athens or spend the summer around Mykonos and Paros; one coming from Athens may add a positioning fee. Superyachts usually anchor off the town and the south coast. Charter yachts generally carry up to 12 guests overnight.
As a Mediterranean guide, a 20 to 30 metre motor yacht runs from around EUR 30,000 to EUR 80,000 a week before running costs, a 30 to 45 metre yacht from around EUR 80,000 to EUR 250,000, and yachts above 50 metres from around EUR 250,000, quoted individually. Sailing yachts usually sit below motor yachts of the same length. The Advance Provisioning Allowance, typically 25 to 35 percent of the base rate, covers fuel, food and port costs, and gratuity is customarily 5 to 15 percent. VAT on a Greek charter depends on the yacht's licence, the length of the charter and the route, and TEPAI, the Greek fee on yachts in Greek waters, is calculated on length; both are set out before anything is signed. What a yacht charter costs explains each line.
How a Mykonos charter is arranged
A Mykonos week is planned around the wind and the berths. We shortlist the yachts that suit your group, agree the embarkation point with the captain and set the route. The Greek islands yacht charter guide explains the routes, and the Greek islands page covers the rest of the coast.
Tell us your dates, the size of your group and what you have in mind, and we will come back with a shortlist. Start the conversation.
