Destination
Learn to sail in Greece
Island-hop through the Greek islands while earning your ASA certification.
Greece Catamaran Adventure
classicCatamaran
BeginnerIntermediateAdvancedFrom$4,490per person
$4,490
Starting from
7
Days sailing
5
Max crew size
5.0
Avg SV sailor rating
What past Sailing Virgins sailors say
Greece reviews are coming as our first sailors complete the programme. Until then, here's a sample of what alumni from our Croatia and BVI programmes have written about the experience.
“Our instructor created a team/family out of 4 strangers in just 1 day. He taught from a place of deep experience and instilled that confidence in us.”
“I went stressed out and came back the most relaxed I have ever been. One of the best trips I've ever been on in my life.”
“An amazing experience balancing fun, training and incredible destinations. One week with Sailing Virgins turned out to be one of the best times in my life.”
Book with confidence
- Cancel 90+ days before departure for a near-full refund (admin fee only).
- Full credit or refund if Sailing Virgins has to cancel due to weather, government action, or other force majeure.
- Goodwill resale — even inside the 60-day window, if we resell your spot we'll refund you minus a small fee.
Select Your Adventure Week
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Course Overview
The Greeks invented tourism – Herodotus was writing travel guides 2,500 years ago – and sailing here connects you to that ancient tradition of exploration and discovery. Operating from Athens, a week in the Saronic Islands offers remarkable variety within easy reach of one of the world's great cities. You might begin with a short sail to Aegina, where the Temple of Aphaia surveys the gulf and the waterfront tavernas serve the island's famous pistachios. From there, routes wind through Poros, Hydra, and Spetses – each island with its own character, from car-free Hydra's amphitheatre harbour to Spetses' Venetian shipyards. The sailing is sheltered but engaging, with afternoon meltemi winds that build your confidence and morning calms perfect for swimming. You'll anchor in pine-fringed bays, tie stern-to at ancient harbour walls, and dine on fresh grilled octopus as the sun sets over the Peloponnese. Greece offers something increasingly rare: genuine warmth and hospitality that makes every arrival feel like a homecoming. Combined with excellent sailing conditions and landscapes steeped in myth and history, the Saronic Islands are an outstanding place to develop and refine your skills.
Perfect For
- Adventure seekers wanting to learn sailing
- Solo travelers looking to meet like-minded people
- Anyone wanting to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations
You'll Learn
- Basic to intermediate sailing skills
- Navigation and chart reading
- Safety procedures and emergency protocols
What's Included
What's NOT Included
So there are no surprises at checkout — these aren't covered by your course fee:
International flights
Travel insurance
Meals off the boat (shore dinners)
Alcohol and drinks ashore
Optional dive or activity add-ons
Gratuity (if you wish to tip your instructor)
Photo Gallery
Destination Guide
Your Greece Adventure
Discover what makes sailing in Greece an unforgettable experience — from the daily rhythm aboard to the stunning destinations you'll explore.
A Day in the Life
From sunrise yoga to sunset cocktails — here's what a typical day looks like on your Greece sailing adventure.
| Time | Activity | What You'll Learn | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | The 7-7-7 Morning Routine | 7min breathing practice, 7min meditation, 7min workout — the Sailing Virgins way | Zen |
| 07:30 | Aegean Morning Swim | Dive into crystal-clear Greek waters from the catamaran swim platform | Zen |
| 08:00 | Greek Breakfast | Fresh feta, olives, crusty bread, and strong Greek coffee on deck | Social |
| 09:30 | Theory Session | Charts, Meltemi wind patterns, and passage planning for today's island hop | Academic |
| 11:00 | Up Anchor & Sail | Drills: Tacking through the Saronic Gulf, catamaran handling in Mediterranean conditions | Active |
| 13:00 | Taverna Lunch | Anchor near a seaside village for fresh mezze and grilled octopus | Social |
| 16:00 | Med-Mooring Practice | Master stern-to docking in a traditional Greek harbor | High Focus |
| 19:00 | Sunset Ouzo | Watch the sunset from Hydra's harbor, ouzo and seafood dinner ashore | Celebration |
07:00The 7-7-7 Morning Routine
7min breathing practice, 7min meditation, 7min workout — the Sailing Virgins way
Zen07:30Aegean Morning Swim
Dive into crystal-clear Greek waters from the catamaran swim platform
Zen08:00Greek Breakfast
Fresh feta, olives, crusty bread, and strong Greek coffee on deck
Social09:30Theory Session
Charts, Meltemi wind patterns, and passage planning for today's island hop
Academic11:00Up Anchor & Sail
Drills: Tacking through the Saronic Gulf, catamaran handling in Mediterranean conditions
Active13:00Taverna Lunch
Anchor near a seaside village for fresh mezze and grilled octopus
Social16:00Med-Mooring Practice
Master stern-to docking in a traditional Greek harbor
High Focus19:00Sunset Ouzo
Watch the sunset from Hydra's harbor, ouzo and seafood dinner ashore
CelebrationZen
Academic
Active
Social
High Focus
Celebration
Your Greece Sailing Route
Explore the stunning Saronic Gulf on this 7-day island-hopping adventure. From Athens, you'll discover car-free Hydra, pistachio-famous Aegina, pine-covered Spetses, and hidden mainland gems — all while mastering catamaran sailing in the gentle Meltemi winds.
Start & Finish
Alimos Marina
1
Aegina
Pistachios & Temple of Aphaia
2
Poros
Narrow straits & lively harbor
3
Hydra
Car-free island paradise
4
Spetses
Pine forests & naval history
5
Ermione
Hidden Peloponnese gem
6
Poros
Final exams & sunset celebration
7
Islands
~104
Nautical Miles
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7-day circular route
Returns to Alimos Marina
This is a sample route — your actual itinerary may vary based on weather, wind conditions, and crew preferences. That's the beauty of sailing!
Meet us at Alimos Marina near Athens and meet your fellow sailors and instructor. After getting to know your new home for the week, your instructor will conduct a safety briefing and talk you through the course plan. Shortly afterwards, you'll be on your way! Night one you will sail to the charming island of Aegina, famous for its pistachios and the stunning Temple of Aphaia.
Start the day with a morning swim in the crystal-clear Aegean! After breakfast, set sail for the narrow straits of Poros. You'll practice your sail trim as you navigate toward this picturesque island, where whitewashed buildings cascade down the hillside. Stern-to mooring practice in Poros Town's lively harbor.
Today you sail to the jewel of the Saronic Gulf: Hydra. No cars or motorbikes are allowed here — only donkeys and water taxis. Perfect your Med-mooring skills in Hydra's stunning harbor, surrounded by elegant 18th-century captains' mansions. Explore the car-free cobblestone streets and enjoy dinner at a waterfront taverna.
An early start takes you to the pine-forested island of Spetses. Known for its naval history and beautiful beaches, Spetses offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Practice anchoring techniques in one of the island's secluded bays before heading to the old harbor for the evening.
Sail north to the charming mainland village of Ermione on the Peloponnese peninsula. This hidden gem offers an authentic Greek experience away from the tourist crowds. Work on passage planning as you navigate the open waters, then enjoy fresh seafood in this traditional fishing village.
Begin your return journey with a beautiful morning sail back to Poros. This is your chance to put all your skills together — passage planning, sail trim, and navigation. Complete your final ASA practical exams while enjoying the stunning Saronic scenery. Celebrate your achievements with a sunset dinner overlooking the straits.
On your last day you will take your ASA theory exams and sail back to Alimos Marina near Athens. Make the most of the marina facilities with a warm shower before heading out. This evening you can celebrate your certification with a traditional Greek dinner — perhaps saganaki, souvlaki, and plenty of ouzo!
Flexible sailing: Routes adapt to conditions. Your instructor will tailor the experience to maximize your learning and enjoyment.
FAQs About Our Greece Sailing School
Greece offers the unique combination of Mediterranean mooring (stern-to docking), catamaran-only courses, and incredibly rich history and culture. The calm Saronic Gulf waters and gentle Meltemi winds create ideal learning conditions, while car-free Hydra and pistachio-famous Aegina provide unforgettable cultural experiences.
July in the Saronic Gulf offers ideal sailing conditions. Expect the Meltemi winds of 10-20 knots, warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F), and sunny skies. The sea temperature is perfect for swimming — around 25°C (77°F).
No prior sailing experience is needed! Your course starts at Alimos Marina near Athens — your booking confirmation has the exact start time. We recommend arriving the day before to explore Athens. Fly into Athens International Airport (ATH). Pack light — quick-drying clothes, swimwear, high-SPF sunscreen, and a soft duffel bag.
Greece courses offer ASA 101 through ASA 104, plus the ASA 114 catamaran endorsement. You'll earn certifications through daily hands-on learning and practical exercises, completing written and practical exams at the end of the week.
Absolutely not! Many of our most passionate sailors started as complete beginners in Greece. The calm Saronic Gulf waters and stable catamaran platform create perfect learning conditions. Our instructors love teaching newbies.
We'll provision the catamaran with fresh Greek staples before departure. Expect feta, olives, fresh bread, and Mediterranean favorites. You'll also enjoy incredible meals at waterfront tavernas — fresh grilled fish, mezze platters, and Greek specialties on every island.
Greece stands out with catamaran-only courses in the Saronic Gulf, Med-mooring practice in ancient harbors, and the richest history and culture of any sailing destination. You'll explore car-free Hydra, taste Aegina's pistachios, and experience Greek hospitality that's legendary among sailors.
That's exactly what our courses are: a learn to sail vacation in Greece. Mornings are hands-on ASA instruction, afternoons you island-hop the Saronic Gulf, and evenings are free to explore Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses. Instruction, accommodation aboard the catamaran, and certification exams are all included in one price.
Fly into Athens International Airport (ATH), which has excellent connections worldwide. Your course ends before noon on the final day at Alimos Marina. Many students extend their trip to explore Athens' ancient sites, visit Santorini, or continue island-hopping in the Cyclades.
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