Short answer: a yacht delivery to Greece usually arrives through the Ionian Sea — from Italy, Malta or the Adriatic — or from Turkey in the east. The best months are May–June and September–October, which avoid the strongest summer Meltemi in the Aegean and the winter gales. Yachts over 7 metres are subject to the Greek cruising tax (TEPAI), and yachts arriving from outside the EU, for example from Turkey, must clear customs and immigration at a port of entry.
Greece is one of Europe’s busiest yachting destinations, with thousands of islands, large charter fleets and popular wintering yards. That makes it a frequent start and end point for deliveries — for owners moving to a new home port, charter companies repositioning their fleets and buyers bringing a yacht home. This guide covers the routes, the timing and the paperwork.
Popular routes into Greece
| Route | Approx. distance | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Italy (Otranto, Brindisi) → Corfu | about 80–120 nm | The shortest crossing into the Ionian |
| Sicily → Ionian islands | about 250–350 nm | An open crossing of the Ionian Sea |
| Malta → Peloponnese or Ionian | about 330–380 nm | Two to three days with a good forecast |
| Croatia → Corfu | about 200–350 nm | Along the coasts of Montenegro and Albania, outside the EU |
| Balearics or southern France → Greece | about 900–1,100 nm | Via Sardinia, Sicily and often the Strait of Messina |
| Turkey → Dodecanese or Athens | short hops | Turkey is outside the EU: clear in at a Greek port of entry |
Distances are approximate and depend on the exact ports. For the wider picture, see our overview of delivery routes across the Med.
The best time to deliver a yacht to Greece
- May–June: settled weather and quiet harbours — ideal for arriving before the charter season.
- July–August: the Meltemi blows from the north across the Aegean, often force 6–7 and sometimes more, for days at a time. The Ionian is usually gentler.
- September–October: another good window, popular for deliveries to winter berths.
- November–April: possible with careful planning, but winter brings gales and shorter days.
More about the Meltemi and its neighbours in our guide to the Mediterranean’s winds, and the best months for every route in our delivery calendar.
The Greek cruising tax (TEPAI)
Greece charges a cruising tax, known as TEPAI, on private and professional yachts over 7 metres in Greek waters. It is paid electronically in advance, and the amount depends on the yacht’s length and the period of the stay. The rules — including how they apply to a yacht that is only passing through or is laid up ashore — change from time to time, so we check the current rules with the Greek tax authority (AADE) or a local agent before every arrival. This is general information, not tax advice.
Paperwork for a delivery to or from Greece
- Registration and, if the owner is not on board, a letter of authority for the skipper.
- Insurance valid in Greek waters, including third-party liability — see our checklist for delivery insurance.
- Proof of VAT status, especially for yachts arriving from Turkey or other non-EU countries.
- Crew list and qualifications for the skipper and crew.
- Greek yacht documents: Greek port authorities may ask for a transit or movement document for private yachts. Requirements depend on the flag, so we confirm them with the port police or an agent.
Wintering and charter bases
Lefkas, Preveza, the Athens area and several of the larger islands have big yards and marinas where yachts spend the winter, and charter companies run bases across the Ionian, the Saronic and the Cyclades. Read our guides on choosing a winter berth in the Med and on moving charter fleets between bases.
Delivering a yacht out of Greece
In spring, many yachts head west and north: through the Ionian to Sicily and the Strait of Messina, across to Sardinia and the Balearics, then to Gibraltar and up the Atlantic coast to Northern Europe. Our Scandinavia–Mediterranean route guide describes the same route in the other direction, and our delivery time guide shows how long the legs take.
Yacht delivery in Greece with Nordic Crew Worldwide
We deliver sailing yachts, motor yachts and catamarans to, from and within Greece, and handle the route planning, the timing and the paperwork with you. Request a quote for your Greek delivery — or read about our services μεταφορά σκαφών στα ελληνικά.
Related guides
- Mediterranean yacht delivery routes
- Wintering your yacht in the Mediterranean
- Charter yacht repositioning
- Delivering a yacht to Croatia
- Delivering a yacht via Italy
- Yacht delivery to and from Turkey
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to deliver a yacht to Greece?
May–June and September–October. July and August bring the strong Meltemi to the Aegean, and winter brings gales and shorter days.
Do I have to pay the Greek cruising tax on a delivery?
TEPAI applies to yachts over 7 metres in Greek waters. How it applies to a yacht in transit or laid up depends on the current rules, so check with the Greek tax authority (AADE) or an agent before arrival.
How long does a yacht delivery from Italy to Greece take?
The short crossing from southern Italy to Corfu takes about a day. From Sicily or Malta to the Ionian islands, plan on two to three days at sea.
Can you deliver a yacht from Turkey to Greece?
Yes. Because Turkey is outside the EU, the yacht clears customs and immigration on arrival in Greece, and its VAT status should be checked before departure.