Greece is one of the most active used boat markets in Europe, with thousands of sailboats and yachts listed for sale every year. For international buyers, the question is simple: where’s the best place to buy a used boat in Greece?
This guide breaks down the main hubs—Athens, Lefkas, Preveza, Kos, Rhodes, and Corfu—and explains the role of online listings. Whether you’re looking for an ex-charter cruiser, a privately maintained yacht, or even a motorboat, these are the places you’ll want to explore in 2025.
Athens as the Central Hub
Athens is by far the largest hub for used boats in Greece. The Alimos Marina (Kalamaki) houses hundreds of boats, many coming directly out of charter fleets.
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Pros:
- Huge selection of sailboats and yachts.
- Easy access for surveyors, brokers, and haul-out facilities.
- Flights into Athens are frequent and affordable.
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Cons:
- Competition is high, especially for the best-kept ex-charter boats.
- VAT and paperwork need to be double-checked carefully (charter companies handle a lot of boats so they are prone to making mistakes in listings).
Athens is often the first stop for serious buyers. Even if you don’t buy here, it’s an efficient way to see many boats in one trip.
Lefkas & Preveza
Located in the Ionian Sea, Lefkas and nearby Preveza have become major hotspots for used boat sales.
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Lefkas Marina: Known for its lively cruising community and ex-charter boats.
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Preveza (Cleopatra Marina & Aktion): Offers extensive boatyards, refit services, and storage.
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Pros:
- Easier access to boats that have spent less time in the Aegean charter grind.
- Large concentration of surveyors and marine services.
- Preveza airport makes logistics simple during the summer season.
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Cons:
- Limited international flights outside peak season.
- The market can feel “picked over” by repeat buyers who know the region well.
Kos, Rhodes, Corfu
The Dodecanese (Kos & Rhodes) and the Ionian’s northern hub (Corfu) offer excellent opportunities if you’re willing to travel a bit further.
- Kos & Rhodes: Good selection of ex-charter boats, often at slightly lower prices than Athens. Surveyor travel costs may add to expenses.
- Corfu: Smaller than Athens or Lefkas, but still active, with a mix of local listings and ex-charter stock.
These locations are particularly attractive if you’re planning to keep your boat in the region after purchase.
Online Listings (YachtWorld, Boat24, Local Brokers)
Most international buyers start online. The main platforms for Greece are:
- YachtWorld – The biggest global marketplace for yachts.
- Boat24.com – Popular in Europe, with Greek listings included.
- Scanboat & Boats.com – Active in the Med, covering Greece.
- Local brokers’ websites – Many Greek brokers don’t list all boats on international sites, so browsing local sites can uncover hidden deals.
Pro tip: Don’t rely on photos alone. Listings often look better online than in person. Always verify condition with a preliminary inspection.
How to Choose the Right Location
The “best” place depends on your priorities:
- Want maximum choice? Start in Athens.
- Want boats with lighter charter use? Try Lefkas or Preveza.
- Looking for potential bargains? Explore Kos, Rhodes, or Corfu.
More important than location is your process: shortlist carefully, inspect before traveling, and budget for surveys.
👉 See also: 10 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Boat in Greece.
Final Thoughts
From Athens’ massive marinas to the quieter Ionian or Dodecanese hubs, Greece offers a wide range of opportunities for used boat buyers. The key is to balance location, logistics, and boat condition.
Start online, narrow your shortlist, and then plan visits to the hubs that fit your goals. With a smart strategy, you’ll find that Greece remains one of the best places to buy used boats abroad in 2025.