Why Greece is the Best Place to Buy a Yacht Abroad in 2026

If you’re planning to buy a yacht abroad, few countries offer better opportunities than Greece. With one of the largest charter fleets in the world, thousands of used boats hitting the market each year, and an established network of brokers and marinas, Greece stands out as the best place to buy a yacht in 2026.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced sailor, Greece combines selection, value, and sailing lifestyle in a way few other destinations can match.

Market Size & Inventory

Greece has one of the most active used yacht markets in Europe, second only to France and Italy in total volume. Each year, thousands of sailboats—many ex-charter yachts—come up for sale, alongside well-kept privately owned boats.

The sheer size of the Greek market means buyers can compare dozens of similar models side by side, often within the same marina. In Athens, Lefkas, and Preveza, you’ll find marinas filled with Beneteaus, Jeanneaus, Bavarias, and Dufours—ready for inspection.

You can learn more about where these boats are located in our How to Buy a Used Boat in Greece (2026 Guide).

Lower Prices vs. the Med & Northern Europe

Prices in Greece tend to be 10–20% lower than in France, Spain, or Northern Europe. There are a few reasons for that:

• High supply: Greece has more boats per buyer, especially ex-charter models.
• Lower mooring and maintenance costs: Owning and storing boats in Greece is cheaper.
• Motivated sellers: Charter companies regularly offload older fleet boats to refresh inventory.

For buyers, that means you can often get a newer or better-equipped boat for the same budget you’d spend elsewhere. Even after accounting for travel and inspection costs, the savings usually hold up.

Infrastructure: Brokers, Marinas & Surveyors

Greece has a mature boating infrastructure built around decades of tourism and charter operations. That makes it easy for foreign buyers to find professional help at every step:

• Brokers: From large international firms to smaller local agents, most speak English and handle international buyers daily.
• Marinas: Athens (Alimos), Lefkas, Preveza, Rhodes, and Kos are equipped with full-service yards, haul-outs, and repair facilities.
• Surveyors: Qualified marine surveyors operate across the country, offering pre-purchase surveys, valuation reports, and sea trials.

Combined, these factors make the Greek yacht-buying experience smoother and more transparent than many other Mediterranean markets.

Risks & How to Mitigate Them

Like any used-boat market, Greece has its challenges. Common risks include:

• Boats that look pristine online but show wear or water damage in person.
• VAT and documentation that aren’t always straightforward.
• Regional travel costs if the boat is on a distant island.

Fortunately, these risks are easy to manage with a little preparation. Start by reading 10 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Boat in Greece , and consider booking a First Look Inspection before traveling.

For just €250, a local First Mate^?A Clearhull First Mate is an experienced sailor who visits the boat on your behalf, taking detailed photos, videos, and filling out a 75-point structured checklist. Book Your First Mate Here can inspect the boat, take photos and videos, and complete a 75-point checklist—saving you €500+ in travel expenses if the boat isn’t worth pursuing.

Final Thoughts

From unbeatable inventory and lower prices to excellent infrastructure and professional support, Greece is hands-down the best place to buy a yacht abroad in 2026.

Do your research, start with a First Look inspection, and approach the process methodically—you’ll find that buying in Greece isn’t just cheaper, but smarter.

👉 Book a First Look inspection and start exploring Greece’s incredible yacht market with confidence.