A Mediterranean yacht charter in 2026 costs from about EUR 4,000 a week for a bareboat sailing yacht, from about EUR 15,000 a week for a crewed sailing yacht or catamaran in Greece or Croatia, and about EUR 30,000 to EUR 43,000 a week for a crewed 27 to 31 m motor yacht, with 50 m superyachts well above EUR 130,000. On top of the base fee, budget an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of 30% to 40%, VAT of 0% to 22% depending on where the charter starts, and a crew tip of 10% to 15%. The season runs from May to October, with July and August the most expensive and most heavily booked weeks.
YachtCharterFleet lists more than 2,500 crewed luxury yachts in the Mediterranean for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The difficulty is not choice. It is that the headline weekly rate is rarely what you pay, and the same week can carry 0% or 22% VAT depending on where you embark.
This guide explains the types of charter, sourced 2026 prices, MYBA terms, the APA, VAT country by country, seasons, events and booking lead times. Prices are published market ranges, not LIVERIA prices. It was last updated on 18 September 2026.
Mediterranean yacht charter: key facts
- Crewed weekly rates: about EUR 30,000 to EUR 43,000 for 27 to 31 m, EUR 135,800 to EUR 167,100 for 43 to 52 m, and EUR 242,900 to EUR 875,000 for 56 to 85 m (Fraser, February 2026).
- Bareboat: a 45-foot sailing monohull costs about EUR 4,000 to EUR 10,500 a week in mid-June, from Türkiye at the low end to the French Riviera at the top (Boat4You, 2026).
- APA: usually 30% to 40% of the weekly rate on crewed yachts, held on account for fuel, food, drinks and port fees (Burgess).
- VAT on charters: France and Monaco 20%, Italy 22%, Spain 21%, Croatia 13%, Greece 5.2% to 13% on weekly crewed charters, Montenegro 0% (IYC, May 2026).
- Tips: usually 10% to 15% of the charter fee, paid to the captain at the end (Burgess).
- Season: May to October; peak July and August; the eastern Mediterranean stays warm into October.
- Booking: at least 6 months ahead for a crewed yacht, and up to a year ahead for the most requested yachts and event weeks.
What types of yacht charter are there in the Mediterranean?
The type of charter sets the price, the service and how much you do yourself.
Crewed motor yachts
A crewed motor yacht comes with a captain, a chef and interior and deck crew. It covers distance quickly, which suits the French Riviera and Italy. Fuel is the main variable cost, and a fast planing yacht burns far more than a displacement yacht of the same length.
Crewed sailing yachts and catamarans
Sailing yachts are quieter, cheaper to run and suited to Greece, Croatia and Turkey. Crewed catamarans add deck space and stability at anchor.
Gulets
A gulet is a traditional wooden motor-sailer, built mostly in Turkey and common along the Turkish and Greek coasts. It is among the most economical ways to charter with a full crew.
Superyachts
Above about 40 m, a charter becomes a floating villa, with more crew, larger tenders and water toys, and a spa or gym on the largest yachts. Rates rise steeply with length.
Bareboat charter and licence requirements
Bareboat means you skipper the yacht yourself. Operators in Croatia, Greece, France, Spain and Italy ask for a recognised licence such as the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or a national licence, plus a VHF radio certificate. Otherwise, hire a day skipper.
How much does a Mediterranean yacht charter cost in 2026?
The table combines published 2026 ranges. They are base rates before APA, VAT and tips, and they move with season, age of yacht and demand.
| Yacht type and size | Typical weekly base rate | Guests | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bareboat sailing monohull, about 45 ft | EUR 4,000 to EUR 10,500 | 6 to 8 | Boat4You, 2026 |
| Crewed sailing yacht or catamaran, Greece or Croatia | From about EUR 15,000 | 6 to 10 | YachtHunter, February 2026 |
| Crewed motor yacht, 27 to 31 m | EUR 30,000 to EUR 43,000 | 6 to 10 | Fraser, February 2026 |
| Crewed motor yacht, 43 to 52 m | EUR 135,800 to EUR 167,100 | 8 to 12 | Fraser, February 2026 |
| Superyacht, 56 to 85 m | EUR 242,900 to EUR 875,000 | 12 to 28 | Fraser, February 2026 |
Across the whole Mediterranean fleet, YachtCharterFleet lists crewed motor yachts from about USD 31,500 to USD 1.6 million a week and sailing yachts from about USD 20,500 to USD 533,000, plus expenses.
What MYBA terms mean for your budget
Most crewed charters in the Mediterranean use the MYBA charter agreement. Under MYBA terms the fee covers the hire of the yacht and her crew, including crew wages and the yacht’s insurance. Fuel, food and drink, port fees and communications are paid from the APA. The usual schedule is a 50% deposit on signing and the remaining 50%, plus the APA, VAT and any delivery fee, about 5 weeks before embarkation (Burgess).
What the APA covers
The APA is an advance deposited with the captain, usually 30% to 40% of the weekly rate. It pays for fuel, food and drink, berthing and communications. The captain keeps a running account; any balance is refunded at the end and any shortfall is settled before you leave.
Fuel, tips and delivery fees
Fuel is the most variable part of the APA, and short cruising distances are the simplest way to control it. Montenegro sells duty-free fuel to yachts, which makes it cheaper to refuel there than in neighbouring EU ports (see our note on Montenegro’s duty-free fuel for yachts). Tips are usually 10% to 15% of the charter fee. A delivery fee applies if you embark or disembark away from the yacht’s base port.
How much VAT is charged on a yacht charter in the Mediterranean?
Charter VAT depends mainly on where the charter starts and is charged on the charter fee, not on tips.
| Country | Charter VAT | Notes (IYC, May 2026, and operators) |
|---|---|---|
| France and Monaco | 20% | May be reduced for time spent outside EU waters |
| Italy | 22% | Final amount influenced by time outside EU waters; the earlier reduced scheme no longer applies |
| Spain, including the Balearics | 21% | Full rate on charters starting in Spain |
| Greece | 13% statutory for crewed charters over 48 hours | Practical rates of 5.2% to 6.5% for yachts with the right licence; 24% for short or bareboat charters |
| Croatia | 13% | On multi-day charters with the appropriate Croatian licence |
| Montenegro | 0% | No VAT on charters starting in Montenegro |
In Greece the reduction follows each yacht’s papers, so 2 similar yachts can be taxed differently. Ask for VAT as a separate line on the contract.
When is the best time for a Mediterranean yacht charter?
The Mediterranean charter season runs from May to October. July and August bring the warmest sea and the highest prices. June and September, the shoulder months, offer warm water, lower rates on many yachts and easier berthing. The eastern Mediterranean, including Greece and Turkey, stays warm into October.
Wind matters too. The meltemi, a strong northerly, blows across the Aegean in July and August, and the mistral can hit Provence, Corsica and northern Sardinia at any time. A good captain adjusts the route to both.
Events that fill the calendar
| Event | 2026 dates | What it means for charters |
|---|---|---|
| Cannes Film Festival | 12 to 23 May 2026 | Riviera yachts are booked for hospitality at high rates |
| Monaco Grand Prix | 7 June 2026 (race day) | Harbour-side berths in Monaco are among the most sought-after weeks of the year |
| Monaco Yacht Show | 23 to 26 September 2026 | The industry’s main showcase; many large yachts are in Port Hercule |
For event weeks, book 9 to 12 months ahead and expect minimum terms.
Where to charter a yacht in the Mediterranean
The western Mediterranean (the Riviera, Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, the Balearics) has the newest and largest yachts and the highest costs. The eastern Mediterranean (Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Turkey) offers more sailing yachts, gulets and catamarans at lower weekly rates.
- French Riviera and Monaco: short distances, famous harbours, the highest rates and 20% VAT.
- Italy: Amalfi Coast, the Aeolian Islands and Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, with 22% VAT.
- Croatia: the Dalmatian islands and sheltered sailing, with 13% VAT.
- Greece: the Cyclades for strong-wind sailing, the Ionian for calm water, with low effective VAT on licensed yachts.
- Montenegro: the Bay of Kotor and Porto Montenegro, 0% charter VAT and duty-free fuel.
- Balearics and Turkey: Ibiza, Formentera and Mallorca in the west; gulets along the Turquoise Coast in the east.
We compare each region’s season, prices, VAT and sailing conditions, with sample itineraries, in our guide to the best Mediterranean yacht charter destinations.
How far in advance should you book, and how does booking work?
For a crewed yacht in July or August, start 6 to 12 months ahead: Burgess recommends at least 6 months, and the most popular yachts are reserved up to a year ahead. Shoulder-season weeks and bareboat yachts are often available 2 to 4 months ahead.
A typical booking follows 5 steps.
- Brief a charter broker on dates, guests, budget and region.
- Review a shortlist with full cost estimates including APA and VAT.
- Sign the MYBA agreement and pay the 50% deposit.
- Complete the preference sheet on food, drinks and activities.
- Pay the balance, APA and taxes about 5 weeks before embarkation.
Charter brokers are usually paid from the owner’s side of the fee. If you are chartering to test ownership, read why smart buyers charter first.
Mistakes to avoid when booking a yacht charter
- Comparing base rates only. Add 30% to 40% APA, the VAT for the embarkation country and 10% to 15% tips before you compare yachts.
- Ignoring the wind. A small sailing yacht in the Cyclades in August can mean days in port; the Ionian or Croatia may suit better.
- Booking the event week too late. Monaco and Cannes weeks sell out months ahead and often carry minimum terms.
- Embarking in the wrong country. The same week can carry 0% VAT from Montenegro or 22% from Italy.
- Skipping cancellation insurance. Deposits are large; Burgess recommends cancellation and curtailment cover.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in the Mediterranean for a week?
A bareboat sailing yacht costs about EUR 4,000 to EUR 10,500 a week in June, a crewed sailing yacht or catamaran in Greece or Croatia starts at about EUR 15,000, and a crewed 27 to 31 m motor yacht costs about EUR 30,000 to EUR 43,000. Superyachts of 56 to 85 m run from about EUR 242,900 to EUR 875,000. Add 30% to 40% APA, VAT and tips.
What is APA on a yacht charter?
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. It is a sum, usually 30% to 40% of the weekly charter fee, paid in advance and held by the captain to cover running costs during the charter: fuel for the yacht and tenders, food and drink, port and marina fees and communications. The captain keeps receipts, and any unused balance is returned at the end.
What is the best month for a yacht charter in the Mediterranean?
June and September are often the best months: the sea is warm, rates on many yachts are lower than in peak season and harbours are less crowded. July and August offer the most reliable weather but the highest prices and the strongest meltemi winds in the Aegean. The eastern Mediterranean, including Greece and Turkey, stays pleasant into October.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in the Mediterranean?
Only for a bareboat charter, where you skipper the yacht yourself. Operators in Croatia, Greece, France, Italy and Spain ask for a recognised licence such as the International Certificate of Competence or a national equivalent, usually with a VHF radio certificate. On a crewed charter the professional captain holds the qualifications, so guests need no licence at all.
How much should I tip the crew on a yacht charter?
The usual guideline in the Mediterranean is 10% to 15% of the base charter fee, handed to the captain at the end of the charter and shared among the crew. It is discretionary and can be higher for exceptional service. Tips are not part of the APA and are not subject to VAT, so budget for them separately from the start.
Which Mediterranean country has the lowest VAT on yacht charters?
Montenegro charges no VAT on charters starting there, according to 2026 broker guidance. In Greece, weekly crewed charters carry a statutory 13% rate, which falls to 5.2% or 6.5% for yachts with the relevant licence. Croatia charges 13%, France and Monaco 20%, Spain 21% and Italy 22%, with reductions in some countries for time outside EU waters.
Charter in the Mediterranean with LIVERIA Yachting
A good charter is planned around the people on board, not the brochure. The region, month and yacht type decide most of the experience and most of the cost.
LIVERIA International Realty is a Mauritius-based luxury real estate agency with a presence in Dubai and London, recognised by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards in 2024 and 2026 and by the Global Elite Awards in 2025 and 2026, which named LIVERIA among the Top 100 Companies Worldwide in both years. LIVERIA Yachting helps clients charter, buy and sell yachts in the Mediterranean through its Monaco-based broker partner and trusted operators; read our conversation with Monaco-based sales broker Zayd Hassoune to see how we work. Reach us at [email protected].
