Yacht Charter in GreeceGreece is one of the most popular destinations for sailing worldwide. Sailing in the sea of eternal myths and history is an experience of a lifetime. The Greek land comprise more than 6,000 islands and islets and a 16,000 km coastline to explore.
The Greek Islands are famous for the exotic beaches, amazing sightseeing, local gastronomy, nightlife, ancient culture, warmth and hospitality that promise unique dreamy summer holidays with great balance of adventures and relaxing time.
High Season time sailing in Greece
The High Season starts late June to early September, but lot of visitors prefer early summer (mid-April to June) or autumn (mid-September to October) due to lower costs and better booking availability.
The most popular destinations where sailors all over the world love to spend their vacations are the Cyclades Islands, the Ionian Islands, the Sporades Islands and the islands in the Argosaronic Gulf near Athens.
Sailing the Cyclades Islands (Mykonos, Paros, Milos, Ios and more)
The Cyclades is the most popular island complex in Greece. They are found in the central of the Aegean Sea, composed of 56 islands, with the most important being Santorini (Thira), Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Ios and Sifnos. Cyclades consist of a lot of diverse islands with differing cultures and landscapes.
Other notable cycladic islands are Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Serifos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, Folegandros, as well as the “Minor Cyclades” comprising Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia and Schinousa.
Known for their crystal blue waters, sandy beaches, and famous for whitewashed houses, gorgeous landscapes and cosmopolitan lifestyle are an ideal sailing destination.
Cyclades sailing area experiences the Meltemi wind, a strong and dry North wind which occurs in the Aegean Sea usually blows throughout the summer season and mostly from July to August. Meltemi averages usually 4-5 Beaufort Scale however, it can reach 5-7 (sometimes even 8) Beaufort Scale. Meltemi wind may offer good sailing conditions for many sailing sport enthusiasts, but sometimes it can be proved dangerous for amateur sailors.
Sailing greece ionian
Sailing the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Kefallonia, Lefkada)
The Ionian Islands are located on the western side of the country, historically and culturally are strongly connected to Italy due to the influence of the Venetian Period. Corfu, Kefallonia, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Ithaca, Paxi and Kythira are famous for their green landscape and some of the most majestic beaches of the world like Myrtos Beach on Kefallonia, Porto Katsiki and Egremnoi on Lefkada and Navagio Beach on Zakynthos.
Their nature landscape is completely different to the barren, rocky landscape of Cyclades.
The Ionian is characterised by light and steady winds (Maistro) ideal for inexperienced sailors and families who want to have calm and relaxed sailing holidays. From June to the end of September the normal wind in the North Ionian is from NW to WNW and with average wind speed force 3-5.
Sailing the Islands of Argosaronic Gulf (Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Angistri)
Argosaronic Gulf lies between the north-east coast of Peloponnese and the south-west shore of Attica. Argosaronic Islands such Spetses, Poros, Hydra Angistri, Aegina and Salamis are ideal destinations with magnificent landscape, crystal waters and small bays for those who want a sailing experience near Athens, where are some of the best organized marinas.
Cosmopolitan islands with a long naval tradition, individual traditional character and architecture such as grand traditional mansions and picturesque narrow cobblestoned streets. Also cultural sightseeing and history is rich in Argosaronic Gulf and Eastern Peloponnese coast. Epidaurus ancient theater, the ancient Mycenae castle, the castle of Palamidi (Nafplio) and the historic port of Hydra are some of the must-see places in the area.
The winds are not that strong in the Argosaronic Gulf compared to the Aegean Sea because the area is well protected by the south coast of Attica and North-East coast of Peloponnese. The area is out of the reach of the main meltemi force so winds are usually 3-5 Beauforts with north – northwest direction in July till September.
Sailing the Sporades Islands (Skiathos and Skopelos)
Located on the northern side of the Aegean Sea, consists of four large islands. Skiathos and Skopelos are the most popular islands, while Alonissos and Skyros keep a lower profile. The Sporades islands have amazing rich nature, with trees down to the sea level and gorgeus beaches with sapphire waters.
Skiathos has a cosmopolitan town with intense nightlife and some of the most favorites beaches in Greece, like Koukounaries Beach and Lalaria Beach.
Eastern Skopelos and Alonissos along with other islets are part of the National Marine Park of the Aegean Sea. Skopelos is the birth place of the rare caretta – caretta sea turtle and Alonissos Island is the home of the biggest population of the Monk seal – Monachus Monachus.
Sheltered anchorages, safe waters and small distances between the islands offer ideal conditions for a sailing in Greek island.
The wind is milder compared to the main Cyclades area, blowing from the North up to 4-6 Beauforts. But sailors have to look out for the Meltemi, which can get up at times.
Find the right yacht for your sailing in greece and get on board..!
