Brief description of the 5 main sailing areas in Greece

Greece is the perfect choice for those interested in going on a sailing holiday as it offers a wide selection of islands that can satisfy any taste! Below you will find a brief description on the 5 main sailing areas in Greece that will give you a rough idea and help you plan your boat holidays:

The Saronic & Argolic Gulf & Peloponnese coast has calm waters and mild winds so it requires a little to some sailing competence / experience which means it is the ideal sailing area for those taking their first sailing holiday in Greece or their first bareboat charter after sailing school. The islands together with the mainland offer a great variety of sightseeing, a good choice between secluded bays and isolated coves as well as all kinds of amenities, activities and night life that will keep everyone happy! Our charter bases for the Saronic & Argolic Gulf are in Alimos (Kalamaki marina) and in Lavrion port which can be easily accessed by the Athens International Airport. For more information on the sailing area and the islands, click here.

The Cyclades islands are perhaps the most popular destination worldwide as they offer magnificent barren landscapes, traditional architecture and great beaches. Mykonos and Santorini may be the most famous islands in the Cyclades group but there are smaller, not so popular islands like Kimolos, Folegandros, Anafi and Sikinos which are also very beautiful and worth a visit. Apart from their beauty, the Cyclades islands are also known for their winds. The “Meltemi” wind blows mainly in July & August and can reach the force of 5-8 Beauforts therefore when sailing the Cyclades advanced sailing competence, skills and rather good experience is required. Our charter bases for the Cyclades are Alimos (Kalamaki) marina, Lavrion port in Athens and Paroikia port in Paros island. For more information on the sailing area and the islands, click here.

The Ionian islands have a very mild climate throughout the year with gentle winds blowing from the NW and calm seas. This makes the Ionian the perfect sailing area for beginners, families and less experienced crews since it offers safe navigation and protected anchorages. The lush vegetation, the incredible green-emerald waters and the activities are the main reason why so many tourists keep coming back year after year! Our charter bases for the Ionian sailing area are in Gouvia marina (in Corfu island) and Lefkas marina (in Lefkas island). Both marinas are privately owned and offer good facilities and service though the dock fee is rather expensive. If you are interested in chartering a yacht in the Ionian islands, make sure you book well in advance as the area is swarming with Italians, French and Greeks. For more information on the sailing area and the islands, click here.

The Dodecanese islands are mostly barren with dry, warm climate and average winds blowing from the NW. Due to their location (at the Southeastern end of Greece); they are considered the warmest Greek sailing destination. It is nice to visit even in early April or late October and November when winds are even calmer blowing from the SE. Moderate to advanced sailing skills are required in order to sail the Dodecanese islands. Our charter bases for the Dodecanese are Kos marina (in Kos island), Mandraki marina (in Rhodes island) & Pythagorion port in Samos island. For more information on the sailing area and the islands, click here.

The Sporades islands located in the Northwest side of the Aegean Sea offer exceptional beauty and a number of wonderful beaches. Their climate consists of mild winters, frequent rainfalls and warm summers. The prevailing wind is usually N – NW which means that moderate to good sailing skills and experience are required for this area. The Sporades may not be the ideal place to visit archaeological sites and monuments but it is one of the most beautiful areas in Greece where you can just relax and enjoy the sun and the sea. Our charter base for the Sporades is in Skiathos marina (in Skiathos island). For more information on the sailing area and the islands, click here.