With its beautiful waters, perfect anchorages, ancient historic sites and mythology, you will find Greece a delightful magical country. Sailing in the Greece islands presents multiple options for your sailing vacation with many varied and contrasting islands to explore: Ionians, Cyclades, Saronic, Sporades, Dodecanese, Eastern Aegean and Crete.

Cyclades Islands

One of the many groups of islands surrounding Greece is the Cyclades group, so named because the islands form a cycle around the sacred land of Delos. Best known for ther history, art, and civilization which dates back to the Bronze Age. The proximity of the islands to one another permits a relaxed sailing schedule, allowing more time for sightseeing. The Cyclades mixes exciting daytime sailing conditions with just as exciting nightlife on its famous islands.

Sportades Islands

The Sporades Islands sailing area is one for more experienced sailors that enjoy not only clear waters and beautiful beaches, but also good sailing with the north-westerly ‘Meltemi’ winds felt all through the season.  

Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands are off the western coast of Greece and stretch from Corfu in the north to Zakynthos in the south. Expect a friendly welcome from your Greek hosts, with food fresh off the spit or straight out of the garden. Moor up outside a taverna for the evening meal and a few of the local ‘tipples’.

Sailing Tips

If you are considering sailing in Greece in the high season then you should be prepared for it to be very busy in places, but rest assured that there are always quiet and unexplored places to discover.  

The sailing conditions in Greece are as diverse as the locations themselves. If you’re looking for calm seas and generally light winds head to the Ionian Islands. If you're after exciting sailing venture to the Cyclades Islands and for something in between, cast off toward the beautiful Saronic Gulf.

Weather

Cyclades - Because of the strong north wind Meltemi the sailing conditions are quite sporty. This wind can even reach the intensity of storm, especially if cape or jet effects arise. If you prefer smooth sailing, you will have the opportunity during the long season in spring and autumn. 

Sportades - The wind Meltemi is quite weak there, and the sea is quite calm. The main wind direction in this area is north. In the summer months Meltemi blows from northeastern to northwestern directions, but it is not as strong as in the southern Aegean. In July and August it is better to anchor in bays and places which are protected from the north wind.

Ionoan - climate is typically Mediterranean with hot and dry summer and moderate winter. The main sailing season lasts from April to October. The Ionian Sea with the Gulf of Corinth belongs to the areas with quite calm winds.  The prevailing wind direction is north-west (May to September).