Greece offers five main sailing areas, each with its own character, sea conditions and atmosphere. Here's our guide to help you choose the one that's right for you.
The Ionian Islands - ideal for families and first-timers
The Ionian Islands are the most accessible sailing area in Greece. From May to September, the wind blows from the north-west at force 2-5, arrives around midday and drops off at sunset - ideal, predictable conditions.
The landscapes are lush, the beaches spectacular and the anchorages numerous and well protected. From Corfu to Zakynthos, via Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia and Ithaca, each island has its own personality.
Ideal for : First-time sailors, families with children, those who want to enjoy their holiday without the stress of the weather. Best period : April to October.
The Saronic Islands - culture and authenticity a stone's throw from Athens
Just a stone's throw from Athens, the Saronic Islands offer easy, culturally rich sailing. Hydra and its car-free lanes, chic Spetses, Aegina and its temple of Aphaia, Poros and its relaxing atmosphere.
The Meltemi is felt mainly at the eastern mouths of the Gulf. Further west, pleasant thermal breezes take over in the late afternoon.
Ideal for : those disembarking from Athens, lovers of Greek culture and authenticity, and sailors on a budget. Best period : May to October.
The Cyclades - for experienced sailors and lovers of iconic beauty
The white and blue of the Cyclades is the image of eternal Greece. Mykonos, Santorini, Milos, Paros, the Lesser Cyclades - each island is a world unto itself.
Beware, however: in summer, the Meltemi blows hard in this acceleration corridor between Greece and Turkey. An experienced skipper knows how to anticipate this and take advantage of it - the islands arranged in a circle mean that you can sail from island to island almost without tacking.
Ideal for : Experienced sailors, lovers of iconic landscapes, travellers who want to combine sailing with a festive lifestyle. Best period : June or September - the Meltemi is more moderate and the water at its warmest.
The Sporades - the secret garden of the Aegean Sea
The Sporades are the least known and most unspoilt of the archipelagos. Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos - pine-covered islands plunging into turquoise waters. There are no crowds here, just deserted coves and unspoilt nature.
Ideal for : for those fleeing mass tourism, nature lovers and those seeking total disconnection. Best period : June to September.
The Dodecanese - on the Eastern frontier
Rhodes, Patmos, Symi, Kos - the Dodecanese stretches along the Turkish coast. The islands here are more authentic, with architecture that blends Greek, Ottoman and Italian influences. Patmos and its Monastery of the Apocalypse, Symi and its colourful neoclassical houses.
Ideal for : Travellers in search of authenticity and history, sailors who want to explore deepest Greece off the beaten track. Best period : May, June and September.
In a nutshell
| Zone | Level required | Atmosphere | Best period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ionian | Beginner | Nature, family | April - October |
| Saronic | Beginner | Culture, authenticity | May - October |
| Cyclades | Experienced | Iconic, festive | June, September |
| Sporades | Intermediate | Unspoilt nature | June - September |
| Dodecanese | Intermediate | History, Orient | May, June, September |
Are you still hesitating? Contact us - we'll help you choose the perfect itinerary to suit your profile and your desires.