Greece
A journey into the land where it all began
Greece, namely the cradle of Western civilization, is a main attraction for sailors from around the world. With more than 6000 islands scattered between the two sides of the Aegean Sea and a strong heritage, Greece has a lot to offer yacht charterers.
The sailing scenery in Greece is crowded with sailing yachts, catamarans, motor yachts and gulets of all sizes almost all year round. Although most yacht charters in the Mediterranean last a week, two week charters are also quite common in Greece destinations through the Aegean and Cyclades areas. And for a good reason: You just can’t get enough of island hopping.
Greek Islands: An array of dream-like experiences
Greek islands are known for the incredibly wide range of experiences they can offer. They are very close to each other and there’s so many of them but still they can be quite different from one another. On Greek islands you can discover quiet beaches, hidden coves, sea caves, islets and even volcanoes to enjoy what the nature has to offer. You can then choose to visit manmade wonders like ancient cities, lighthouses or modern picturesque ports. You can also meet hospitable local people, taste the wonderful food and enjoy a strong culture that has stood the test of time.
Remember: The Saronic Gulf, Kithnos, Serifos, Siros, Kea, Poros, Spetses, Dhokos and Hydra are among some of the most popular points for sailors and certainly deserve their fame.
Complete and detailed list of marinas in Greek waters
Greek sailing scenery is colored with all kinds of boats – state of the art motor yachts, exquisite sailboats and authentic gulets. And of course, Greece is not short of marinas to accommodate these.
We know that not all marinas are created equal. Some have better facilities and some may have more nearby attractions than others. The complete and detailed list of marinas along the Greek coastline we have prepared offers nautical information and a list of facilities as well as suggestions for what you can do after tying up. You can also see the driving distances from the nearest airports as well as sailing distances to the three nearest marinas.
Cozy restaurants on the Greek coastline and the islands
Reviewed by sailors for sailors
Local restaurants where sailors can enjoy wonderful Greek cuisine, wine and ouzo!
Hidden gems and popular restaurants… Don’t miss out on specialties like pick-your-own-herb tours or wine tasting sessions.
Marinas
GotoSailing MapGuide®
Nightlife goes epic on Greek islands
One of the best ways to spice up an island hopping boat holiday is to get a taste of the night life ashore. And what could be a better place to experience the awesome energy than the legendary Greek islands?
Islands of Mykanos, Ios, Kos, Corfu, Zakynthos and Skiathos are the first names that come to mind when we talk about wild beach parties. Although these islands can also offer history, culture and exquisite cuisine, their fame lies mostly in the vibrant nightlife. Especially Mykanos in the Cyclades is known as the Ibiza of the Aegean coast and it’s quite possible to run into a worldwide celebrity any time of day or night. On these islands, the beaches typically turn into a giant dance floor once the sun fades and everyone becomes part of the big fun.
Weather and Winds
The weather at its best
Like most parts of the Mediterranean, the climate of the Greek Islands and the coastline is sailor – friendly with dry hot summers and sunny days all year round. It starts to cool by fall, with occasional rain and gathering winds. The sea water temperatures range between 27°C and 17°C from August to March.
Early season temperatures for March and April range from an average of 17°C during the day and down to 12°C at night. May and June are milder, with an average of 25°C during the day and 23°C at night. July and August are very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C during the day and going down to 23°C at night. September-November (late season) temperatures are still warm with an average of 23°C during the day and down to 19°C at night, with moderate rain.
Etesian winds will be your company
The Meltemis, called Etesian winds in ancient Greek, are strong dry north winds that accompany sailors all through the summer charter season. They start around mid-May and sometimes last until October. Meltemis bring low humidity, good visibility, clear blue skies and relief during the hot summer months. They also provide wonderful surfing conditions in particular areas.
Meltemis have a daily routine. They begin around 9:00 in the morning, get noticeably strong in the afternoon and die down early in the evening. Most charter captains prefer to cruise in the morning – if not at night- to avoid the winds and anchor in the afternoon.