Sailing in Greece is much more than a regular vacation. It is a rewarding and unique experience that allows you to discover the real Greece. Sailing on calm seas, whether on your own private yacht or a chartered vessel, opens up a whole world of possibilities: sailing between breathtaking island groups, anchoring in protected and hidden natural bays inaccessible from land, and swimming in crystal-clear waters alongside dolphins, if you are lucky.
While most tourists flock to Greece in the summer, the best time for those desiring a winter sail is actually during the Alkyonides days in mid-January, known as the “Little Summer.” This is an excellent time to enjoy the beauty of the islands, picturesque villages, and archaeological sites in a peaceful atmosphere, with everything wrapped in green and blue. In this relaxed vibe, you can experience true “island culture,” sit in traditional tavernas and cafes with the locals, and feel part of the place. Sailing is the ultimate way to truly disconnect from routine and build a completely personal vacation itinerary.
If you are interested in starting your voyage near Athens, the Saronic Islands and the eastern coast of the Peloponnese are a perfect solution. Very close to the Attica region (where Athens is located), you will find great sailing routes with ideal conditions, spectacular beaches, and a variety of beautiful islands.
- Hellenic Sailing Federation – Information on sailing clubs, official competitions, rankings, and news regarding sailing in Greece.
- Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association – Up-to-date information on yacht chartering in Greece.
Sailing in the Saronic Islands
The most popular Saronic islands are Aegina, Poros, Hydra (known for being car-free), and Spetses. Further on, in the Argolic Gulf and along the eastern coast of the Peloponnese, you can enjoy well-organized marinas in the beautiful historic cities of Nafplio and Tolo, as well as arranged marinas in Porto Heli, Paralio Astros, and Leonidio. This area combines rich history with maximum comfort for sailors.
Sailing in the Cyclades
The Cyclades Islands are likely the first image that comes to mind when you think of Greece. The white houses, the deep blue sea, and the blue domes. Sailing in the Cyclades, in the heart of the Aegean Sea, is an unforgettable experience combining high-level lifestyle, sun-drenched beaches, and thousands of hidden coves.
This group of islands is geographically divided into several areas, each with a different character: The southern islands include the famous Santorini, Milos, and quieter islands like Anafi. In the center of the archipelago, you will find the popular Paros and Naxos alongside Sifnos and Amorgos. The Small Cyclades (such as Koufonisia) offer exemplary quiet, while in the north of this island group lie Mykonos, Syros, Andros, and Tinos. This is a paradise for sea lovers, but it requires significant sailing experience due to the winds in the area.
It is important to be aware of the Meltemi. This is a very strong northern wind that blows in the Aegean Sea mainly during July and August. The wind can turn the sea stormy and effectively halt the sailing of small yachts. If you are planning a relaxed family vacation with children at the peak of summer, it is better to consider sailing in the Ionian Islands or the Saronic Islands, where the sea is significantly calmer.
Sailing in the Dodecanese
To the southeast lie the Dodecanese Islands, known for their excellent climate, sandy beaches, and a fascinating mix of natural attractions and historical and religious monuments. This group includes the well-known Rhodes and Kos, but sailing allows you to reach smaller and more magical islands like Symi, Kalymnos, Patmos, Karpathos, and Kastellorizo. Sailing in this area allows for easy hopping between large, tourist-heavy islands and small, authentic islands that have maintained their original character over the years.
Sailing in the Ionian Islands
On the other side of Greece, in the west of the country, are the Ionian Islands, considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Mediterranean thanks to the lush green vegetation reaching right down to the water line. Sailing in the Ionian Sea, which includes the islands of Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca, Paxos, and Kythira, is a calmer experience with moderate winds and spectacular green landscapes.
This is the perfect place for leisurely and relaxed recreational sailing, very suitable for families and beginner sailors looking for relatively calm seas and breathtaking beaches.
Sailing in Crete
Sailing in Crete, the largest island in Greece, is a completely different experience from the classic “island hopping” characterizing sailing in the Cyclades, as it is a vast territory that sometimes feels like a continent in itself. Here, the voyage focuses on cruising along the island’s diverse and dramatic coastlines. The northern side of Crete offers a fascinating combination of organized marinas in beautiful Venetian cities like Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos, alongside natural attractions accessible only by sea, like the famous lagoons of Balos and Gramvousa or Spinalonga Island in the east. However, bear in mind that the northern side is exposed to Meltemi winds in the summer.
In contrast, the southern coast facing the Libyan Sea and towards Africa provides a much wilder, more isolated, and pristine experience, with crystal clear waters and quiet coves mostly protected from strong northern winds. For the adventurous sailor, Crete is an ideal destination for combining a pampering hotel vacation with daily sailing trips, or alternatively, a challenging yacht journey circling the island and discovering hidden corners that the ordinary tourist never gets to see.
Sailing in the Sporades
If the Cyclades are characterized by white and blue, the Sporades Islands are the kingdom of green and turquoise. This archipelago is located in the northwest Aegean Sea and offers a sailing experience within a postcard of wild nature, where dense pine trees descend right to the water line, kissing a clear emerald-green sea.
The classic sailing route here includes the three main islands: Skiathos, the cosmopolitan and vibrant island known for its nightlife and famous sandy beaches; Skopelos – the green and serene island that gained world fame as the filming location for the movie “Mamma Mia”, featuring picturesque towns and a romantic atmosphere; and Alonissos, a quiet island forming part of the largest National Marine Park in Europe, a refuge for monk seals and a paradise for divers and nature lovers.
This area is considered a true gem due to relatively comfortable sailing conditions: the distances between islands are short, allowing for relatively short legs, making it very suitable for families with children, and there are plenty of protected bays for safe overnight anchorage. Access to the area is convenient in summer with direct flights to Skiathos, or alternatively via Volos Port on the mainland, which can be reached by driving from Athens or Thessaloniki. Sailing in the Sporades is the perfect combination of amazing beaches, green forests, and fine culinary experiences, far from the crowds of the more famous islands.
Critical Points to Know Before Setting Sail in Greece
- Sailing Licenses (Skippers): Many travelers hold various sailing licenses. It is important to know that Greece is very strict about regulations. To charter a bareboat yacht (without a local skipper), in most cases, you will be required to present a valid skipper’s license for one of the passengers, and often a second crew member with basic maritime experience will be required to sign a declaration as a co-skipper.
- Internet and Communication at Sea: While reception on land in Greece is excellent, cellular reception can be patchy at sea. It is highly recommended to purchase local eSIM cards that offer the best coverage on the islands (often better coverage than international roaming packages). Most modern yachts also have Wi-Fi connections, but it is worth verifying this in advance.
- Provisions and Dietary Requirements: One of the advantages of sailing is the ability to cook on the yacht. Large supermarket chains in Greece like Sklavenitis or AB are excellent and affordable. For those observing specific diets, such as Kosher: fresh fish (with scales), fruits, vegetables in abundance, feta cheese, and quality yogurt can be easily found. Kosher or Halal meat is difficult to obtain on the islands themselves, so it is recommended to bring it frozen from home or purchase it at the Chabad House in Athens/Thessaloniki before setting sail.
- Flights: Most sailing regions have convenient access via direct flights:
- Skippered Yacht Charter: If you don’t have a license, don’t miss out on the sailing experience in Greece. One of the very strong trends is chartering a yacht (catamarans are recommended for families due to stability) with a local skipper. The skipper not only navigates the boat but serves as a personal guide taking you to the best tavernas and hidden beaches known only to locals. For an additional fee, you can also get a hostess, a nanny, a cook, and deckhands.