Sailing in Greece
Greece
Charter an island week, skipper optional
The island seas are a visitor charter product — bareboat and skippered boats you book as a week. Distances work for a holiday. It is cruising ground, not a sunset cocktail boat.
- Bareboat and skippered charter
- A week of water, not a day-sail
- Visitor charter desks
The vibe
Sailing is the quintessential way to experience the archipelago, offering the freedom to wake up in a new bay every morning with nothing but the horizon ahead. The season peaks in the summer when the winds are reliable, though the shoulder months offer a more peaceful experience with fewer boats in the popular anchorages. It feels like a grand, independent adventure, whether you are chartering a vessel or navigating your own craft through the island chains.
Argolic Gulf
Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian
Sharon Mollerus / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Extending south from the Saronic, the Argolic Gulf offers a mix of mainland coastal cruising and island stops near Spetses. It provides a more intimate, sheltered experience with charming fishing villages and historical ports like Nafplio.
Access. Accessible via charter fleets based in Poros or Athens.
Notes. Generally calm waters; ideal for those avoiding the stronger winds of the open Aegean.
Cyclades Islands
South Aegean
rene boulay / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The quintessential Aegean sailing experience, characterized by iconic white-washed villages and challenging open-water passages between islands like Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini. This is a high-reward destination for experienced sailors seeking the authentic, wind-swept Mediterranean experience.
Access. Lavrio and Alimos are the main charter bases for accessing the Cyclades.
Notes. Strong Meltemi winds can occur in July and August; requires competent boat handling.
Dodecanese Islands
South Aegean
Elias Yiannopoulos / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Situated near the Turkish coast, this archipelago offers a blend of ancient history and diverse island landscapes, from volcanic Nisyros to the medieval architecture of Rhodes. The sailing here involves longer passages and a mix of sheltered bays and open crossings.
Access. Kos and Rhodes are the main charter bases for exploring the southern Dodecanese.
Notes. Summer winds can be intense; navigation requires attention to international border proximity.
Ionian Islands
Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian
maczopikczu / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Offering a more relaxed pace than the Aegean, the Ionian Sea features lush, green islands like Lefkada, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. The prevailing winds are generally lighter, making it ideal for family flotillas and leisurely island hopping.
Access. Lefkada and Corfu are the primary charter hubs for the Ionian region.
Notes. Excellent for beginners; seasonal winds are typically predictable and moderate.
Saronic Gulf
Attica
G Da / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A classic Greek cruising ground offering short, protected hops between historic islands like Aegina, Poros, and Hydra. The area is renowned for its reliable winds and proximity to Athens, making it a perfect introduction to Aegean sailing.
Access. Alimos Marina in Athens serves as the primary charter hub for the Saronic Gulf.
Notes. Best sailed from May to October; be mindful of the Meltemi wind in mid-summer.
Sporades Islands
Central Greece
Lunar sea n / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Known for pine-covered hills and crystal-clear waters, the Sporades offer a quieter, more naturalistic sailing experience compared to the busier southern archipelagos. Islands like Skiathos and Skopelos provide excellent anchorages and short, scenic hops.
Access. Skiathos is the primary base for yacht charters in the Northern Sporades.
Notes. The region is less crowded; best visited in the shoulder seasons of June and September.