Variations in geology and climate give Greece everything from snow-covered mountains to barren rocky islets. Where there is a good water supply, such as on the Ionian islands, the land is fertile and green, in stark contrast to the barren mountainous mainland a few miles away. The sea, outside harbours and marinas, is clear and blue, and although much of the shore is rocky, there are sandy beaches too. Some places have been developed for land-based tourism, others are as deserted and beautiful as ever.

Marinas, Harbours & Anchorages

The start and finish point of a yacht charter will be a marina or large harbour, but in every cruising area there are many small harbours and anchorages. In midsummer some can be very crowded, particularly in poor weather or if there is no alternative shelter close by. Mains electricity is provided in all marinas and some harbours. In larger marinas, diesel is at a dedicated fuel quay, and in smaller places is delivered by a truck summoned by telephone; there may be no fuel available in the smallest harbours. Pilot books give details of facilities at almost all the places a yacht is likely to visit – plan your itinerary in advance to ensure you can get water, fuel and provisions when needed.

Tides & Currents

Tidal range is small, from 10 to 80cm, and tidal streams are not strong except in a few narrow channels. The prevailing current is in an anticlockwise direction around the Aegean and Ionian and is generally weak.

Weather

The prevailing winds in summer are from the north, but there is a lot of regional variation – more detailed descriptions are given below. There is very little rainfall in summer, although visibility may be reduced by dust in the atmosphere.

Food & Wine

Usually fresh and simply cooked, appetizing rather than sophisticated. Larger towns have a variety of restaurants, but smaller, less touristy places may have limited choice. Baked dishes are normally prepared for midday; appetizers followed by grilled meat or fish and fruit in the evening. Seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables can be found in markets everywhere, and dairy produce such as yogurt and feta cheese, but dry provisions apart from the basics may be limited in smaller villages and islands. Fish is usually expensive, although cheaper farmed varieties are now widely available; meat is often cut in unfamiliar ways, but is reasonably priced. Retsina (wine flavoured with pine resin) is often locally produced, and very variable in quality! Local unresinated wines and beers are also available, as well as brandies and the famous aniseed-flavoured ouzo.

History

The sea and ships play a key role in Greek history and mythology, and evidence of ancient civilisations is scattered throughout the islands and along the coasts. Visiting ruins away from the tourist path can be an interesting diversion on a sailing holiday in Greece; the pilot book may give a brief mention, but take a guidebook for detailed descriptions.

Sailing Areas

Ionian - Corfu & Lefkas

A beautiful area with good sailing winds and lush green islands, sandy beaches, a few lively resorts and a multitude of small, safe anchorages accessible only by yacht. Gentle north-westerly afternoon breezes in summer (force 2 – 5) are ideal for less experienced crews and families. Very popular with yachts, so some places may be busy.

Saronic Gulf - Athens

The Saronic islands and the mainland coast of the Peloponnese offer sheltered sailing with interesting anchorages and shore trips. Moderate breezes up to force 5 in summer make it suitable for young or less experienced crews.

Cyclades - Paros & Syros

The islands of the central Aegean vary from the popular tourist destination of Mykonos with fine sandy beaches, to the stunningly beautiful Santorini with its whitewashed houses on the steep slopes of the volcano. Winds in July and August are strong – normally force 5-6 but up to force 8 at times – so in midsummer this area is suitable for more experienced sailors. Early or late season is less windy.

Sporades - Skiathos

Pine clad islands in the northern Aegean, with beautiful beaches and anchorages. To the north is the scenic and isolated Khalkidhiki peninsula. The prevailing wind is from the northeast, up to force 5 in the west, stronger to the east.

Dodecanese - Kos & Rhodes

14 picturesque islands in the eastern Aegean, close to the Turkish coast, with a mix of tranquil bays and busy harbours. For keen sailors, there are strong north westerly breezes (up to force 7) in the summer: less windy in early and late season.

Peloponnese - Kalamata

The southern part of mainland Greece is quiet and unspoilt, with small harbours and anchorages, historic fortresses and churches. Prevailing summer winds are from the northwest, curving round and blowing up into the gulfs, with occasional squalls off the land.

Flight time from UK: about 3 hours

We can offer a wide choice of flights to your destination: charter
flights to Corfu, Lefkas, Rhodes, Kos and Skiathos from London,
Manchester and other UK regional airports, or scheduled flights to
Athens. Charter flight prices are about £275 each, depending on
carrier, destination and dates.