Greece
Embark on a sun-drenched Greek island odyssey. Sail crystal-clear turquoise waters to discover tranquil bays, pristine beaches, picturesque whitewashed villages, and ancient forts. Indulge in epicurean delights – sumptuous Greek cuisine and bespoke wines, while foot-tapping melodies are skilfully played on the bouzouki.
Whether your adventure takes you from Athens into the Saronic Gulf, to the Cyclades, from Volos Gulf to the Sporades; or along the Aegean Sea, each archipelago is a treasury of spectacular islands.
Sail to pristine Corfu with its idyllic beaches, or visit Ithaca – mythical Odysseus’ kingdom in Homer’s ‘Odyssey’. Hike through olive groves on Lefkada or explore ancient ruins on Kos Island.
Chartering in Greece: at a glance
Language
Greek, though English is widely spokenCurrency
EurosExpenses (Diesel, Food etc)
SUGGESTED Pilot Guide
Greek Waters Pilot – Rod and Lucinda HeikellType of Mooring
Stern to with anchor
Itinerary Structure
Saturday – Saturday or Sunday-Sunday (Ionian)
Sailing Season
Season is May to October.
Airports
Preveza (Lefkada), Corfu, Athens, Skiathos or Volos, Kos, Mykonos + ferry (Paros)
Regions
The Cruising Ground
Lefkada – South Ionian
FLOTILLA | Bareboat | Skippered | Crewed
The idyllic west coast island of Lefkada joins the Greek mainland by a narrow causeway. Slow-paced and traditional, the island features sprawling wild olive groves, charming villages, and spectacular beaches. On the west coast, dramatic chalk cliffs tower above the crystal blue Ionian Sea while the east coast offers sheltered bays, dotted with tavernas serving up mouthwatering local delicacies.
Lefkada is a nautical gateway to the iconic Heptanese islands. Go beach hopping in Kefalonia, or visit legendary Ithaca – nicknamed ‘The Island of Odysseus’, with its rugged coastline, forested mountains and mythological appeal. Or explore the quieter, but equally enchanting island havens of Kalamos and Kastos.
Lefkada – South Ionian
FLOTILLA | BAREBOAT | SKIPPERED | CREWED
The idyllic west coast island of Lefkada joins the Greek mainland by a narrow causeway. Slow-paced and traditional, the island features sprawling wild olive groves, charming villages, and spectacular beaches. On the west coast, dramatic chalk cliffs tower above the crystal blue Ionian Sea while the east coast offers sheltered bays, dotted with tavernas serving up mouthwatering local delicacies.
Lefkada is a nautical gateway to the iconic Heptanese islands. Go beach hopping in Kefalonia, or visit legendary Ithaca – nicknamed ‘The Island of Odysseus’, with its rugged coastline, forested mountains and mythological appeal. Or explore the quieter, but equally enchanting island havens of Kalamos and Kastos.
Corfu – North Ionian
Bareboat | Skippered | Crewed
Corfu is a multi-faceted gem, exuding all the natural splendour and charm of a traditional Greek island. This northernmost Ionian island’s rich cultural heritage was shaped by periods of Byzantine, Venetian, French and British rule. Step back in time as you wander along narrow cobbled streets in the old town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ‘outstanding universal value’. Explore the magnificent rock formations of Canal d’Amour Beach or venture along the east coast, sampling exceptional Greek cuisine and discovering charming fishing villages like Petriti.
Sail on to paradisical Paxos and nearby Antipaxos, where Caribbean-like beaches fringe sandstone cliffs, ancient olive groves and sweeping vineyards.
Athens – Saronic Gulf
FLOTILLA | Bareboat | Skippered | Crewed
Bathed in Mediterranean sunshine and antiquity, the capital city of Athens is the perfect departure point for a Saronic Gulf adventure. Synonymous with Athens, the vast 5th-century BC Acropolis towers over the city, paying homage to its ancient roots. Visit the magnificent Parthenon with its colossal colonnade, the fascinating Acropolis Museum or the National Archaeological Museum to view relics from ancient Greece.
Modern-day Athens blends new and old – from vogue clubs and restaurants to traditional markets and fishing harbours. From the main port of Piraeus, sail along the romantic Athens Riviera, to enjoy more than 30 nautical miles of blissful beaches, tranquil coves, and charming marinas.
Athens – Saronic Gulf
FLOTILLA | BAREBOAT | SKIPPERED | CREWED
Bathed in Mediterranean sunshine and antiquity, the capital city of Athens is the perfect departure point for a Saronic Gulf adventure. Synonymous with Athens, the vast 5th-century BC Acropolis towers over the city, paying homage to its ancient roots. Visit the magnificent Parthenon with its colossal colonnade, the fascinating Acropolis Museum or the National Archaeological Museum to view relics from ancient Greece.
Modern-day Athens blends new and old – from vogue clubs and restaurants to traditional markets and fishing harbours. From the main port of Piraeus, sail along the romantic Athens Riviera, to enjoy more than 30 nautical miles of blissful beaches, tranquil coves, and charming marinas.
Skiathos – Sporades
FLOTILLA | Bareboat | Skippered | Crewed
In the heart of the Aegean Sea, a short sail from the pristine Gulf of Volos, the Sporades islands glisten like emeralds in cobalt blue waters. Skiathos, the liveliest of these islands, is a playground of dazzling sandy white beaches, energetic nightlife and seaside tavernas. In Skiathos Town, allow traditional Greek music and delightful aromas to draw you into its vibrant restaurants. Or follow quiet mountain paths to discover graceful churches and monasteries tucked away in the verdant countryside.
Sail to picture-perfect Skopelos, the laid-back island that was featured in Mamma Mia! Or continue to Alonnisos, which is home to a vast protected marine park.
Kos – Dodecanese
FLOTILLA | Bareboat | Skippered | Crewed
Within the Dodecanese archipelago, near the Turkish coast, Kos Island is a treasure chest brimming with alluring beaches and priceless historic sites. The 15th-century Neratzia Castle, built by the Knights of St. John, guards the impressive harbour mouth. Enjoy panoramic views from its stone battlements, before visiting Hippocrates Tree, where the father of medicine once taught his students. The spectacular Agora ruins nearby, uncovered by an earthquake in 1933, feature temples, baths and a 5th-century basilica.
Extend your island adventure to Rhodes, to discover its enchanting history of kings and knights; to Symi, with its colourful Venetian harbour, or to pristine Nisiros with its dormant volcano.
Kos – Dodecanese
FLOTILLA | BAREBOAT | SKIPPERED | CREWED
Within the Dodecanese archipelago, near the Turkish coast, Kos Island is a treasure chest brimming with alluring beaches and priceless historic sites. The 15th-century Neratzia Castle, built by the Knights of St. John, guards the impressive harbour mouth. Enjoy panoramic views from its stone battlements, before visiting Hippocrates Tree, where the father of medicine once taught his students. The spectacular Agora ruins nearby, uncovered by an earthquake in 1933, feature temples, baths and a 5th-century basilica.
Extend your island adventure to Rhodes, to discover its enchanting history of kings and knights; to Symi, with its colourful Venetian harbour, or to pristine Nisiros with its dormant volcano.
Paros – Cyclades
Bareboat | Skippered | Crewed
A sailors’ haven in the Aegean Sea, Paros is the quintessential Greek Island. The capital, Parikia, is a port town and the Cyclades region’s vibrant boating hub. Lovely whitewashed houses cascade down the rolling hill towards the harbour in typical Greek style. The old town’s cobbled alleys lead to shops, restaurants, old Byzantine churches and windmills. Tuck into a mezze platter, or sample ouzo at one of the charming waterfront tavernas. The rest of the island offers plenty to explore – unspoilt beaches, medieval villages and impressive wineries.
From Paros sail on to some of the popular Cycladic islands, including Naxos, Mykonos, Sifnos and Serifos.
Santorini – Cyclades
Skippered
One of Greece’s Cycladic islands, Santorini is one of the most Instagram-famous islands of the century. Famous for its landscape of whitewashed houses with blue roofs littered with bougainvilleas in towns like Fira. The reason for Santorini’s trademark landscape begins thousands of years ago in 1650 B.C. when a huge volcanic eruption caused the towering cliffs we see today.
Santorini’s eastern beaches are lined with volcanic black sand, and the south is famed for its multi-coloured sand beaches. Indulge in the island’s archaeological delights, and visit the well-preserved Ancient Akrotiri or hike to Ancient Thera to see the ruins, or see marvellous sunsets from Oia, on the Caldera.
Santorini – Cyclades
Skippered
One of Greece’s Cycladic islands, Santorini is one of the most Instagram-famous islands of the century. Famous for its landscape of whitewashed houses with blue roofs littered with bougainvilleas in towns like Fira. The reason for Santorini’s trademark landscape begins thousands of years ago in 1650 B.C. when a huge volcanic eruption caused the towering cliffs we see today.
Santorini’s eastern beaches are lined with volcanic black sand, and the south is famed for its multi-coloured sand beaches. Indulge in the island’s archaeological delights, and visit the well-preserved Ancient Akrotiri or hike to Ancient Thera to see the ruins, or see marvellous sunsets from Oia, on the Caldera.
Lefkada
Embarkation: Lefkada > Day 2: Kalamos > Day 3: Sivota > Day 4: Kastos > Day 5: Fiskardo > Day 6: Kioni > Disembarkation: LefkadaCorfu
Embarkation: Corfu > Day 2: Sivota > Day 3: Lakka, Paxos > Day 4: Anti Paxos > Day 5: Parga > Day 6: Plataria > Disembarkation: CorfuAthens
Embarkation: Athens > Day 2: Methana > Day 3: Hydra > Day 4: Poros > Day 5: Epidavros > Day 6: Aegina > Disembarkation: AthensSkiathos
Embarkation: Skiathos > Day 2: Koukounaries > Day 3: Skopelos > Day 4: Steni Vali, Alonissos > Day 5: Peristeri > Day 6: Patitiri > Disembarkation: SkiathosKos
Embarkation: Kos > Day 2: Niseros > Day 3: Symi > Day 4: Rhodes > Day 5: Tilos > Day 6: Kamari > Disembarkation: KosParos
Embarkation: Paros > Day 2: Ios > Day 3: Santoriri > Day 4: Folegandros > Day 5: Milos > Day 6: Sifnos > Disembarkation: KosLefkada
Sailing Level*:
The wind is soft and in the afternoon rises up to 4 beauforts, usually from the North West, giving the opportunity for sailing for few hours. Sailing to the east of the islands offers shelter with small waves. Sailing distances are short with an average 10-15nm.
Corfu
Sailing Level*:
There are good sailing breezes from late morning through the afternoon, with winds from the northwest Force 3-5 subsiding around sunset. Prevailing wind from the north-west. Passages range from 15-20nm.
Athens
Sailing Level*:
With reliable afternoon winds. The wind is generally from the South, Force 3-5 and dying down at night. The sailing area in the Saronic Gulf is protected from the meltemi wind which can blow in the Aegean in the summer. Sailing distances range from 15-25nm.
Skiathos
Sailing Level*:
Afternoon breezes Force 3-5 from the north-east give good sailing from mid-morning to early evening. In July and August the meltemi can bring stronger winds Force 5-6, but all the islands have good shelter with daily passages between 15-20nm.
Kos
Sailing Level*:
Steady afternoon breezes averaging Force 4-6 from the north-east guarantee good sailing from mid-morning to early evening. In July and August the meltemi can bring stronger winds Force 5-6, but the islands do provide shelter. Be prepared to sail 25nm+ daily.
Paros
Sailing Level*:
In general the sailing conditions are more demanding than in other areas of Greece and involve longer passages.
The best times to sail in the Aegean are May/June and September/October when you are less likely to be affected by the prevailing meltemi wind from the north which blows strongest in July and August at Force 5-6 and may reach Force 7-8. The meltemi can blow for 1 day or it can blow for 1 week continuously. In the Spring and Autumn the wind strength is less, around Force 3-4.
*Sailing Levels:
1= Wind 4-11knots, easy sailing, short passages (10-15nm) and light breezes. Perfect for families with young children and novices.
2 = Wind 7-20 knots, moderate sailing with longer passage 15-20nm and stronger winds. Suitable for families with older children, groups of friends for a comfortable sail.
3 = Wind 20 knots+, adventurous sailing with very long passages (25nm+), strong winds and open seas.
Summer temperatures range from 26-32 celsius with winds tending to be strongeer at the beginning and end of the season.
LEFKADA
Embarkation: Lefkada > Day 2: Kalamos > Day 3: Sivota > Day 4: Kastos > Day 5: Fiskardo > Day 6: Kioni > Disembarkation: Lefkada
CORFU
Embarkation: Corfu > Day 2: Sivota > Day 3: Lakka, Paxos > Day 4: Anti Paxos > Day 5: Parga > Day 6: Plataria > Disembarkation: Corfu
ATHENS
Embarkation: Athens > Day 2: Methana > Day 3: Hydra > Day 4: Poros > Day 5: Epidavros > Day 6: Aegina > Disembarkation: Athens
SKIATHOS
Embarkation: Skiathos > Day 2: Koukounaries > Day 3: Skopelos > Day 4: Steni Vali, Alonissos > Day 5: Peristeri > Day 6: Patitiri > Disembarkation: Skiathos
KOS
Embarkation: Kos > Day 2: Niseros > Day 3: Symi > Day 4: Rhodes > Day 5: Tilos > Day 6: Kamari > Disembarkation: Kos
PAROS
Embarkation: Paros > Day 2: Ios > Day 3: Santoriri > Day 4: Folegandros > Day 5: Milos > Day 6: Sifnos > Disembarkation: Kos
LEFKADA
Sailing Level*:
The wind is soft and in the afternoon rises up to 4 beauforts, usually from the North West, giving the opportunity for sailing for few hours. Sailing to the east of the islands offers shelter with small waves. Sailing distances are short with an average 10-15nm.
CORFU
Sailing Level*:
There are good sailing breezes from late morning through the afternoon, with winds from the northwest Force 3-5 subsiding around sunset. Prevailing wind from the north-west. Passages range from 15-20nm.
ATHENS
Sailing Level*:
With reliable afternoon winds. The wind is generally from the South, Force 3-5 and dying down at night. The sailing area in the Saronic Gulf is protected from the meltemi wind which can blow in the Aegean in the summer. Sailing distances range from 15-25nm.
SKIATHOS
Sailing Level*:
Afternoon breezes Force 3-5 from the north-east give good sailing from mid-morning to early evening. In July and August the meltemi can bring stronger winds Force 5-6, but all the islands have good shelter with daily passages between 15-20nm.
KOS
Sailing Level*:
Steady afternoon breezes averaging Force 4-6 from the north-east guarantee good sailing from mid-morning to early evening. In July and August the meltemi can bring stronger winds Force 5-6, but the islands do provide shelter. Be prepared to sail 25nm+ daily.
PAROS
Sailing Level*:
In general the sailing conditions are more demanding than in other areas of Greece and involve longer passages.
The best times to sail in the Aegean are May/June and September/October when you are less likely to be affected by the prevailing meltemi wind from the north which blows strongest in July and August at Force 5-6 and may reach Force 7-8. The meltemi can blow for 1 day or it can blow for 1 week continuously. In the Spring and Autumn the wind strength is less, around Force 3-4.
*Sailing Levels:
1= Wind 4-11knots, easy sailing, short passages (10-15nm) and light breezes. Perfect for families with young children and novices.
2 = Wind 7-20 knots, moderate sailing with longer passage 15-20nm and stronger winds. Suitable for families with older children, groups of friends for a comfortable sail.
3 = Wind 20 knots+, adventurous sailing with very long passages (25nm+), strong winds and open seas.
Summer temperatures range from 26-32 celsius with winds tending to be strongeer at the beginning and end of the season.
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