Ionian Islands
The Ionian islands is a group of 7 principal islands, of which the bigger one is the more cosmopolitan, Corfu. During their long and adventurous history, the lonians have been occupied by the Italian, the French and the English.
The mixture of different civilizations and cultures is harmoniously welded together into one piece that is undoubtedly Greek, with a face painted in a unique way against any other area in Greece. The green luxuriance of the islands is in direct contrast to the high mountains of Albania and the mainland of Greece.
There are two big/organized charter bases in Ionian Sea: Corfu (Gouvia marina – north) and Lefkas (south).
Protected waters, a multitude of little safe anchorages, accessible only by yacht, all assure a variety of leisurely sailing experiences, all combine to create an endless relaxing holiday.
Weather Conditions in the Area
In the summer, beginning in May through till the end of September the normal wind is from the North West. It arrives around noon, blows in a force 2-5 and subsides during sunset. In the morning it is also noticed that a light Easterly wind may blow at a force of 1-2. During July-August, North West winds can blow with a little more strength than usual.
The weather conditions in the area are extremely favorable for relaxing trouble free sailing, it is highly recommended for family sailing in July and August, when winds in other regions are blowing stronger.
Saronic Gulf
From our base in Athens, Kalamaki marina, you can follow two main sailing routes: The Saronic route and the Cyclades route. The Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros, Angistri, Hydra, Dokos, Spetses and the Peloponnesian coast offer smooth sailing sheltered from strong winds.
The Saronic route is highly recommended for easy sailing, especially in July and August for avoiding the strong winds blowing down in the Cyclades, also for a shorter break of less than two weeks. Along this route you will find many Cosmopolitan towns, ancient temples, Byzantine castles, small fishing ports and unspoiled anchorages.
You should not miss a visit to Poros, Hydra, Spetses, also Yerakas, Leonidion, Monemvasia (referred to as the Greek Gibraltar), Elaphonissos and Kithira will also surprise you for their natural beauty, sandy beaches, the totally unspoiled and friendly small ports and peaceful anchorages.
Weather Conditions in the Area
The Meltemi (winds from the North usually strong especially in July and August) does not blow as regularly as it does in the Cyclades or the Dodecanese, if it does blow from North to North East, its strength is usually about force 4-5, it is normally less around the Methana peninsula and Poros. If the Meltemi does not blow, the wind is generally from the South, force 2-3. In the Hydra Gulf and Argolic Gulf, the wind is mostly from the South East, blowing force 3-5 dying down at night
On the Eastern Peloponnesus coast, the wind may be a weak Meltemi from the North East or a southerly usually from the South East. During spring and autumn, the winds are normally weaker and from the South over the whole area.
Cyclades
This is the central group of islands in the Aegean, so called because they surround the rocky Delos, (cycle means ring in Greek), the ancient trade, political and religious center of the world. This group of islands consists of 21 bigger islands and 20 smaller ones, all of them a delight; each has its own special character and charm. The Cyclades are considered by most to be the typical part of Greece, with its charming white washed houses and windmills, its beautiful sunny beaches, the ancient ruins, small taverns with good food and wine are found everywhere.
You can enjoy the lively nightlife of Mykonos, the tourist heart of Greece, the cosmopolitan flavour of Paros, Naxos and los, the natural beauty and architectural style of Santorini and of course Tinos, the center of the orthodox faith. As a contrast to these islands, you will enjoy the simpler but no less important pleasures of the other islands, such as Kea, Sikinos, Kithnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Amorgos and Andros etc.
Do not miss a chance to sail down to the small islands such as Dhonoussa, Skhinoussa, Iraklia and Koufonisia, where you can explore unspoiled small hamlets, fully protected small ports and anchorages, attractive places which are a delight to visit, you could not imagine that they still exist!
Weather Conditions in the Area
The prevailing wind in the summer is the Meltemi blowing from the North; it begins to blow in June, blows strongest in July/August and subsides from the middle of September. In July and August the wind blows at force 5-6 and may reach force 7-8. It may blow for 1-3 days or sometimes blow for I week continuously. In the other months the wind strength is less, around force 3-4.
In the Northern Cyclades it blows from North East, in the middle Cyclades from the North, in the Southern Cyclades it blows from the North West.
In the South West islands it is less strong. During spring and autumn, you may be faced with winds coming from the South. In general, the sailing conditions are much more demanding than in other areas of Greece therefore, we advise the Cyclades route to be taken for a minimum of at least two weeks holiday.
Dodecanese
You can start your Dodecanese route from either our base in Rhodes (Marina Mandraki), just opposite the famous medieval city, or from the new built marina of Kos, in the popular island with its lush green wooden hills.
The cruising possibilities in the Dodecanese are endless, thanks to the 14 beautiful and unique islands in this area. In this Eastern part of Greece, and along the Turkish coast, in the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea, some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean can be found.
Discover Simi with its picturesque harbor, Patmos with its famous monastery of St.John, Arki, Lipsos, Leros, Kalimnos home of the sponge divers. It is worth a visit to the whole group of islands in the Dodecanese.
There is an endless, amazing variety of opportunities for pleasurable sailing, historic exploration, nightlife, or alternatively the tranquility and relaxation of the many numerous small bays.
Weather Conditions in the Area
During the summer the prevailing wind is the Meltemi that blows from the North West, it has the same characteristics as in the Cyclades. During spring and autumn the wind usually blows from the South East at about force 2-4.
Sporades
For exploring this big Northern part of Greece, we have established a base tailor made for your needs. From our base in the touristy Skiathos, the so called “small Mykonos”, you can start your holiday enjoying the unspoiled bays and small ports of the Gulf of Volos, sailing to the beautiful green islands of Sporades, such as Skopelos, Alonissos, Skantzoura and Pelagos. Sheltered and unspoiled anchorages, sandy white beaches, will offer you the pleasures of an unforgettable holiday. Within a distance of 50 miles you can sail up to the Chalkidiki peninsula. The Chalkidiki peninsula reaches down into the Northern Aegean, with three smaller peninsulas Kassandra, Sithonia, and Mount Athos.
On the green Sithonia you will delight in the peace and tranquility of small ports and beautiful anchorages. At Porto Carras, you will reach an extra modern marina, that offers you superb shore side relaxation. You can delight the spectacular views of the medieval monasteries of Mount Athos, that have been separated from the modern world.
These holy communities have no roads, electricity or telephones, females are still not allowed to enter the monasteries or even the area. Relax through sailing, fishing and swimming in the blue Aegean sea waters.
Weather Conditions in the Area
The weather in the Sporades and in Chalkidiki peninsula is extremely good for easy sailing, the Meltemi wind does not blow as strong as in the South.
It blows from North East, however the direction is altered by the islands and channels between them in the Chalkidiki peninsula, the wind will often blow from South East in a force 2-4.
The weather in the Eastern Sporades, is much like it is in the Cyclades, with the Meltemi blowing a force 3-5 between May-October, it will blow stronger in July-August, with a force 5-7 from a North West direction.
Halkidiki (Chalkidiki), Greece
Beaches with golden sand and unique coves, bays, many villages with rich night life and more other make up the prefecture of Halkidiki. It is located 60 Nm by yacht or one hour by car away from Thessaloniki. With its more than 500 km long coast, this area is considered one of most clearest and purest waters in Greece and Mediterranean.
Weather Conditions in the Area
The weather of Halkidiki is typically Mediterranean, generally mild with limited rainfalls, mild winters and cool summers with a lot of sunshine. Fluctuations are stronger from south to north and the mountainous regions are cooler. The lowest temperature during the winter is between December and February, with temperatures from 3, 5°C to 19°C. The highest temperature occurs during the months of the summer, from 23°C to 34°C.