Have you been fantasizing about sailing Greece and uncovering the treasures of this remarkably beautiful country? With sailyachts.com, you can turn that dream into a reality!
We understand that sailing the Greek Isles takes quite a lot of planning, but with our knowledge and expertise, this can be a thrilling experience rather than a stressful one for you.
Whether you’re hoping to marvel at the Cyclades or set sail along the Ionians, this guide will ensure you have all the must-know details. Below, you’ll get a rundown of everything from the best time to sail the Greek Islands to the destinations you can’t miss.
Why Sail the Greek Islands?
There are countless reasons as to why you should go sailing in Greece. In fact, the Mediterranean nation is among the best-loved sailing spots in the world, and for good reason.
Firstly, the natural beauty is out of this world. The Greek Islands are home to exquisite beaches, rugged landscapes, pristine waters, and a host of other wonders that make it an incredibly attractive place for a sailing trip.
Not only that, but you’ll get to explore each picturesque destination while enjoying Greece’s enviable Mediterranean climate. While the strong winds can sometimes make sailing a little more challenging, they also save you from sweating it out under the sweltering summer sunshine.
That’s all before mentioning the hospitable locals, laidback way of life, mouthwatering cuisine, and legendary history. In fact, finding reasons not to go sailing in the Greek islands can prove to be quite a difficult task!
What Is the Best Time to Sail Around the Greek Islands?
The best time to sail the Greek Islands is between April and October. This is largely due to the favorable weather and sailing conditions. At this time of year, the weather is typically hot and dry, and the waters are warm and relatively calm.
Oftentimes, the Saronic and Ionian Islands boast the calmest seas during these months. However, the wind that persists in other areas can make the sometimes scorching temperatures more bearable if you’re not accustomed to the sizzling Greek weather in the summertime.
As is the case with many European destinations, June, July, and August tend to be the busiest months of the year in Greece. Naturally, this leads to a higher demand for our sailyachts.com vessels, usually resulting in increased prices and a greater need for advance booking.
With these factors in mind, April, May, September, and October are often the best times to go sailing in the Greek Islands. These months comprise the shoulder seasons and offer moderate temperatures, fewer crowds, and more booking flexibility.
What to Pack for a Sailing Vacation in Greece?
Once you’ve started the booking process and the excitement has started to settle in for your Greek expedition, it’s time to begin putting together your packing list.
This can be a little tricky to any over-packers out there, as space onboard is pretty limited, depending on the size of the boat you choose.
We’ve created this handy guide to eliminate any potential packing woes, broken down into various categories.
Travel Documentation:
- Passport
- Any relevant visas or travel permits
- Valid sailing license (for those without a skipper)
- Travel insurance policy
Health and Safety:
- First aid kits (basic kits are onboard most boats, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own stash, too)
- Prescription medication
- Additional medication (such as sea sickness tablets, painkillers, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories)
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen with a high SPF
- General toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, etc.)
Clothing, Shoes and Accessories:
- Lightweight, breathable items
- Quick-drying garments
- Long-sleeve shirts and full-length trousers (for sun protection)
- A fleece or sweatshirt (the weather is sometimes chilly at night)
- Waterproof jacket
- Swimwear
- Pyjamas
- Sufficient underwear and socks
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Non-slip shoes
- Water shoes
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Beach bag/small day bag
- Dry bag
Miscellaneous:
- Beach and bath towels
- Waterproof cases for electronics
- Power banks
- Bank cards
- Cash (in Euros, the local currency)
Unless absolutely necessary, it’s best to avoid bringing hard shell suitcases, as they’re rather bulky and take up quite a lot of room. At sailyachts.com, we usually generally advise customers to stick to soft suitcases, duffel bags, or backpacks. By opting for this type of luggage, you’ll find it easier to compress your bag, freeing up additional space onboard.
Highlights of Sailing the Greek Islands
Far too many spectacular sights are peppered amongst the Greek Islands to count. That being said, there are some stand-out spots that are sure to inspire your planning process.
Let’s take a look at some of the attractions and experiences you won’t want to skip when sailing in Greece!
- Taking in the caldera views with a Santorini sunset: This is a quintessential experience for any visitor to Santorini. A true bucket list moment, it’s worth braving the hectic streets for.
- Partying until the early hours in Mykonos: While the island’s iconic windmills and adorable seafront villages are worth a visit, dabbling in Mykonos’ world-class nightlife scene is a must for partygoers.
- Uncovering the fascinating ruins in Delos: Shrouded in history, the small island of Delos is awash with ancient ruins that will open you up to Greece’s millennia-old past.
- Exploring the charming streets of Naxos’ picture-perfect villages: Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades, and this expansive island showcases some of the most beautifully preserved villages, such as Filoti and Koronos.
- Sailing alongside the breathtaking Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos: It may be one of the most photographed spots in the country, but pictures don’t do justice to the jaw-dropping cliffs, powder-white sand, and sparkling blue waters of Navagio Beach, otherwise known as Shipwreck Beach.
- Soaking up the sun at Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia: A less visited but equally breathtaking spot, Myrtos Beach looks like it’s come straight from a postcard.
- Cruise past some of the uninhabited Sporades Islands: Out of the 24 Sporades Islands, 20 of them are entirely untouched and feature impeccable beaches, hidden coves, and craggy mountainous landscapes.
- Get off the beaten path in Folegandros: While sailing in Greece’s islands, you’ll quickly notice that some are especially busy. In the much less visited Folegandros, you can get a better insight into Greek culture with a fraction of the crowds.
Tips for Sailing Around Greece
- If you’re short on time when sailing in Greece, it’s better to pick a handful of spots located within easy reach of one another. Otherwise, you could end up losing a significant amount of time out at sea.
- Once you’ve selected your must-see destinations, plan a logical route that requires manageable sailing distances.
- Ensure you respect local guidelines and only anchor or dock in areas where you’re permitted to do so.
- Even if you’re a licensed sailor, we advise against sailing at night or in unfavorable weather conditions.
Final Words on Sailing the Greek Islands
Sailing in the Greek Isles is an experience of a lifetime, and there’s no time like the present to start crafting your dream trip. Get in touch with our expert team at sailyacht.com, and we’ll put the plans in place for your boating adventure today.
