Dear friend
Amidst the current global situation, we first and foremost wish you good health, and hope you are staying safe and positive. In stressful times like these, it’s easy to get caught up in fear, confusion, and the never-ending news cycle. But perhaps the best way to escape it all is to mentally dive into a great holiday. Researching your dream trip of choice is a helpful reminder that the world will go back to normal again – and when it does, you’ll have a decisive plan of action for a trip you’re excited to take.
Tips for an amazing sailing holiday in Greece!
With a magnificent coastline, numerous islands, clear waters and splendid beaches as well as an authentic island culture, Greece lures increasing numbers of visitors for sailing holidays each year. But where to go and what to know? “The islands, over 1,000 of them, are the real selling point—they’re unique in the world. The coastline is relatively unspoiled. It’s still possible to find quiet anchorages, even at the height of the season.” Here are a few recommendations for planning a great trip from our skipper Sotiris:
- Where to go if you only have a week: “I would recommend sailing around the Cyclades Islands; The name “Cyclades” refers to the islands forming a circle around the sacred island of Delos. These islands offer great sailing legs, remote solitary bays and fishing ports to anchor, gorgeous sandy beaches, barren and dramatic landscapes, blue and white architecture and picturesque villages to visit in the evening and an authentic island way of life to discover. The sailing distances involved are short, so usually there will only be 1-4 hours of sailing each day and plenty of time to enjoy each destination.
You have the option to sail towards the Small or West Cyclades... two of my favourite itineraries!"
Why you’ll want to sail the Small Cyclades: "The Small Cyclades are located south of Naxos and include Amorgos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Pano & Kato Koufonissi and Donoussa and the deserted islands of Kenos, Antikeri & Dryma. Until recently, these islands were very isolated so they still remain unspoilt… a small heaven of peace, Greek hospitality and traditional culture. The ideal destination for those who wish to get away from the crowds and experience authenticity!"
- Why sail the West Cyclades: "The West Cyclades, such as Serifos and Sifnos, will impress you with their traditional villages of snow-white houses, churches with blue domes, Venetian castles, ancient ruins, inexhaustible variety of beautiful hiking trails which lead to tranquil sandy beaches, delicious local food and wine… Volcanic Milos & Kimolos and the deserted Polyegos will enchant you with its diversity, coastal morphology and rare geological formations… with its 75 beaches, crystal, deep blue waters, picturesque harbors, colorful volcanic rocks, archeological sites, unique flora and endemic fauna… Need I say more;"
- If you have two weeks: “You can combine the Cyclades with the Dodecanese islands… We are happy to tailor-make your perfect sailing adventure! Whether you are looking for a relaxed holiday where you can sunbath and lie on deck with a cold drink… whether you are seeking a more active sailing holiday or you wish to learn how to sail… sailing holidays are all about going with the flow. You can visit various islands such as the Cyclades or Dodecaneses islands… you will go island hopping, enjoy swimming, snorkelling, dolphin watching, scuba diving, hiking… or just plain sailing. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for ideas & inspiration from our experts…"
- Why you'll to sail the Dodecanese: "The Dodecanese islands consist of 15 larger islands and over 150 smaller islands and are located in the Southeastern Aegean Sea. During our Dodecanese sailing itinerary, you will discover why these islands are often referred to as the ‘sunniest corner of Greece’, thanks to their crystal clear turquoise waters, sandy and stone beaches, stunning archaeological landmarks, and traditional settlements. There are also unique Byzantine and medieval monuments which cover a large number of the islands. Our 7-day recommended itinerary sails to Kos, Kalymnos, the unspoilt Arki and Marathi, Leros and Patmos."
Best months to sail: “The yacht charter season in Greece starts in May and runs till October. Weather is usually fantastic, with beautiful sunny days. While the sea starts off pretty cold, it gets warm by early July and is at its warmest in late August and September. The best month of the year to charter in Greece is May, June and mid September till the end of October—yachts are 15 to 20 percent cheaper than in July and Augus, at the peak of the season. The weather is still amazing, the sea is warm and the crowds have reduced.”
- Is sailing in Greece affordable? “Absolutely! Groups of up to 6 people could charter a medium size yacht, 45-foot boat for around €500-€600 per week to explore the islands, which is very reasonable. There are of course better value options and you will save up if you are a group and charter your own sailing yacht or if you don’t need a skipper and can sail on your own. There are also more luxurious options; something for everyone. Please contact us for further advice...”
Where should I start my sailing holiday from? “I would recommend to start your holiday from an island which is quite central such as Paros or Naxos. In that way you have easy access to all the Cyclades islands and you can plan your sailing itinerary no matter the weather. I would avoid Athens as you will need long sailing legs in order to reach Athens and in case of strong seas you may not go far.
From Paros and Naxos you can enjoy short sailing 1-4 hours to various islands and the options are endless. These islands are also very well connected with nuermous ferries from Athens, Mykonos or Santorini which all have international airports. Paros has a new international airport that some airlines are using."
- While in the Cyclades don’t miss...: “The list is endless… experience the unique feeling of sailing, swimming at night through the phosphorescent plankton to experience the phenomenon of bioluminescence… barbecue on a remote beach… visit Delos the most important archeological site in the Cyclades… enjoy an invigorating mud bath and a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean…"
- What wildlife will I see; "Important areas of the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands are integrated into the European Network of Natural Protected Areas 'Natura 2000'. Just in Milos there are at least 19 important species of animals and plants, many of them rare and endemic to the area. Some 40 species of birds have been documented, with 16 of these considered as protected species.
The Greek seas support some of the most important remaining marine mammal and turtle populations in the Mediterranean, including the Mediterranean monk seal Monahus monahus, the most endangered marine mammal in the world, and the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta. You can encounter also while sailing mainly dolphins such as the common, the bottlenose and striped dolphins."
- What to eat and where: “The food throughout the Greek islands is fabulous—lots of fresh fish and Mediterranean flavors, making the most of all the local ingredients. Actually most tavern owners in the Cyclades cultivate their own vegetables, have their own animals and make their own wine and olive oil. For food lovers, island hopping can be also described as tavern crawling! Must-try dishes include Risotto made with squid ink, grilled kalamari, small pieces of octopus served grilled or boiled, the local goat stew, stuffed vine leaves or tomatoes, aubergines in the oven, small cheese or spinach pies, various local cheeses such as the saganaki or graviera or goats cheese....”
Novice sailors can charter a boat with a qualified skipper, potter around the islands, and find out as much, or as little, about sailing as they'd like. Those who are serious about learning to sail, or improving their skills, can also receive an introduction to sailing and assist with sailing the boat. Sailors of varying abilities, wanting the security and bonhomie of a group, can join a flotilla holiday. If your party includes someone with a skipper's ticket there's a multitude of charter options, with yachts and motorboats, while high rollers can take a fully crewed luxury yacht, classic or contemporary, and cruise the party hotspots. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Help us help the sea!
The Mediterranean Sea supports more than 7% of known global marine species, which have learned to evolve with the development of the Mediterranean coastline. Within the last century, a large strain has been placed on marine life due to pollution, habitat destruction and overfishing. Species that have existed in these waters for thousands of years are being silently pushed into the abyss of extinction.
How can you help?
Βy helping us collect information of our observations during your sailing and diving holidays at sea, above and below the water. You can help us collect photos, information on the location in which the species was found and the abundance of the animal. Images are really helpful for researchers, more so with marine mammals such as dolphins as they can have a closer look at them for photo identification of their dorsal fins.
We will then share your photos and other information collected with expert scientists on marine research and conservation efforts. You can help us by helping us report sightings of marine mammals and other sea cratures such as: dolphins, whales, sea turtles, seals, jellyfish blooms, shellfish and invasive fish species. Full information will be provided upon arrival on our sailing boat, during the briefing.
By taking part in our weekly clean ups of beaches and bays! At least once per week, especially when we stop at remote bays and beaches that are not easily accessible by car or similar means, we organise a clean up with the help of our guests. Also our guides always carry bin bags when hiking or diving.
We also organise occasional underwater clean ups in association with local companies, port authorities. We have also formed a partnership with Aegean Rebreath and we have offered our sailing boat, equipment and diving skills in joined future projects... as the travel and coronavirus restrictions ease you will hear more about our actions at our facebook page!
Talking about travel restrictions here is an update of the coronavirus situation in Greece....
Is it safe to travel to Greece;
Greece is coping quite well with the coronavirus as we went into lockdown very quickly. Travel restrictions have been lifted within Greece although there are still rules about wearing masks in ferries, trains, buses etc. From the 15th of June Greece’s travel restrictions (ie 14-day quarantine) won’t apply to the following countries: Albania, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea and Switzerland.
The list was compiled after examining the epidemiological data of each country and taking into consideration the announcements yesterday of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as well as the recommendations of the Greek government’s Infectious Diseases Committee. Visitors from the aforementioned countries may be subject to spot COVID-19 tests at the airport.
For all other countries, Greece’s current travel bans will continue to apply, however the list will be updated and expanded as of July 1. It should be noted that the current exclusions relate to where flights originate from and not to individual travelers’ nationalities.
We'll be following the news and send you update upon request. Please contact us for further information here...
Flexible bookings and our new cancellation policy
We understand things are uncertain for our global community of travellers at the moment - and there’s only so much planning at home you can do before you’re desperate to get into the great outdoors for a proper adventure. So we’ve made some changes to our booking and cancellation policy.
If you book with us now...
We offer free date changes and free cancellation up to 30 days before departure - any deposit paid will simply be held as credit to be used on a different trip instead.
We also offer the option to book your holiday for 2021 early, without paying a deposit! You will need though to confirm the booking by January 2021!
Rest assured, your money is safe in any and all circumstances. There has been and always will be full financial protection on your booking.
