Have you dreamt of sailing in Greece, its magical turquoise waters, the enchanting landscapes and picturesque villages lining the Aegean or Ionian sea? We know how you feel because that was us, too. Greece has some of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, maybe even the world; its archipelagos are so stunning, you need to see them to believe they’re real.
The absolute best way to enjoy Greece is to go on a sailing trip. There are, however, a few things to consider before setting sail on your adventure on the shimmering Aegean or Ionian sea.
When is the best time to Sail Greece?
The Greek islands are an especially popular summer destination, so as you suspect, the best time to visit Greece... is during the out of summer season.
The periods April-June and mid-September-November are quiet relaxed, the “craziness” of the summer has abated and locals have returned to the traditional rhythms of life. It is the best time to enjoy nature and wildlife and mix with the locals.
Of course, people often have to take their holidays during the high season months of July and August and there are advantages such as the warmth of the sea, the length of daylight, the festivals and feasts you can experience to name a few.
Lets look at the advantages and disadvantages of each season so you decide when it’s more suitable for you to sail around the Greek islands:
Reasons to sail Greece during the early season, before June
Advantages:
Winds are predominantly gentler than in the summer, with light to moderate winds.
An abundance of flowers on lush, luxuriant islands due to the spring rains of February and March. This particularly concerns the Cyclades and Dodecanese, which will gradually turn dry and barren during the high yacht charter season.
Affordable yacht charters; the high and most expensive season peaks in August while in May and June prices are reasonable.
Even when arriving late in the afternoon there will be ample space in fishing ports and marinas for anchorage as there are fewer yachts.
In the Ionian the "Maistro" already delivers steady reliable winds much like in the Aegean where there are no "Meltemi" (strong north winds) winds yet.
You’ll experience the most important holiday in Greece, the Orthodox Easter. In 2023 Easter Sunday will be on 16 April, traditionally celebrated with sumptuous amounts of wine and the roasting of lambs (there are vegetarian alternatives nowadays!).
Daylight hours peak in 21 June, during the summer solstice, with 14 hours and 48 minutes. You can enjoy a full day sailing, swimming, walking and exploring the islands you visit. During our Sailing & Walking holidays in May and June, we walk in the evenings, watch the sunset, before rewarding ourselves with a delicious dinner at the local tavern.
You have more options to observe marine and wildlife... check this Racing with Dolphins video...
Disadvantage:
There is just one disadvantage to the early season:
The water is not warm enough yet and a little bit chilly. Still as it’s warm outside, it feels cold but refreshing. When one dives, one needs to wear a hood and gloves to last for more than 30min, even when one uses a 5mm suit.
Make the most of the high season months of July And August
The air and water temperatures are at their warmest and nothing beats jumping off the back of a yacht into the clear blue waters of the Aegean.
A summer sailing holiday in Greece is perfect for enjoying water sports, swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing on your boat with your friends of family. Most people can take their holidays in the summer so you should take into account the following:
The most crowded sailing areas will be Corfu, Lefkas and the Saronic Gulf. So choose to sail around the smaller, more remote islands of the Ionian and Aegean sea. Please check our recommended itineraries and contact us for advice...
In the Aegean Sea the strong northern winds, the "Meltemis" prevail. This period is ideal if you wish to experience sailing. Our skipper can show you around the yacht so you can help with holding the helm, trimming the sails, set courses and so on. While the northern winds at this time of year can make sailing challenging, you’ll be in great hands with an experienced skipper.
All taverns, museums, archaeological sites, thermae, etc will be open.
You'll experience the various festivals that take place in July and August, from art to dance and music feasts… In the Greek “panigiria”, people of all ages gather, usually at the main square of the village, and under the uplifting sounds of the local musicians, they eat, drink wine and dance… till dawn. Since the ancient times, feasts would take place in order to worship the god of Dionysus, the god of wine and festivity. Nowadays the ancient custom of the “panigiri” lives on and it could be a one-in-a-lifetime experience for the traveller in Greece!
Great time for scuba diving as the water is warm and you can stay longer enjoying the unique biodiversity of the Mediterranean sea. Trawlers are also banned from fishing as it’s the reproduction season.
Disadvantages
Yacht charters are least affordable in July and especially August. That’s why it’s a good idea to book early ie before New Year to take advantages of early booking offers.
You have to get to marinas and fishing ports early in order to secure a place. You’ll be glad to hear that you only need to moor at marinas once or twice in the week in order to refill the water tanks, for example. The rest of the days, you can anchor at remote bays, that you can reach only by boat… this is what sailing is all about!
As everyone goes for supper at the same time, it’s often hard to find a place to eat. Our advice is to enjoy dinner either before 20.00pm or after 22.00pm!
Reasons to sail Greece during autumn; September and October
Well this is one of our favourite period, mainly because the numbers of visitors and thus sailing yachts decrease, the weather cools down, locals are more relaxed as the high season is over...
Advantages:
Again fewer yachts and visitors. Especially in the popular areas of the Ionian Sea and around Athens the amount of visitors will drop pleasantly after the first two weeks of September.
Still steady winds in the Ionian ("Maistro" wind) and no more "Meltemi" winds in the Aegean.
More affordable yacht charters. The high and most expensive season usually ends after the first two weeks of September. In October the prices are very reasonable.
The sea water temperature is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s warmer than in June!
It is warm but not extremely hot in the afternoon as in August. It’s pleasant to walk and explore and for outdoor activities in general. This is the best time for ourSailing & Walking holidays...
Disadvantages:
It’s hard to think of downsides… one thing is true:
In October restaurants, taverns and hotels are closing down. Still it’s not a problem for sailing… there are always lovely local taverns that stay open throughout the winter. You don’t be disappointed!
In the next e-letter we’ll give you information about what vessel is best for you for your Greek sailing trip!
Our special offer and no-risk promise
To get you started on your journey, we're offering exclusive discount of €100 per person on our May and June sailing adventures booked before 31 December!
• The start date of your sailing trip must be between 1 May and 30 June.
Book by paying a small deposit and pay the balance fe last minute!
• Receive a full refund if you cancel 30 days before the beginning of the sailing trip! Even afterwards you don't lose your money as you can postpone your holiday!
