Sailing in Greece
Αnchors aweigh!
Sailing in Greece is a richly rewarding experience. A trip on the calm Greek waters, on your own or a chartered yacht, offers you the possibility to sail among extremely beautiful clusters of islands, to anchor in naturally protected bays of rare beauty, to visit inaccessible beaches and to swim with safety in exceptionally clear and transparent waters.
An insider's tip: the best period for those who wish to sail during winter, is the “Alkyonides” days, the so-called “short summer”, in the middle of January. This is a good time to appreciate the beauty of stunning seascapes, picturesque villages, archaeological sites, and wonderful pine-clad landscapes. In the serene atmosphere of the islands enjoy real Greece as you mingle with the locals in tavérnas and in “kafeneía”, and become part of the true “Island culture”. Feel free to create your own itinerary; sailing really is the only way to get away from it all!
Sailing in the Saronic Islands and Argolic Gulf
If you are willing to sail near Athens, the Saronic Islands and the east coast of Peloponnese will satisfy your demands for a safe trip in calm waters. In close proximity to the Attica Prefecture (where Athens belongs) are some wonderful sailing routes that offer ideal sailing conditions, clean and calm waters, splendid coasts and different Islands to explore. The Saronic Islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses are the most popular sailing destinations.
In the Argolic Gulf and along the east coast of Peloponnese you can make use of superb sailing and well-organized port facilities in the historical cities of Nafplion and Tolo, and marinas in Porto Heli, Astros and Leonidio.
Sailing in the Cyclades Islands
Sail across the deep blue of the Aegean Sea, amongst the island cluster of Cyclades, famous for its picturesque whitewashed houses, traditional character, cosmopolitan lifestyle, sun-kissed beaches, thousands of bays and creeks, and superb clear crystal waters. Sailing in Cyclades Greece is a wonderful and memorable experience!
The Cyclades Islands Cluster is split up into 3 groups:
* the Southern Cyclades Islands: Milos, Kimolos, Folegadros, Sikinos, Ios, Santorini (Thira) and Anafi
* the Middle Cyclades Islands: Serifos, Sifnos, Paros, Antiparos, Naxos and Amorgos
* the Little Cyclades Islands: Schinoussa, Iraklia, Koufonisia and Donoussa
* the Northern Cyclades Islands: Kea, Kythnos, Andros, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos and Rinia.
Sailing the Dodecanese Islands
The beautiful Dodecanese Islands are located in Southeast Aegean. They are known for their excellent climate, clear sandy beaches, exquisite natural attractions and impressive historical and religious monuments.
The Dodecanese Islands Cluster is comprised of Rodos (Rhodes), Kos, Kalymnos, Patmos, Leros, Astypalea, Kasos, Karpathos, Nissiros, Symi, Tilos and Kastelorizo, as well as a number of smaller islands.
Sailing the Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are considered as the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. They are located in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece, and they are composed of the beautiful islands of Corfu, Paxi and Antipaxi, Lefkada, Ithaki, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Meganissi, Kalamos and Kythira. Go on a leisure cruise along the open Ionian Sea, and take enjoyable and relaxed sailing holidays!
Information about the sailing sport in Greece, the sailing clubs in each geographical region, the annual sailing races, the requirements and procedures needed to participate in special training programs, is provided by the
Hellenic Sailing Federation. More information regarding yacht charters is provided by the
Hellenic Professional Yacht Owner Association.