The best destinations for a sailing holiday in Greece

With over 6,000 islands and islets, Greece has some heavenly landscapes that make the trip there well worth it. The Ionian Islands, Sporades, Cyclades and the Dodecanese are destinations you should add to your list of destinations you have to sail to. Crete, Thassos and Evia are other interesting places to visit if you have more time.

Of the 6,000 islands, just over 200 are inhabited, so it is possible to make crossings that combine sailing between virgin islands and other inhabited islands with population and infrastructure. The options are very diverse.

There are certain times of the year when it is more advisable to sail in Greece , due to issues such as the weather or the number of tourists. The ideal months are May, June, September and October, although in general, the mild Mediterranean climate throughout most of the year may invite you to try other times.

Choosing a sailing destination in Greece

Greece has an outstanding combination of geography and history, which makes it probably one of the best sailing destinations in the world. With its climate, Mediterranean cuisine and the number of islands to visit, it is very difficult not to enjoy a sailing holiday in Greece.

There are many places from which to start a voyage. One of the most popular ports of departure for a few days of sailing is the port of Piraeus, the largest port in Greece, on the southern coast of Athens.

The Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands boast one of the areas with the best weather conditions for sailing, as well as having greener landscapes. In this area the wind is somewhat less intense than in other areas of Greece, so sailing can be somewhat more relaxed and comfortable for those who are not looking for harsher wind conditions.

On these islands we will find Ithaca, the homeland of Odysseus. This is one of the most popular islands in Greece, so tourism can be massive in high season and therefore it is a good option to choose months like May or September to enjoy it avoiding crowds.

Corfu
Corfu has many coves and bays, covered in trees. There are many options for sandy beaches and coves to anchor and take a trip.

Kalami is a fishing village not far away on the north-east coast. It is possible to moor in the port of Petriti and visit the history museum.

Lefkada
Lefkada is an interesting starting or finishing point if we are going to sail around the western part of Greece. On this island there is Vasiliki Bay, very popular among windsurfers and also of interest for sailing regattas.

Between Lefkada and Syvota the wind gusts can be stronger, so it is advisable to check the weather forecast before sailing in this area. Rouda/Mikros Gialo bay offers excellent anchorage points for exploring its coves. It is advisable to be careful of strong wind gusts here too.

Ithaca
Ithaca is one of the most famous islands in Greece, thanks to the story of Odysseus. There are mountains and hiking trails to venture over land. There is even the Cave of the Nymph, which is rumored to have hidden gifts from Odysseus during his travels.

There are plenty of opportunities for diving and kayaking between trips.

The Sporades Islands

The Sporades Islands are located on the northwestern coast of the Aegean Sea. Of the 24 islands, only four are inhabited. They are islands with lots of vegetation and are somewhat calmer in terms of maritime traffic.

Alonissos
Alonnisos offers a more rugged aspect with pine forests and is home to the Northern Sporades Marine National Park. There you can see rare species of birds and other aquatic life. It was one of the first islands to be inhabited by the Aegeans.

Skopelos
Skopelos is famous for its clear waters, a golden coastline for sailing and three ports in which to moor. These ports are Skopelos, Glossa and Agnontas. If you like to visit all kinds of beaches, this is a good place to do so. The island has several coves, beaches and cliffs along the coast. In summer it can be a bit crowded.

Dodecanese Islands

The Dodecanese Islands are home to some of the best destinations to visit and sail. They are islands that are quite close to each other and therefore are easier to see if you don't have much time and a good option if you are looking for a holiday that combines sailing with life on land.

They are a popular tourist destination and have many marinas to moor at, making land excursions easier.

Karpathos
Karpathos is dotted with mountains, beautiful landscapes, historic villages and turquoise waters. There are several villages on the island with interesting folk festivals throughout the year.

The island has protected areas for bird species and other wildlife. It is possible to spot seals or dolphins swimming near the coast.

Rhodes
Rhodes is a particularly interesting place where medieval and Greek history blended together. It has a beauty like no other island, thanks to its archaeological and medieval monuments. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you are interested in water sports or bungee jumping, Faliraki is a good destination for you. The island life, along with the historical monuments, make this a very popular place for boaters.

Symi
It is common to see luxury yachts in the marinas of this area. Symi has three popular beaches to visit, which are Ai-Giorgi, Dysalona or Fokospilia. Each has a beautiful coastline to sail with plenty of aquatic life that makes diving very attractive.

Cyclades Islands

The Cyclades are arguably the most famous group of islands in Greece for a boat holiday . Here we will find some of the most beautiful islands in the world, and it is difficult to select just a few.

Mykonos
Mykonos is the heart of the Cyclades Islands and an ideal sailing destination. This might be one of the liveliest places to visit without being excessively noisy. It is one of the best tourist destinations in Greece, renowned for its stunning beaches and excellent restaurants. At Kalafatis and Paradise Beach it is possible to capture one of the best sunset photos.

Strikes
While this used to be a lesser-known area in the past, tourists have flooded it in recent years. Parikia is the capital and is one of the busiest places on the island. It has many excellent restaurants and historic buildings. You can't miss Kolymbithres Beach.

Naxos
Naxos is another of the main sailing destinations. Sailing towards Naxos from Paros, we will spot Portara, which is a huge marble gateway. This is an area where the wind can suddenly pick up so it is advisable to be alert when sailing.

Santorini
Santorini. The island has a volcano, which erupted in 1646 BC when the area was called Thira. It is interesting to visit its colorful beaches: Kokkini Paralia (red-walled beach), Aspri Paralia (white cliffs), Perivolos (black sand). Diving in the volcanic waters is a beauty, especially if you can see the wreck at Taxiarchis. Another point of interest for sailing nearby is the lighthouse at Akrotiri.

Milos
Milos is the southernmost island of the Cyclades and has many characteristics of volcanic activity: multi-coloured soil, interesting rock formations and classic beaches. It is also home to many hot springs, such as the Pikropigis springs.

When to sail in Greece

Most of the islands are untouched, giving you the freedom to explore nature. Always remember to respect the vegetation and marine life.

Months to sail
Between May and October the weather is not at its mildest. Some islands in Greece are windier than others, so it is important to check this before heading to a particular area in case you are looking for lighter winds for a relaxed cruise.

In most of Greece, the most popular months are July and August. These are hot but dry summers with slight wind changes and few storms.

Depending on when you are sailing, you may notice the colors changing on land. Trees and plants will change according to the season.
There is a big difference between going in the spring and fall months.

If you want a little less crowds around, you can try signing up for a tour in the fall or early spring months as the summer months are guaranteed to see crowds in Greece.