Which is the best Greek sailing season? Not an easy answer!

What is the best period for a boat charter trip to the Greek islands? The answer is not so obvious. The island conformation of this country makes it climatically different depending on the area in which you are located, even and especially during the summer months.

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In this regard, we have taken into consideration the 6 main touristic archipelagos in Greece and for each one, we have described their characteristics. Let’s see!

• The best sailing season of the Ionian Islands
• When to sail in the Cyclades Islands?
• The best time to go on a boat in the Dodecanese
• When is the best time to sail in the Sporades? 
• Which is the best sailing period in the Saronic Islands?
• When can you sai il Crete?

Greece has a territory divided into numerous islands often grouped into archipelagos. In fact, there are approximately 1,500 true islands even if the numbers also change a lot according to the personalities that support them. This is because it is easily possible to reach a number higher than 9000 counting each rock, as the Greek government does.

This premise is necessary to understand that not all Greek seas offer the same climate and the same weather conditions.

In Greece, the sailing season begins in April and ends in November, and in general, we can make a mass distinction between the islands of the Aegean Sea whose ideal period for sailing is June or September, when the Meltemi does not blow strongly from the north, and the external ones, such as the Ionian Sea islands, where wind and sea conditions are definitely more stable even during the central summer months.

The best sailing season of the Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands are located off the western coast of Greece, on the side facing the Ionian Sea and Italy. Their capital is the city of Corfu.

The best known are Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, and Antipaxos.

The Ionian Islands enjoy a mild climate all year round. Light winds blow from the north-east and the sea is always calm. These particular conditions make the archipelago perfect for both beginners in boating and for those with a more advanced level.

In fact, since these islands offer protected moorings and safe navigation, you can have fun without worries.

These islands attract more and more tourists year after year thanks to the incredible emerald green waters, the lush vegetation, and the different activities that can be carried out.

This area is becoming more and more popular with travelers.

When to sail in the Cyclades Islands?

The Cyclades islands are named for their circular layout. The archipelago is made up of about 220 islands and their capital is the city of Ermoupoli, on the island of Syros.

These islands are undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Greece when it comes to boat rentals. In fact, they not only offer visitors beautiful beaches but also magnificent landscapes and ancient architecture. The islands of the archipelago are arranged in a circle and also includes the very famous and suggestive Mykonos and Santorini.

However, that’s not all. Smaller and lesser-known islands such as Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Andros, and Anafi are also part of the Cyclades. They too offer breathtaking scenery and deserve to be visited.

In addition to the unquestioned beauty of the islands, sailors also appreciate the power of the high season winds.

In fact, the Meltemi that blows during the months of July and August can become very strong and lashing. Our advice is therefore to tackle these waters if you have advanced nautical skills and a good sailing experience.

The best time to go on a boat in the Dodecanese Islands

The Dodecanese is an archipelago of about 163 islands and islets that rises in the southeastern Aegean Sea, off the coast of Turkey. The main island is Rhodes, where the capital is also located.

Only 26 islands are inhabited and some of the most famous are Symi, Lipsi, Nisyros, Tilos, Kasos, Khalki, Rhodes, and Karpathos.

These islands are particularly arid and characterized by a hot and dry climate, while the winds blow mainly from the north-west. Furthermore, since they are located at the southern end of the Greek territory, they are considered the hottest destination in the country to sail to. For this reason, you can also visit them in April (at the beginning of the season) or towards the end of October and early November, when the winds are calmer and blow from the south-east.

To navigate around the Dodecanese, medium to advanced nautical skills are required.

When is the best time to sail in the Sporades?

The Sporades Islands, or the Northern Sporades, are located in the north-east of the Aegean Sea, off the coast of mainland Greece and north-east of the Euboea island. They are also called the Northern Sporades to distinguish them from the Southern Sporades, which include the islands of Samo and Ikaria.

The Sporades means “scattered” in Greek and were named like that to distinguish them from the Cyclades, which form a group similar to a circle.

This archipelago consists of 24 islands of which only 4 are permanently inhabited. The Northern Sporades are Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros, Kyra Panagia, Peristera, Giora, and Skantzoura.

These are exceptional beauty islands and offer many wide and wonderful beaches. The climate of this area is characterized by mild winters, hot summers, and frequent rains.

Usually, winds in this area come from the north or north-east and, as in the whole Aegean Sea, they are more intense during the hot summer months. The nautical experience to deal with them must consequently be medium to good.

Which is the best sailing period in the Saronic Islands?

The Saronic Islands take their name from the Saronic Gulf, between Attica and Peloponnese regions. The archipelago consists of seven main islands of which the largest is Salamis and several smaller islands. The Saronic Islands are Salamis, Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, Dokos, Flies, and Patroklos.

The Saronic Gulf is characterized by light winds and calm waters, making it the perfect sailing area for those visiting Greece for the first time. However, it requires at least a minimum of nautical experience. The islands, along with the mainland, offer visitors a variety of destinations to visit.

In addition to isolated inlets and hidden bays, this area allows you to engage in a whole range of interesting activities, has excellent services and lots of nightlife. In short, it really has something for everyone!

When you can sail in Crete?

Crete is one of the largest Greek islands and is located quite close to the northern coast of Africa. This destination offers many historical sites and mountainous areas where to organize excursions.

If you travel by your yacht or rented boat, you can easily visit the best that this island has to offer both in naturalistic and historical terms.

However, you must keep in mind that the summer winds can be very strong due to the mountains along the southern coast of the island. For this reason, we recommend it to experienced sailors and skippers.

Contact  now YBH Charter Brokers:

You can contact us by sending an email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.