30 Years Charter Experience

Sailing in Greece

A cultural sail through the cradle of western civilization.

Language: Greek

Time Zone: GMT+2

Currency: Euro

Population: 11,000,000

Culinary Favourite: Greek Salad

Poseidon Charter Compass
Scroll to Discover

Greece at a glance

This historic, maritime nation is set in five unique cruising areas with varied geography, history and sailing conditions. Explore a mix of islands with Classical temples, Venetian architecture and quaint white-washed Greek villages. Sailing in Greece is so much more than a charter vacation – it’s a journey of discovery through the cradle of western civilization.

Cyclades

Made up of 220 islands in the central Aegean, the Cyclades is the largest and most renowned cruising area for sailing in Greece. Must see islands: Syros, Delos, Mykonos, Milos, Paros, Ios and Santorini.

Sailing yourself: Ideal for intermediate to advanced sailors. Conditions are more challenging due to longer open passages and potential for larger seas with stronger summer winds.


Saronic / Argolic Gulf

South of Athens, the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs offer more historic sites per sq mile and calmer conditions for sailing in Greece. Must see islands: Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses.

Sailing yourself: Great for novice sailors offering line of sight navigation and short passages. The region is protected by the mainland of Attica which limits strong winds and larger seas.


Ionian Sea

Off the west coast of Greece, the Ionian region boasts forested hills and miles of sandy beaches. Must see islands: Corfu, Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaki, Zakinthos.

Sailing yourself: A good choice for first time sailing in Greece, with short passages, line of sight navigation and lighter sailing conditions.


Dodecanese

Sailing in Greece adjacent to the Turkish coast, the Dodecanese islands are steeped in history and known for their welcoming ports. Must see islands: Samos, Patmos, Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes and Symi.

Sailing yourself: Perfect for intermediate sailors, this area features upwind and downwind passages of varying distance. Larger seas and stronger summer winds may occur.


Sporades

Located in the north central Aegean, the Sporades are in striking contrast to the Cyclades with their bleached stone and thick green pine forests. Must see islands: Alonissos, Skiathos and Skopelos.

Sailing yourself: Good for intermediate level sailors, the island proximity and line of sight navigation make for easy passages but larger seas and stronger summer winds can develop.

Your choices for sailing in Greece

When to enjoy sailing in Greece

May through October are the warmer, drier months. June, July and September are the best months to sail with nice weather conditions while avoiding the crowded hot month of August. The climate is hot and dry in the summer and mild to cool and wet in the winter months of December to April.

Due to its five different sailing regions, Greece is a great charter destination for all levels of sailor. A sailing license/certificate is required for yacht charter/bareboat and flotilla charters. For luxury charter, skippered charter or cabin charter, you do not require any experience or certification.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GREECE

Discover the Greek Islands

Depending on your itinerary while sailing in Greece, visit some of these stunning locations.

Athens
Athens
Aegina
Aegina
Poros
Poros
Hydra
Hydra
Spetses
Spetses
Epidavrous
Epidavrous
Kolona Bay
Kolona Bay
Loutra, Kythnos
Loutra, Kythnos
Kleftiko Bay, Milos
Kleftiko Bay, Milos
Milos
Milos
Serifos
Serifos
Sifnos
Sifnos
Folegandros
Folegandros
Ios
Ios
Santorini
Santorini
Skinoussa
Skinoussa
Paros
Paros
Delos
Delos
Syros
Syros
Mykonos
Mykonos
Kea
Kea