Sailing to the Greek Islands, Sailing in Greece, Sailing Saronic Islands, Argolic, Peloponnese Coast, North Ionian, Cyclades Islands Sailing Greece

THE CYCLADES ISLANDS

Sail through the deep blue Aegean Sea, amongst the Cyclades, the island cluster famous for its whitewashed houses, traditional character, cosmopolitan lifestyle, stunning beaches and superb waters.

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, Antiparos, Paros, Naxos, Schinoussa, Iraklia, Koufonissia, Donousa and Amorgos
• The Northern Cyclades Islands: Kea, Kithnos, Andros, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos and Rinia

The Cyclades Islands is one of the most popular sailing regions in Greece. The most prominent wind in the area is the Meltemi, which blows N – NW from early June to late September – early October. During its strongest period in July and August, the Meltemi wind has a force of 5-6 Beaufort and often reaches a force of 7-8 Beaufort. It is not as strong in June, Septmenber and October, when it reaches 3–4 Beaufort and blows from various directions.

THE IONIAN ISLANDS

Sailing in the Ionian Sea is a unique experience. It is an area with magnificent verdant islands that are unlike the islands in the Aegean Sea. They have a European aura that is attributed to the abundance of Venetian, British and French buildings, spellbinding beaches and lush hillside.

The Ionian Islands are 7 in total: Corfu (Kerkyra), Kefalonia (Cephalonia), Zakynthos (Zante), Lefkada (Lefkas), Kithira, Ithaki and Paxi. They are located off the coasts of the Peloponnese, Sterea Ellada and Epirus.

Sailing in the Ionian region is easy, although haze and early morning fog may cause limited visibility. Fishing nets are a hazard, so you must be careful, especially if you have not sailed in the area and are not aware of the spots where fishermen leave their nets. Rocks are visible and do not pose mush of a threat.

During the summer months (June – September) the winds in the Ionian Islands are NW to WNW. It is at its strongest (3-6 Beraufort) from noon to sunset. The wind gusts most forcefully along the eastern coasts of Zakynthos and Ithaki. The NE Kabatic wind that comes from the mountains on Mainland Greece can reach up to 6 Beaufort and lasts for about 2-3 hours. Be careful of a southern wind that can suddenly turn into a strong northern wind. The Sirocco wind in the spring, which comes from the Sahara Desert, is quite humid.

THE SARONIC ISLANDS / THE ARGOLIC GULF / THE COAST OF THE PELOPONNESE

At close proximity to the Attica Prefecture are some wonderful sailing routes that offer ideal sailing conditions, clean, calm waters and splendid coasts and islands to explore. The Saronic Islands of Aegina, Hydra, Poros and Spetses are the most popular sailing routes, especially for those who prefer shorter sailing trips from Attica marinas.

The Saronic region is characterized by calm sea, but also limited visibility due to haze and early morning fog, which usually dissipates by late morning to early afternoon. Be careful of the rocks in the area, which can be easily seen due to the clean waters in the region. As the Saronic Islands are popular for fishing, pay attention to fishing nets and small boats sailing in the area.

In the Saronic Gulf, apart from Hydra, the wind blows mainly from theNE. The Aegean Meltemi wind, which reaches 5-6 Beaufort, begins in mid July, strengthens in August and calms down in late September.

In the Argolic Gulf and along the coast of the Peloponnese you are offered superb sailing and well-organized port facilities in the historical cities of Nafplion and Tolo, and marinas in the holiday resorts of Porto Heli, Astros and Leonidio.