the wind blows gently, with occasional gusts. The temperatures here are pleasant from April to October, which extends the sailing season in this area. While the water is generally very calm in the south, sailing can be a bit rougher in the north.
IONIAN SEA
The Ionian Islands are definitely worth seeing: whether it’s Corfu, Lefkada or Zakynthos, each one offers green countryside and some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Calm waters, numerous secluded bays and decent infrastructure make these islands a paradise for yachtsmen. Corfu and Zakynthos are sailing destinations par excellence, where you can find plenty of anchorages and marinas and countless interesting tourist spots. However, in 2022 we recommend avoiding the crowds and heading to the lesser-known islands of Paxos or Ithaca, home of Odysseus. As these are only accessible by boat, it’s a good job you’ll have one!1. Paxos
The eastern and western coasts of Paxos consist of imposing cliffs, which make landing impossible. When the weather is calm, you can approach the rocks and explore various caves accessible only by boat. Definitely a must see!
2. Ithaca
The port of Kioni is definitely worth a visit and its picturesque alleys will surely capture your heart. The harbor is well protected from winds, even from strong gusts. Ithaca offers countless beautiful bays with amazing beaches such as the pebbly Pera Pigadi beach or the sandy Andri beach (38° 18.40’N, 020° 43.41’E). If you’re lucky, you can collect sea salt from the rock pools during the summer months. Be sure not to miss Polis Bayon the west side of the island. You can find the cave of Loizos with ancient inscriptions celebrating
the Greek gods a short distance from the beach. Unfortunately, an earthquake left much of the cave under water and therefore inaccessible. It is supposed that this is where Odysseus began his mythical adventures.
AEAGEAN SEA
Unlike the Ionian, the Aegean is revered by sailors. This is mainly due to the sunny and largely unchanging weather, the steady and predictable wind and the lack of tides and strong currents. Greece is connected by crystal clear waters and countless bays, a multitude of mythical islands within a breath of each other, picturesque harbors and safe anchorages. Above all, one thing to reckon with in the Aegean is the meltemi. These northerly winds always blow in the summer between May and September and are usually a pleasant force 5 Beaufort, but can often reach 7 or sometimes even 9, so be careful. The strongest winds usually blow around the islands of Mykonos, Astypalaia and Ikaria, but you can generally expect them throughout the Dodecanese. So where should you head in the Aegean?
Cyclades Archipelago
The Cyclades consist of thirty larger islands and approximately another 190 islets with a total area of over 2,500 km2. They are a popular destination for yachting mainly due to their relative proximity to Athens, where most international flights land. As the islands are not far from each other, the Cyclades offer a variety of experiences. On a single sailing trip you can explore many harbors and bays in a very short time. It is not a problem to visit a different island every day, although the popular saying applies here: sometimes less is more. The most famous are probably the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. In Santorini you will probably have to stand in a queue to get the perfect picture of the famous white church with the blue dome, the distinctive symbol of Greece. Mykonos is ideal for people who love busy places and parties. With more than one million tourists a year, it is the second most visited island in the Cyclades after Santorini. You can find world-renowned DJs presiding over parties here day and night. This is definitely not a budget friendly destination! Especially in summer, prices can be very high. Yachting is really more about wellness, privacy and relaxation, so in our opinion, you should leave the most famous islands of the Cyclades out and head to lesser known places.3. Delos Rhenia
The small uninhabited island of Delos definitely offers more peace and quiet. It is only accessible by boat and you won’t find any tourist accommodation here. The island is famous for its ancient archaeological sites and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also considered the birthplace of the god Apollo and the goddess Artemis. According to legend, no one is allowed to give birth or die here. After enjoying its ancient monuments, you can raise anchor and set sail for the nearby island of Rhenia. It is only 14 km long and 1 km wide. It is famous for its dreamy bays and secluded sandy beaches.
4. Paros and Naxos
Paros is located in the heart of the Cyclades and is famous for its many sandy beaches, beautiful countryside and traditional villages. The largest island of the Cyclades is Naxos. You can enjoy the many beautiful beaches here and discover mountain villages off the beaten track when you take a trip inland. If you want to enjoy the sunset in Naxos, head north from the capital to the islet of Palatia with the unfinished Temple of Apollo. The 2,500-year-old marble door, Portara, overlooks Delos, and you shouldn’t leave without a photo of the sun setting over the mythical gate of the god Apollo.
5. Milos
From the vantage point of your yacht, you will probably appreciate the volcanic island of Milos more. The unusual rock formations and high cliffs plunging into the sea are breathtaking! In addition, Milos has the largest number of beaches of all the islands of the Cyclades. There is a greater chance of privacy here compared to busy Mykonos, but keep in mind that in the peak tourist season in August, the island can get a little busier.
6. Koufonisia
The Koufonisia Islands in the Lesser Cyclades archipelago are perhaps the most beautiful tourist destination for those who prioritize idyllic, calm evenings over intense nightlife. In modern Greek slang, the word “Koufo” means “unbelievable” and when you arrive, you’ll see why. These small, unspoilt islands have surprisingly good sailing infrastructure, so disembarking won’t be a problem. We suggest you explore the entire archipelago, both the almost uninhabited Kato Koufonisia, where you will find only a few fishermen’s houses and a picturesque church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. and Koufonisia itself, the smallest but most densely populated island of the Cyclades with a population of about 350 inhabitants. The main occupation here is fishing, making the island a true fishing village, where visitors can enjoy fresh fish and seafood. It is also worth mentioning the village of Chora on the southwest coast of the island as a typical example of Cycladic architecture.
Dodecanese (12 islands)
The Dodecanese Islands are a cluster of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea that belong to the so-called Southern Sporades between the islands of Patmos and Rhodes, Kasos, Astypalaia and Kastellorizo. They are located southwest of the Turkish coast and you may accidentally drift into Turkish waters. If this happens, the charter company will most likely equip you with a Turkish flag. After all, no one wants to get into a conflict with a Turkish destroyer. It is better to charter a boat to one of the islands, as the passage from Athens can be quite difficult even for experienced sailors. Especially in the summer, when the meltemias blow, sailing in the open sea can turn into an uninvited adventure. There isn’t that much drama between the islands themselves, so feel free to head to one of them. Almost every large island of the Dodecanese, be it Rhodes, Kastelorizo, Karpathos, Astypalaia, Leros, Kalymnos, Kasos or Kos, has its own airport and in high season there are direct flights from Prague.As in the Cyclades, the islands are generally very close together, so you can go to a different one every day. However, it is worth choosing one and exploring it thoroughly. Either you decide to admire the main island of Rhodes or the tiny islands of Lipsi, Arkoi and Agathonisi is entirely up to you. Unfortunately, you cannot sail under the famous Colossus of Rhodes, as it was destroyed in an earthquake in 226 BC. However, where the Sun god once stood proud, two columns of fallow statues remain.
7. TILOS
A hidden gem according to the author of this article. With nineteen beaches, twelve mountains with natural springs, seven medieval castles, a Byzantine monastery and two hundred churches, Tilos is the placeto explore. Plus, with only around five hundred residents on the entire island, it’s a relatively quiet destination.
If you want to experience something special and live authentic Greek culture, plan your cruise to be in Tilos on July 27th. Then the feast of Saint Panteleimon, the patron saint of the island, is celebrated. A great celebration takes place in a monastery dedicated to Saint Panteleimon, nestled in the middle
of the mountains. You can dock your boat at the pier in Livadia and take the bus to the site. Just riding the winding mountain roads in a packed bus is a great experience, before you even get to the monastery itself. The monastery stands on a rock above the sea, where a holy spring emerges. The monastery stands on a rock above the sea, where a holy spring emerges.
in large numbers, dancing and eating traditional Greek food and are very happy to welcome tourists. in large numbers, dancing and eating traditional Greek food and are very happy to welcome tourists. And don’t forget that the pace is getting faster and faster!
