The Best Sailing Destinations in Aegean Sea

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What better way to see the Aegean than by boat? All you have to do is decide which islands to hop to and which unexplored bays to anchor in

What makes the Aegean the ideal setting for sailing in Greece? Mild and gradual changes in temperature, steady, predictable winds, the absence of tides and strong currents, crystal-clear waters and countless bays, a plethora of stunning islands and the short distances between them, picturesque harbours, safe anchorages, the possibility of fishing, diving, water skiing… It’s doubtful whether any other sea on the planet can muster a longer list.

And then there are the meltemia, the prevailing north winds that blow every summer from about 5 to 7 Beaufort from May to September, a phenomenon known since antiquity. What more do you want? Sail in the Aegean and explore Cyclades, Dodecanese and Sporades with just one click here!

Popular sailing destinations in the Aegean

1. Attica:

 Setting off by boat into the Aegean, one of the most popular departure points is Attica. It has many fully equipped marinas offering a high level of service, such as Zea and Flisvos, which can accommodate the most luxurious cruisers, as well as Alimos, which is the home port for most of the charter companies. On the east coast, at Lavrio, the Olympic Marine has extensive facilities for sailing. Given the number of yacht charterers, you can take your pick from a huge variety of sailboats, with crew or bareboat of any size. Most of the firms also arrange their clients’ transfers from the airport and offer them a full package of sea experiences/itineraries.

2. Cyclades: 

The Cyclades are a particularly attractive sailing destination, mainly because of their relative proximity to Athens and the great variety of experiences they promise. The contrast of their shockingly white houses against the deep blue of the sea is Greece’s trademark internationally, not to mention the colours of its flag. And because the distance between islands is small, a yachting holiday can take in numerous ports and coves within a very short time. You could even sail to a different island every day, although each one merits close examination.

3. Kea, Kythnos, Serifos & Syros: 

Sailing east from one of the marinas on the coast of Attica, you’ll come across a few Greek islands worth exploring with your sailboat. You’ll find Kea first, then Kythnos, Serifos and Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, which is a base for many charter companies. This means that you could easily charter your yacht from the heart of the archipelago and start your explorations at once, while you also have the option of finish your cruise there and returnto Athens by plane or ferry. Aristocratic Ermoupoli with its large and safe harbour is a destination well worth visiting by boat.

4. Tinos, Mykonos and Andros: 

Tinos and Mykonos are also ideal destinations although they need more caution, since the winds there can be stronger and there can be higher waves brought down from the Dardanelles by the prevailing northeasterlies.

5. Sifnos, Paros & Naxos:

 Sifnos,Paros and Naxos to the south are classic choices, with a succession of private coves that are protected from the prevailing north winds or meltemia. All these islands boast good marinas with connections for fuel and water but also every kind of food supply. Paros also hosts international windsurfing competitions every year, thanks to the ideal conditions of steady winds without choppy waves.

6. Milos: 

Milos, further south, offers spectacular lunar landscapes and dramatic coves and beaches that can be reached only by yacht. It also has one of the largest, almost enclosed harbours in the Mediterranean and the port, Adamas, is safe in all weathers and has facilities for servicing yachts. If you make it to Milos, a must see is the volcanic rock formations at Kleftiko on the south coast.

7. Sikinos & Folegandros: 

Heading south you come to Sikinos and Folegandros, which though off the beaten track they are ideal settings for sailing, and are among the most strikingly beautiful islands in the Cyclades. Their ports are small and somewhat exposed, so keep your eye on the weather forecast.

8. Amorgos & Ikaria: 

Waves in the Aegean are apt to be low because the islands’ relatively proximity, but the winds can be strong and need certain nautical experience, an example being conditions often found during the crossing from Amorgos. Still, the sight of Hozoviotissa monastery cut out of the rock, seemingly suspended above the sea, is a reward in itself.

9. Santorini:

There can be no more awesome experience than sailing into volcanic Santorini – one of the most famous Greek islands—and it has sufficient anchorage facilities and services for yachts.

10. Koufonisia: 

Perhaps one of the most delightful destinations for those who prefer a low-key, natural setting rather than a zippy nightlife when the day is done, are the Koufonisia. These small, unspoilt islands now benefit from a new marina on Ano Koufonisi, making them an ideal base for exploring the islets, inhabited and not, in the vicinity. No longer a secret, their sheltered coves are often filled with boats at anchor.

11. Sporades: 

The thickly wooded Sporades are wonderful to explore by yacht. It’s a toss up which of the three, Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonnisos, is the greenest, while their ‘brother’ Skyros is both pine-wooded and rocky, with its white Hora atop a bare promontory and visible from miles away. Again the distances between these islands are neglible and you can easily visit them all, as well as their smaller uninhabited relatives in the Sporades Marine Park. Don’t expect statel-of-the-art marinas but you won’t be disappointed by the wealth of sheltered bays and deserted coves. The meltemia, too, are milder here than in the southern Aegean.

12. Dodecanese: 

Cruising the distant Dodecanese is made easier by the possibility of chartering a yacht locally. In summer especially, the meltemia make comings and goings by sailboat a very attractive option for experienced sailors, since the seas are open. But don’t expect to get there from Attica in a single day.
The Dodecanese are an ideal sailing destination. Airports exist on almost all the islands – Rhodes, Kastellorizo, Karpathos, Astypalaia, Leros, Kalymnos, Kassos and Kos – which makes getting there from Attica easy.

Like the Cyclades, these islands are fairly close to one another, apart from Kastellorizo, so you can visit a different one every day. Bear in mind that each island has more than enough to repay a longer stay. From Rhodes, the capital of this chain, to the tiny islands of Leipsi, Arki and Agathonisi, this group has a lot of wealthy to discover. Leros, Kos, and of course Rhodes, have magnificent marinas for all sizes of yachts.

http://www.discovergreece.com 

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