Greece: Where Sailing Legends Begin
Greece is the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of maritime adventure. With over 6,000 islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, Greece offers some of the world's most diverse and rewarding sailing experiences. From the iconic white-washed villages of the Cyclades to the lush green landscapes of the Ionian Islands, Greek waters have something for every sailor.
The Greek islands combine stunning natural beauty with millennia of history. Sail past ancient temples, explore medieval castles, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy world-famous Mediterranean cuisine. The reliable Meltemi winds of summer provide excellent sailing conditions, while the warm climate and friendly locals create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Our Tiga yachts are perfect for Greek charter. Their sturdy construction handles the Aegean's summer winds with confidence, while their comfortable interiors provide a welcoming retreat after a day of exploration.
Our Greek Base Ports
Athens (Alimos Marina) - Gateway to the Saronic Gulf
Marina: Alimos Marina (Athens Riviera)
Airport: Athens International Airport (ATH) - 30 minutes by car
Best For: Saronic Gulf islands, Cyclades access, beginners
Athens' Alimos Marina is one of the largest and most modern marinas in Greece, located just 30 minutes from the airport. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the nearby Saronic Gulf islands or embarking on longer passages to the Cyclades.
Nearby Sailing Destinations:
- Aegina - pistachio island, Temple of Aphaia (17 NM)
- Poros - charming town, pine forests (30 NM)
- Hydra - car-free island, artists' haven (37 NM)
- Spetses - elegant island with maritime tradition (42 NM)
- Cape Sounion - Temple of Poseidon (25 NM)
- Kea & Kythnos - western Cyclades gateway (35-45 NM)
Sailing Conditions: Protected waters in the Saronic Gulf, ideal for beginners. More open sea when heading to Cyclades. Meltemi winds typically 15-25 knots in summer.
Local Attractions: Athens itself deserves at least a day - Acropolis, Parthenon, ancient Agora, Plaka district, National Archaeological Museum.
Rhodes - Dodecanese Explorer
Marina: Mandraki Marina Rhodes
Airport: Rhodes International Airport (RHO) - 20 minutes by car
Best For: Dodecanese islands, Turkish coast proximity, history lovers
Rhodes, the island of the Knights, is a fascinating base combining medieval history with beautiful beaches. The Dodecanese islands offer some of Greece's most diverse sailing, from cosmopolitan Kos to remote Tilos.
Nearby Sailing Destinations:
- Symi - neoclassical architecture, monastery (23 NM)
- Kos - beaches, ancient sites, nightlife (65 NM)
- Nisyros - active volcano crater (40 NM)
- Tilos - peaceful nature, bird watching (45 NM)
- Chalki - quiet island, great snorkeling (18 NM)
- Turkish Coast - Marmaris (40 NM with proper permits)
Sailing Conditions: Moderate to strong Meltemi in summer (20-30 knots), more sheltered sailing among the islands. Experienced sailors will enjoy the challenge.
Local Attractions: Medieval Old Town (UNESCO site), Palace of the Grand Masters, Ancient Kamiros, Lindos Acropolis, Valley of the Butterflies.
Corfu - Ionian Beauty
Marina: Gouvia Marina Corfu
Airport: Corfu International Airport (CFU) - 15 minutes by car
Best For: Ionian islands, gentler sailing, lush landscapes
Corfu is the gateway to the Ionian Sea, offering a completely different sailing experience from the Aegean. Lush green islands, calm seas, and Venetian architecture characterize this region. Perfect for those seeking more relaxed sailing conditions.
Nearby Sailing Destinations:
- Paxos & Antipaxos - stunning beaches, sea caves (10 NM)
- Lefkada - connected to mainland, white beaches (40 NM)
- Kefalonia - largest Ionian island, Melissani Cave (60 NM)
- Ithaca - legendary home of Odysseus (55 NM)
- Albanian Coast - Saranda, ancient Butrint (20 NM with permits)
- Sivota (mainland Greece) - beautiful anchorages (25 NM)
Sailing Conditions: Generally calmer than Aegean, lighter winds (10-20 knots). Perfect for families and less experienced sailors. Sea typically calmer.
Local Attractions: Corfu Old Town (UNESCO site), Achilleion Palace, beautiful beaches, Venetian fortresses, traditional villages.
What to Expect in Greece
Climate & Weather
Season: April to November (peak season July-August)
Temperature: 27-33°C in summer, water temperature 24-27°C
Winds:
- Aegean: Meltemi (NW) dominates in summer, 15-30 knots, strongest in afternoon
- Ionian: Gentler winds, mainly NW 10-20 knots, occasional Sirocco (SE)
Best Months: May-June and September-October offer perfect conditions with fewer tourists.
Marina & Harbor Facilities
Greece has significantly improved its marina infrastructure in recent years:
- Modern marinas with water and electricity
- Clean facilities in most locations
- WiFi becoming more common
- Restaurants and tavernas nearby
- Fuel stations at major ports
- Technical support available
- Traditional harbors offer basic services
Greek Cuisine & Provisioning
Greek food is one of the world's healthiest and most delicious cuisines:
- Fresh seafood: Grilled octopus, calamari, sea bream
- Mezze: Tzatziki, taramasalata, melitzanosalata
- Greek salad: Fresh tomatoes, feta, olives, olive oil
- Moussaka: Layered eggplant and meat dish
- Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers
- Feta cheese: Essential Greek ingredient
- Local wines: Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Retsina
- Ouzo: Traditional anise-flavored aperitif
Provisioning: Supermarkets available in larger towns, local shops on smaller islands. Fresh produce markets in most locations. Stock up on major islands for passages to remote areas.
Activities Beyond Sailing
- Ancient ruins and archaeological sites
- Swimming and snorkeling in turquoise waters
- Beach hopping - every island has unique beaches
- Hiking - especially beautiful in spring
- Village exploration - authentic Greek culture
- Wine tasting at local vineyards
- Scuba diving (with proper certification)
- Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing)
- Greek cooking classes
- Traditional music and dance evenings
Must-Visit Island Groups
Cyclades
Iconic Greek islands with white-washed villages, blue domes, and dramatic cliffs. Includes Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, and dozens more. Stronger Meltemi winds, best for experienced sailors.
Dodecanese
Southern Aegean islands near Turkey. Rhodes, Kos, Symi, and others blend Greek and Turkish influences. Rich history, beautiful architecture, excellent food. Moderate sailing conditions.
Saronic Gulf
Islands near Athens - Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses. Protected waters perfect for beginners, easy distances between islands, rich maritime history. Weekend getaway favorite for Athenians.
Sporades
Northern Aegean islands - Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos. Green landscapes, beautiful beaches, Marine Park. More moderate winds than southern Aegean. Film location for "Mamma Mia!"
Ionian Islands
Western Greece - Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos. Lush vegetation, Venetian influence, calmer seas. Perfect for families and relaxed cruising.
Crete
Greece's largest island - a destination in itself. Minoan palaces, stunning gorges, traditional villages, beautiful beaches. Good base for exploring southern Aegean.
Sample 7-Day Itineraries
Athens - Saronic Gulf Circuit (Beginner Friendly)
Total Distance: ~140 nautical miles
- Day 1: Athens to Aegina - 17 NM. Check-out, afternoon sail, visit Temple of Aphaia.
- Day 2: Aegina to Poros - 13 NM. Explore Poros town, swim in nearby bays.
- Day 3: Poros to Hydra - 12 NM. Car-free island, artistic atmosphere, evening in town.
- Day 4: Hydra to Spetses - 10 NM. Beautiful beaches, maritime museums.
- Day 5: Spetses to Epidaurus - 25 NM. Visit ancient theatre (UNESCO site).
- Day 6: Epidaurus to Perdika (Aegina) - 15 NM. Quiet fishing village, excellent tavernas.
- Day 7: Perdika to Athens - 20 NM. Morning swim, return to base.
Rhodes - Dodecanese Highlights (Intermediate)
Total Distance: ~120 nautical miles
- Day 1: Rhodes to Symi - 23 NM. Beautiful harbor arrival, Panormitis monastery.
- Day 2: Symi - Rest day, explore Symi town, beaches, hiking.
- Day 3: Symi to Tilos - 25 NM. Quiet island, bird watching, beaches.
- Day 4: Tilos to Nisyros - 15 NM. Visit volcanic crater, traditional villages.
- Day 5: Nisyros to Kos - 25 NM. Ancient ruins, beaches, nightlife.
- Day 6: Kos to Pserimos to Kalymnos - 20 NM. Small island stop, climbing island.
- Day 7: Kalymnos to Rhodes - 40 NM. Long passage back to base.
Corfu - Ionian Paradise (Family Friendly)
Total Distance: ~90 nautical miles
- Day 1: Corfu to Paxos - 10 NM. Short sail, explore Gaios harbor.
- Day 2: Paxos - Rest day, visit Antipaxos, swim in turquoise waters.
- Day 3: Paxos to Sivota (mainland) - 20 NM. Beautiful bay, quiet anchorages.
- Day 4: Sivota to Mourtos - 10 NM. Sheltered bay, beach activities.
- Day 5: Mourtos to Parga - 15 NM. Picturesque coastal town, castle visit.
- Day 6: Parga to Corfu West Coast - 25 NM. Visit Paleokastritsa monastery and bays.
- Day 7: West Coast to Corfu Marina - 10 NM. Morning swim, return to base.
Practical Information
Documentation & Requirements
- Sailing License: Valid international sailing license required
- VHF License: Required for radio operation
- Greek Waters Permit: Included in charter (Transit Log)
- Passport: Valid passport for all crew
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended
Navigation
- Well-marked channels and approaches to major ports
- Greek chart books provided with yacht
- GPS essential for passages
- Some remote islands have limited lighting
- VHF radio important for weather and harbor updates
Mooring Options
- Marinas: Modern facilities, advance booking recommended in peak season
- Town Harbors: Free or low-cost mooring, basic facilities
- Anchoring: Popular in Greece, many beautiful bays
- Stern-to Mooring: Common in Greek harbors, be prepared
Currency & Costs
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Marina Fees: €20-50 per night (many town harbors are free)
Fuel: Available at major ports
Dining: €12-25 per person in tavernas
Cash: Useful for smaller islands and tavernas
Greek Sailing Traditions
Greece has been a sailing nation for millennia. From ancient triremes to modern yachts, the Greeks have always looked to the sea. When you charter in Greece, you're following in the wake of legendary sailors like Odysseus, exploring the same waters that have been highways of trade and culture for thousands of years.
The famous Greek hospitality (philoxenia) extends to sailors. In small island harbors, you'll often find locals eager to share stories, recommend anchorages, or invite you to local festivals. This human connection is as much a part of the Greek sailing experience as the stunning scenery.
Why Choose Greece?
Greece offers unmatched variety in sailing experiences. Whether you seek the iconic Cyclades landscapes, the historical treasures of the Dodecanese, or the gentle cruising of the Ionian, Greece has it all. The combination of ancient history, spectacular nature, delicious food, and genuine hospitality creates an unforgettable charter experience.
With thousands of islands to explore, you could spend a lifetime sailing Greek waters and still discover new anchorages. Each island has its own character, traditions, and stories to tell.