Island Map
Over 2,000 Greek islands are scattered across the eastern Mediterranean, and around 200 of them are inhabited. Imagine all the things you can discover by sailing through them!
These 2,000 Greek islands share a common history and culture, but each of them has a unique character. East of the mainland, in the northern Aegean Sea, you'll find the Northern Sporades. Further south are the Dodecanese and Crete, the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean. The rocky Cyclades gave rise to the ancient Cycladic civilization, while the islands of the Saronic Gulf have a rich maritime tradition. To the west lie the seven islands of the Ionian Sea.
Saronic Gulf
The Saronic and Peloponnesian regions represent a beautiful and peaceful place for sailing, with diverse landscapes, short distances between islands, sandy or pebbly beaches, as well as tourist and secluded ports and anchorages. On all the major islands of this region (Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses) and at other well-known coastal points (Epidavros, Methana, Ermioni, Porto-Heli, Nafplio, and Monemvasia), there is much to explore. Besides charming larger cities, there are equally beautiful and untouched places worth seeing. Some areas around the Saronic Gulf and the Peloponnese have mountainous terrain, while others do not, but most have dense vegetation, forming their own unique and truly original landscape that differs from any other place in Greece.
Cyclades
When people say they would like to sail around the Greek islands or when they hear something about it, they usually refer to sailing around the Cyclades. Speaking of sailing around the Greek islands, it's essential to familiarize oneself with the winds in this area. The prevailing wind during the summer comes from the north and is known as "Meltemi." It begins blowing in mid-June, becomes strongest in July and August, and subsides by early September. In July and August, the wind blows with a force of 5-6 Beaufort, and it can reach a strength of 7-8 Beaufort. It can last from one to three days, and sometimes it blows for 4-5 consecutive days. During the other months of the year, the wind strength is weaker (around 3-4 Beaufort).
Ionian Islands
The weather conditions in this area are exceptionally favorable for relaxed sailing, making it an ideal place for family and leisurely sailing in July and August. Occasionally, the winds in other areas of Greece can be stronger, sometimes even uncomfortable. The Ionian Islands, located west of the Greek mainland, consist of seven main islands (Greek Eptanissa – seven islands) that stand out from many other Greek islands due to their fertile soil (covered with olive groves and cypresses, benefiting from winter rains) and crystal-clear blue waters. A harmonious blend of different civilizations and cultures creates an undeniably Greek atmosphere, where you can find some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
Dodecanese
The Dodecanese Islands are located east of the Cyclades, near the shores of Turkey. The Dodecanese is often referred to as a sailing paradise, with over 163 islands and islets. There are countless beautiful beaches and coves on each island that should not be missed. Charter departure points are in our bases in Rhodes, Samos, or Kos. During the summer months, the prevailing wind, "Meltemi," comes from the northwest-west, similar to the Cyclades and the open Aegean Sea. It starts blowing in mid-June, intensifies from late July to early September, and weakens in October. The strength of the north wind is usually 4-6 Beaufort, occasionally reaching a force of 7, and rarely 8 Beaufort.
Sporades
Although Skiathos is one of the most popular holiday destinations in central/northern Greece, with its famous beaches, the other three larger islands in the Sporades group (Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros) are equally beautiful and untouched. All the islands have mountainous terrain, dense vegetation, and their unique character, distinguishing them from any other place in Greece.In this region, there are countless beaches, many of which are only accessible by boat. They are not only found on the larger and smaller islands but also on the northern coast of Evia and in the Pagasetic Gulf (Volos) and on the eastern coast of Thessaly. Another thing you must not miss is the MARINE PARK of the seal Monachus-Monachus, just where the minor islands (Piperi, Kira-Panagia, Yioura, Peristera, Psatura, Skiropula, Skancura) are located northwest of the main Sporades.
