sailing holidays in Greece

With over 8000 miles of crystal-clear waters and more than 2000 islands to discover, it’s easy to see why our sailing holidays in Greece are so in demand. Sailing in Greece is the epitome of sunshine sailing. Travelling on our small vessels provides unique access to the waterside tavernas and ancient ruins which are scattered across the country.

What makes our sailing voyages in Greece so different from the usual flotilla offerings is that all guests are offered a bespoke, fully skippered and catered experience. Forget the hassles of route planning, navigation and self-catering; just sit back and relax as you let your experienced skipper guide you to local anchorages and soak up the quieter side of island life. Visit tried and tested tavernas, mesmerising snorkelling spots, deserted beaches and experience the warm Grecian hospitality.
Our all-inclusive sailing holidays in Greece include charters in the emerald island of Corfu, the stunning Saronic islands (with easy access and cheap flights to Athens) and the quieter side of the Cyclades, with sailing routes from Naxos exploring the Lesser Cyclades.

Experience remote ancient Greek history

Located in the middle of Asia, Europe and Africa, Greece is a land of eclectic history, home to ruins from some of the first recorded civilisations in human history.

Whether under the water or onshore, everywhere you turn, you will be surrounded by ancient history, with something fascinating to capture the adventure traveller at every turn. From towering colosseums to sunken amphitheatres and villages lost to time and nature, the amount of history here is mind-blowing and often accompanied by fascinating myths and legends. With so much to see, and much of it off-the-beaten-track, discovering this part of the world under sail is the best way to travel, beating the crowds and avoiding the bustling tourist ferries.

From your comfortable floating base, you’ll be able to access islands, coastline and communities often only accessible by boat. While away balmy evenings in lively local tavernas or experience the calm lull of the early morning.  Sample traditional Greek food served with warm Greek hospitality.

Sailing the Saronic Islands

A short hop from the main airport of Athens, the Saronic islands are easily accessed from the UK and Europe, within hours of setting off you’ll be relaxing onboard under the warm Greek sunshine.

The Saronic Islands are a fantastic mix of uninhabited islands with wild anchorage spots and inhabited islands, such as Salamina, Aegina, Agistri and Poros, where you can immerse yourself in the traditional Greek way of life.

If you call in at the uninhabited island of Moni, the perfect pit stop for an afternoon swim, you’ll be greeted by wild deer and peacocks on the beach before making for the protected harbour of Vathi where there are just seven spots for boats. Perhaps you’ll discover the UNESCO world heritage site of the ancient theatre of Epidavros and snorkel from Zorba’s anchorage with the fascinating sunken city clearly visible through the crystal clear waters.

Breathe in the fresh scent of the native pine trees on Poros from the water as you sail by with dolphins playing in the wake of the bow or sample the pistachio forests and olive groves on Aegina.

Explore the Cyclades

Boasting over 220 islands, the Cyclades is one of the top destinations in the world for island sailing and exploration. Our boats here spend most of their time sailing around the Lesser Cyclades, a small cluster of islands dotted around the better-known island of Naxos.

Rugged, sun-drenched outcrops of rock, anchored in azure seas and liberally peppered with snow-white villages and blue-domed churches, this is the very best of Greece, with an abundance of ancient archaeological sites and plenty of sandy beaches.

Throw in a handful of traditional Greek tavernas and a long list of secret anchorages away from the tourist hustle and bustle, and you really do have the best of Greece’s ample charms.

What the sailing conditions are like in Greece

As you may expect, the sailing conditions around Greece very much depend on which area you are sailing in and the time of year. The Ionian and Saronic islands are blissfully tranquil, with peaceful mornings often followed by breezy afternoons, providing the best of both worlds.

Further south, the Cyclades benefit from stronger winds with plenty of thrilling sailing experiences. During the summer months, these winds blow consistently with the powerful Meltemi wind blowing in, which can be incredibly strong.

Whilst exciting and enjoyable for the experienced sailor, those without well-established sea legs may opt to sail around the Saronics, Ionian or Corfu, taking advantage of more sheltered conditions.