White villages, blue water and the meltemi
Thousands of islands, each with its own character: the Cyclades for whitewashed villages and wind, the Ionian for green, sheltered bays. Greece rewards a captain who knows where to hide from the afternoon breeze.
Best months
Dark = best · light = good · grey = off season
The meltemi wind is strongest in July and August in the Cyclades; June and September are calmer. The Ionian is gentler all summer.
Sample route
Athens to Santorini — 7 nights · Athens to Santorini · approx. 220 NM
- Day 1Athens to Kea
Board at Marina Zeas and sail out to Kea for a quiet first night in Vourkari.
- Day 2Kythnos
The sand spit at Kolona for the morning, then a fishing village lunch at Loutra.
- Day 3Paros and Antiparos
Naoussa's old harbour for the evening, Despotiko's empty beaches by day.
- Day 4Mykonos and Delos
The ancient site of Delos in the morning with a guide, Mykonos after dark.
- Day 5Naxos
The marble villages of the interior, and a long lunch at anchor on the west coast.
- Day 6Ios and Folegandros
Quiet coves and a clifftop dinner in Chora above the caldera light.
- Day 7Santorini
Into the caldera for the last night, sunset from the deck, disembarkation in the morning.
Yachts that suit Greece
- Motor yachtsComfortable in the meltemi and faster between islands.
- CatamaransStable, spacious and family-friendly.
- SherakhanFor large groups, up to 26 guests, available worldwide.
Photos
Other destinations: Croatia · Norway · Italy · Caribbean · South of France · Balearics · Turkey · Raja Ampat · Antarctica · Bahamas · Scandinavia