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.
Typical weather by month
Athens
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air | 13°C 55°F | 14°C 57°F | 16°C 61°F | 20°C 68°F | 25°C 77°F | 30°C 86°F | 33°C 91°F | 33°C 91°F | 29°C 84°F | 24°C 75°F | 19°C 66°F | 15°C 59°F |
| Sea | 16°C 61°F | 15°C 59°F | 16°C 61°F | 17°C 63°F | 20°C 68°F | 23°C 73°F | 25°C 77°F | 26°C 79°F | 25°C 77°F | 22°C 72°F | 19°C 66°F | 17°C 63°F |
| Wind kn | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Typical averages: daytime high air temperature and sea temperature in °C and °F, and average wind in knots. Actual weather varies year to year.
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