THE SARONIC ISLANDS / THE ARGOLIC GULF / THE COAST OF THE PELOPONNESE
At close proximity to the Athens are some wonderful sailing routes that offer ideal sailing conditions, clean, calm waters and splendid coasts and islands to explore. The Saronic Islands of Aegina, Hydra, Poros and Spetses are the most popular sailing routes, especially for those who prefer shorter sailing trips from Athens.
The Saronic region is characterized by calm sea, but also limited visibility due to haze and early morning fog, which usually dissipates by late morning to early afternoon. Be careful of the rocks in the area, which can be easily seen due to the clean waters in the region. As the Saronic Islands are popular for fishing, pay attention to fishing nets and small boats sailing in the area.
In the Saronic Gulf, apart from Hydra, the wind blows mainly from theNE. The Aegean Meltemi wind, which reaches 5-6 Beaufort, begins in mid July, strengthens in August and calms down in late September.
In the Argolic Gulf and along the coast of the Peloponnese you are offered superb sailing and well-organized port facilities in the historical cities of Nafplion and Tolo, and marinas in the holiday resorts of Porto Heli, Astros and Leonidio.
In the Argolic Gulf and Hydra Island, the wind blows mainly from the SE. The Meltemi wind is especially strong in the afternoon, but otherwise it is quite calm.
THE CYCLADIC ISLANDS
Sail south to the central Aegean Sea, amongst the Cyclades, the famous islands for its whitewashed houses, traditional character, cosmopolitan lifestyle, stunning beaches and superb waters.
The Cyclades Islands Cluster is split up into 3 groups:
The Southern Cyclades Islands: Milos, Kimolos, Folegadros, Sikinos, Ios, Santorini
( Thira) and Anafi
The Middle Cyclades Islands: Serifos, Sifnos, Antiparos, Paros, Naxos, Schinoussa, Iraklia, Koufonissia, Donousa and Amorgos
The Northern Cyclades Islands: Kea, Kithnos, Andros, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos and Rinia
The Cyclades Islands is one of the most popular sailing regions in Greece. The most prominent wind in the area is the Meltemi, which blows N – NW from early June to late September – early October. During its strongest period in July and August, the Meltemi wind has a force of 5-6 Beaufort and often reaches a force of 7-8 Beaufort. It is not as strong in June, Septmenber and October, when it reaches 3–4 Beaufort and blows from various directions.
THE NORTHERN SPORADES ISLANDS
Off the eastern coast of Mainland Greece is the island of Evia and the cluster of Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros, otherwise known as the Northern Sporades Islands.
The Sporades Islands are ideal for sailing, as they are located at close proximity to the ports and marinas in Athens area , Chalkida, Volos and Agios Konstantinos. Indeed, the region is one of the most sailed areas in Greece and has been since ancient times, when Jason the Argonaut began their quest for the Golden Fleece from Volos, when the islands were used as stopovers for trips to Turkey and the Middle East.
The Meltemi wind blows in the Sporades from NE, beginning in June, strengthening in July and August and dissipating in September and October. At its strongest, it can reach 6-7 Beaufort. In spring, northern and southern winds can also be expected. While sailing through the Straits of Orei and Trikeri, you should be aware of the E and ENE winds that blow up the channels. A strong NW wind can also be expected in the Pagasitikos Gulf.
The Sporades Islands have always been a fishing area, so be careful of fishing nets and small fishing boats in the region, particularly if you plan to sail after sunset.
THE DODECANESE ISLANDS
Located between the majestic coasts of Greece and Turkey are the beautiful Dodecanese Islands. They are perhaps most well-known for their excellent climate, pristine beaches, exquisite natural features and impressive historical and religious monuments.
The Dodecanese Islands Cluster is comprised of Rodos (Rhodes), Kos, Kalymnos, Patmos, Leros, Astypalea, Kasos, Karpathos, Nissyros, Symi, Tilos and Kastelorizo, as well as a number of smaller islands.
The Meltemi wind of the Aegean Sea blows from the NW-W during the summer months, starting from early June, strengthening in July, August and September, and finally dying down in October. It can reach up to 6-7 Beaufort. The wind is particularly strong around Astypalea, Patmos, Kos, Karpathos, Kalymnos, Nissyros and Tilos. It is not a predictable wind and if the Meltemi is blowing at full force, it is best to travel south rather than north.
THE IONIAN ISLANDS
Sailing in the Ionian Sea is a unique experience. It is an area with magnificent verdant islands that are unlike the islands in the Aegean Sea. They have a European aura that is attributed to the abundance of Venetian, British and French buildings, spellbinding beaches and lush hillside.
The Ionian Islands are 7 in total: Corfu (Kerkyra), Kefalonia (Cephalonia), Zakynthos (Zante), Lefkada (Lefkas), Kithira, Ithaki and Paxi. They are located off the coasts of the Peloponnese, Sterea Ellada and Epirus.
Sailing in the Ionian region is easy, although haze and early morning fog may cause limited visibility. Fishing nets are a hazard, so you must be careful, especially if you have not sailed in the area and are not aware of the spots where fishermen leave their nets. Rocks are visible and do not pose mush of a threat.
During the summer months (June – September) the winds in the Ionian Islands are NW to WNW. It is at its strongest (3-6 Beraufort) from noon to sunset. The wind gusts most forcefully along the eastern coasts of Zakynthos and Ithaki. The NE Kabatic wind that comes from the mountains on Mainland Greece can reach up to 6 Beaufort and lasts for about 2-3 hours. Be careful of a southern wind that can suddenly turn into a strong northern wind. The Sirocco wind in the spring, which comes from the Sahara Desert, is quite humid. |
