Many travelers say sailing is the best way to see the Greek Islands and coastal mainland. The Greek Islands make up 20% of Greece’s total area, creating a coastline of 15,000 km (about 9,320 miles). The Mediterranean weather with its mild winters and hot summers, plus reliable winds make Greece perfect for sailing vacations.

The Sailing Season

The sailing season runs from April through October, though some bases close during winter months (November-March) when weather becomes less predictable.

April, May, and early June are perfect if you want a quieter trip. This time of the year offers milder winds, warm weather, islands in full bloom, and fewer crowds. Sea temperatures are still cool in April but warm up nicely by May.

June, July, and August are peak season, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 33C. The Meltemi winds are strongest in July and August, creating challenging but exciting conditions for experienced sailors. Expect bustling harbors, lively nightlife, and hot sun.

September is often considered the best month. It’s still warm, the sea is inviting, Meltemi winds have calmed down, and summer crowds have thinned out. By October, the Meltemi has fully subsided, with mild temperatures (20-25C) and gentler breezes. Perfect for a more peaceful sail.

The Winds

Greece’s winds vary by region: Aegean Sea and Ionian Sea.

The Aegean Sea winds, known as “Meltemi,” blow during summer (May-September), mostly during the day for 2-4 days at a time. In the North Aegean they blow from NE, in the central Aegean (Cyclades) from North, and in the South Aegean from NW. The strongest winds hit Naxos and the Cyclades. Winter brings different wind patterns as well.

The Ionian Sea winds, called “Maistros” in summer and “Sirocco” in winter, generally blow from NW and are milder than the Aegean.

Famous Sailing Areas in Greece

Greece’s main sailing regions are Argolida and Saronic Gulf, Cyclades, Sporades and Dodecanese, Northern Sporades, and Ionian Sea.

Popular sailing islands include Poros, Lefkas, Hydra, Paros, Skiathos, Corfu, and Alonissos.

Learn to Sail in Greece

If you’re a beginner, Poros Island is the perfect place to start. Calm waters and the Aegean Sailing School make it ideal for learning.

Yacht Charters

The best charter bases in Greece: Athens, Corfu, Kos, Lavrion, Lefkas, Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes, Syros, Samos, and Skiathos.

Do You Need a License?

For bareboat charters (sailing without a professional skipper), you need a valid international sailing license and at least one experienced crew member who’s 18 or older.

Accepted licenses include: International Certificate of Competence (ICC), ASA 104 or higher, US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Course, RYA Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster, national licenses from most countries.

Note: RYA Day Skipper alone is often not accepted due to daylight-only restrictions. Day Skipper holders should get an ICC before traveling—it’s a straightforward application process through the RYA.

You must bring original certificates (not copies) to show port authorities at check-in.

Don’t have a license? You can hire a professional skipper or join a flotilla (guided group sailing).

Charter Costs

Bareboat: You cover water, groceries, fuel, and harbor fees. Cooking gas, GPS, linen, and dinghy are usually included.

Crewed charter: The captain and crew pay for their own meals.

Gulet cruise: Everything’s typically all-inclusive.

Due to Aegean winds, minimum yacht size is 32 feet for the Aegean Sea, while 30 feet works fine in the calmer Ionian.

Prices vary by season, boat type, and rental duration. Book early with reputable companies. The most in-demand ones are usually the best.

Not Ready to Charter? Try a Day Sail

If bareboat chartering feels like too much, plenty of companies offer day cruises and skippered sails around the islands. You get the experience without the responsibility – perfect for first-timers or anyone who just wants to relax on the water.

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