Greece
When it comes to Mediterranean destinations, Greece stands out as a unique canvas for sailing aficionados, alongside a large number of diverse attractions. The country’s vast array of coastline offers a plethora of choices, among which feature some of the most renowned beaches and bays on Earth. From the silky sand of the Ionian to the volcano cliffs in Santorini, you will be spoiled for choice.
And then there is the famous Greek hospitality, a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors. From the moment you step onto Greek soil, you will be embraced by a transcending sense of kinship that goes beyond a mere welcome to the traveler. Whether you’re savoring a traditional delight in a local taverna or exploring the winding streets of a coastal village, the friendly locals will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
And of course, the ancient marvels and the rich cultural heritage scattered across the country, exert a captivating influence on hordes of sight-seers annually.
- Athens / Saronic Gulf (Alimos Marina, Lavrion Olympic Marina, Lavrion main port, Agios Kosmas Marina, Salamis)
- Cyclades (Mykonos, Mykonos / Tourlos Marina, Paros Parikia port)
- Dodekanese (Kos / Marina Kos, Rhodes / Mandraki Port, Rhodes Marina)
- Ionian (Corfu /Marina Gouvia, Lefkas / Lefkas Marina, Lefkas / Port of Lefkas, Lefkas / Nikiana Marina, Palairos Marina, Preveza Marina, Preveza Main port, Zakynthos / Zante)
- North East Aegean (Kavala, Keramoti / Kavala Keramoti, Thessaloniki)
- Sporades (Volos, Skiathos, Nikiti – Chalkidiki / Nikiti, Skopelos / Loutraki harbour)
Moorings & Anchorages
The Greek archipelago boasts a rich tapestry of over 6,000 islands and islets, each with its own distinct character. Whether island hopping is what you look for, or a calm mooring near the vibrant metropolitan area, Greece is the ultimate sailor’s paradise.
Here is a closer look at the varied mooring experiences available:
Saronikos and the Athens Riviera allure: All the way from Lavrio to Piraeus port, tens of moorings and docks provide a unique blend of cosmopolitan vibes, and a base for varied excursions. Lavrio is known to be a well-protected and modern marina with excellent facilities. Sounio is a popular anchorage site into the open with a view to the ancient Poseidon temple, while Agios Kosmas, Marina Alimos, Flisvos and Zeas Marina are excellent starting points for sea and on-shore adventures close by the city vibe. Especially Alimos is a favorite base for those who seek to explore the Saronic Gulf islands, Aegina, Agkistri, Hydra, Poros, Spetses while Flisvos is the mecca of superyachts, offering a range of upscale services.
Ionian moorings: A hotspot for yacht and sailing lovers, the islands of the Ionian Sea offer a variety of choices to step ashore, such as, Gouvia Marina in Corfu, ideal place for all the family, Gaios on Paxos a haven for romantic couples, the cosmopolitan Fiskardo in Kefalonia, Benitses Marina in Corfu and Nidri in Lefkada. These picturesque harbor towns are known for their quaint atmosphere, the historical and cultural gems to be found around every corner and the culinary delights one may indulge in.
Cyclades Bay Moorings: Known for its breathtaking sunsets and the wild beauty of the volcanic land, Santorini (Thira) is destined for luxury and romance, while Mykonos is more for vibrant nightlife, crowded beach parties. Contrary to common belief, the island of winds has many secret havens and secluded shores for anchorage. Paros is ideal for families and watersports, while Naxos and Syros are rich in historical and cultural heritage. Further down the Aegean map is Milos, a paradise for nature lovers with its unique rock formations and sea caves that can only be admired by vessel. Backpackers and budget travelers will find their niche in Ios and Antiparos. Amorgos is for seclusion and hiking and Sifnos excels in gastronomy. Whatever you are looking for, Cyclades have it all.
Dodecanese: The Dodecanese islands offer a variety of popular docks and marinas for mooring yachts and sailboats. Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes features modern facilities and inland hidden pleasures of every kind in what is among the most popular island destinations in Greece. Kos Marina is an excellent base for exploring historical sites such as Asklepion, and Patmos Marina provides premium mooring facilities for those visiting the ‘sacred island’. Tilos and Symi have a more relaxed vibe.
Crete: The largest of the Greek islands is also an excellent destination for those who seek diverse experiences. Several moorings and marinas for yachts and sailboats give in to the Cretan magic that overwhelms each visitor with its cultural and historical heritage, diverse landscapes, culinary delights and the warmth of locals. Heraklion Marina is a lively dock located next to the Cretan capital’s seaport, a bustling city providing access to historical sites, museums and vibrant nightlife. Rethymno Marina is situated near the historic Old Town and it serves as a point of depart to several secluded moorings and secluded beaches. Chania Marina, on Crete’s NW coast, is a scenic marina that allows visitors to explore the old Venetian town and the picturesque yet cosmopolitan harbor. The calm waters of Agios Nikolaos Marina at the northeastern coast provides a peaceful mooring choice in a lively town. Ierapetra Marina, located at the southernmost part in whole Europe, is an uncrowded mooring destination and an ideal starting point for expeditions to Chrissi Island, Koutsonari Long Beach and the Waterfall of Milona in the inland. For those who seek elegant luxury, Elounda Marina is a great choice, catering to upscale travelers and offering high-end mooring facilities and luxury resorts nearby. Last but not least, Kissamos Marina is an excellent starting point to explore a whole lace of wild Cretan beaches, such as the likes of Phalasarna, Elafonisi (the Pink Beach), Gramvousa and Balos.
Weather & Climate
Greece’s Mediterranean climate offers an irresistible sailing choice all year-round. Summers bathe the country in warmth and sunshine, making it the perfect time of year for beachside relaxations, while spring and autumn bring milder temperatures, ideal for explorations and cultural immersions nearby the metropolitan area.
Please consult the maritime weather forecast, prior to any voyage. From meltemis to strong windstorms, depending on the season, Greek seas can experience rapid weather changes.
History & Places of Interest
Greek history echoes through every stone and column in the land known as the cradle of Western civilization. From archaeological marvels spread around across the country to the Byzantine eras, the Venetian Rule, the Ottoman Occupation and the recent years. Those who will dock in Argosaronikos will set sight to one of the seven world wonders the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora at the heart of Athens, the temple of Poseidon near Sounio, Afaia in Aegina and Ancient Epidaurus, a short trip from the nearby marinas of Nafplio. Crete visitors will find a colorful blend of ancient civilizations to explore aging from the Minoan era up to the Venetian Rule, the Ottoman Occupation and the Greek War for Independence; Knossos Palace, Preveli Monastery, Phaistos and Spinalonga Island are but a few of Crete’s cultural gems. Cycladic sea-trotters may visit Delos, an open-air archaeological museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, near Mykonos Island, or Akrotiri the remains of a prehistoric Cycladic settlement discovered in a pile of rocks and dust in volcanic Santorini. In Patmos, Dodecanese, visitors immerse in the spiritualism of the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian. The medieval town of Rhodes is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights.
Beaches
Greece with its stunning coastline is home to many secluded and pristine beaches. While countless lists have celebrated its most famous shores, it’s those only accessible by vessel that offer the exclusive allure of the Greek bays. Those hidden paradises are a well-kept secret gem, destined for the eyes of sailing and yachting connoisseurs.
Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, the world-famous Shipwreck Beach, can now be accessed only by boat, since a dramatic landslide. It still offers stunning views of the white cliffs and turquoise waters of the Ionian. Vathi Beach in Meganisi and Ammos Beach in Ithaca are charming yachting destinations in the Ionian Sea. Voutoumi Beach in Antiparos is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and Gidaki Beach in Naxos or Balos in Crete is only accessible by boat or a challenging hike. Kleftiko Beach in Milos is a unique seascape with white rock formations and sea caves in the clear waters, while visitors of Lalaria Beach, Skiathos, will cast eyes on a stunning natural rock arch. Lipsi Beach in Lipsi and Mavrobara Beach in Ikaria offer a tranquil landscape of unspoiled coves with emerald waters in the Dodecanese.
Activities
Aquatic activities
Greece offers a range of sports and cultural activities, from water sports like windsurfing and snorkeling to hiking on the mainland or winetasting in the Mediterranean vineyards.
Greece is particularly known for its excellent windsurfing conditions, especially on islands like Naxos, Paros, Rhodes, and Lefkada. The former is also a top destination for kiteboarding. Whether you are looking for a peaceful escape or a watersport adventure, the Ionian can be both a relaxing haven and a wonderful playground for diverse aquatic activities, such as parasailing, available on many popular tourist beaches. In the Cycladic terrain, Plakes Beach in Milos is ideal for snorkeling, however, a rich underwater world awaits scuba divers and snorkelers to explore all year round and across Greece. Lovers of sea kayaking may find their haven in Crete, Milos, and Kefalonia, while the calm waters of the Ionian, such as in Kalamaki Beach, Zakynthos are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding; SUP vessels can be found either for rental or on board, should you request. Jet ski safaris and rental water ski speedboats you may find all along the Greek coastline, while some chartered yachts from our list have built-in personal watercraft and water toys on their decks. For nature lovers, several areas in Greece, including the Sporades islands, Elafonisos, and the Ionian islands offer opportunities to spot seals and sea turtles in the wild or go for whale and dolphin watching.
Extreme sports
And then there is a whole palette of more niche or extreme choices and less common water sports in coastal Greece, such as; underwater hockey (Octopush), a unique sport played at the bottom of swimming pools. While not widely practiced, you may find enthusiasts or clubs in major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki. Resorts and aquatic parks Halkidiki and Crete offer thrilling water acrobatics choices and water trampolining. Cliff diving in Santorini, Zakynthos, Kalymnos, and the southern coast of Crete will leave you with compelling views once you reach the top and daredevil jumps into the deep blue. Dragon boat racing events are held in Volos, while whitewater rafting is getting more of a winter delight when the waters of the Voidomatis River in Zagori and the Arachthos in Epirus become full.
Winetasting
Greece is known for its rich wine culture, while some of the finest vineyards are located in coastal areas. Santorini with its unique volcanic soil offers a special variety. Visit wineries like Santo Wines, Venetsanos, and Gaia for tastings of ‘assyrtiko’ and ‘agiorgitiko’ while overlooking the breathtaking caldera. Crete also has a long history of winemaking. Moraitis Winery in Paros and T-Oinos in Tinos offer interesting Cycladic wine options for the palate savvy. Douloufakis will let you in on both local varieties such as Vilana, Vidiano, Moschato Spinas, Mantilari, and international selections, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Syrah, while in Domaine Paterianakis you can taste the authentic results a wine tradition of three generations in organic farming has to offer. In Halkidiki, Porto Carras and Domaine Claudia Papayianni offer tastings near the sea. Should you find yourself in Kefalonia, Ionian, you should definitely book a sea-vista tasting of the Robola wine variety in Gentilini Winery.
Panigyria and fun activities
Greece offers a wide range of fun and culturally enriching activities. If you find yourself in Greece around August 15th, on the greatest religious holiday in the country dedicated to Her Grace Virgin Mary, you will get to know the true essence of Greek panigyria; think of it as a traditional open-air festival with folk music, live music, and dancing, local food, and drinks. If you are eager to immerse yourself in the ancient tragedy cult, you should attend a play at the Ancient Epidaurus Theatre or at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. And if you want to soak any further on Greek everyday culture, all you have to do is book Greek cooking classes -Crete and Sifnos have top crash courses for international visitors-, olive oil tasting in the olive groves of Peloponnese and Crete, or horseback riding, hiking & trekking or mountain biking to the mountainous areas. Mount Olympus near Platamon Beach, Mount Pelion in Thessaly, White Mountains in Crete, and the mastic-scented Tzumara Forest in Chios Island, are but a few of the most popular hike trails, at the end of which, beautiful villages await to treat you with local delights and dishes, under the broad canopy of a Platanus tree.
Now, while all this sounds fabulous, you are at a loss as to how to plan them. BoatPlanner and our special Holiday Planner feature of customized service are here for you to plan your next voyage up to the last detail!