MOST POPULAR SAILING REGIONS IN GREECE

In a country like Greece, with many islands, it is a must-do to go on a sailing vacation during the summer. It is not just a simple boat trip, but a unique experience.

The Greek seas are perfectly connected to the incomparably beautiful Polynesia, the crystal clear and safe waters, and the impressive variety of their pelagic winds. On a sailing boat, a trip on the calm, blue Greek waters offers the opportunity to sail among beautiful island complexes, anchor in naturally protected bays of rare beauty, visit inaccessible beaches and swim safely in waters of unique purity and clarity. 

Below you can find the most popular sailing regions in Greece for 2023.

1. Saronic and Argolic Gulfs

Very close to Athens, the islands in the Saronic and Argolic gulfs will offer you a unique experience, while you sail safely on calm waters. Saronic islands such as Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses are the most popular sailing destinations and offer ideal sailing conditions, clear and calm waters, beautiful coastlines, and a variety of landscapes to explore. In the Argolic Gulf and along the eastern coast of the Peloponnese, you will find excellent sailing and well-organized port facilities in historic Peloponnese towns such as Nafplion and Tolo and marinas in Porto Heli, Astros, and Leonidio.

2. Ionian sea

Beautiful, green islands, with lushness, often reaching the sea, which is usually calm, in contrast to the intense and often unbearable meltemias of the Aegean: an element that particularly favors those traveling by boat. Sail to the depth of the horizon, where the sky seems to touch the sea, in turquoise, crystal clear waters, feel the golden sun on your skin and the ultimate sense of freedom, and explore magnificent coves and hidden beaches.

The islands of the Ionian sea offer you this one-of-a-kind experience and are ready to introduce you to their hidden, magical beauties.

3. Cyclades

The most famous sailing destination by far, the Cyclades captivate all sea lovers at once! They are famous for the cosmopolitan character of some islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros, which gather tourists from all over the world because of their nightlife, their sandy beaches, and the volcanic landscape of Santorini. The islands are filled with sailboats every summer since they have many bays for mooring. The more distant islands of the area, and especially the Small Cyclades, fascinate the visitors due to their characteristic natural beauty, the bright white that overwhelms the sky, the rocks, and the picturesque houses of the islands.

And for history lovers, the famous Cycladic Civilization is one of the oldest in Greece and the islands are full of archaeological finds dating back thousands of years.

4. The Dodecanese

The Dodecanese islands consist of Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos, Patmos, Leros, Astypalaia, Kasos, Karpathos, Nisyros, Symi, Tilos, and Kastellorizo and many more small islets and are located in the Southeastern part of Aegean sea. Τhey is a fantastic destination for a sailing excursion, due to their morphology, rich history, and the weather conditions that characterize the area. Starting sailing from Rhodes or Kos, someone can enjoy the secular life on the larger islands and continue the vacation in the secluded bays of Symi, Leros, and the rest of the islands in the area. The Dodecanese are ideal for remote and isolated holidays but also for those interested in discovering the region’s varied history.