Greece

Greece is not the place for winter sun. Any sailing between November and March is a gamble. Rainfall in the summer is negligible, but there can be a couple of dodgy weeks in September or October. Temperatures are consistent, ranging from the low 20s in May and October through to the high 30s in July and August. From April, things settle down and the Ionian is noted for its predictable winds: calm in the morning with 15-20 knots from 2pm until sun- down. The Saronic Gulf has moderate winds and in the Aegean you’ll feel the power of the Meltemi from mid-May to September.

Greece was at the sharp-end of the flotilla and charter culture in the 1970s, and it’s still a much-loved favourite. And no wonder, because not only does Greece boast a range of sailing conditions and opportunities to suit all levels of experience and pockets, but it does so in a region of stunning coastlines, translucent turquoise anchorages, great food and epic culture.

When travel restrictions allow, Greece is also extremely well-served by budget airlines – in fact it has more than a dozen international airports – and there are easy connections to all the major charter bases. With around 6,000 Greek Islands and more than 9,000 miles of coastline, there’s always somewhere new to visit even for islandhopping regulars, and the industry is so well-established in the region that it’s very well prepared to cater for all types of sailors and their budgets. If you’re looking for a cheap boat in a friendly flotilla, a skippered yacht or a bareboat, then Greece will deliver.

From the sailor’s perspective, the region is split into six main areas – the Ionian Sea, the Saronic Gulf, the Cyclades, the Sporades and Dodecanese, the Northern Sporades, and Crete. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of Greece, and the Ionian/Peloponnese to the west.

Wind conditions vary considerably but generally get stronger as you head eastwards across the Aegean. So, for relaxed cruising consider the short leg/islandhopping option in areas such as the Ionian, Saronic Gulf and Peloponnese. The islands are just far enough apart to enjoy a good sail, while allowing plenty of time to enjoy the stunning anchorages, beaches and taverna culture.

For more of a challenge the Aegean, Dodecanese in the south-east, or even Crete are a good option because the longer

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Preveza Airport serves the Ionian islands and is convenient for the main charter base of Nidri, but flights may be cheaper to Kefalonia in the south or Corfu. You can fly to Athens Airport, close to the massive charter base of Lavrio, or search for flights to Rhodes, Kos, Samos and Crete.