Sailing the Greek Islands: Destinations for Your First Adventure

Sailing in Greece is one of the most unforgettable ways to explore the country. With thousands of islands, warm seas, reliable winds, and short distances, Greece offers options for every experience level. Each region is different—water conditions, scenery, culture, and airport access vary. Here’s a clear guide to help you choose the best starting point.

1. The Saronic Gulf – Best for Beginners (Departing from Athens)

The Saronic Gulf is sheltered from strong winds, making it the calmest and most predictable sailing area near Athens. Seas are usually flat, winds moderate, and islands close together—ideal for new sailors or relaxed cruising.

Why It’s Different:

• Short distances between islands
• Easy anchorages and mooring
• No strong Meltemi impact
• Excellent provisioning and marina services

Main Departure Marinas:

• Alimos Marina (Kalamaki): 45–60 min from Athens Airport (ATH) via taxi, rideshare, or the X96 bus.
• Lavrion Marina: 25–35 min from ATH, quieter and closer to the Cyclades.

Where You Can Sail:

Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, Spetses – all within easy reach and perfect for beginners.

2. The Cyclades – Iconic but Windier (Also from Athens)

The Cyclades offer classic Greek island scenery—whitewashed houses, windmills, and dramatic cliffs. Beautiful but windier, especially in July–August during the Meltemi.

Why It’s Different:

• Open-sea passages
• Stronger winds
• Larger distances
• Some of Greece’s most iconic landscapes

Where You Can Sail:

Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Syros, Paros, Naxos – fantastic islands but best for confident crews outside peak Meltemi.

3. The Sporades – Green, Calm, and Great for Swimming (Departing from Volos)

The Sporades feel different from much of Greece: green, forested, and full of sheltered coves with turquoise water. Winds are gentle and predictable.

How to Reach Volos:

• From Athens: 3.5–4 hrs by car/bus or 4 hrs by train.
• From Thessaloniki: 2.5–3 hrs by car or 3 hrs by bus.

Where You Can Sail:

Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros – perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxed sailing.

4. The Ionian Sea – Calm and Very Beginner-Friendly (Departing from Lefkas)

The Ionian is known for calm mornings, gentle afternoon breezes, flat seas, and short distances. Ideal for families and first-time sailors.

How to Reach Lefkas:

• Fly to Preveza Airport (PVK), only 20–25 min from Lefkas Marina.

Where You Can Sail:

Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Paxos, Antipaxos – a paradise of peaceful bays and crystal water.

5. The Dodecanese – Sunshine, History, and Steady Winds (Rhodes or Kos)

The Dodecanese combine steady winds, warm weather, medieval towns, and charming small islands. Less crowded than the Cyclades and great for intermediate sailors.

How to Get There:

• Fly to Rhodes (RHO) or Kos (KGS); marinas are 10–20 min away.

Where You Can Sail:

From Rhodes: Symi, Tilos, Chalki.
From Kos: Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos.

6. Other Aegean Bases

• Paros: Central Cyclades access; flights from Athens.
• Mykonos: Very windy; only for confident sailors.
• Chios, Lesvos, Samos: Authentic, less touristy islands for experienced crews.

Which Region Should You Choose for Your First Trip?

• Easiest: Saronic Gulf, Ionian Sea.
• Best for nature lovers: Sporades.
• Best culture + steady winds: Dodecanese.
• Iconic Cycladic scenery: Cyclades (avoid strong Meltemi as a beginner).