By Daan & Victoria Brinkers, Explore Yachting
“Which islands should we sail?” is the first question almost every guest asks us, and it is a good one. Greece has thousands of islands, and the sailing areas feel very different from each other. Some are calm and green, others are windy and whitewashed. Some are an hour from Athens airport, others a short domestic flight away. Below we compare the three areas we sail most, the Cyclades, the Ionian and the Saronic Islands, so you can choose the one that fits your group.
The short answer
- First sailing vacation, young kids or a relaxed week: the Ionian or the Saronic Islands.
- Close to Athens with no extra flight: the Saronic Islands.
- Iconic white villages, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos, and some real sailing: the Cyclades.
- Green islands, calm water and quiet anchorages: the Ionian.
Every charter comes with a professional skipper (your captain), so you never need sailing experience, whichever area you choose.
Cyclades, Ionian and Saronic compared
| Cyclades | Ionian | Saronic Islands | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where you start | Athens, Paros or Mykonos | Corfu, Preveza or Lefkada | Athens |
| Summer wind | Strong meltemi in July and August | Calm mornings, gentle afternoon breeze | Mostly moderate, more sheltered |
| Sailing days | Longer legs between islands | Short hops, often 1–3 hours | Short, usually 2–4 hours |
| Landscape | Dry, rocky, white-and-blue villages | Green, mountainous, Venetian towns | Pine-covered bays, harbour towns, ancient sites |
| Best for | Adventurous groups, island lovers, nightlife | Families, first-timers, swimmers | Families, first-timers, short trips from Athens |
| Our favourite months | May, June, September | June to September | May, June, September |
The Cyclades: famous islands and real sailing
When people picture Greece, they usually picture the Cyclades: whitewashed houses, blue domes, windmills and golden beaches. From a base in Paros you can reach Antiparos, Naxos, the quiet Small Cyclades such as Koufonisia and Schinoussa, and, depending on the wind, Mykonos or even Milos and Santorini.
The one thing to know is the meltemi, the strong north wind that blows across the Aegean in July and August, sometimes for several days in a row. It gives great sailing, but the sea can be lively between islands. Your skipper plans the route around it, choosing sheltered bays and timing crossings for the calmer parts of the day. If anyone in your group is worried about seasickness, May, June and September are the most comfortable months in the Cyclades.
Choose the Cyclades if you want the famous islands, love a bit of sailing action and enjoy lively towns in the evening.
The Ionian: green islands and calm water
On the west coast of Greece, the Ionian feels completely different. The islands are green and mountainous, the towns have a Venetian, almost Italian, elegance, and the sea is usually calm. Mornings are often windless, and a pleasant breeze picks up in the afternoon, just enough for a relaxed sail.
In the North Ionian you sail from Corfu or Lefkada to Paxos, Antipaxos with its turquoise beaches, and the mainland town of Parga. In the South Ionian you explore Lefkada, Meganisi, Ithaca (home of Odysseus) and Kefalonia. The islands are close together, so you can stop at several swim spots a day without long hours at sea.
Choose the Ionian if you are sailing with young children, it is your first time on a yacht, or you mostly want to swim, snorkel and eat well.
The Saronic Islands: easy sailing from Athens
The Saronic Islands start right on the doorstep of Athens, so you can step off a flight and onto the boat the same day. In one week you visit Aegina, Agistri, Poros, car-free Hydra and Ermioni or Spetses, with time for the ancient theatre of Epidavros. Sailing legs are short, and the gulf is usually more sheltered than the Cyclades in high summer.
Choose the Saronic Islands if you want to combine sailing with a few days in Athens, or want the easiest possible start. Read our 7-day Saronic sailing route to see what a week looks like.
What about the Dodecanese?
Further east, near the coast of Turkey, the Dodecanese combine medieval Rhodes with colourful Symi, Kos and Patmos. It is a wonderful area for groups who love history and have sailed in Greece before. Read more about the Dodecanese.
Getting there from the US, UK or elsewhere
Athens has direct flights from many cities in Europe and, in summer, from several cities in the United States. For the Saronic Islands you can go straight from Athens airport to the marina. For the Cyclades you can start in Athens or take a short ferry or domestic flight to Paros or Mykonos. For the Ionian you fly to Corfu or Preveza (the closest airport to Lefkada), usually with a connection in Athens or another European city.
Our tip for travellers coming from far away: arrive a day early. Check-in is on Saturday at 17:00, so a night in Athens or near your marina means you start your week rested.
Frequently asked questions
Which Greek sailing area is best for first-timers?
The Ionian and the Saronic Islands. Both have short sailing days and calmer water. With a skipper on board, the Cyclades are possible too, but outside July and August they are more comfortable.
Is the meltemi dangerous?
Not with an experienced skipper. The meltemi is well known and forecast days ahead. Your skipper adjusts the route, stays in port on the strongest days if needed, and picks sheltered anchorages. It mainly means a livelier, less predictable week than in the Ionian.
Can we visit Mykonos and Santorini on a one-week charter?
Both are possible from a Cyclades base, but not always in the same week. The distances are larger and depend on the wind, so we usually suggest one of the two and spend the rest of the week on quieter islands nearby.
When is the best time to sail in Greece?
The season runs from spring to autumn. June and September are our favourite months in every area: warm water, fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. July and August are the warmest and busiest.
Do we need sailing experience?
No. Every charter includes a professional skipper who sails the yacht, plans the route and knows the best bays and tavernas. You can help with the sails as much or as little as you like.
Still not sure? Ask us
Tell us who is coming, when you want to travel and what you love most: beaches, food, history, nightlife or simply peace and quiet. We will suggest the area, the route and the yacht that fit your group.
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