Greece offers a rich variety of sailing experiences. Each region has distinct sailing conditions, landscapes and cultural highlights. Choosing the right one depends on your group’s experience, interests and preferred pace. Here’s a quick comparison:

Ionian Islands (West Coast)

• Best for: Relaxed sailing, families, beginners
• Conditions: Light winds, calm seas, short hops
• Highlights: Green scenery, welcoming harbours, easy navigation

Cyclades (Central Aegean)

• Best for: Confident sailors, skippered charters
• Conditions: Strong Meltemi winds, longer passages, exposed waters
• Highlights: Iconic white villages, vibrant island life, open seas

Saronic Gulf (Near Athens)

• Best for: Shorter charters, cultural stopovers
• Conditions: Generally sheltered, great for mixed-experience crews
• Highlights: Historical sites, traditional ports like Hydra and Poros

Dodecanese (SE Aegean)

• Best for: Experienced cruisers, cultural variety
• Conditions: Moderate to strong winds, some open passages
• Highlights: Historic Rhodes, Turkish coast proximity, castle towns

Sporades (Central-North Aegean)

• Best for: Nature lovers, quieter escapes
• Conditions: Reliable winds, relatively protected sailing
• Highlights: Forested islands, clear waters, marine parks

Southern Peloponnese Coast

• Best for: Scenic mainland cruising with ancient sites
• Conditions: Variation - sheltered gulfs and open coastal legs
• Highlights: Kalamata, lesser-known coves

At Sail Connections, we use decades of direct personal knowledge to help match your group with the best Greek sailing region. Whether you want calm island-hopping or a more adventurous sailing cruise, we provide tailored recommendations and charter support, always at no extra cost to you.

Related FAQs

What are provisioning options like in the Ionian ports?

Provisioning for your sailing holiday in the Ionian Se region is easy and convenient. The  main charter bases of Lefkada, Preveza, and Corfu are well equipped with supermarkets, bakeries and fresh produce markets.  Continue Reading...

Can you give a sample 7‑day itinerary for the Ionian Islands departing from Preveza?

Here's a sample 7‑night bareboat or skippered sailing journey from Preveza through the Northern Ionian Islands. Distances are approximate — final routing depends on weather and your preferences. Continue Reading...

Where are the main charter base locations for sailing in the Ionian Sea?

There are several well-established charter bases in the Ionian Sea, each offering access to beautiful cruising grounds. Continue Reading...

What's the best time of year for a sailing holiday in the Ionian Sea?

The sailing season in the Ionians runs from May to October, with June to September offering the most reliable weather and sea conditions. Continue Reading...

Why are the Ionian Islands ideal for a bareboat sailing holiday?

The Ionian Sea offers some of the most protected and predictable sailing conditions in the Mediterranean. The steady summer breezes and calm waters make the region perfect for both first-time charterers and experienced sailors who charter with expectation of a relaxing holiday. Continue Reading...

What are some good places to include in an Ionian Islands charter plan?

The Ionians present the perfect Greek island sailing holiday destination in so many ways. With calm conditions, short passages, and a mix of lively towns and peaceful anchorages, this region is ideal for families, new sailors, and those seeking a more relaxed cruising experience Continue Reading...