The Dodecanese Islands lie off the eastern edge of the Aegean Sea adjacent to the coast of Turkey. A major yachting center, the isle of Kos is one of the largest in the group.
Greek Islands with Whitewashed Houses
Stronger Winds in Summer
Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Aegean Islands
Remote Traditional Greece
Sail to Turkey
Beautiful Beaches
A Kos sailing itinerary takes you to the beautiful bays and coves of the Dodecanese Islands, with quiet villages and busy tourist destinations, secluded harbors and scenic coves, and historic sites and pristine beaches that are so much a part of the unique character of this cruising ground in the southeastern Aegean Sea (see Kos maps). The typical Kos Itinerary focuses on the main islands, including Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos, Nisyros, Symi, and Rhodes, each with a pleasing host of attractions. These beautiful islands, and their many neighbors, are a paradise for the cruising sailor. The rewards of bareboat Kos ailing are many. Snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing on beautiful beaches is a delight. Sightseeing tours at historic sites, exploring open-air markets seemingly lost in time, and dining in intimate tavernas is an indulgence not to be missed.
Sailing Conditions
The Mediterranean enjoys an average of 315 cloudless days each year. During the popular season of April through October, blue skies and warm weather prevail. Midsummer offers long evenings, glorious sunsets, gentle winds and still seas. The water temperature is about 19° C in low season and about 28° C in high season.
There are two dominant winds
in Greece:
1.
The Meltemi: Varying from 15 to 40 knots. It begins in May and reaches
its peak in July, then slows down in September. In the north Aegean, it blows
northeast, turning to the north and becoming stronger in the centre of the
Aegean Sea. More to the south it continues by veering to the west while
weakening.
2.
The Sirocco: Southeast More frequent in winter, it corresponds to the
passage of a depression. It can occasionally blow in April or the end of
October.
While some of the sailing destinations in Greece entail
open-water, often spirited passages well offshore, a Lefkas yacht charter is far
more sedate and family friendly.
· Visit the “Inland Sea”
· Short Passages
· Great Restaurants and Tavernas
· Visit Onassis Island for a Swim
· The Maze of Alleys of Lefkas Town
· Pretty Fiscardo Harbor
A Lefkas sailing itinerary takes you to the beautiful bays and coves of the Ionian Islands off Greece’s northwestern shore (see Lefkas maps). They are among the most scenic in Greece, with woodlands spread over the hills like an emerald carpet. Sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages add to the beauty. The ambience is peaceful and serene, the waters and balmy winds inviting. The typical Lefkas Itinerary focuses on both the central and the southern Ionian Islands, as well as the Echinade Islands. The rewards of bareboat Lefkas sailing are many. Snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing at pristine beaches is a delight. Scuba diving is excellent in the area (guided excursions required due to regulations). Exploring small towns and historic monasteries and castles, and relaxing at traditional tavernas is an indulgence not to be missed.
Bareboat sailing in Greece is the adventure of a lifetime. Cruising past ancient ruins, docking at picturesque towns, dropping anchor in secluded coves, and swimming at beachside resorts are just a few of the many pleasures. With four bases in Greece, the selection of destinations is wide, encompassing the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Sporades, and Ionian isles. A Greece yacht charter in the Aegean Sea offers exhilarating open-water passages, uninhabited islands, and chic resorts. The Ionians are sheltered and the Sporades are wooded, remote, and a world apart from bustling crowds.
· NEW Base for 2011
· Mix of Secluded Islands & Lively Cities
· Good airline connections
· Historical sites to explore
· Exhilarating & challenging sailing
· Close Access to Saronic Gulf & Cyclades
There are two dominant winds in Greece, and these can produce conditions that require sailing experience.
1. Lavrion will experience the Meltemi throughout the summer months and this can blow 15 - 40 knots for periods of up to 5 days. Winds blow variously north-east, north and north-west beginning in May and reaching its peak in July, slowing down in September
2.
3. The Sirocco: Southeast More frequent in winter, it corresponds to the passage of a depression. It can occasionally blow in April or the end of October.
4.
The waters of the Saronic Gulf are well-protected and flat, while the Aegean and the seas around the Cyclades generally have more wind.
(About $5,500 total)
San Juan to Athens, Greece $2,184 (British Airways)
London to Athens, Greece $350 (British Airways)
Houston to Athens, Greece $1,800 (British Airways)
(This is based
on Moorings 2012, which I can easily find)
(About $11,000 total)
Moorings 505 $635 per day 5 cabins
Moorings Catamaran 4600 $1080 per day 4 cabins