Sailing the Cyclades Islands of Greece

Lying just to the south east of the mainland Greece is our most challenging sailing area, the Cyclades Islands, famous around the world as some of the most picturesque in this ancient country. In fact, if when looking for photos of Greece you will more than likely find pictures of the blue domed churches, turquoise waters, and the rugged landscapes of the Cyclades Islands.

The Cyclades are so named as the island group, including Mykonos, Syros, Santorini, Paros and Naxos, all lay in a circle around the Island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo. You can visit this island easily during your sailing holiday.

The Cyclades is also world famous as a fantastic sailing ground, with over 200 islands to sail between and explore. More challenging than other areas due to its situation in the middle of the Aegean Sea and the famous Meltemi winds, a northerly wind that channels between the Islands, the Cyclades is a good bet for those wanting a great sail.

In addition to the fabulous architecture, clear waters and great sailing the Cyclades nightlife is worth more than a passing mention. Mykonos is widely recognised as Greece’s nightlife capital and the islands of Santorini and Ios are not far behind. They even say in Greece that this revelry goes back to the time of Socrates, when he would throw wild bashes under the guise of "scholarly gatherings."

That said, the sheer number of islands and the size of the islands themselves mean that it’s easy to get away from the revelry if so desired! The Cyclades offers something for everybody.

Weather and Winds

During summer, the average temperature in the Cyclades Islands is 25 to 26 °C (79F) and often 33 to 35 °C (95F). The N-NW "Meltemi" wind, begins in June and blows strongest during July, August and September. It finally dies out in October.

During July and August the Meltemi wind blows at a force of 5-6 Beaufort and may reach 7-8 Beaufort. In June, September and October it usually blows from various directions, at a force of 3-4 Beaufort. It may continue to do so for 1-3 days. In the Cyclades look out for the winds channelling between the islands - in particular around Tinos and Mykonos.

We recommend exercising caution during July and August particularly, and stress that this is a sailing area for experienced yachties only.

How to get there from the UK

Athens International Airport is a well served airport from many destinations, including the UK. Some of the airlines that fly from the UK to Athens are Olympic Airways, Easyjet, Aegean Air and British Airways.  There are flights throughout the year to Athens, which is great if you want to head out at the beginning or end of season.

Marina Alimos

Marina Alimos is 40 minutes from Athens Airport.  There are a number of ways to get to the marina from the airport - we can arrange a transfer for you which will pick you up and take you to the base, also there are taxis outside the airport which you can jump into or there is the X96 bus which leaves from the airport and will drop you outside the marina entrance (ask the driver to let you when it’s your stop).

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