The Saronic Gulf and the center of the Aegean Sea - the Cyclades - contain some of the most stunning islands in the whole of Greece. History was made here and you find a multitude of fascinating ancient sites while leisurely sailing from island to island. Dramatic volcanic landscapes dotted by hilltop towns with the typical Cycladic white-washed houses and windmills, crystal-clear waters, authentic cuisine and atmosphere make a yacht charter here so unique and enjoyable. Let us tell you a bit more about this rich cruising ground in detail.
Why is the Aegean Sea such aought-after charter destination?
The Saronic Gulf is the part of the aegean Sea and lies at the eastern side of the Corinthian Gulf, which is a 100 km long stretch of water. It contains the eastern entrance and exit There are some amazing ancient sites like Delphi, Corinth, Mycenae and hundreds more. A very convenient starting point for for Corinth Canal, the city and port of Athens and the main islands Aegina, Salamis, Poros as well as many as ones. From there you can directly come to the head of the Saronic Gulf with its interesting coastline and islands. ideal yacht charter base for the Cyclades is Lavrion, about 37 km south-west from Athens airport.
The Cyclades of Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Eschati, iOS, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, and Thira or Santorini plus many more smaller ones. Distances between the islands are much bigger than in some other mediterranean archipelagos, so it is well suited for the experienced sailor.
Or santorini with its huge crater and super-steep cliff that composes one of the most famous natural attractions in the world.
The largest airports are Santorini and Mykonos, which offer many charter flights in summer from most European larger cities. Paros, Naxos, Syros and Milos also have airports with domestic flights. The ferry links between the islands are each other and with the mainland are brilliant , so it & # 39; s no problem to get to anywhere.
As everywhere around Greece, you will find lovely authentic taverns with great local food and fresh fish, charming ports and blue / white painted villages as well as romantic thatch-roofed windmills. Backdrop is impressive serene landscapes, including volcanic rocky coastlines. almost no tides but the times occurring Meltemi winds require good sailing skills.
Some relevant info for Aegean sailboat charter:
Location: Mediterranean Sea east of the Peloponnese; south of Athens; north of Crete
Main Charter Bases: Kalamaki (just outside outside Athens); Lavrion (37 km south-east of Athens); Paros
Main airports: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
Country code: +30
Climate: Mild, Mediterranean
Which main charter destinations are there in the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades?
The Saronic Gulf is mostly very protected as there is a little chance of the Meltemi blowing and it is a good cruising ground for for sailing holidays.
One of the classic sailing routes in the Saronic Gulf leads from the coast to Cap Sounion. On the western shore of the main mountainous coastline of the Peloponnese there is famous Epidaurus. The Methana peninsula is an ancient volcano about 6 NM north-west It is a lovely port and main town Built on a hill with a characteristic bell tower looming above it. Poros is separated from the Peloponnese only by a 300 m wide channel.
Salamis, the largest island in the Saronic Gulf with a rocky coastline of 104 km, is located only 2 km off the coast of Piraeus, Athens. It & # 39; s famous for its important part in many sea battles and offers some very nice fine sandy beaches. Check out the lively port of Paloukia in the North - East of the island or Peristeria in the South - a small town with a yacht harbor and clean beaches. Then there is a big bay of the main town, Salamina.
It is an extinct volcano with rugged coastline and contains the ports of Perdika and Aegina Town with nice taverns and souvenir shops.
Hydra, which is geographically not part of the Saronic Islands, is a lovely place popular with artists. Moor up in the protected port of the main town Hydra or the quiet unspoilt port of Ermioni with a beautiful steep hilly backdrop .
When sailing to Spetses, you can anchor in the bay or moor up directly in the main town on the north - eastern tip of the island.
It is a typical Cycladic island with a beautiful old town and situated 12 NM south-east of Cape Sounion.
Kythnos, just to the South, has a very indented coastline great for anchoring or mooring in the beautiful bays or ports, for instance Stefanos bay on the east side or protected Loutra port in the North East. Try the local cheese, which is a famous specialty. The main marina to use on a yacht rental is Merikha on the west side.
The port at the end is Livadhi. Go up to the Chora, where you have an absolutely spectacular view.
Sifnos lies a 9 NM sailing trip south of Serifos. Kamares on the north - west side is a well - protected port at the end of a large bay.
It is an old volcano that forms a huge caldera surrounded by pumice cliffs. The port of adhamas in the north part of the crater is one of the best- protected harbors in the Mediterranean.
Finally Santorini: Entering the humongous caldera from the North-West and approaching the steep cliffs is a highlight for every sailor.
From Santorini you can steer the sailing yacht via iOS to Amorgos, a bare rocky island that has retained a lot of its authentic character and does not have a lot of tourism.
Only about 4 NM west of Naxos lies Paros, and adjacent to it, Antiparos. The channel between Paros and Antiparos is good for anchoring as well as the protected bays of the main town, Parikia, and the popular fishing port of Naoussa.
Four ni Bay a little to the South, or the southern bay of neighbor islet Reneia are options to set anchor overnight.
A main attraction of every Aegean yacht charter is Mykonos. There are enough bays on the south side to look for Shelter from the northerly Meltemi.
Syros, Tinos and Andros are 3 more of the larger Cycladic islands and there are numerous smaller ones on top of the, providing the yacht charterer with endless options for sailing routes.
What are the favorable weather systems for a yacht charter around the Aegean Islands?
It may occur quite unpredictably as well as blow for 5 days on end, so in that case good sailing skills are required. It may not take place at all, though, and there there are summers without Meltemi entirely. Best suited for family sailing holidays is the well-protected Saronic Gulf.
Summer of the weather conditions for sailing a yacht charter in the aegean with the example of Santorini:
Months with highest average temperature: July / August, 26 °
Months with lowest average temperature: January / February, 12 °
Month with highest average precipitation: December, 167 mm
Months with lowest average precipitation: July / August, 0 mm
Month with the highest daily sunshine hours: July, 14 hours
Month with the lowest daily sunshine hours: December, 6 hours
Average wind speed in summer: 3 - 7 Bft.
Month with highest average water temperature: August, 25 °
Month with lowest average water temperature: January, 16 °
Main season: May - October
How much is Aegean yacht rental and what are the different charter types?
You can do bareboat or you can rent a 12. S canboat, for instance, from about 1,400 a week. From rise according to size, model and equipment of the yacht. You could go for a day charter or opt for luxury boat hire that comes with a lot of extras and a crew according to your specific needs.
What else is there to do apart sailing on a boat hire in the Cyclades and the Saronic Gulf?
On a yacht hire in the Saronic Gulf, visit Epidaurus on the Peloponnese, a large ancient sanctuary and center of healing set in the forest. Its ruins contain a theater with amazing acoustics, where a whisper on the stage is heard anywhere on the 54 tiers Also check out the museum ___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ exactly happened at the sanctuary in antiquity.
It is a temple for Poseidon in a beautiful setting on a steep cliff overlooking the sea.
Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta beginning of July makes for some exciting racing with some beautiful sailing yachts, Aegean classic schooners and lateens.
Moor up the sailboat and visit the medieval Venetian castle. And north - east of. Kea main town, Ioulis, is very picturesque. It sits high on a plateau like most Greek island towns - Kea town there is the famous carved lion from the 6th c. BCE. Check out the seaside resort of Vourkari where you encounter an ancient city with the oldest temple found in the whole of Greece (15th c. BCE). Kea is very popular with scuba divers as the water has great visibility and rich wildlife and there are good possibilities for cavern and wreck diving - one of the sister ships of the Titanic, the HMHS Britannic, sank there in 1916, amongst others.
With 360, the island has the highest amount of churches in all of the Cyclades. For instance, watch a Typique Greek wedding at The Church of the Seven Martyrs in Kastro with its amazing setting above the sea. Or visit the beautifully architected capital of the island, Apollonia.
Milos offers spectacular volcanic landscapes including its huge caldera as well as the hot springs. For some sightseeing head to the remains of the medieval castle of Palaiokastro at the highest point.
Should the Meltemi blow a little too strong for sailing, take some time and visit the amazing archaeological site and museum at Santorini. Also admire the stark volcanic landscape - there are no trees, just craters and pumice cliffs. There is a cable car taking you up to the town or you. can ride a donkey up the serpentine path. Try and savor the local wine, which is especially flavored from the volcanic soil.
Amorgos was the backdrop for Luc Besson & # 39; s film The Big Blue and when you hire a motor- or sailing yacht in the Aegean Sea, you can go there yourself and soak up the amazing color of the sea and the sky. Go up to the charming Chora of Amorgos sitting on top of the hill next to scattered windmills and a venetian castle with a stunning view. Other beautiful villages are Tholaria and Langada and the towering monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa in the cliff side north-east of Chora is also well worth visiting,
You could explore some of the many ruins on Naxos or hire some windsurfing / kitesurfing equipment at one of the many schools there.
For party, go to the Scandinavian Bar in the center or the large Cavo Paradiso Club at Paradise Bay to the south. The next day relax at one of the gorgeous beaches, wander through the wonderful charming town with its funky shops and buy some artwork or souvenirs.
You can visit the vast ceremonial grounds and the remains of stunning temples and statues as well as the archaeological museum. So don & # 39; t miss out on the opportunity to walk these historically important mosaic floors when you & # 39; re doing a bareboat yacht charter in the Aegean Sea.
Butterfly Valley & # 39; But visit the nearby & # 39;; , a park with tens of thousands of butterflies. check out the picturesque old port of Naoussa on the north coast with its white-washed homes and squares that are lit up at night and create a wonderful atmosphere to sit outside and have dinner in one of the restaurants before continuing the sailing or motor yacht charter the next day.
