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Greece is one of the most heavenly locations to spend your vacation. With excellent weather conditions, beaches everywhere, and fantastic food, you’d never want to get back home. The country has an exciting culture and history you’ll be fascinated to learn more about, so this is the perfect place to broaden your views and emerge in a different lifestyle.
Besides the beautiful views and delicious meals, Greece is famous for its sailing locations. The main reason is the multitude of islands close to each other you can explore, such as Astypalaia, Kalymnos, and Patmos. To fully enjoy the Greek experience, you’d need at least two weeks to visit.
Start planning your vacation if you want to spend your free days somewhere warm. Here are some things you need to know about Greece, sailing, and booking a boat.
What kind of boat do you need?
Thanks to increased demand for sailing, different types of boats are available for more or less experienced customers. The decision is yours, from luxury crewed yachts to bareboat charters, but you must consider one thing. Although sailing in Greece is relatively easy, you must take into account the Meltemi winds in the Aegean Sea, which can be pretty strong during July and August.
Therefore, if it is your first charter or you don’t have sufficient sailing experience we would advise you to rent a boat with a professional local skipper. Skipper will help you with check-in/out procedures of the boat and navigation in local waters.
How do you rent a boat?
If you ever rented a car before, the process of booking a sailing boat or catamaran is pretty much the same. You may check all available boats on the 12 Knots website and make a reservation online. . . Once the booking is confirmed and the invoice is secured, you pay the first installment, and that’s it!
Another essential aspect of renting a boat bareboat (without a professional skipper or crew)is the check-in/out procedure which helps save your damage deposit. Upon leaving your boat, cleaning your rubbish is best, like taking out your garbage and the food consumed during your stay. Then, refuel the boat in advance the evening before leaving. Finally, keeping an eye on technical issues and notifying the base will ensure you won’t have to pay any extra expenses.
When is the best time to plan your vacation?
You have to consider multiple factors when choosing the period for your trip, such as the weather, tourist season, and prices. For example, if you’re looking to get the most out of the Greek sun and like the lively feeling of a crowded city, you can book a sailing vacation from July to August, the high-season months for sailing.
However, if you’re on a budget and enjoy a quieter adventure, the best time is late spring May, or early autumn October, when the sun isn’t that bright and the mid-season has fewer storms. Of course, you can sail even during winter, as temperatures don’t usually drop much. Still, having a professional at the anchor would be better if you travel during stricter weather conditions.
Based on the Greek weather, what should you pack?
With a Mediterranean climate, Greece has long and dry summer seasons, but the solid snowfalls and low temperatures will shock you in the mountain areas. Considering you’re travelling during summer, here’s what you should pack:
- Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect from the strong UV;
- Breathable clothes made from cotton or other similar fabrics;
- A hat, extra swimsuit, and extra pair of shoes;
- Adapters and converters with the specific European plug;
- A light backpack;
Of course, don’t forget your documents, such as passport, ID, cards and cash, and all papers required for travelling like insurance and visa. Considering you’re travelling from outside Europe, check all the requirements for entering Greece, which is part of the European Union. You might need to exchange your money for euros, so be prepared for the value difference.
Where to go in Greece?
Many beautiful places around Greece are worth visiting. Of course, you need to consider the sailing location first. The best ones include the following:
- The Ionian Islands are incredible because the weather is less windy than in other parts of Greece. The location is a pretty popular one, so regardless of the period you choose to visit, it might be a little crowded;
- Corfu is an excellent area for discovering coves and bays. The city is also notable, being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has impressive architecture and the colourful buildings make everything look better;
- Lefkada is the perfect place for windsurfing and sailboat races, so if you’re interested in attending, check the dates of the events. However, due to strong wind gusts, it might be dangerous to sail by yourself;
- The Sporades Islands include around 24 islands, but only a few are inhabited. These are the greener islands you’ll find in Greece, and the zone isn’t that packed with tourists, so if you want to take a break from the noise, these Islands are best;
What to explore around Greece
If you plan on visiting a few locations on foot, know that Greece has the most astonishing museums and historical sites. You must tour the Acropolis, the ancient citadel where the statue of Athena was located. If you’re a sports enthusiast, climbing Mount Olympus is the perfect opportunity to test your endurance and see one of the most beautiful sights. Santorini is also a demanded city as its white buildings with blue tones are all over the internet, especially during the summer.
Final thoughts on visiting Greece
If you are unsure about this year’s vacation, try visiting Greece! Along with the excellent food culture and significant sites, the country is one of the best places for sailing. The weather is usually warm and pleasant, and the blue and calm waters will make you forget your troubles and work from home.
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