Greece · Mediterranean
Two hundred islands. You need six.
The Cyclades in a straight line are a week; the Cyclades properly are a lifetime. We plan for the wind, not the map.
Overview
Greek chartering is decided by the meltemi. From late June the northerly can hold at force six for days, which turns a beam reach into a delight and a beat into a chore.
We route with it rather than against it — usually south and east from Athens, then home on the last two days when it eases.
The Small Cyclades — Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Iraklia — are the reason to take a yacht rather than a ferry.
- Best time to visit
- June and September; May for the quietest anchorages
- Charter season
- May – October
- Position
- 37.05°N 25.15°E
Suggested itinerary
A week, day by day
Select a day to see what it looks like. Every route is adjusted for weather before you sail.
7-Day Greek Islands Charter
Typical conditions
What the weather usually does
Seasonal averages for planning, not a forecast. Your captain works from the live picture.
| Month | Air | Sea | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 24°C | 20°C | Variable, F2–4 |
| June | 28°C | 23°C | Meltemi building, F4–5 |
| July | 31°C | 25°C | Meltemi, F5–6 |
| August | 31°C | 26°C | Meltemi, F5–7 |
| September | 27°C | 25°C | Easing, F3–4 |
| October | 23°C | 23°C | Variable, F2–4 |
On the ground
Where to stop, swim and eat
Anchorages
Kolona, Kythnos
Sand both sides. Untenable in a strong meltemi.
Pori, Koufonisia
Pale sand over white rock; the clearest water in the Cyclades.
Ormos Ftelia, Mykonos
Shelter from the north when the harbour is unusable.
Livadi, Serifos
Deep, well-held, and a five-minute walk to dinner.
Beaches
Fteri, Kefalonia
Boat access only; the reason to carry a good tender.
Kedrodasos, Crete
A juniper forest running into the sea.
Italida, Koufonisia
Twenty minutes on foot from the port and usually empty.
Tables worth booking
To Steki tou Ilia, Naxos
Charcoal, lamb, and no menu worth reading.
Kiki’s Tavern, Mykonos
No electricity, no bookings, worth the queue.
Mirsini, Koufonisia
Whatever the boats brought in, cooked plainly.
Gallery
Greek Islands
The fleet
Yachts we would suggest
Elsewhere
