Photo by Markos Mant on Unsplash

Are you ready throw your sails to the wind, take off on your yacht and embark on a journey through some of the world’s best islands? Gone are the days when sailing was only reserved for the ultra-rich, when boats were not accessible and when you had to plan for ages to explore the seas. Prepare to get enamored by the sound of the warm Aegean waves lashing unto your boat as you sail through renowned Greek islands and get a taste of quintessential island life. From wandering through old, historical villages, to spending your days on a boat – there’s nothing quite like going on a sailing adventure.

And what better way to experience all of this than by a boat? All you’ll have to do is decide which islands you want to explore, prepare for your trip the right way and you’ll be set. In this guide we’ll tell you how to explore the Aegean on a yacht by telling you which islands to visit, why you need to visit them and how to prepare for your trip.

Why sail the Aegean Sea?

It’s all about those views!

The main reason people choose to the Aegean Sea specifically is for the views. You’ll be surrounded by magnificent landscapes to your left and right, and every island offers you a diverse backdrop. From calm pristine waters, to hidden coves, to white-washed edifices and pristine waters…There’s nothing you won’t find there!

All for you.

Most of the islands enjoy “secluded” beaches. If you’re a person that loves practically having the beach all for themselves, then you should definitely head to the Aegean Sea where you can be the king/queen of those unreal turquoise waters for as log as you want to.

Quintessential Greece.

If you choose to explore the islands, then you’re definitely in luck. This is when you truly get to experience the quintessential side of Greece.

Flexibility

Nothing beats the flexibility of island hopping. You get to make your own rules!

Photo by Dave Shaw on Unsplash

How to Plan Your Sailing Holiday

When to go?

Figuring out when the best time to go is the most important factor of your planning process. The weather can easily make or break a trip, so choose a time where’s warm, sunny yet breezy. If you want to sail the Aegean sea, we highly recommend doing so from April to October.

Choose your sailing mates carefully.

Don’t forget that the people you’ll choose to sail with will stay with you for at least a week and you’ll be spending almost every waking moment together. Try and see if you vibe on the same level, if you want to do the same activities, have the same interests…etc.

What type of charter?

There are so many types of charters, boats, and yachts that make sailing in Greece a breeze. You can always decide based on your level of expertise, personal reference and price.

Bring some entertainment along.

Whether it be books, music, board games, or speakers – you’ll need those items to keep you entertained.

Plan on-shore excursions.

It would be a waste to sail through the Aegean without actually going on some of the islands and exploring.

Plan some water activities.  

Make sure you add some water activities to your trip. You can choose from snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking or diving.

Photo by Jeroen den Otter on Unsplash

Popular destinations in the Aegean:

What makes the Aegean an incredibly popular sailing destination is the abundance of stunning islands, gorgeous scenery all around, the possibility of all types of water activities and much more. The weather is great all year round, and there is plenty to do and see.

The ancient history surrounds rugged beauty and the consistent winds make it the perfect setting for both novice and experienced sailors.

The Saronic Gulf:

The Saronic Gulf houses two important islands: Aegina and Poros. Those two are actually widely known for their grapes and olives and they’re definitely worth a visit. You will be cruising through the Saronic Golf and stumbling upon little charming villages like Perdika. There you can enjoy a simple meal, a traditional experience or try their unparalleled seafood.

The Cyclades

You can’t sail the Aegean and miss out the stunning Cyclades islands. Think pristine blue waters juxtaposed with white houses, and shockingly gorgeous sights all around. The islands are very close to Athens and are very easy to hop around. This is the ultimate place to experience that “romanticized” version of Greece everywhere.

Kea

From the remains of bronze-age settlements to crystal clear blue waters and quiet beaches – Kea is a hidden gem.

Kithnos

If you want to stop by somewhere where nature is quite prominent, then definitely try out Kithnos. The islands are beautiful and you can’t miss out on the renowned food there – specially the cheese and figs.

Santorini

Nothing beats sailing into an actual volcanic landscape. Santorini offers just that coupled with magnificent scenery from on the island.

Koufonisia.

If you’d rather stop at somewhere that is more low-key and quiet then visit Koufonisia, one of the top hidden gems of the Aegean. There are little unspoilt islands and secret coves that you can explore.

Sporades.

Whether or not you’re a professional, you will truly enjoy the experience of sailing through the Sporades. The lush islands act as a perfect backdrop to your sailing trip, and you’ll find a plethora of secret coves and bays to explore.

Milos.

If you want shocking, go to Milos. From dramatic landscapes to secret coves to incredibly blue waters – you will find it all!

Take a Land Break

Either before or after all this sailing many visitors find it nice to be land based for a few days. Heraklion is port city and capital of the Greek Island of Crete. Many visitors look for a car hire in Heraklion from the Rental Center Crete. By having your own car you get the freedom to go about exploring at your own pace. Pack up a picnic and find a dreamy spot to watch the sunset. This will be sure to add a nice variety to your Greece holidays.

How To Pack

Packing.

There’s one thing you need to keep in mind. You always have to pack light and smart. You will not have enough space to carry all your luggage with you, and the more luggage added the more hassle you’ll eventually go through.

Here are some of the things you need to make sure are with you:

• A duffel bag. Instead of getting a bag with hard shell, we strongly recommend a duffel bag. They’re much easier to fit anywhere, and will give you more flexibility.
• Packing cubes will be your new best friends. You’ll be able to pack at least twice the items you can, and they will greatly help you organize everything.
• If you will be exploring any of Mykonos and Santorini, then one fancy outfit will be essential.
• Make sure you have all your medication available on you. Sea sickness pills? Prescription medication? Mosquito repellent? First-aid kit? Make sure you have all of these.
• The less clothes the better.
• A lot of swimsuits but equally, a lot of swimsuit cover-ups.
• Sun protection. This cannot be stressed on enough. You’ll need an SPF cream, hats and scarves.
• Layer up, the weather tends to be chilly at night.
• Skip on any hair appliances.
• Baby wipes, dry shampoo and sanitizers.
• Get a backpack or a small bag with you that you can take for on-land expeditions.
• Boat shoes.

Photo by Tom Grimbert on Unsplash.

A sailing holiday through the Aegean can be a dream come true to so many people. You’ll be embarking on journeys through crystal clear blue waters, enjoying the gentle breeze on your skin, and exploring ancient villages all in one trip!

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This post is by third party writer Tim Baker. All photos have been credited to their source.