Winds are consistent in the summer. From June to the end of September the normal wind in the Northern Ionian is from the NW to WNW. Generally it arrives around noon, blows between Force 2 & 5 and dies at sunset. In the morning, there may be a light E or SE wind but it rarely reaches Force 1 to 2.

In July and August the wind may blow from the NW with a little more strength than the normal NW wind. Care needs to be taken at this time of gusts off the lee side of high islands. Usually when the wind is going to be strong, dense white cigar-shaped clouds hug the tops of the mountains on the islands. In the evening there may be a katabatic wind off the high mainland mountains for several hours. It generally blows from a NE direction and can get up to Force 5 to 6.

In Summer, the climate in the Northern Ionian is sunny with little rain. The temperature can reach over 32°C in July and August. In the Spring and Autumn there are often thunderstorms and associated squalls but these seldom last for very long.

Ionian Island
Each Ionian Island in Greece holds a different charisma and charm for sailing yacht charters vacations. The Islands that you can explore on your yacht charter include Eptanisa (The Seven Islands): Corfu, Kefallonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Paxi and Kythera. These beautiful islands line Greece’s western boarder and offer close sailing proximity for a yacht charter holiday. Due to their Italian occupation at one point, they have quite a unique style of architecture and character all of their own.

Corfu, the largest of the Ionians was best described by John Fort from the British Consul in 1963. “….Exotic scenery, magical colours, flaming sunsets, romantic moonlight, luxurious vegetation, a riot of radiant flowers and colourful blooms, centuries old silver olive groves, glowing oranges, scented lemons, rich pergolas, sleepy lagoons, forgotten coves, bubbling springs, exciting caves, virgin beaches, golden sands, and pellucid turquoise emerald seas ­there is surely no other island in the whole universe to which these superlatives collectively apply.” Although today, the scenery is still spectacular, there is barely an inch of Corfu that hasn’t been influenced to capture the tourist dollar.

Many of Greece’s Ionian Islands are smothered in wild flowers during spring time. The island of Lefkas, like many in Greece, has literally dozens of superb coves to explore. There is still hope for those searching for the beauty of Greece, from eras gone by. On the cliff tops and hillsides of Zakynthos (Zante), you can still find the true Grecian spirit. The locals are traditional and proud. The old women stand in doorways, dressed in black, watching the world go by. If you can drag yourself, for a moment from the stunning surrounding of your sailing yacht, hire a moped to explore these hidden treasures. This is the real Greece.

If you’re on a sailing yacht charter holiday you have a distinction advantage that you can enjoy something special in Zakynthos. Smugglers Cove is one of the most famous and stunning beaches in Greece. Smugglers Cove can only be accessed by sea. The Blue Grotto is another spectacle of the ocean. The intensity and the shades here will have you redefining the colour blue. A yacht charter vacation will allow you to experience so much more than the average mainland holiday maker.

As one of the most well known yacht charter grounds in the Mediterranean, Greece and the Ionian Islands offer all the main types of yacht charter such as motor, sailing, bareboat charter, skippered, crewed yachts, catamaran, power boat, sailboat, luxury yachts and the ever increasing super yacht charter.

The Agean and Sporades
On a Greece yacht charter vacation through The Aegean Sea and Sporades, you’ll find islands with a wealth of natural beauty and artistic culture. Predictable winds and visual navigation make it an excellent area for a relaxed bareboat yacht charter holiday. With fine sandy beaches, pine-perfumed hills, ancient ruins and abundant sea life, this sailing area exudes a sense of exploration and independence.

Greece’s Aegean Islands are less visited than the Cyclades, which makes them the perfect place for a less crowded yacht charter holiday, particularly if you’re interested in art, culture and history. Additionally, the fertile countryside is simply stunning. Some of the Aegean features include:

Samos
- Is a lush mountainous island, skirted by forested hills. Samos is the acclaimed birthplace of Pythagoras and an important Hellenic cultural centre.

Lesvos
- Is the centre of artistic and philosophical achievement and creativity. It remains the spawning ground for innovative ideas in arts and politics.

Somothraki
– Is a wild and alluring island, still relatively untouched. Somothraki has made quite an impression with walkers and trekkers.

Cyclades yacht charter holiday makers will find themselves in on of the most inspirational Islands of all of Greece. White stone walls nestled into the arid hillside, backed by startling blue seas make these islands amazingly picturesque from the water on a yacht. The Cyclades offer both culture and hedonism: ancient sites, Byzantine castles, museums and lively nightlife, shopping, dining, and beaches. What more could you want from Greece on the perfect yacht charter holiday? Mykonos – Travellers rub shoulders with millionaires in the trendy and exotic nightclubs. Small sailboats moor beside luxury superyachts in the picturesque port.

Delos
   - The Cyclades archaeological jewel; the birthplace of Apollo - the god of light, poetry, music, healing and  prophecy.

Santorini
   - Be seduced by the extraordinary landscape, spectacular heights and breathtaking sunsets.

Sikinos
   - Anchor your sailing yacht in the charming port framed by two villages hugging the cliffs high above. Sikinos has so much charm and diversity.

Paros and Naxos
  -Perhaps the most beautiful islands in the archipelago. Paros has some of the finest beaches and is famous for it's stunning white marble.

Serifos
   - A taste of natural beauty. The rocky coastline is cut with deep coves and protected beaches. You can even walk amongst stone formations, resembling human figures.

The list goes on, but as you can see, the Cyclades have plenty to offer. Both onboard your sailing yacht and ashore, you’ll be entertained. There is enough in the Cyclades to please even the most discerning sailing charter guest.