What is bareboat sailing in Greece like? — featuring NauticEd | Beginner to Advanced Boating & Charter (Nautica Sailing Vacations)

0:02 Hey everyone, it's Lauren Lee, charter agent with Nautica Sailing Vacations. Today we're talking Greek. I mean, we're talking about Greece and the various Greek sailing destinations. In this presentation, I'm going to give you the top reasons why you should charter in Greece, logistics

0:20 surrounding such, an overview of the five main sailing areas, tips and tricks to chartering here, and why to use Nautic Sailing Vacations as your agent to make your Greece sailing vacation dreams come true. Greece, the land of gods. Greece is known as a land of ancient history, culture, food, and tradition. But for

0:44 sailing these abundant islands and crystal clearar waters, where too? And this is the question Nautic Ed sailing vacations team gets asked over and over again. And the answer really is it depends. It depends on what time of year you're planning to sail, what type of boat, who is your crew, how long do you

1:04 plan to charter, what is your sailing experience, and what are you and your group's interests and desires. But first, some general chartering information for Greece. Why sail in Greece? Having sailed in Greece numerous times, I can tell you that sailing here is the ultimate blend of adventure,

1:23 relaxation, culture, and history. Just picture yourself exploring hidden coes and ancient ruins by day, then unwinding with fresh seafood and local wine at a seaside tivera as the sun dips below the horizon. Every island offers something unique, all connected by the turquoise waters of the beautiful Aian. A yacht

1:45 charter in Greece is really the perfect way to experience the beauty and diversity of this incredible country. Now, some Greek chartering essentials. The best times to sail in Greece are from late April to October with May, June, and September offering ideal conditions, warm weather, steady

2:05 winds, and fewer crowds. July and August, particularly August, are peak peak months in Greece, which means crowded ports, higher prices, and hot temperatures. Now, charters in Greece operate on a Saturday to Saturday schedule with the first and last nights in the home marina absent priority

2:23 boarding. Formal lensure is required to bearboat charter in Greece. If you don't have one yet, check out the Nordic Ed SLC license. Even with such a license, make sure you're competent in Mediterranean moorings. Long line ashore, stern to the key with an anchor, stern to with a slime line. Sometimes

2:45 you might even have to tie off to another yacht who is stern to the key, as we did at George's restaurants in a small bay in the Ionians. Now to the five general areas of sailing in Greece. the cichlides, seronic, Ionians, sporades, and dodcanes. Bear with me through these because at the end I'll give you some

3:07 tips and tricks for chartering in Greece. Let's jump right in and start with the main area of the Cichlides. This is Greece's most famous and iconic island group. The islands in the Cichlides are what you traditionally think of when you picture Greece. whitewashed villages, cobblestone

3:27 streets, colorful buganvilla, traditional tiveras and blue dome churches. And while most know the name Santorini and Mkos, this group of islands, tons of islands, is so much more. Before we delve into the particular isles, let's talk generally about chartering here. When it comes to sailing

3:48 destinations, this area is not necessarily at the top of my list for those wanting to bearboat charter. Nautica considers the Cichlides an advanced sailing destination. The area subject to the strong melting winds which can reach 20 to 30 knots. Rocky coastlines with shallow areas can cause

4:08 navigational challenges. Wind and weather is variable monthtomonth and there's less sheltered anchorages in the cylades compared to other Greek areas. Finally, distances between islands can be long in the cichlides compared to other areas leaving limited time to explore on shore. Bases are located primarily out

4:30 of the Athens or Lavrio on the mainland or within the middle Cichlides in islands such as Paros, Nakos, and Mknos. So my general advice for this area is to start off in the middle cichlletes, hire skipper or go crude, be flexible and charter for longer than one week. Now to the islands. The cichlides

4:54 can really be divided into two northern and southern. Let's talk about the northern cichlletes. This would be from Lavrio south. Some of the islands in this area include Kia and Kithnos. Kia is just a short sail from Athens and is a tranquil island known for its serene beaches. Keithnos is also a peaceful island known

5:17 for its thermal spas. Then there's the capital of the Clades. Here you'll find tons of architecture like a mix of Greek whitewashed buildings and colorful mansions and big churches. And finally, Mkos, world famous, celebrated for its cosmopolitan lifestyle, iconic wind windmills, and vibrant night

5:40 life. And as you can see from the sample itineraries, the islands are abundant. So let the wind and weather be your guide. Turning to the central and southern area of the Cichlides, we have Paris. Paris makes for a great starting point for a sailing vacation. You can grab a ferry from Athens and be off on a

6:01 charter shortly after stepping off the ferry. But Paris itself is not to be missed. This large island offers a bit of everything. History, a quaint central area, night life, and tranquil beaches. Then there's Milos off to the west, known for its colorful rock formations and hidden coes perfect for anchoring

6:21 and swimming. A visit to the ancient catacombs are a musto. Slightly east is Knos, the largest island in the Cichlides. It's a perfect blend of history, culture, and beaches. Moving south from Peros, there's IOS, a favorite among younger crowds due to its vibrant night life. But it also offers historical gems,

6:43 including Homer's tomb. And of course, not to be missed, Santorini. Known for its breathtaking caldera views, Santorini is a bucket list destination for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and legendary sunsets. As you can see from the sample itinerary starting and ending in Paris,

7:05 a charter here offers an unforgettable adventure with stunning islands and charming historical villages. Now, let's move on to one of my favorite areas, the Argoseronic area. This area is just a stone throw away from Athens, making it incredibly accessible. And yet, once you sail away

7:26 from Marina Alamos or one of the other nearby marinas, it's amazing how fast you leave the hustle and bustle of Athens behind. That's not to say this area isn't chalk full of history. Oh, it is. But it's so much more. Now, either the first stop or last stop on a Seronic Charter is almost

7:47 always Agona. It's known for its Doric style temple and pistachios. And if you happen to be here in midepptember, you'll get to experience the amazing fistiki pistachio festival. And oh my gosh, the amount and variety of pistachios we ate and drank during this festival. Amazing. Fresh pistachios,

8:07 dried pistachios, even pistachio liquors and pistachio infused mojitas. and margaritas. Head to Idra next, but you'll want to make sure to get there early if you want to be in the heart of it. Idra has a small bay and spots to Medore on the key are limited. Here you'll see mostly donkeys. It's a

8:28 car-free island except for the occasional trash collector or emergency vehicle. This island exudes traditional Greek charm with its beautiful harbor and stone paved winding alleyways. Next up, head to Poros, but don't forget to stop at an isolated bay like Dooos or Russian Bay for lunch and a beautiful

8:49 swim. Poros is a busy little town with a long, long key to dock up to. Plenty of restaurants and bars are always a buzz. Head to the famous clock tower and take in the beautiful views. Two must-see spots on the mainland or Epidavos and Arammoni. In Epidavis, you can explore the ancient

9:11 theater known worldwide for its acoustics. And in Arammon, you can stroll the Mandriki Peninsula. And you must stop at Drogus Bakery, the best in the known and unknown world. Here, one of the owners who towered over me. I think he probably played for the Greek basketball team, pointed out his

9:29 favorite sweets and treats. And let me tell you, delicious. So overall, the Argo Seronic area is perfect for those who want a mix of adventure, history, and relaxation. Easy to get to, easy to sail, plenty of boats and charter companies here. Next up is the Ionian Islands. This Greek area is one we've been to

9:53 numerous times and where we host a flotilla annually. It's perfect for bear boatering, chartering with families and kids and having easy sailing combined with Greek adventure tiveras history and fishing villages. Now there are two main area in the Ionians. The northern area in and around Corfu and the southern

10:14 area starting from the Lefkata area heading south. Let's start with the Corfu area. Corfu is easy to get to. There are even some direct flights. And its old town is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site with its narrow cobblestone streets, elegant architecture, and charming squares. From Corfu, you can sail south

10:37 about 10 miles until you reach Paxos. Paxos is a picturesque little island with coastlines covered in dense olive groves. There are four small ports on the island. All are great places to stay overnight. From Paxos, you can sail to the mainland. Opt for either Parga or Seot to explore the quaint towns and

10:58 beaches. In Para, you can see the ruins of a Venetian fortress. And Seot has some stunning beaches to explore. Stop by Antipaxus 2. It's known for two of my favorite things, beaches and wine. But do keep in mind it's a secluded island with only about 30 local inhabitants and a handful of local tiveras.

11:21 Now moving on to the southern Ionian. This is the area Nautica sailing vacation team recommends the most. We call it the BVI of Greece thanks to its calm waters, short sailing distances, and laid-back atmosphere. It's perfect for both seasoned sailors and firsttime charterers. Don't let the simplicity of

11:43 steady gentle winds, line of sight navigation, and short passages between islands fool you. There is so much to explore here, and each island has its own charm. From Lufkata, sail to Megani. There are plenty of ports to stop at. We usually op for Vathy, the island's main village, where you'll find tons of

12:05 charming tiveras. For a bit of adventure, tank your dingy to hidden coes like Papanocus Cave, which is steeped in history and legend. For some midweek tranquility, choose between Calamos or Castos. Both are really small fishing islands full of charm. The local fish we ordered at Porto restaurant.

12:27 Truly amazing. For some midweek history though, head to Ithaca, the legendary home of Adysius. Ithaca's history and beauty make it a must visit. Here we usually take a walking hiking history tour using island walks and we opt for the Ulisses tour option. Oh, a great day stop.

12:52 Adacose. Atose is not inhabited but a private island surrounded by the most beautiful turquoise waters. Above are stunning cliffs and below are pristine beaches. One of the highlights is One House Bay, a picturesque anchorage. It is so gorgeous and not to be missed. The water is ridiculously clear and it's a

13:13 fantastic place for a swim. You can even ring the bell at the house when you arrive. Make sure you stop um at Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, known for its incredible diversity. In the north, you'll find Fiscardo, an upscale village that survived the big earthquake in the 50s,

13:31 and it really does retain its Venetian charm. Further south is Sammy. From here, you can take a taxi to the stunning Melisani Lake Caves. It's like a cenote where we took a dingy, a small boat tour through the cavernous waters. Nidri and Savota are also two mainland stops that shouldn't be missed. Um, in

13:53 Nidri you can visit the Nidri waterfalls or in Seot you can explore a traditional Greek coastal village with a stunning harbor. So the Ionians have it all. Easy sailing, stunning scenery, history, natural wonders, quaint villages, something for everyone over and over and over again. Two more island groups to grow.

14:18 Next up is the Sprades. If you're a fan of Greek nature andor the movie Mamma Mia, it's definitely has to be on your bucket list. This area is super unique in Greece as a sailing destination known for nature, peace, history with its numerous islands, some of which are completely uninhabited. The Spades

14:39 offers untouched landscapes, secluded anchorages, and a true escape. Much of the area is part of a national marine park, but you also get to experience authentic Greek island life in some of the more populated islands. And let's not forget the movie Mamma Mia. Scopalos and Skathos gained international fame as

14:59 filming locations for the movie. Yet, to be honest, the magic of these spots really does remain in the film. At least we can say bucket list checked. For the islands of the Sprades, we begin with Skiaos, the most vibrant and cosmopolitan of them. Skaos town is a lively harbor with plenty of restaurants

15:19 and bars and charming streets. It's a perfect place to start or end your sailing adventure in this Greek area. There are plenty of anchorages surrounded by beautiful beaches and waters perfect for swimming. Then head to the green island, Scopalos. The island is full of dense pine forests.

15:38 Again, plenty of anchorages for a quiet night under the stars. Or head to Scopalolis Town, the island's capital, for a more cosmopolitan vibe. Further north lies Alonysus, the heart of the National Marine Park of the Northern Spades. This protected area is a haven for marine life, including the

15:57 endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Sailing through these waters offers the chance to spot dolphins, rare seabirds, and if you're lucky, a seal or two. And Skyros is the most remote island of the Sporades. It blends traditional Greek charm with an artistic fair. It's famous for its unique ponies, traditional

16:17 woodcraft, and cultural festivals. So overall, the Sprades combines natural beauty, cultural charm, and unique experiences, making it a must visit sailing area for sailors. And finally, the dudines. The name Docan comes from the Greek word of the same name, which literally translates to 12 islands. This refers to

16:42 the major islands of the group, though there are literally hundreds more. Although you're actually closer to Turkey than Greece in this island grouping, these islands are still very much Greek, albeit with a somewhat east meets west vibe. The Nautica team considers this an intermediate sailing Greek destination.

17:04 It's not as challenging as the cichlides, but more challenging than the seronic or Ionian. Here you can have the meltimi, particularly during the summer months. And while some islands offer sheltered anchorages, longer open water distances between some of the islands can cause challenging sea

17:23 conditions. The starting points are generally roads in the south or costs in the middle of the dodcanes. Let's explore these islands first. Roads is the largest island in the Dodecan and one of the largest all in Greece. This cosmopolitan island is famous for its medieval old town, a

17:44 UNESCO world heritage site. Strolling through the street of the knights or visiting the palace of the Grandmaster is like stepping back in time. And CS CS has a rich history with ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman influences. It also offers beautiful beaches and a vibrant night life to enjoy. Kasa is known as

18:05 the island of Hippocades which is the father of modern medicine. A vig visit to the ancient healing sanctuary is a must. Beyond roads and cost, there's so much more to discover in the Dodcan. This region is dotted with incredible islands, each with its own unique vibe. Simei is a picturesque island gem with

18:31 pastel colored neocclassical houses and a vibrant harbor. Loseros is a tranquil escape with lush greenery, peaceful bay, and historical sites. Patmos is known as the island of the apocalypse and home to the monastery of St. John. It's a spiritual and serene destination stepped in history. Lipy is

18:54 a simple, humble island with beautiful sandy beaches, friendly locals, and numerous blue dome churches. So, those are the five main sailing areas of Greece. Greece truly has it all. Whether you're drawn to the iconic beauty of the Cichlides, the cultural treasures of the Dodecan, the

19:16 lust tranquility of the Ionian Islands, the serene charm of the Argo Seronic, or the unspoiled natural beauty of the Sprades, there's a perfect itinerary waiting for you. Our biggest tips is to choose your sailing area wisely. Consider your charter type, bare boat or crude, your sailing skills, and your

19:36 vacation goals, whether relaxation, adventure, or exploring history. Embrace Greek traditions. Be flexible with the weather and winds. Try to stay on land either before or after your charter to do more exploring. And importantly, reserve your Greek sailing vacation through a reputable charter

19:57 agency like Nautic Sailing Vacations for tailored advice and recommendations. As a trusted yacht charter agency and brokerage, Nautic Sailing Vacations is here to make planning and booking your dream Greek sailing adventure seamless and stress fee. Stressfree. We provide expert guidance, customized

20:17 itineraries, and a variety of boat options and answers to all of your questions, ensuring your trip is as smooth as the waters you'll sail.