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SAILING ATELIER

Greece

Adriatic & Eastern Mediterranean

The Ionian, the Cyclades, the Saronic and the Dodecanese: arguably the heart of Mediterranean sailing, with endless islands.

General guidance, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by harbour, so confirm check-in, documents and anchoring with the official local source shortly before you go.

Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026.

Best season

May to October. The Meltemi makes July and August demanding in the Aegean, while the Ionian stays calmer all summer.

Prevailing winds

In the Aegean the Meltemi, a strong, dry northerly, blows hard from roughly June to September, often F5 to F8. The Ionian is gentler with afternoon sea breezes.

Hazards

The Meltemi can pin you in port for days and makes lee shores dangerous, holding is patchy in many bays, and the port police check paperwork closely.

Check-in & clearance

Greece is EU and Schengen. EU flagged yachts cruise freely but must pay the monthly cruising tax (TEPAI) online before sailing and carry the receipt. On arrival from outside Greece, and at many island ports, you report to the port police (limenarcheio) who may stamp a transit log (DEKPA) for non-EU boats. Non-EU vessels and crew face temporary admission and the Schengen 90 in 180 limit.

Required documents

Registration, insurance, radio and competence certificates, the TEPAI receipt, the DEKPA transit log for non-EU boats, and passports. Greek authorities can be strict about paperwork, so keep it tidy.

Anchoring rules

Free anchoring is widely available, but holding can be patchy and many bays now have laid moorings or tavern quays. Marine protected areas (for example around Zakynthos and Alonissos) restrict anchoring; respect turtle and monk seal zones.

Nice places

The sheltered Ionian around Lefkada and Meganisi, the volcanic caldera of Santorini, and the quiet eastern Cyclades and Dodecanese all have their devotees.

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