SUN YACHTING BLOG
Things to do when visiting Symi by yacht
Monday, 21 September 2020 07:15
Things to do when visiting Symi by yacht There are many places to visit when you arrive at this picturesque and gorgeous harbor of Dodecanese. This place is situated close to Rhodes and between two Turkish peninsulas. Α breathtaking architecture includes some wonderful monuments such as the Panormitis Monastery, the Kastro, the Clock Tower. Also the neoclassical Venetian mansions overlooking Symi bay give a dreaming overview. The main harbor of Symi is Gialos where many sailing yachts anchorage and it is like a painting with its beautiful architecture, colored houses and relaxed atmosphere. Many beautiful little villages around are waiting for you to explore. The most popular ones are Pedi, Emporio and Panormitis. Pedi is a small seaside village with few houses, surrounded by olive oil trees and bushes. The beach is narrow but clean. Emporios, or Nimborios, is a small cove protected from strong winds. It has few tourist facilities and some nice beaches in the area. And Panormitis is a small village on the southern side of the island, famous for the male monastery of Panormitis, the most popular religious centre of Simi. Also Symi town is built amphitheatrically around a bay and this village distinguishes for its…
Best Greek Islands for a yacht cruise during peak season
Monday, 14 September 2020 05:15
Best Greek Islands for a yacht cruise during peak season The comment of “the best” is simply difficult to say since all Greek islands are amazing – each one having its own stunning paradise and excitement. However, there are islands which you can visit during certain times of the season and ones not advisable to visit. The main reason above all is weather conditions. During the start of mid-June and all the way to the first half of September there are north winds called Meltemi. These are fairly strong winds that start from the Northern Aegean and breeze down south through the central and to the east and west. So during this time of year, Ionian Islands, Sporades and Saronic are superb with ideal weather conditions. The ideal Greek island group for hiring a yacht is Dodecanese. Not only you have 12 islands to choose from (upper and lower Dodecanese), but the weather conditions are better than the central Aegean (Cyclades). If your heart is set on seeing islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, the best months to consider would be May, the first half of June, late September, as well as October. Have more questions? We have more answers!…
What Makes Rhodes Such a Great Port to Start Your Sailing Trip?
Thursday, 03 September 2020 05:57
What Makes Rhodes Such a Great Port to Start Your Sailing Trip? One of the most popular and preferred port for starting a sailing trip is Rhodes. It is the largest of all the 12 Dodecanese islands in Greece and offers something for every type of traveler. From peaceful coves and sandy beaches to a large assortment of restaurants and bars, as well as nightlife. Rhodes is also convenient for flights. Frequent flights via Athens are available during the vacation season. As well, the Mandraki harbor is a mere 20 minutes from Rhodes Airport. However, what other aspects make this island such a great place to start your Greece yacht charter holidays?Rhodes is close to the lower Dodecanese islands. You can cover nearly all the islands in the Dodecanese, except for perhaps Kastellorizo, which is too far away from the said route. Which islands can you see on a Rhodes – Rhodes yacht charter route? Well, your first stop could still be in Rhodes by cruising to the famous Lindos beach. Then you could make your way to Halki, a very charming little island. Next head west to Tilos, Nisiros, over to Symi (one of those must-see islands), and then…
Yacht charter bases guide - the Greek islands
Thursday, 27 August 2020 04:58
Yacht charter bases guide - the Greek islands There are probably not a lot of places in the world which offer a better sailing environment than Greece.The Greek islands are divided into the North Ionian, the South Ionian, the North Aegean, the South Aegean, the Saronikos, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete, Evia, Halkidiki, the gulf of Patras and the Peloponnese. Each island group is unique and individual, making it possible to come to Greece year after year and still feel like you are in a completely different place. General information Berthing Greek yachts usually berth stern-to. There are various advantages to this. For example, your yacht is more protected from the sudden swell often brought in by fast ferries and hydrofoils docking sometimes merely meters away. You have also more privacy. Few places in Greece currently have organized marinas with laid moorings but more are beginning to appear. Make sure you have at least two stout mooring lines for the stern, perhaps with a loop of chain to easily drop over a bollard. In some places (such as the Cyclades) where winds can be very strong, you need quite heavy ropes to hold your craft.Berthing alongside is preferable in some…
Greek Island Sailing Holidays
Wednesday, 17 June 2020 06:31
Greek Island Sailing Holidays Want to sit back, relax, and soak up the sunshine whilst sailing some of the most renowned islands in the world? A crewed charter is your best option. Enjoy the utmost care of an experienced crew onboard to manage your escape to the Greek Islands. Depending on how little you'd like to do there's a crew that can provide everything from looking after the cleanliness of the boat's interior to providing you supplies for water sport activities and serving your meals whilst sailing the Aegean or Ionian seas. Expect nothing but the best if you book a luxury motor yacht with crew. If opulence is not your style and minimal fuss is something you'd prefer, then simply hire a skippered yacht charter for your sailing holiday in Greece and have peace of mind knowing that you are with an experienced skipper at the helm to guide you along the way and share their knowledge of the region and perhaps give you a tip or two on how to be a better sailor. Ask for quotes and proposals for a luxury or more basic crewed yacht charter Greece experience on our contact form. We'll save you the…
The Best Sailing Season in Greece
Tuesday, 09 June 2020 04:03
The sailing season starts mid-April and runs through to late October. The best deals are available outside the months of July and August which are the peak months. The start of the sailing season is mid-April, the ideal swimming temperatures start early May, especially in the south-east Aegean. The reason to go outside the months of July and August is obvious - avoiding the high season makes it cheaper and you have fewer charter yachts to compete with at the ports. As far as facilities go, the tavernas and cafes are open and an even more relaxed atmosphere prevails. Moreover, on the Aegean side, in addition to better deals and fewer crowds, the sailing conditions are also more favorable here outside the peak months. A strong Meltemi wind can make sailing in Aegean waters difficult during the high season. Orthodox Easter is another highlight of the early season. It is the holiest week for the Greeks and practically every one attends a midnight mass to celebrate the resurrection after which the feasts begin. Expect fireworks, wine, and a lot of roasted lambs. Since many Greeks leave Athens for the islands and villages to celebrate, the atmosphere is particularly lively in…
Ionian Sea Sailing Guide
Monday, 01 June 2020 04:34
Ionian Sea Sailing Guide Some of the most remarkable coastlines are found in the Ionian sea (check also the Ionian Sailing Routes) leading to its popularity taking reign over the eastern Greek islands with yachting fans. The region's popularity not only stems from its marvelous beauty but it's suitable weather conditions and steady wind patterns providing idyllic sailing conditions for yacht charters and boat trips alike. Sailors of all levels can take challenging courses, effortless itineraries, or simply anchor idly in the numerous quaint bays dotted around each and every island. Onshore travelers will also be spoiled for choice with unspoiled terrain, and superb beaches covering the lands. Start your travels in Lefkada, the fourth largest Greek island. Featuring fantastic lush forested hills and, cliff-tops offering stupendous coastal outlooks rolling down to a coastline of hidden coves and paradise beaches nestled between the foothills. Take in such breathtaking scenery at Porto Katsiki, located to the southwest of the island. This outstanding beach is surrounded by a sheer cliff face providing a dramatic landscape view for those approaching by boat. For activities head to the northwest of the island to Kathisma beach and relax under the umbrellas lining the shore or…
Sailing holidays Sporades & Saronic islands
Sunday, 24 May 2020 05:39
Sailing holidays Sporades & Saronic islands Sailing holidays Saronic islands Renowned for fantastic sailing areas and extraordinarily scenic prefectures that border the region, the Argolic and Saronic gulfs enjoy proximity to Athens and incredible variety. The Argo-Saronic gulf and Argo-Saronic islands such as Poros and Hydra are a popular choice in the busy summer months and perfect for short-sailing trips and holidaymakers looking for weekly charters departing from Athens. If you sail along the eastern Peloponnese - make sure to add time for a land trip to Monemvassia – a historic town in a dramatic setting. The short distances between these spots mean that you are spoilt for choice when defining your sailing itinerary. Sailing holidays Sporades North of Athens and close to the city of Volos lie the Sporades islands. Scattered with 24 islands, only 5 are inhabited and one, Alonissos island, boasts a National Marine Park that protects the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. With the many picture-perfect bays and harbors, amazing wildlife, and greener landscapes than their Cyclades neighbors to the south, the Sporades have plenty to offer. Sailing in fauna rich waters, strolling in picturesque villages and wining or dining in rustic tavernas – the Sporades are…