Are you planning a sailing trip in Santorini? We help with itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. We are happy to help! Santorini is the real gem of the Aegean Sea. It is the southernmost member of the Cyclades archipelago of volcanic origins. As a result of a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, the centre of the island exploded, forming a 400-metres-deep caldera. The caldera is a huge hollow that forms after the volcano collapses. It is underwater today. Santorini forms the eastern arch and it is the centre of the region. It is very popular due to its prehistoric ruins and fabulous natural environment. Every year, more and more people come here from all over the world. The romance of the typical Greek landscape fascinates every visitor. If you are looking for an unforgettable holiday, you should definitely go sailing in Santorini!
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- When to go sailing in Santorini?
- Ports around Santorini
- Sail in Santorini! Santorini sailing and catamaran tours:
- 1 week sailing itinerary around Santorini
- 7days Santorini catamaran sailing cruise
- Sailing from Athens to Santorini: 14 days sailing cruise
- Catamaran sailing tour from Crete to Santorini
- Marine gas near Santorini
When to go sailing in Santorini?
In Santorini the Mediterranean climate is dominant. The winters are mild, with temperatures around 10-15°C. Most of the rain falls in winter. The weather is more favourable from March for sailing, although the sea is still quite cold. In May the weather gets warmer, temperatures are above 30°C. The wind is mild in May.
The northwesterly airstream called Meltemi arrives in June and it continues to blow until September. Summers are very hot, often with temperatures around 35°C. The Meltemi relieves the heat in the afternoon. The wind is of Beaufort force 8. Due to the typical winds, it is better sailing from north to south, but if you prefer beating, you can choose the opposite direction. Rain rarely falls from June to August, the sun shines all summer long. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Santorini
Ports around Santorini
There are several ports on the island. Four of them are important for tourists. They are described below.
Athinios
Athinios is Santorini’s largest port. You can reach it from the caldera, on the western side of the island. It is very busy, they can accommodate all types of vessels from cruise yachts to yachts. There is no village on the coast, so if you drop anchor here, you have to rent a car or ride a donkey to get to Fira. It is fully equipped. Water, electricity, refuelling station, hotels and restaurants are available for the sailors. It can accommodate hundreds of yachts.
Skala Port
Skala is the old port of Fira. It is a smaller port so larger yachts are not allowed to moor here. The passengers of bigger yachts and cruise yachts are transported to the mainland by water taxi. The place is cosy. It has been used for hundreds of years. You can reach the village by climbing 600 stairs. If you do not want to use the stairs, you can use the cable car or ride a donkey to reach the village on top of the cliff.
Ammoudi Port
Ammoudi Bay is next to Oia. It has a small port and can accommodate yachts up to 20 metres in length. There are tavernas and apartments on the coast, but there are no other services. The bay and the village are beautiful. It is one of the most popular places in Santorini.
Vlychada Port
This is the most sheltered port on the island. The Vlychada Bay is protected by a semicircular breakwater. The piers are also in this arch. Water, electricity and fuel are available. There are restaurants and bars along the coast. This is the favourite place of surfers. The port can accommodate boats up to 25 metres in length. yacht charter in Santorini
Sail in Santorini! Santorini sailing tours:
1 week sailing itinerary around Santorini
Santorini is a sailor’s paradise! In the summers, thousands of snow-white yachts cover the waters around the island. This region offers you the opportunity to go on exciting adventures. In this article, we will show you a 7-day itinerary if you want to go sailing in Santorini this summer!
Day 1: Fíra (Santorini) – Oia
9.53 km (5.92 nm)
From the port of Fira, go north to Oia. You will soon reach the Ammoudi Port going along the shoreline. Take a dip in the bay next to the port and explore the city on the top of the high cliff. Oia is famous for its amazing sunsets. At dusk, the terraces and streets fill up with people. Everyone looks west, waiting for that magical moment. Check out this fascinating natural phenomenon and have dinner at a local tavern.
Day 2: Oia – Ormos Korfou
3.92 km (2.44 nm)
Leaving Oia, visit the neighbouring island of Thirasia. From the port of Ormos, conquer the mountain and climb up to Manolas! Take a look at the town’s whitewashed little houses with blue windows. The streets are covered in beautiful oleanders. Do not be surprised if you meet donkeys everywhere. Traditionally, locals travel around riding donkeys on this difficult terrain. Have dinner in town and relax because the next day will be quite eventful!
Day 3: Ormos – Nea Kameni – Akrotiri
18.61 km (11.56 nm)
From Ormos, go and visit the island of Nea Kameni. It rises in the middle of the caldera. It used to be the peak of the former volcano. On the north side, there is a bay, functioning as a port. There is also a sulphur-rich spring, flowing directly into the sea. It is worth trying it as it has many healing effects.
Climb the volcano! You will walk around a lunar landscape, among grey and black stones. Reaching the crater, you will find a buffet and handicraft store. Hop on a yacht in the afternoon and return to the west side of Santorini. Drop anchor at Akrotiri, and go on a sightseeing tour the next day!
Day 4: Akrotiri – Pachia island
39.29 km (24.41 nm)
After the hustle and bustle of the first three days, on the fourth day you will sail to one of the uninhabited islands of Greece, to Pachia. Since you will not find a port here, it is worth anchoring further and approaching the shore by dinghy. You should have sun milk, enough food and drink for the whole day with you because there are no restaurants or shops on the island, in return, the whole beach can be yours for 1 day.
Day 5: Pachia – Anafi island
10.04 km (6.24 nm)
Your next stop is the island of Anafi, located east of Santorini. It is a peaceful little island with beautiful sandy beaches. There are few tourists here, so the locals are very welcoming. You can find some Christian churches and monasteries on the island. In summer, the island is home to cultural festivals and events. Many visitors come from Santorini.
Day 6: Anafi – Vlychada
30.37 km (18.87 nm)
Continue along the south coast of the island and make your destination Vlychada! The port is located behind a breakwater, forming two arches. If you drop anchor here, make sure to try one of the restaurants. The city of Exomitis lies nearby. The rocks around the city hide ancient burial sites and caves.
Day 7: Vlychada – Kamari (Santorini) – Fíra
37.89 km (23.54 nm)
Kamari is located under the shade of Mesa Vouno. It is the eastern side of the island. The Kamari beach is the largest in Santorini. The sandy beach stretches comfortably for several kilometres. Enjoy the sunshine from a sun lounger! If you want to take a walk, make sure to visit the ancient village of Thera. Life does not stop at night, there are many nightclubs in Kamari.
Return to the starting point. If you can, spend one or two days in the village.
7days Santorini catamaran sailing cruise
Day 1. Fira (Santorini) – Oia 9.53 km (5.92 nm), Day 2. Oia – Karavostasis (Folegandros island) 42.34 km (26.31 nm), Day 3. Folegandros – Alopronia (Sikinos island) 19.87 km (12.35 nm), Day 4. Sikinos – Chora (Ios island ) 12.80 km (7.95 nm), Day 5. Chora – Ag. Georgios (Iraklia island) 38.18 km (23.72 nm), Day 6. Iraklia – Keros island 16.29 km (10.12 nm), Day 7. Keros – Vlychada – Santorini 82.37 km (51.18 nm)
Sailing from Athens to Santorini: 14 days sailing cruise
Day 1. Athens – Selinia Salamis (Salamina island) 9.42 km (5.85 nm), Day 2. Salamina – Aegina 26.25 km (16.31 nm), Day 3. Aegina Lavrion ( Olympic Marine) 68, 02 km (42, 26 nm), Day 4. Lavrion – Merihas (Kythnos Island) 45, 95 km (28, 55 nm), Day 5. Merihas – Livadi (Serifos Island) 47, 76 km (29, 68 nm), Day 6. Livadi – Milos island (Adamantas) 51, 33 km (31, 90 nm), Day 7. Milos – Folgerandos (Karavostasis) 67, 01 km (41, 64 nm), Day 8. Folgerandos – Santorini (Thira) 50, 25 km (31, 22 nm), Day 9. Thira – Vlychada (Santorini) 15, 83 km (9, 83 nm), Day 10. Vlychada – Ios 52, 81 km (32, 81 nm), Day 11. Ios – Sifnos island (Kamares)67, 61 km (42, 01 nm), Day 12. Kamares – Siros 88, 45 km , Day 13. Siros – Kea 69, 63 km (43, 27 nm), Day 14. Kea – Glifada – Athens75, 68 km (47, 02 nm).
More about sailing from Athens to Santorini
Catamaran sailing tour from Crete to Santorini
Day 1. Heraklion – Agia Pelagia 16, 30 km (10, 13 nm), Day 2. Agia Pelagia – Vlychada 110, 01 km (68, 36 nm), Day 3. Vlychada – Anafi 30.37 km (18.87 nm), Day 4. Anafi – Monolitos 26, 60 km (16, 53 nm), Day 5. Monilitos – Oia 17, 10 km (10, 63 nm), Day 6. Oia – Fira 9, 36 km (5, 82 nm), Day 7. Fira – Black Beach – Heraklion 121, 75 km (75, 65 nm).
More information about catamaran Crete to Santorini.
Marine gas near Santorini
- Riva Tirasia, Santorini: Depth: 5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.452705, 25.344247
- Thira New Port, Santorini: Depth: 4.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.386354, 25.428268
- Adamantas Milos, Milos: Depth: 5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.721797, 24.444774
- Riva Tirasia, Santorini: Depth: 5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.452705, 25.344247
- Thira New Port, Santorini: Depth: 4.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.386354, 25.428268
In this article, we have shown you why it is worth to go sailing in Santorini. According to some, this place used to be Atlantis known from the legends. It is one of Europe’s most extraordinary places. You can experience the Greek lifestyle, the history and the refreshing atmosphere of summer. Rent a yacht now so you do not miss it! Find more Cyclades sailing routes
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