With around 6,000 islands and islets, Greece is a sailor's paradise – but which are the best Greek islands to sail? From the iconic blue-domed Cyclades to the lush green Ionian, each island group has its own character and its own stars. Here's a guide to the most beautiful and rewarding Greek islands to drop anchor at, whatever kind of sailing you're after.
The Cyclades: iconic and dramatic
The postcard Greece of whitewashed villages and deep blue sea. Naxos (green and authentic), Paros (pretty harbours), Milos (lunar cliffs and the Kleftiko coves), Mykonos (glamour and nightlife) and show-stopping Santorini are the highlights. Steady summer wind makes for exhilarating sailing – see our full guide to sailing the Cyclades.
The Ionian: green and gentle
On Greece's west coast, the Ionian islands are lush, calm and perfect for beginners. Corfu charms with its Venetian old town, Paxos & Antipaxos hide Caribbean-clear coves, and Lefkada, Kefalonia and Ithaca offer dramatic beaches and gentle afternoon breezes. This is the easiest, greenest sailing in Greece.
The Saronic, Sporades and Dodecanese
Close to Athens, the Saronic stars car-free Hydra and elegant Spetses. Up north, the pine-clad Sporades – Skiathos and Skopelos – are green and beautiful. In the far southeast, the Dodecanese serve up medieval Rhodes, jewel-like Symi and holy Patmos, rich in history and close to the Turkish coast.
Ready to island-hop the Greek isles? Discover our Greece sailing trips.
Which islands should you choose?
New to sailing or after calm days? Choose the Ionian or the Saronic. Want dramatic scenery and proper wind? The Cyclades. Love history and quiet, uncrowded islands? The Dodecanese or Sporades. Whichever you pick, a professional skipper handles the sailing, so you can focus on the islands. For the full regional picture, see our guide to the best sailing areas in Greece.
Frequently asked questions
Which Greek islands are best for sailing?
The Cyclades for iconic scenery and wind, the Ionian for gentle beginner-friendly sailing, and the Saronic for easy island-hopping near Athens are the top choices.
Which Greek islands are best for beginners?
The Ionian islands and the Saronic Gulf – both calm, sheltered and with short distances between anchorages.
How many Greek islands can you visit in a week?
Typically five to seven, depending on the group and the wind – distances are usually short, so you see a lot without long passages.
Conclusion
From the dramatic Cyclades to the gentle Ionian and the historic Dodecanese, the best Greek islands to sail offer something for every kind of sailor. Ready to choose yours? Explore our Greece sailing trips.
