Timeless in every sense, the South Aegean incorporates all that is necessary for an unforgettable sailing experience - beaches of soft, golden sand, vivid green colors of many plant species and the bluest sea mother nature has to give. Combine that with up-to-date sailing facilities in marinas and harbors scattered across the region, and you get a once-in-a-lifetime cruising experience.
Where to start? Charter locations in South Aegean region
Clear sky, calm sea and lush vegetation in abundance, with oranges and olives growing out of every pore of the islands in the South Aegean means a vacation one does not forget easily. Making port in the harbors of the South Aegean region is easy to do - the coastline is receptive, handling many boats, yachts, catamarans and ferries coming and going with ease. Inland, many historical findings of civilizations that sailed in these waters: The Romans, The Venetians, The Turks... Beautiful Cycladic villages made up of white rock, narrow streets, alleyways and welcoming hosts make sure every trip to the South Aegean is colorful and worthy of remembrance.
Know throughout the world as Hippocrates Island and considered to be part of the Dodecanes island group, Kos is located near the Turkish coast, with Rhodes to the south and Patmos in the north. An elongated island, Kos is also very narrow and flat, unlike most Greek islands, with the coastline stretching to about 120 km. Entering the compact harbor of Kos, the 15th-century Neratzia Castle is immediately noticeable. Among many other interesting architectural and archeological sites to see around Kos, it is hard to make a clean selection. There are plenty of temples, shrines and columns dating from Doric and Ionic periods, together with The Eleftheria and Platanos Squares, known as hives of activity in any time of day or night. Worthy mentions also include the Dionysus altar, the Hercules sanctuary and the Asklipieio, the most famous Aesculapium (healing temple) in Greece. Beautiful beaches are common as olives in Kos: the Nomikou-Barbagianni sandy beach, Karnagio beach with shallow waters, Aghios Fokas with black sand, Thermes beach with warm thermal spas and many more. As daylight fades, Exarhia, the after-hours district of the island, offers all that can be imagined in terms of a vibrant nightlife.
Paros, geographically the heart of the Cyclades cluster, boasts beauties made by nature and by man, meaning a sailing holiday here incorporates the best of both worlds. Rich vegetation grows around Paros in abundance thanks to plenty of running water, so plane trees, laurels, olive trees, and carob trees are a common sight. The old town and surrounding areas hide many sights to be seen, from the long past of Paros. There is the 6th century church of Panayia Ekatontapyliani, the white monastery of Ai Yianni Detis and many museums, including the Archaeological Museum. Bountiful nature has provided Paros with many beautiful beaches to be enjoyed by sailors from every corner of the world. Chrissí Aktí, Santa Maria and Poúnda beaches await all to bathe in their crystal-clear waters and bask in the warmth of the sun. Kalóyeros beach, located on a rich source of clay, offers a natural and cleansing spa, to be enjoyed directly on the beach.
Sailing season - When to charter in South Aegean region?
Sailing in the South Aegean is best done in April and May, before the crowds come pouring in and while the landscape is still green and the temperatures of both land and sea and comfortable, but not unbearable. During the peak of the season, in June, July and August, there are crowds everywhere, which is a good thing for anyone wishing to experience the nightlife the South Aegean has to offer. September and October are also good choices, when the summer season is over and prices for accommodations and yacht chartering have gone down. After early October it is not recommended to sail around South Aegean to any but the most experienced sailor because many facilities close and storms become more and more regular.