This was our first flotilla holiday and I can thoroughly recommend it! We went as a family with adult children as we all live apart. It was great to have an activity to do together and we all enjoyed...
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Do you dream of hopping from one Greek island to the next? Have you considered doing so on a one-week-long voyage out at sea? Then book a sailing holiday in Greece. You'll be greeted by hot sunshine and the bright, turquoise sea. The coastline and islands of the epic south Ionian have long been known for their stunning scenery, beautiful bays, pine-clad mountains, dramatic coastline, sheltered towns and hidden coves.
Our flotillas travel the south Ionian Sea taking in beautiful harbours, bays and anchorages. Sailing here is an adventure and an opportunity to discover something new while stopping at classic, timeless destinations. some classic destinations.
Book your next sailing holiday in Greece with us today.
The lowdown
- Sail the south Ionian
- One-and-two week flotillas
- Flotilla Skipper holidays
- Stay and sail holidays
- Sailing courses
- Island hopping and historical sites
- Shoreside tavernas and tranquil bays
- Hidden beaches and coves
- Suitable for all sailors
Why choose the Ionian Sea for your sailing holiday in Greece?
Let's face it, the setting is everything when it comes to sailing holidays in Greece. The islands of the Ionian have long been known for their beautiful bays, pine-clad mountains, and dramatic coastlines.
The South Ionian Sea is show-stoppingly beautiful. Plus, there are practical benefits that make the area perfect for sailing holidays in Greece. If you're new to sailing or have only been sailing for a short while, then a visit to the South Ionian is ideal. With steady breezes, shorter routes, and sheltered waters, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the scenery and sun throughout your Greek island sailing holiday. The distance between one port and the next is never more than a few miles, giving you plenty of time to drop anchor and explore.
What can you expect from a sailing holiday in Greece?
You'll be greeted by hot sunshine and a bright, turquoise sea against a backdrop of vivid colours. Think brilliant greens and whites of the beaches, vineyards, and traditional Greek towns.
You can do a one or two-week flotilla starting from our yacht marina at Vounaki Beach Club. If you want to shake up your holiday, you can stay and sail by spending a week at Vounaki Beach Club followed by a week on the high seas, sailing as part of a flotilla.
You can also join a sailing course from our sailing holidays base in the south Ionian including the ICC assessment, RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper
Sailing holidays in Greece for beginners
Gentle breezes and sheltered waters are what make our sailing holidays to Greece ideal for beginners. The short route to each port also means the pressure is off, giving you more time to focus on exploring and relaxing.
There are options suited to beginners, such as our skippered flotilla sailing holidays in Greece. Designed to help you gain confidence under the supervision of our expert team, they're great for anyone wanting to build their skills and give sailing a go.
Stay and sail holidays in Greece
Why not add some time sailing the shores of the Ionian on a Neilson yacht to your next Beach Club holiday? Come and join us on a stay and sail adventure.
You'll spend a week living it up at a Beach Club, packing in the activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, cycling and tennis; relaxing by the pool and if you have kids, getting them off to kids' clubs.
Then it’s time to sail out to sea, joining the Neilson flotilla and immersing yourself in flotilla life for the second week of adventure.
Sailing courses
We offer a variety of RYA sailing courses from our yacht marina at Vounaki Beach Club in Greece.
- ICC assessment
- RYA Day Skipper
- RYA Competent Crew
What better place to add to your skills than on a sailing holiday in Greece.
Our Greece sailing holiday yachts
Our yacht marina is at our Vounaki Beach Club and the yachts are suitable for sleeping between 2 and 8 people. We recommend that you don't fill them to the brim, as the additional space will make you more comfortable during your trip.
The yachts come equipped with towels and bedlinen, plus additional boating equipment like a navigation kit. Not forgetting the all-important fuel! While we do provide a starter grocery kit, you'll need to bring food for the voyage.
Wind and weather in Greece for a sailing holiday
With wind force rarely above 3 throughout May and October, the Ionian is a great place for all levels of sailor embarking on a Greek island sailing holiday. The wind generally comes from the northwest, between force 1-3 in the morning, picking up to between force 2-4 in the afternoon.
There’ll be plenty of time to top up your tan on the deck with temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees in August. There tends to be very little rain throughout this period. Expect warm days and warm nights, allowing you to pack as much as you like into your day. And look out for amazing sunsets - do not forget your camera!
Eating like a local
Many delicious things spring to mind when someone mentions Greek cuisine. Feta, olives, moussaka… the list goes on, with delicacies varying across the country.
The Greek islands are known for sensational seafood, which is understandable given their proximity to the Mediterranean, Ionian, and Aegean Seas. Expect everything from calamari to octopus, fried or chargrilled to perfection. Fancy a sweet treat? Honey is regularly used instead of sugar to sweeten dishes. A common dessert is honey and baklava, combining a flaky filo pastry with honey and ground nuts. A sailing holiday in Greece promises a fantastic feed throughout your trip.
Travel information for sailing holidays in Greece
- Language: Greek
- Currency: Euros
- Local time: GMT/BST+2
- Flight time from UK: approx. 3-4 hours
- Visa info: Visa is not required for UK passport holders.
- Additional info: Before your holiday to Greece, visit gov.uk/foreign-advice-travel/greece for recommendations and advice.
Why choose Neilson for your sailing holiday in Greece?
Escape it all with a sailing holiday to Greece. Beginners and pros alike can soak up breathtaking surroundings along the south Ionian coastline, dipping in and out of hidden coves along the way.
We have an experienced team waiting to pull together your ideal Greek Island sailing holiday. Just look at our reviews on Feefo if you need more reassurance. Our 40 years of experience means we know a thing or two about activity holidays, whatever that might look like to you. You can also visit the Neilson Hub to gather inspiration and information before you decide.
To find out more or book your next holiday with us, contact our friendly team.