Yachting in Greece

CycladesThe Cyclades

archipelago forms a kind of circle (Greek kyklos), circled around the island of Dilos. The Cyclades include 30 larger islands and about 190 islets. All these Greek islands provide wonderful holiday destinations for romantic couples, groups of friends or families. The most popular islands in Greece in general are Santorini and Mykonos, while other frequently visited islands are Paros, Naxos, Ios and Sifnos.

In Greek, the term meltemi is inflected by all the falls. This dry, katabatic wind usually avoids the Ionian Sea, but is fully manifested in the Aegean Sea

. It can also threaten the leeward side of the island in the form of a downdraft. A melt warning is in force for the islands of Kea, Evia, Tinos, Andros, Folegandros, Kos, Serifos, Amorgos and Sifnos.

The meltemi blows completely undisturbed in a wide corridor between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese

, where it can reach over 100 km/h and where it blows mainly in the high season. However, the meltemi also has its positives. It brings cooling, good visibility and reduced humidity.

In April, May and June, as well as in September and October, the winds in the Aegean and Ionian Sea are steady and reliable. Strong meltemi do not occur during this period. In addition, the sea is heated to a pleasant 28-30 °C after the end of the high season. Swimming is possible in Greece from May, when the sea temperature reaches 19-21 °C. The average daily maximum air temperature on Naxos rises from April's 19 °C, through July and August's 27 °C, to October, when the temperature drops to 22 °C.

The Mediterranean climate allows for the cultivation of many agricultural crops, which is why the Greeks are also keen on fresh ingredients

. Dishes here tend to be aromatic thanks to the use of wild herbs. Perhaps the most typical herbs are rosemary, dill, shabrei, smil, basil, parsley, mint and mace.

The most characteristic and oldest ingredient is olive oil, which is found in almost every dish. Olives (the most famous are the black olives from Kalamata), tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, courgettes

, onions, potatoes, green beans and okra (edible hibiscus) are also widely used. It is common to combine meat with ingredients used in other countries only in sweet dishes, such as cinnamon or raisins.

Greek dining is characterised by mezedes, a variety of small snacks served with wine. These usually consist of a variety of cheeses, herbal salami lukaniko, fried pieces of octopus and cuttlefish, vegetable salads or pita bread with tzatziki or other dip. The desserts are very sweet, using filo (dough made of many very thin slices), nuts and honey

.

The composition of the menu varies by region. In the mountainous and forested northern part of the country, game meat, especially boar, is popular, while seafood is eaten on the coast. Typical fish are sole (of the flatfish order), mackerel or gavun. The Ionian islands, which have long been under Italian influence, differ from the rest of Greece in the popularity of pasta. Crete has a number of local specialities (wholemeal paximadi and the paximadi dakos salad) and Cyprus (herbal halloumi or lountza cheese, pork loin marinated in wine and smoked).

Greek history is exciting and educational at the same time. Its history is the longest recorded of any European place. Initially, it was the Minoan civilisation on Crete that enjoyed the greatest cultural and economic development, with the building of palaces as seats of power and the subsequent growth of cities around them. After a decline, the Mycenaean culture

reigned, but its rulers often fought among themselves, there were considerable social differences, and it was soon overwhelmed by the Sea Peoples and the Dorians. There was a period of decline known as the Dark Ages.

A new boom came with Greek colonisation and the development of the ancient polis

. In this flourishing period, ancient Greek culture emerges, which lays the foundation for all of Western civilization. Greece successfully repels the attacks of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, but its legs are particularly badly damaged by the internal wars between Sparta and Athens. King Philip II of Macedon took advantage of this and took control of most of the country. His son Alexander overthrew the Persian Empire and reached as far as the Indus region. After his death in Babylon, the Hellenistic period began, when Greek and Oriental cultures intermingled. In the 2nd century BC, Greece became part of the Roman Empire.

Until 2005, only 620 miles of the 10,000 miles of Greek coastal waters were accessible to divers. However, after a change in legislation, diving is allowed throughout Greece. We bring you tips for the most spectacular dives in Greece

, for more interesting places see the individual destination descriptions.

There are around 90 dive centres in Greece. A very good centre with an interesting underwater world nearby is located in Mykonos. For one dive here you will pay 60 EUR including equipment rental, guide and boat transport. A package of 5 dives will cost you 250 EUR.

Caves at Dragonisi IslandThis

dive site is located southeast of Mykonos and is a real gem. Jump into the azure abyss below and be mesmerised by the stunning rock formations, massive caves and schools of transparent fish and anemones. It's not unusual to say hello to a Mediterranean fur seal, which has a sanctuary nearby.

The

wreck of the HMHS BritannicNearly

a century after its sinking, you can descend to the Titanic's sister ship. Lying on the seabed off the island of Kea, the sight of it will make your jaw drop. It is the largest ship sunk during the First World War, discovered in 1975 by maritime legend Jacques Cousteau. It's a very challenging dive.

The

island of Chios

can be found just 7 kilometres from the Turkish border. Head to the Great Wall and you won't be surprised. Underwater you can expect almost everything from shipwrecks, to schools of colourful fish, to huge rock masses. The Great Wall itself measures around 30 metres and is covered in colourful coral. Tuna, salps and sea bass will keep you company, and you might even be joined by sea turtles.

Diving in Greece is subject to seven regulations:

• Underwater activities are carried out from dawn to dusk.
• The use and possession of equipment for retrieving historical objects is strictly prohibited.
• It is forbidden to photograph, remove or retrieve historical objects; any find must be reported immediately.
• Underwater fishing with breathing apparatus is prohibited.
• The establishment and operation of diving schools is subject to a special licence.
• No scientific or professional work may be carried out on the seabed without the authorisation of the Ministry of Culture and Science.
• All divers must respect the above and comply with Law 5351/32.

How yachting in Greece differs from yachting in CroatiaThe

yachting infrastructure in Greece is not nearly as developed as in Croatia. You will rarely come across yachting marinas. However, you will encounter very friendly people

everywhere, you rarely pay for mooring, usually you only pay for electricity and water (if available).

Compared to Croatia, there are not many modern marinas here. But if you do find one, you probably won't leave half your boat fund there. Usually you pay nothing at all, or only a token amount

in the order of a few euros. The same is true of moorings and municipal harbours. Yachtsmen are simply not seen as a floating piggy bank here.

In Greece, it is possible to start sailing in the Aegean Sea in a much more demanding way than in Croatia.