If you’ve spent any time researching a sailing trip to the Cyclades in July or August, you’ve probably heard the name whispered with a mix of awe and caution: The Meltemi.
In the world of automated booking sites, the Meltemi is often described as a “challenge to overcome” or a “strong northerly wind.” But for those of us who live and breathe the Aegean, the Meltemi isn’t an obstacle—it’s our air conditioning, our engine, and our oldest friend.
The secret isn’t fighting the wind; it’s knowing how to dance with it. Here is how we at Greek Water Yachts keep our guests comfortable and smiling while the whitecaps are dancing in the open sea.
- The “Golden Morning” Strategy
The Meltemi has a very predictable daily rhythm. It likes to sleep in. Usually, the Aegean is like a mirror until about 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM.
As local skippers, we use this to your advantage. We often suggest an “Early Greek Start.” We pull up the anchor at 8:00 AM, enjoy a peaceful breakfast on deck while motoring or light-sailing to our next destination, and drop anchor in a sheltered bay just as the wind begins to wake up. By the time the wind is at its peak (around 3:00 PM), you aren’t fighting waves—you’re already tucked away in a turquoise cove with a cold frappé in hand.
- The Art of “Island Shadowing”
One of the biggest mistakes inexperienced sailors make is following a straight line on a GPS (the “Rhumb Line”). In August, the straightest path is often the most uncomfortable one.
We use Island Shadows. High islands like Naxos, and Amorgos act like giant windbreaks. By staying close to the southern leeward side of these islands, we can sail in relatively flat water even when it’s blowing 25 knots just a mile away. It’s the difference between a bumpy “rollercoaster” ride and a smooth, elegant glide.
- “Downwind” Itineraries (The One-Way Secret)
We prefer Linear Itineraries. Because we know the Meltemi blows from the North, we often plan routes that move South. Imagine a week where the wind is always at your back, pushing you gently toward your next destination. You get the speed and the thrill of sailing without the salt spray in your face.
- Choosing the “Right” Bay: The Secrets of the Minor Cyclades
In August, the wind direction is remarkably consistent (North/Northeast). This means that some of the most famous bays in Greece can become “lee shores”—exposed, choppy, and dangerous for anchoring.
Because we know these waters personally, we don’t take you where the generic guidebooks (or the automated booking bots) suggest. We take you to the “Local’s Refuge.” When the Meltemi is at its peak, the Minor Cyclades—the group of tiny islands tucked between Naxos and Amorgos—offer some of the most spectacular, calm-water anchorages in the world.
Here are three of our favorite “August Sanctuaries”:
- Alimia Bay (Iraklia): This is one of the most protected spots in the Aegean. Even when the North wind is howling outside the bay, the water in Alimia remains like glass. It’s also home to a sunken WWII German plane—perfect for a morning snorkel in calm water.
- Mersini (Schinoussa): While many sailors head for the main port, we prefer the deep, fjord-like shelter of Mersini. It is widely considered one of the safest natural harbors in the Cyclades. You can enjoy a quiet dinner at a family-run taverna while your boat sits completely still.
- Kato Koufonisi (Detis Anchorage): When the crowds in Pano Koufonisi are feeling the swell, we drop anchor at Detis. The turquoise lagoons here are shielded by the island’s northern cliffs, creating a natural swimming pool that stays tranquil even in 30 knots of wind.
While the big aggregators might just point you toward the biggest marinas, we lead you to these southern coves where the water stays as calm as a swimming pool regardless of the weather.
- Embracing the “Cool”
Finally, let’s talk about the best part of the Meltemi: The Temperature. Without this wind, August in Greece can reach a stifling 40°C. The Meltemi is a dry, cooling breeze that keeps the deck fresh, prevents humidity, and means you can actually sleep at night without needing the generator and A/C running 24/7. It is the reason the Cyclades feel so much more alive in mid-summer than the mainland.
Ready to sail the “Right” way?
The Meltemi shouldn’t be feared; it should be handled by someone who knows its moods. At Greek Water Yachts, we don’t just rent you a boat—we give you a captain who knows every gust and every hidden shelter in the Aegean.
