Journal
NoaVela Blog
15 years of sailing Greece — our guides, routes, and insider tips for your perfect charter vacation
The Complete Guide to Your First Sailing Vacation in Greece
Everything you need to know before your first charter — from choosing bareboat vs skippered to packing lists and Vasile's personal story.
Cyclades vs Ionian: Which Greek Islands Are Right for You?
A detailed comparison of Greece's two most popular sailing regions — winds, scenery, difficulty, and Nicoleta's advice for indecisive clients.
What's Included in a Yacht Charter Price? The No-Surprises Guide
Base price, mandatory extras, optional add-ons, and the hidden costs nobody tells you about. Plus Vasile's money-saving tips.
7-Day Cyclades Itinerary: The Perfect Island-Hopping Route
Day-by-day sailing from Lavrion through Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, and Kimolos — with distances, anchorages, and Nicoleta's Meltemi tips.
7-Day Ionian Itinerary: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Route
From Lefkada through Meganisi, Kastos, Kalamos, Ithaca, and Kefalonia — kid-friendly beaches, tavernas with playgrounds, and Vasile's family sailing stories.
Sailing with Kids in Greece: Everything Parents Need to Know
Best ages, safety gear, daily routines, entertainment ideas, and Nicoleta's safety briefing she gives every family charter.
Top 10 Secret Anchorages in Greece That Only Locals Know
Hidden bays from Kleftiko to Kolona — how to get there, best wind direction, and personal memories from 15 years of sailing.
Catamaran vs Monohull: Which Yacht Should You Charter?
Honest comparison of space, stability, cost, and sailing feel. Nicoleta's professional opinion as a skipper who has sailed both extensively.
Saronic Gulf: The Perfect Weekend Sailing Trip from Athens
Why the Saronic is underrated — Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses — and Vasile's story of introducing friends to sailing here.
Dodecanese Islands: Sailing from Rhodes to Kos and Beyond
Greece's hidden gem for sailing — Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Nisyros, Kos. Less crowded, warmer longer. Nicoleta's tip: Symi has the most photogenic harbor.
Sporades Islands: Greece's Best-Kept Sailing Secret
The greenest islands in Greece — pine forests, turquoise water, monk seals. Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and why it's perfect for nature lovers.
Hiring a Skipper in Greece: What to Expect and How to Choose
When you need a skipper, qualifications to look for, costs, etiquette, and Nicoleta's perspective as a professional skipper — what she loves about the job.
Greece Sailing Weather: Month-by-Month Wind and Weather Guide
April through October — temperature, wind patterns, Meltemi explained, regional differences. Nicoleta's wind reading tips and weather app advice.
Yacht Provisioning in Greece: What to Buy and Where to Shop
Complete provisioning guide — meal planning, Greek products to try, local supermarkets, Vasile's favorite boat meals. €30–50€/person/day budget.
Most Romantic Greek Islands: A Couple's Sailing Guide
Santorini, Hydra, Symi, Folegandros, Milos — sunset anchorages, private bays, and Nicoleta and Vasile's own romantic sailing memories.
Sailing Greece with Friends: How to Plan the Ultimate Group Trip
Organizing 6–12 friends, splitting costs, managing expectations. Vasile's guide to group decisions and conflict-avoidance on board.
What Sailing License Do You Need to Charter in Greece?
ICC, RYA Day Skipper, Greek requirements. Nicoleta's explanation of qualification levels and when you need a skipper instead.
Charter Check-in Day: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Day
What happens on Saturday — arrival, briefing, boat walkthrough. Vasile's checklist and Nicoleta's advice: don't rush to sail far.
Best Waterfront Tavernas in the Greek Islands (Accessible by Boat)
12–15 taverna recommendations across Greece — from Meganisi to Fiskardo, Hydra to Pollonia. Vasile and Nicoleta's all-time favorites.
Why Greece is the Best Sailing Destination in the World
A love letter to sailing in Greece — from two people who've spent 15 years doing it. Geography, climate, food, people, and why we built NoaVela here.