The local summer wind blowing from June to September is the fuel of the Archipelago! It cools the air temperature, clears up the sky and gives the Cyclades its authentic vibe which just doesn’t feel right without wind.
The Meltemi blows from a steady northerly direction throughout the archipelago, building up waves and confused seas, in unprotected areas for lack of islands fencing against waves to windward. In addition to wavy seas, in some areas the wind is accelerated while funnelling between islands, for instance. The wind can also be accelerated by an island itself (katabatic). Extended local knowledge and a careful planning of the itinerary are keys to a successful sailing cruise in the Cyclades. Depending on the strength of the Meltemi, your skipper will help you choose the best itinerary in order to ensure the smoothest possible and most exciting ride, while sailing from an island to the other. One of the most important factors to take into account, when planning the islands you wish to visit, is the wind and wave angle during the crossing. A yacht sailing or motoring against the wind would slam against the waves, get you wet and upset, while travelling at snail pace. To put it in a nut shell, sailing against the wind is what you absolutely do NOT want to experience!