Where to Sail in Northern Greece
Northern Greece is one of the country’s best-kept secrets for sailing. Its calm blue waters, hidden coves, and historic seaside towns make it perfect for travelers who want to explore beyond the famous islands. If you’ve ever wondered where to sail in Northern Greece, this guide will take you through some of the most beautiful routes, islands, and experiences you can find.
Blue Pearl Yachting, based in Kavala, offers the chance to discover this peaceful part of Greece aboard a 40-foot catamaran. Whether you want a relaxing day at sea or a full week exploring multiple islands, Northern Greece has something for everyone.
Why Sail in Northern Greece?
Most people think of the Cyclades or the Ionian Islands when planning a sailing trip in Greece. But Northern Greece offers a completely different experience. The waters are calm, the scenery is lush and green, and the atmosphere feels more local and authentic.
Here, you’ll find a mix of quiet beaches, fishing villages, and cultural landmarks that tell stories from ancient Greece to modern times. The region is also known for its warm hospitality and delicious food, making every stop memorable.
For travelers looking to avoid crowds and discover something new, Northern Greece is the perfect destination.
The Best Starting Point: Kavala
If you’re deciding where to sail in Northern Greece, start with Kavala. This charming coastal city is the gateway to the northern Aegean. It’s where many sailing adventures begin, and it has a little bit of everything.
Kavala is known for its amphitheater-shaped harbor, colorful old town, and views of the Aegean Sea. The Byzantine castle sits above the city, and from there, you can see fishing boats moving through the marina and the outline of Thassos in the distance.
Sailing from Kavala is convenient because the winds are gentle, the marina is modern, and nearby destinations are just a short distance away. It’s also a great place to explore before or after your sailing trip. Walk through the old town, visit the aqueduct of Kamares, and try local seafood dishes at the waterfront tavernas.
Thassos: The Emerald Island of the North
Just across from Kavala lies Thassos, a lush green island known for its pine forests, marble beaches, and crystal-clear water. It’s one of the best places to visit on a day charter or weekend trip.
Sailing around Thassos gives you access to beaches and coves that are difficult to reach by land. Some of the most beautiful stops include:
Saliara Beach (Marble Beach): A bright white bay with turquoise water, famous for its marble pebbles.
Giola Lagoon: A natural rock pool filled with seawater, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Aliki Peninsula: A peaceful anchorage where ancient marble quarries meet the sea.
You can swim, snorkel, or just relax on deck surrounded by nature. Thassos also has charming seaside villages where you can stop for lunch or coffee, like Limenas and Potos.
For many guests, Thassos captures the best of Northern Greece — peaceful, natural, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Sailing Routes Around Thassos
If you’re planning a day tour from Kavala, Thassos is ideal. A typical itinerary might include:
Morning: Depart from Kavala marina, sail toward Thassos, and stop for swimming at Saliara Beach.
Midday: Drop anchor near Aliki for lunch or snorkeling.
Afternoon: Enjoy a slow sail back with sunset views of the island and Kavala’s coastline.
For a weekend charter, you can circle the entire island, stopping at hidden coves each night. The waters around Thassos are calm and easy to navigate, making them great for first-time sailors or families.
Samothraki: The Wild Island of the North Aegean
For travelers looking for adventure, Samothraki is a unique destination worth the trip. It’s best explored on a weekly charter, since it’s farther from Kavala.
Samothraki is known for its wild landscapes and mythology. According to legend, it was a sacred island where ancient gods were worshipped. You can still visit the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, one of Greece’s most mysterious archaeological sites.
Unlike other islands, Samothraki has waterfalls and rivers that flow down from Mount Saos, the island’s towering mountain. After a day of sailing, visitors can hike to the Fonias waterfalls or soak in the island’s natural hot springs.
The island feels untouched and authentic, offering an experience that connects nature, history, and peace.
Lemnos: A Hidden Gem for Longer Adventures
Another destination perfect for weekly sailing trips is Lemnos. It’s located farther out in the northern Aegean, known for its golden beaches, ancient ruins, and relaxed charm.
Sailing to Lemnos from Kavala takes several hours, but the journey is worth it. Along the way, you’ll pass through open blue waters where dolphins sometimes appear near the bow of the catamaran.
Lemnos offers a mix of culture and tranquility. The island’s capital, Myrina, is built around a castle and a harbor lined with fishing boats. The nearby village of Kotsinas has a beautiful bay that’s perfect for anchoring overnight.
Visitors can explore the Hephaestia archaeological site, named after the ancient god of fire, or walk through sand dunes at Gomati Beach, one of the only desert-like landscapes in Greece.
For those who love exploring new places far from the crowds, Lemnos feels like discovering a hidden paradise.
What Makes Northern Greece Different for Sailing?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is, “What makes sailing in Northern Greece different from the rest of the country?”
The answer is simple. Northern Greece offers a quieter and more authentic side of Greek life. The harbors are peaceful, the locals are welcoming, and the scenery changes from mountain views to sandy beaches within a few miles.
The sailing conditions are also ideal for beginners or families. Winds are generally lighter than in the southern islands, making for smoother journeys. You can visit multiple locations without long distances between them, which means more time for swimming and relaxing.
For those who love history, many of the ports and villages in Northern Greece have ties to ancient civilizations, Byzantine architecture, and even Ottoman influences. Every stop tells a story.
Cultural Stops Worth Visiting
Part of the magic of sailing in Northern Greece is discovering its culture along the way. Here are a few meaningful stops that combine sailing with history and local life:
Philippi Archaeological Site: Near Kavala, this UNESCO World Heritage site shows ruins from the Roman and early Christian eras.
Aliki Ancient Quarries (Thassos): Explore remains of marble quarries that supplied ancient temples.
Samothraki’s Sanctuary of the Great Gods: A sacred site where rituals took place thousands of years ago.
Myrina Castle (Lemnos): Walk along the ancient walls and enjoy a sunset view over the harbor.
Each destination offers something unique, helping visitors connect with the deeper spirit of Greece.
When Is the Best Time to Sail in Northern Greece?
The sailing season in Northern Greece runs from May to October, when the weather is warm and the sea is calm.
May to June: Perfect for mild weather and blooming landscapes.
July to August: Peak summer, ideal for swimming and long daylight hours.
September to October: The sea stays warm, but there are fewer visitors, creating a peaceful experience.
Unlike southern Greece, the summer winds here are gentler, so even the height of the season feels relaxed.
What You’ll See on a Day at Sea
A day on board a Blue Pearl Yachting catamaran feels like a perfect blend of adventure and peace.
You’ll set sail from Kavala’s marina, where the city’s pastel houses fade into the background as the catamaran glides across the bay. The captain often chooses a route based on weather and guest preferences, so each trip feels personal.
There are stops for swimming in calm turquoise water, time to enjoy lunch on deck, and quiet moments to watch the horizon. As the sun begins to set, the sky turns shades of pink and gold over the Aegean.
Whether you’re celebrating with friends or spending the day as a couple, the rhythm of the sea creates memories that last long after the trip ends.
What to Pack for a Sailing Trip
Packing for a sailing trip in Northern Greece is simple. Here are a few essentials to make your journey comfortable:
Light clothing and a swimsuit
A hat and sunscreen
A camera or phone for photos
A light jacket for the evening breeze
Sandals or water shoes
You won’t need much more. Life on board a catamaran is about simplicity, connection, and enjoying every moment surrounded by the sea.
Sample Weekly Itinerary from Kavala
For guests who want to experience everything Northern Greece has to offer, here’s a sample weekly charter route:
Day 1: Depart from Kavala and sail to Thassos, anchoring at Saliara Beach for swimming.
Day 2: Explore the southern side of Thassos, stopping at Aliki and overnighting near Potos.
Day 3: Set course for Samothraki and spend the afternoon visiting the Sanctuary of the Great Gods.
Day 4: Swim at Pachia Ammos Beach and relax in the island’s thermal springs.
Day 5: Sail toward Lemnos and explore the port of Myrina.
Day 6: Visit Gomati Beach and the sand dunes.
Day 7: Return to Kavala with scenic views and a farewell sunset.
This route combines history, nature, and culture in one unforgettable journey.
Featured Snippet: Where to Sail in Northern Greece
The best places to sail in Northern Greece are Kavala, Thassos, Samothraki, and Lemnos. Kavala is the main departure point, Thassos is perfect for day trips, and Samothraki and Lemnos are great for weekly charters. Together, they offer calm seas, scenic coastlines, and authentic Greek culture.
Why Choose Blue Pearl Yachting
Blue Pearl Yachting brings the beauty of Northern Greece to life with personalized sailing experiences. The 40-foot catamaran offers space, comfort, and safety for groups, couples, and families. Every journey is guided by a professional crew who know the region’s best spots for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxation.
Whether you’re exploring Thassos for the day or sailing for a week across the northern Aegean, Blue Pearl Yachting helps you see Greece from a new perspective — from the sea.
Follow us on Instagram @bluepearl.yachting for more daily inspiration.
Visit BluePearlYachting.com to book your catamaran excursion.
Conclusion
Northern Greece is a region full of natural beauty, ancient stories, and warm-hearted people. From the green shores of Thassos to the wild mountains of Samothraki and the golden beaches of Lemnos, every place tells its own tale.
Sailing here gives you the freedom to see Greece differently. The sea becomes your road, and each island your destination.
If you’ve been dreaming of calm waters, hidden coves, and unforgettable sunsets, Northern Greece is waiting.
Follow us on Instagram @bluepearl.yachting for more daily inspiration.
Visit BluePearlYachting.com to book your catamaran excursion.
