Greece / Turkey in October

[Cheeky Girl]

We might have some free time in October and are wondering whether to charter in Greece or Turkey in Mid October. Any ideas as to weather - warmth or wind speeds and the sea temperature. Are the local taverns etc still open.

Thanks

 

[dralex]

Been to Turkey sailing in late September and found the weather is still nice, warm and sunny on the whole, but getting less predictable. There is more chance of cloud and rain and strong winds ( we had up to F7). The daylight is getting a lot less and it will be dark earlier. Some of the smaller restaurants and places have closed by then and you may find you need to go to the towns if you want that sort of thing. Plus points are the temperature is lovely to sleep in at night and the popular anchorages are quieter. The sea is also lovely and warm. This is all based on my times sailing around Gocek, Fethye, Kas and Kalkan.

 

[MASH]

My time of choice in the Marmaris area is Sept/Oct. Quieter anchorages, warm water and warm weather. Hot sun in day, can become chilly and dewey by dawn come mid Oct but the rising sun immediatelt changes that. Increasesd chances of thunderstorms in Oct too, but they mainly seem to be in the early hours as the air cools. Strong winds? Well, my main problem with that part of the world has been a reliable lack of wind most of the time so a but of a breeze seems welcome. I have had few nighttime blows in Turkey tho they do happen - ususlly calm at night. Most restaurants seem to be open certainly up to mid Oct, and I believe that marmaris really doesn't stop until after race week in early Nov. Some of the tiny isolated tavernas in the remote anchorages may not be open but they usually aren't that good anyway!Go for it!

 

[steve_cronin]

I agree with Alex.

We go to Greece EVERY October for our wedding anniversary week and always have a great time because most of the tavernas are still open - but a few owners have shut up and returned to Athens.The weather is mild more often than not. The uncanny bit is that the sea temperature is often higher than that of the air so getting splashed by spray is a pleasurable experience.

The Meltemi will have subsided by then but there is a fair chance of thunderstorms which can be a spectacle if you're anchored up somewhere sheltered. If you have a tight schedule, try to avoid long trips in open water.

Around Athens the *Saronic circuit is ideal for a week in October. We've done it in November too.

Steve Cronin

* Athens- Aegina- Poros- Hydra -Ermione/Porto Heli- Astrous- Poros/Methana & possibly Vathi on the other side of the Methana Penninsula and back to Athens.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Go for it.

One things for sure, it'll be better than North Britain at that time of year.

 

[Appleyard]

Steve mentioned thunderstorms at that time of year..we are planning to be in Greece sept-oct .It probably has been mentioned before..but what precautions should be taken on a boat ..(I mean one with a big sticky up bit and flappy things) before or during a tunderstorm?Obviously a good idea is to park next to a bigger sticky up bit ,however can anyone advise?

 

[poter]

there have been quite a few discussions on here re Thunder Storms & the best action to take, try a search.

Greek islands in Oct are great, try a bit further south though. Have a look at booking a boat out of Rhodes and you can get to Simi (not to be missed) Tilos & Khalki on the west side of Rhodes, great anchorage & some good eating, we used Cosmos out of Rhodes.
Winds are ok but check with the local port/harbour for weather, but I would not worry to much there are plenty of shelterd spots to lay up, do get hold of Rod Heikell Greek water Pilot.

GFI

poter

 

[Twister_Ken]

Took a look at Poter\'s new boat...

...glad to see the bow is on hard, wouldn't want it fallng off.

 

[stormeagle]

I have just returned from three months sailing in the Ionian - july/August beastly hot, and was advised that the wise lay up, and return for the best sailing in September and October - Tavernas still open, and the more lunatic charterers thinner on the water.
Hope this helps.

 

[Melody]

I'd say the weather in October here is like it is in the southern parts of the UK in July/August. ie: can be lovely and hot but you may get days not so nice. Thunderstorms are possible as mentioned but they don't last for long. I stop swimming mid October but I like my sea hot!
Southern parts of Greece are warmer but the tavernas etc may close on smaller islands. If you stay within reach of Athens they'll be open for the Athenian weekenders.