ROBORME
New Member
we are relatively inexperienced sailors thinking of chartering in the Ionian Islands of Greece in mid October. Please can anyone advise on weather conditions?
Ionian weather in Mid October?
- Thread starter ROBORME
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Stevie_T
Well-Known Member
In my experience it is usually pretty good. Still warm and although it can still blow up a bit its pretty sheltered around the Lefkas, Keffalonia, Ithaca areas and the seas don't tend to get that big.
I have sailed last week in October (admittedly in Saronic Gulf but its not that far away) for the last 5 or 6 years and always enjoyed it thoroughly.
In fact its probably better than in July/August when the Meltemi can and has this year given some fairly strong winds.
I have sailed last week in October (admittedly in Saronic Gulf but its not that far away) for the last 5 or 6 years and always enjoyed it thoroughly.
In fact its probably better than in July/August when the Meltemi can and has this year given some fairly strong winds.
Joe_Cole
Well-Known Member
If you get hold of a "Sailing Holidays" brochure it will have info on weather in that part of the world. They may also have a website.
If you go the flotilla route I can thoroughly recommend them.
If you go the flotilla route I can thoroughly recommend them.
tillergirl
Well-Known Member
Did the whole Ionian cruise with Sailing Holidays last year - one week fabulous - second week we had two rainy days and two days of high winds. And the seas did get big! But it was overall good fun.
tcm
...
No expert but I went at half term (late oct) one year. Lovely warm sea for swimming. I think we had a quick squally storm one afternoon but the rest of the time was excellent sailing weather, 3-4 ish.
If you do go, it is flippin dark quite early, and many marinas are small and not brighhtly lit so any means of light production for an evening in the boat (either a 12v faglighter with longish lead or a solar panel garden light) wd be recommended.
If you do go, it is flippin dark quite early, and many marinas are small and not brighhtly lit so any means of light production for an evening in the boat (either a 12v faglighter with longish lead or a solar panel garden light) wd be recommended.
Spicemariner
Well-Known Member
We also chartered there a few years ago, was warm during the day but damp and fairly chilly at night. Very true about getting dark early, you will need torch. Was not so sociable as during the summer as it was too damp at night to sit in cockpit. Most tavernas were closed or closing, so there was less choice. We still had a great holiday, although we would not choose to go at that time of year again. Flotilla leader still did briefing at 9.30, which meant your sailing day was made very short as darkness fell early. We couldn't understand why they didn't change the time to 8.30.
Cinnamon
Well-Known Member
I took my boat through this area a few years back (en-route from Turkey to France). The good news is that the weather in the Ionian even at the end of Oct and begining of Nov was brilliant - lightish winds, warm sun and calm seas. The bad news is that during Mid Oct I had experienced a F9 with seas to match North of Crete and I think the same weather would have been affecting the Ionian too, since it's not far away.
I wouldn't hesitate to go to the Greek islands during Oct, just wanted to mention the above cos it shows bad weather can happen there and (as allways) it's best to be prepared. But reading other replies I think it's fair to say it's normally reliably nice weather - and wonderfull cruising!
I wouldn't hesitate to go to the Greek islands during Oct, just wanted to mention the above cos it shows bad weather can happen there and (as allways) it's best to be prepared. But reading other replies I think it's fair to say it's normally reliably nice weather - and wonderfull cruising!
ROBORME
New Member
Thank you all for your information. Sounds like it could be great.
affinite
Well-Known Member
Not tried October but just got back from 2 weeks there. including a F9 Meltemi in Vathy Ithaka. From what Ive heard Oct can be a bit blowy but the Meltemi should have calmed down. Although I've got my own boat there now I endorse the positive comments re Sailing Holidays and I spoke to some SH flotilla customers last week in Lefkas who were having a great time.
