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You’ve made the decision: you’re going to learn how to sail. But now comes the next choice: where? Spain, Croatia… maybe you’re still unsure. There are so many options. If we may give a tip: Greece! Why Greece and not Spain? That’s a topic for another blog. But why not Croatia? Let’s dive into that now.
Maybe you were looking for a sailing course in Croatia, but Greece has some unbeatable advantages. They lie close to each other, so you might think the difference isn’t that big. But after reading this, you’ll see it’s quite significant. While Croatia is beautiful and offers wonderful sailing trips, Greece is the ultimate destination for a sailing course – not just technically and practically, but also when it comes to food, weather, people, and atmosphere.
A sailing course isn’t just about sailing: it’s also a kind of mini-vacation. Between lessons, you drop anchor in a bay for a swim and lunch, stroll into charming harbours in the evening for a drink, and explore quaint streets in the morning. Croatia certainly has its charms, but when comparing the cultures, Greece really stands out.
The country is rich in history and culture, with ancient ruins, myths, and fascinating stories on almost every island. But the people are what truly make the difference. Greek hospitality is unmatched. There’s even a word for it: Filoxenia, literally meaning “love for a stranger.” Going out for dinner? Greeks will always make you feel welcome. No space? They’ll simply make room! Everyone is invited, even if it means rearranging the whole restaurant to make you comfortable. You’ll always be greeted with a warm smile.
And then there’s the food… Greek cuisine is something you absolutely don’t want to miss. Moussaka, Tzatziki, Calamari, Saganaki, Souvlaki, Kleftiko… The list goes on. If you’re not familiar yet, there’s only one solution: come and taste it yourself! After your first bite, you’ll understand why we recommend Greece so highly.
Of course, you’re not coming to Greece only for the culture and the food – you’re here for an unforgettable sailing experience. Weather plays a big role in that.
If you’re chasing sunshine, head south. Spain, Croatia, Greece: all offer warm temperatures and blue skies. On paper, any of these countries could be great for sailing. But again: Greece stands out.
A sailing course in Croatia can feel very different from one in Greece. Croatia, being close to the Alps, can experience more rain and thunderstorms. The Greek weather is far more stable which makes the Greek summers more predictable, with far fewer summer storms, and the sailing season longer – starting as early as March and running through November, sometimes even December. In Croatia, the season starts later and ends earlier.
If you were considering a sailing course in Croatia, Greece offers longer, more reliable sailing conditions to really make the most of your training.
Greek harbours are not only cozy and welcoming, they’re also perfect for learning how to dock. In Croatia, most harbours are very organized: staff handle your lines, and you usually moor with a mooring line instead of anchoring yourself. Convenient, yes – but it doesn’t teach you the skills.
In Greece, you handle everything yourself. That’s when you really learn what’s involved, and you’ll master your sailing skills much faster and better.
If you’re comparing with RYA sailing courses Croatia, Greek harbours offer more hands-on experience, giving you the confidence and competence to sail independently.
And of course, the biggest advantage over sailing courses in Croatia: Aegean Sailing School. You’ll only find it in Greece. Located on the pistachio island of Aegina, this school is the perfect base for any sailing course. From complete beginners who have never set foot on a boat, to experienced sailors aiming to become skippers, or even seasoned sailors wanting to teach sailing themselves. There are courses for everyone.
The qualified instructors speak English and are incredibly enthusiastic about guiding you on the water. Days are spent learning the ropes of sailing, with breaks in beautiful bays for swimming and lunch, before heading to the next stunning Greek island.
With your instructor and international classmates, it almost feels like a holiday – but one where you return home with new skills and, quite likely, an RYA certificate.
Can you already picture yourself dropping anchor in a Greek bay, jumping in for a swim, and then sailing on to the next island? If so, it might be time to book your course. Whether you were originally searching for sailing course Croatia – Greece is where your sailing adventure really begins.
Curious to see how your first days at sea could look?
Read what some of our sailing students have to say, explore our course catalogue, and contact us for more information about each course and our availabilities to come and sail in Greece!