The single most useful thing to know about Cyclades sailing is that the weather here is predictable in season — but predictable doesn’t mean constant.
The meltemi
A dry north wind that sets in from mid-July through late August. Can blow Force 5–6 for three to five days at a time, then drop. It’s the reason you see the iconic whitecaps in Aegean photographs, and the reason your captain plans the day in the morning.
How we use the forecast
The evening before, we look at three models and one gut reading. The morning of, we do the same. Then we pick between the Paros route and the Rina Cave route, based on which is more comfortable and more beautiful in the day’s wind. Both are strong days.
Why we cancel rarely
We operate routes in both leeward and windward wind directions, so the number of days the wind stops us running entirely is small. What changes is what kind of day you have — crossing to Paros in F3 is a different experience from tucking into a Naxian bay in F6.
What you can do
- If you can, book a two- or three-day window. If the meltemi is on for three days, you have flexibility.
- If you’re wind-sensitive, ask us. Early June, late August, and early September are usually the calmest periods.
- On the day, trust the captain. He’s been doing this for longer than most ferries have been running.
