Every summer a dry north wind sets in across the Aegean. Greeks call it the meltemi. On a hot afternoon it is welcome. On a north-facing beach, or on a small catamaran between islands, it can be another matter.
The short version
- It is strongest in July and August, and can blow for days at a time.
- It hits the Cyclades hardest. The Ionian, on the west side of Greece, is outside it.
- Small fast boats are the first to be cancelled. Big ferries usually sail.
- South-facing beaches are your friend.
We plan July and August trips around it: shorter ferry hops, bases with beaches on more than one side, and a spare night before an international flight. Our meltemi guide goes group by group.
