Top Tips for your Family Flotilla Sailing Holiday
Eating out in local Greek tavernas in the evening is the norm. Tzatziki, delicious grilled seafood, fresh Greek salads are some of our favourite dishes, along with a number of traditional main course options - all washed down with a cold beer or local wine.
From national favourites like Moussaka (an aubergine based lasagne-style dish) - a firm favourite amongst our team, to local Ionian Island specialities that vary from port to port. Fish or lobster are delicious but are often served by the kilo so it is always a good idea to check the prices. Meat dishes with local herbs and garlic are delicious and tend to be the easiest on the pocket.
Check out our typical Greek Taverna Menu below...just a small sample of some of the terrific dishes you'll have the opportunity to try whilst on holiday. If we are missing your favourites let us know. Simply click the menu to enlarge!
The most popular drinks are ice cold beer (lager) and local Greek wine. NOTE: Retsina (wine flavoured with resin) is definitely an 'acquired taste'! Don't say we didn't warn you...
Most people adapt to the local beverages quite easily! If you like specific brands of drinks to enjoy on the boat, it is a good idea to bring a supply with you (or take advantage of the duty free!) as certain spirits can be expensive. We personally recommend picking up a bottle or two of your favourite gin for onboard sundowners. This sailing can be thirsty work!
In Greece it is best to use bottled water for cleaning your teeth and for all drinks, including tea and coffee. To avoid dehydration, whilst it is hot, make sure you drink plenty throughout the day.
All the tavernas in Greece are very child friendly! They understand that children can be a little less adventurous when it comes to the local specialities and are usually more than happy to acommodate any special requests (translation permitting). That said the traditional greek menu offers a number of child friendly options we have found popular for even the fussiest of customers...
For children who may not be keen to try Greek dishes (particularly when they are tentacles involved)! All tavernas offer chicken souvlaki (kebabs) or roast chicken with chips, lamb/pork chops, spaghetti bolognese and often pizza.
Most of the harbours we visit have mini markets, which are a bit like old fashioned grocery shops. Your hostie will let you know if you are going to a place where there is no shop.
Most harbours will also have a special bakery - a popular choice with flotilla sailors! You'll be addicted to the local Spanicopita (spinach and feta pie) before you know it...
If you require a certain product and are unsure as to whether or not it will be available in Greece e.g. soya milk, wheat free bread, please contact us. Gluten free options are appearing but are not as readily available as in the UK. Your hostess will be able to advise you further on which shops and tavernas offer the best options.
Your skipper will give you a daily weather forecast every morning. Most days will be shorts and T-shirt weather. Generally, summer days are hot and sunny, the wind pattern predictable. The normal day starts off with a light southerly wind, which fades away in the early morning to be replaced in mid afternoon by the prevailing North West wind.
There are variations in the strength and direction and the nearby islands can also effect the wind patterns that day.During the summer the Greek Islands are very hot and this can occasionally lead to short evening thunderstorms (half hour or so), so we suggest you take a rain jacket, but it is unlikely that you will need full wet weather gear of the type that is used around the UK. If you have a waterproof jacket, take it and hopefully you won't need to use it.
We know there is no better feeling than the warmth of the sun on your skin...especially after a long cold winter In the UK! We do however suggest you try not to overdose on good old Vitamin D, especially in the first few days of your holiday.
The sun reflecting off the water means you pick up a fantastic tan on a sailing holiday - the downside is that you are more likely to get burnt if you are not careful, especially with the cool sea breeze that can make the sun feel far less strong.
The most common type of cancer within the UK is now skin cancer. We encourage you to pack a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen of SPF 15+!
The majority of local people you will meet understand and speak some English, but they still appreciate your attempts to communicate in their language, even if purely for the amusement!
When you arrive on your boat you will be given the contact telephone number for your lead boat (and all lead boats in the area) just in case you are unable to get hold of them via the VHF. You shouldn't need any more than this, however, in case you do:
The London number to contact is: 020 8459 8787
Our representative in Corfu is Janine Smith, her Greek mobile number is: 00 30 6 944 630 134
What to pack when you're going on a flotilla sailing holiday? Hmmm...good question!
Read on for top tips on what to bring, what not to bring and what to bring along if you have little sailors on board!
• Your Passport (check it hasn't expired!)
• Flight tickets and itinerary (check your names are spelt correctly!)
• Holiday Insurance Certificate
• European Health Insurance Card
• Driving Licence for 'Shore to Sail' hiring a bike or car (minimum age is 21 for car hire)
• Euros, debit/credit card, travellers' cheques
• Hat
• Sunglasses (with string/ sunglasses strap available to buy in Greece)
• Swimwear (at least a couple of changes)
• Casual summer wear
• Flip flops/deck shoes (non-marking soles)
• Sweatshirt (especially in May & October)
• Beach towel (one bath size towel is provided per person)
• Mask and flippers (can be bought in Greece)
• Books (and toys for children)
• Your favourite tea bags & biscuits etc.
• RYA Log book (if you're recording sea miles)
• Yacht Manual & Harbour Guide (that we post out to you)
• Waterproof sailing jacket (just in case!)
• Important: 12 volt (car charger) for charging devices on board
• Camera or Waterproof Camera (+ memory card & charger)
• Waterproof case (iPhone cases available to buy in Greece)
• iPod or iPhone & jack to jack lead (to play music on board)
• Mobile phone & charger (solar chargers are great in the sun)
• 2 pin adaptor to charge batteries in port in the evening
• Wash bag (unless you are embracing the 'old sea dog' look, of course)
• Sun cream & After sun
• Sea/travel sickness pills (not often necessary)
• Insect repellent (we recommend Avon 'Skin So Soft' available to buy in Greece)
• Anti-histamine (in case of insect bites/stings)
• Any regular medication (keep in hand luggage)
• We recommend natural shampoos, conditioners and shower gels that won't hurt the marine life but this is by no means compulsory
No question is a silly question, but in case you were wondering but were too afraid to ask these are a few things we don't recommend bringing on a sailing holiday.
• A hairdryer or straighteners - there is no plug socket on the boat suitable (yep... even travel hairdryers don't work). We advocate the natural blow dry we like to call the sea breeze!
• Heeled shoes - they damage the deck and also make getting on and off the boat considerably more difficult! (Best left at home...)
• Dark soled shoes - these mark the deck of the boat
• Anything of huge value – we tend to leave the boats open in the evening as it is very safe but 'just in case' anything happenes, we don't recommend bringing any irreplaceable family heirlooms!
• Too many clothes...you will be in swim gear/ simple clothes whilst out sailing and most people say they wear much less than they bring.
We asked all our sailors who have sailed with small children and in particular infants (0-2 years old), what they recommended packing for a flotilla sailing trip with a little sailor on board...
• Strong sun cream with a high SPF
• A good hat & sunglasses
• Clothing that covers skin from the sun
• Something warm for the evenings
• Entertainment in the evenings i.e. colouring book
• Snorkel & Mask (can be bought locally)
• A sun suit/ suitable swimwear
• Spray water bottle to keep cool
• Harness
• Changing mat & Scented nappy bags
• Cot sheets
• Folding buggy
• Nappies
• Milk / Baby food is available in Greece
• You should bring any specific nutritional milk etc.
• Child netting around the boat
• Car seat to strap to the cockpit (infants only)
• Childrens Harness
• Childrens Life Jacket
• John Lewis travel cot (you bring your own linen)
These helpful hints are here to help you have a fun and fuss free holiday! From (rather boring) reminders to check your passport (sorry!) to rather more fun tips on the (gorgeous) weather and Greek lifestyle!
To start here are some of our (boring, but nevertheless important) preparation tips. Get these sorted and before you know it you'll be sat on board, in the sunshine, G'n'T in hand!
IMPORTANT: Please make sure that all the passports in your party (including children whose passports are often forgotten!) will be valid for the duration of your holiday. If you are from a country which is not in the European Economic Area you must have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the period of your intended stay or expiry of your visa. And you may need a visa; to find out more contact the Greek Consulate: www.greekembassy.org.uk
You should have this in place as soon as your holiday is booked. If you already have annual travel insurance, please check that sailing is covered. Flotilla sailing holidays are not usually deemed a hazardous activity for insurance purposes. Click here if you would like to purchase our Specialist Sailing Travel Insurance.
PLAN AHEAD - Arrange some Euros before you go, to get you through the first few days at least. Order notes in denominations of 50 and less, as small village shops and tavernas may not be able to give change for large notes.
TAKE CASH - Tavernas often require cash, as will many small shops. Some do now accept credit cards, debit cards and pre-paid travel cards (but you should not rely on this). Around £35 per day should get the average adult through their holiday.
GETTING MORE - ATMs (hole in the wall) facilities are slowly appearing in towns, but are not yet widespread. Plan for this by taking enough cash for at least the first few days of your holiday. We have never had a problem but in case you are worried there is a safe on board your boat.
If you haven’t already got one apply now. This is free and available to all people residing in the UK. It does not replace Holiday/Travel Insurance but will be required to assist the process. The quickest way to apply is online www.ehic.org.uk. If you already have one, please check the expiry date!
You do not need a certificate to go sailing on our holidays (unless you are taking any yacht 50ft or larger). But if you do have an ICC or practical RYA certificate (Day Skipper or higher) and haven’t provided us with a copy, please email or post a copy to us with a note of your booking number or departure date.
Email us a copy: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send it in the post to: Sailing Holidays, 107 Mount Pleasant Road, London, NW10 3EH.
If you are a seasoned flotilla sailor and think we are missing something important please do let us know. Alternatively if this is your first sailing holiday and there is something you are desperate to know please also get in touch.
Below is some of basic information we thought you would find useful regarding travelling to and from Greece with us. From getting to and from the airport in the UK to how long the transfer takes once you arrive (that first ice cold beer by the water awaits afterall...)
If you have any questions regarding the information below please call or email our launch crew on 020 8438 1122 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Please try to be at the departure airport to check-in two hours before the time of your flight.
Ticket wallets and luggage labels will be posted with your Yacht Manual and Harbour Guide once you have paid your final balance.
E-Tickets for different regions are sent out at different times:
IONIAN ISLANDS: Two weeks before departure
SARONIC ISLANDS: Thursday prior to your departure
SPORADES ISLANDS: Approximately one week before departure
We think they are the best place to find up to date information on how to get to and from the airport, but we've done some of the hard work for you. Simply click below to find out the best way to get to the airport you are travelling from:
GATWICK AIRPORT - www.gatwickairport.com
HEATHROW AIRPORT - www.heathrowairport.com
MANCHESTER AIRPORT - www.manchesterairport.co.uk
BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT - www.birminghamairport.co.uk
AIRPORT HOTELS & CAR PARKINGIt is usually best to pre-book your airport parking and hotels. We work with Holiday Extras, who offer agreat choice of Parking, Hotels and Lounge options at amazing prices. Simple click the button on the right to book your airport hotels and parking at the best prices possible!
Flights to Greece take around three hours. Greek time is always 2 hours ahead of British time. All times given on your itinerary and tickets are local.
One piece of hand luggage per person is allowed up to 5kg (British Airways up to 10kg). The dimensions of hand luggage vary with different airlines.
Most airlines tend to offer a maximum weight of 20kg (British Airways 23kgs) which is more than anyone could ever use on a sailing holiday! Airlines may charge per kilo if your bag is over this limit.
TOP TIP: It's best to use a soft hold-all rather than a solid suitcase, as it will be considerably easier to store on your yacht.
You can pre-book seats with extra leg room by contacting the airline direct and paying the appropriate fee. They usually require at least 4 working days' notice and it cannot be done online. If flying with Monarch, phone them on: 0333 003 0700. You will need to quote your confirmation invoice number.
Please note you cannot book extra legroom on British Airways or Aegean Air but these airlines (and in our experience Aegean in particular) but very good legroom compared to their rivals.
BRITISH AIRWAYS - NOT-INCLUDED (drinks and snacks are available on board)
AEGEAN AIRLINES - INCLUDED (along with complimentary drinks! Practice your greek..."Bira parakelo!")
MONARCH AIRLINES - NOT-INCLUDED (drinks and snacks are available on board and you can also pre order hot meals)
EASYJET - NOT-INCLUDED (drinks and snacks are available on board)
TOP TIP: If you need to request a special meal, due to special dietary requirements, we need to know at least one week before your departure date, any later and they may not be guaranteed.
We provide everyone on board with a life jacket. Don't panic, this is only in case of emergencies and they are very rarely used. However, if you prefer to take your own self-inflating life jacket that requires gas cylinders please read on...
You are required to get approval from the airline prior to flying, so you must inform the staff at check-in where they have been packed.
Lifejackets can usually go in either your carry-on or check-in baggage, you are usually permitted only one small non-flammable gas cylinder per person. But please check with the airline prior to flying as their rules vary.
Other items such as butane powered gas cordless hair straighteners must be taken in check-in baggage only.
www.monarch.co.uk
www.britishairways.com
www.aegeanair.com
www.easyjet.com
When you arrive in Greece, after collecting your bags, you will be met my one of our airport representatives and a (usually much needed) bottle of water. Transfer times in each region vary as listed below:
ARRIVAL IN PREVEZA (IONIAN ISLANDS) - 1 hour
ARRIVAL IN ATHENS (SARONIC ISLANDS) - 2 hours
ARRIVAL IN ATHENS (SPORADES ISLANDS) - just over 3 hours
ARRIVAL IN CORFU (IONIAN ISLANDS - EARLY AND LATE SEASON) - 15 - 20 minutes
