Greek Cyclades Islands – are they windy? It’s a question that is frequently asked and the answer is – yes. But the real question is whether the breezes and winds will enhance or hinder your holiday experience? And the answer to that question will depend upon what your plans are and how some planning will help your experience.
Greek Cyclades islands – The famous Cyclades Meltemi
What generates the summer Meltemi? During the summer months, a large high-pressure system known as the Azores High or the Bermuda-Azores High forms over the Atlantic Ocean. The presence of the Azores High creates a pressure gradient between the high-pressure system and the lower-pressure systems over the landmasses in the region generating a flow of air from the high-pressure area towards the low-pressure areas, resulting in the prevailing northerly winds. The narrow and elongated shape of the Aegean Sea, combined with the presence of islands, creates a funneling effect. As the winds pass through the channels and gaps between the islands, their speed increases due to the acceleration caused by the channeling effect.
Historically, the Meltemi winds played a crucial role in shaping ancient Greek naval strategies and expeditions. Greek naval forces, such as those of Athens, relied on the Meltemi winds to navigate and control the seas. These winds were particularly favourable for Greek ships, as they provided a reliable source of propulsion for sailing across the Aegean.
The Meltemi winds also found their place in Greek mythology and literature. In Homer’s epic poem, the “Odyssey,” the hero Odysseus encounters the Meltemi winds during his journey, which significantly delays his return to Ithaca. The winds are personified as divine entities that have the power to influence the fates of mortals.
And how strong is the Meltemi?
That’s a difficult one to answer – the strength, duration, and specific characteristics of the Meltemi winds can vary from year to year and from one location to another within the Aegean region. Factors such as the intensity of the high-pressure system, local geography, and other weather patterns can influence the behaviour of the winds.
The June to August period is when the winds are at their strongest and most consistent – wind speeds during this time can reach 4-7 Beaufort scale, sometimes even higher. The winds tend to be lighter and less consistent in Spring and Autumn but can still blow up for periods of a few days.
Greek Cyclades islands – What impacts do the winds have?
Beaches
With the prevailing wind direction from the north or north west, it means that when the winds are strong it is best to seek out south facing or very sheltered spots for the best experience. For all the Greek cyclades islands you’ll often see commentary on which beaches are best when winds are strong – make use of that knowledge!
General activity
They don’t really affect the experience too much – as long as you can handle the odd blown off hat, flying tablecloth (thank goodness for the table clips). In fact in the warmer months, a cooling breeze is welcome and necessary – without it the heat could be stifling and make activity outside the cooler hours rather difficult.
Do Greek ferries ever get cancelled?
Yes they do and it can be quite disruptive for the Greek cyclades isalnds – but it’s rare and the winds do have to be very strong before this happens. Of course it may mean disruption to schedules which can be just as bad as cancellations. Make sure you are never in the position of relying on a ferry to make an airport connection, unless you can handle the disruption.
The local boat trips are more liable for disruption though – maybe take a look at the wind forecast when you’re planning a local boat excursion or beach trip by boat.
Are there benefits from the winds
Well yes if you’re into beach based water sports such as parasailing or you want to get the sails up on your sailing cruise trip! Just as the Ancient Greeks used the wind for rapid deployment of warriors, you can use them for rapid trips between islands.