The greatest concentration of yachting activities is in the Athens-Piraeus area. Athens has several harbours available at Alimos, Aretsou, Flisvos, Glifada, Mandraki, Lavrion, Patras, Porto Carras and Zea. The Saronic Gulf and the Aegean are in immediate reach and therefore, these are the most popular cruising areas. Glifada and Zea marina are the best boarding places for crewed yachts. Although these places are quite crowded, especially during the high season, there are still plenty of less frequented places dotted around the rim of the Aegean. Some of the more remote islands rarely see more than a handful of yachts. Greeks take much care of keeping traditional Greece for future generations . ! The recent expansion in yachting has been accompanied by a parallel development in facilities, but fortunately none of the picturesque ports have been ruined by the construction of pontoons in centuries old harbours. In most islands yachts still either come stern-to the existing quay, if there is space, or stay at anchor. Most marinas have been created inside newly built breakwaters or reclaimed land and they are on the mainland. The Saronic Gulf: Only a few miles away from Athens, you will find some beautiful islands like Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetsai. These islands offer an easy and well protected area for a one or two-weeks itinerary. Cyclades: The Cyclades or Cycladic islands are worldwide known for their barren landscapes spotted with white little houses and mills. They lie in a circle around the island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo. There are about 200 islands, 20 of them being larger and inhabited. Visit the island of Amorgos, where the movie "Le grand bleu" was shoot and take the bus to visit the convent of "Panaglia Choroviotissa", offering a tremendous panoramic view. If you wish to go to Santorini, it would be advisable to moor on the island of Ios with a well protected harbour and get the ferry to Santorini. In summer, the prevailing wind is the Melthemi, who comes from the north. It should be noted that this wind generally blows between 5 and 7 Beauforts in July and August. But it lies down at the end of the day.