Sailing Croatia versus Greece: where to anchor next?

Transport: by car to the living room or by plane to adventure?

This is the first big difference. Croatia? There, most of us just get in the car and we're there in a couple of hours. Comfortable, with a bunch of stuff, maybe even some steaks from mom. But let's face it, the journey costs money, too.

Cost of travelling to Croatia by car

If you take two cars, because one crew rarely fits in one, you'll shell out a couple of thousand just for gas and toll stamps. As a rough guide? Count 670 euros for fuel and over 200 euros for tolls. And parking at the marina? Another hundred on top of that. Sure, if you budget the costs, it's not so bad, but a day's holiday on the road is worth a fortune.

-

-

-

Air transport to Greece

Only a true connoisseur or someone with time to spare will go to Greece by car. Most of us choose the plane. And it makes sense. Straight to Corfu, Lefkada, Kos, Rhodes... tickets are plentiful in high season and the prices? You can often get return tickets to Croatia (Split, for example) for under €100, and to Greece it's usually comparable if you catch a good deal. Of course, you're limited by the weight of your luggage, so forget about buying large quantities of pasties. But then again, you're there in a few hours and relaxed.

Prices: where will your wallet thank you?

Boat charter prices

When it comes to prices for renting the boat itself, there's not much to choose from. In both Croatia and Greece you will find boats both cheaper and more expensive. So if the price of the charter is your main concern, neither country will make it easy for you. It's more about the specific boat and the dates.

The cost of mooring and berthing in marinas

Here we go! Here's the difference that hits you like the sun at noon.

Mooring in Croatia

Croatia, oh my. Once a paradise, now more of a money box. You'll pay €50 or more to stand on a buoy. And the marinas? There, the prices go up to well over €100 a night. Not to mention that they also charge you for breathing their sea air (an exaggeration, but only a small one). Anchoring in the wild is fine, but those spots are dwindling and it's often more about fear of the collector coming.

Anchoring in Greece (anchor-shore system)

And now Greece. Imagine it: a beautiful bay, you drop anchor, tie the back of the boat to a rock or tree (anchor-shore system) and... you pay nothing! Yes, you heard right. There's virtually no charge for standing in the bays. In urban harbours you pay a few euros, literally. Larger, well-equipped marinas charge something, of course, like around 80 euros, but it's still often less than in Croatia. This money saved will compensate nicely for, say, a more expensive airfare. It just takes a bit of practice at anchoring, but that's something any good sea bass can learn, right?

Gastronomy: where is the best place to eat?

Do you love food? Then focus now! Greek cuisine, it's just a fairy tale. Fresh ingredients, lots of vegetables, olive oil, fish and seafood straight from the sea. And those tavernas on remote islands where you feel like you're visiting locals... what an experience. Prices? Often very friendly, especially compared to tourist traps elsewhere. Croatia has great konobs too, but Greece is simply a cut above the rest in terms of gastronomy, at least in terms of value for money and authenticity.

Are you looking for peace and quiet or "Wenceslas Square on the water"?

Here Greece is the clear winner, unless you are craving crowd psychosis.

Quieter bays in Greece

Want a bay all to yourself? It's still possible in Greece, even in high season. Sure, the Ionian Sea has become more popular and the yachting infrastructure there is growing. But the Aegean? There you can enjoy the calm to the max (but watch out for the wind!). Sporades are fine too, not so many charter boats there. And the bay of Petalioli? You'll only meet another boat there by chance. So if your goal is a digital detox and absolute tranquility, the choice is clear.

Favourite areas (Ionian, Aegean, Sporades)

Every area in Greece has its own charm. The Ionian Islands are greener and more accessible, while the Aegean (especially the Cyclades) offers those iconic white villages with blue shutters, but also stronger winds. The Sporades are such a happy medium.

Wind and weather: what to prepare for?

Weather is of course a bit of a lottery everywhere. But in general?

Similarities and differences (Meltemi, Bóra, Jugo)

Greece tends to be a bit warmer and the summers are longer. But it can also get windy, especially when you hear the Meltemi - a northerly wind that can spice up a cruise in the Aegean in summer. Croatia is haunted by the Bora (especially outside summer) and the Jugo. So you can enjoy sailing in both destinations.

Specific areas (Cyclades)

The Cyclades are famous for strong winds almost every day. If you want sport sailing and a bit of adrenaline, head here in spring or autumn. You will be thrilled!

Watch out for the medikans and the CAPE index

Greece is occasionally hit by medikans, small Mediterranean hurricanes. It's not the rule, but it's good to know about them and keep an eye on the forecast, perhaps using the CAPE index.

Country specifics: what makes Greece and Croatia unique?

Every country has its own thing. Greece? It's ancient monuments on every corner, like you're walking through a history book. Add to that deserted bays with sandy beaches (yes, there's more sand in Greece!), colourful fishing villages and mountains in the background that look like they've been painted.
Croatia? That's picturesque stone towns again, vineyards, rocks falling right into the sea and that familiar smell of pine trees. It's just different.

Conclusion. Sailing Greece or Croatia?

Well, what can I tell you? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It's up to you.

Are you looking for cheaper moorings, quieter bays and amazing gastronomy? And you don't mind flying? Then sailing in Greece is the obvious choice. You might sail a bit more in the open sea and you might have to be more proficient at anchoring, but the experience is worth it.

Do you prefer easy accessibility by car, familiar surroundings and do you like full-service marinas (even if you pay for them)? Then sailing in Croatia will not disappoint. It's a safe bet, ideal even for less experienced crews thanks to the shorter crossings between islands.

I personally feel that Greece now offers more authenticity and freedom. But Croatia still has its charm. Maybe it's time to try both and make up your own mind? Whatever you decide, I always wish you the wind in your sails and happy sailing!