Sailing Cyprus

Most charters in Cyprus begin at Limassol Marina, the largest and busiest hub on the island. It sits near the center of the southern coast, which makes it a practical base for day sails east to Larnaca or west to Paphos. The marina has full services, fuel, and provisioning, and its position gives you easy access to the best of Cyprus sailing without long passages.

From Limassol, a common route heads east to Larnaca Marina and then to Ayia Napa Marina. The stretch between Larnaca and Ayia Napa is about 25 nautical miles, with a few anchorages along the way. Ayia Napa is the island's main resort area, and the marina there is modern and well protected. If you want a quieter stop, Zygi Marina is a small fishing harbor between Limassol and Larnaca, good for an overnight or a lunch stop.

West of Limassol, Paphos Harbour is the other major destination. The harbor is right in the old town, close to the archaeological sites and the fort. It can get crowded in summer, so booking a berth ahead is wise. St. Raphael Marina sits just east of Limassol and is a quieter alternative for picking up or dropping off a charter, especially if you want to avoid the main marina traffic.

The sailing season runs from April to October, with the strongest winds in July and August. The meltemi blows from the northwest, which can make the passage from Limassol to Paphos a beat. Plan your legs in the morning when the breeze is lighter, and keep an eye on the forecast for afternoon gusts. Cyprus is part of the EU, so the currency is the euro and the official languages are Greek and Turkish, though English is widely spoken in the marinas and tavernas.