Seasonal· Ikaria· Greece — Dodecanese, Sporades & North Aegean
Ikaria Sea Meltemi
37° 33.6′ N · 26° 15.0′ E · approximate
Ikaria has a fearsome, well-earned reputation as a windy island: in a moderate to strong meltemi, fierce gusts hit the south side of the island, and the Fourni channel funnels the wind about two Beaufort forces above the surrounding sea.
Practical
Prevailing N-NW winds blow year-round and are strongest in August (island-ikaria.com). Mid-June to mid-September the meltemi can reach F7-8 (occasionally 9) for 3-4 days. Yachts on passage past Ikaria in a meltemi should keep 3-5 nm off the south coast unless bound for an Ikaria harbour. In fresh to strong southerlies the effect reverses: near-gale gusts along parts of the north coast, especially near the airport at the east end - expect this when approaching Evdilos from Fourni or Samos. Agios Kirykos gets severe gusts off the high land. Best shelter: Evdilos (except strong NE), the Agios Kirykos marina, Therma, Faros (NE winds). Position is a point off Ikaria's south coast (approx).
Best for
Passage planning around Ikaria
Season
Mid-June to mid-September; strongest in August
Nearby
- Atheras Ridge Hike (Arethousa to Dokimi)3.5 NM away
- Agios Kirykos Town Provisions (Ikaria)3.8 NM away
- Ikarian Independence Day (Agios Kirykos)3.8 NM away
- Agios Kirykos Fuel & Water (Ikaria)4.1 NM away
- Agios Kirykos Harbour & Marina (Ikaria)4.1 NM away
- Amaso Dive Center (Agios Kirykos)4.1 NM away
- Therma Bay (Ikaria)4.5 NM away
- Kritikos (Therma, Agios Kirykos)4.6 NM away