“Meltemi” is the name of the winds that typically appear in the Aegean Sea. They are dry and seasonal, and if you have ever been to the Cyclades (think Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, or Tinos), you’ve likely experienced this breeze – or you may have even been swept off your feet!
In some parts of the country, the Meltemi winds can reach speeds of 100 kilometers per hour. If you are a sailor and familiar with the Beaufort scale, the Meltemi winds can reach 7-8 Beaufort.
To give you an idea of how strong these winds are, it’s possible for winds of 7 Beaufort to push you over or even sweep you away.
How are the Meltemi Winds Caused?
It is said that the channels between the Cycladic islands cause the wind to increase its speed. The winds are seasonal and are the strongest in July and August.
Scientifically, a mix of the low-lying heat in India and the weather patterns in the Middle East cause the Meltemi winds.
The local wind patterns are also affected by the plants. Have you ever noticed that different areas of Greece have different greenery? For example, the Ionian islands are lush and have a lot of greenery, so the land is slow to heat up. This creates a less intense breeze than what you find in the Aegean and the Cyclades, where the land is barren and rocky.
The Meltemi winds generally tend to quiet down during the nighttime and to be stronger during the day, especially at noon.
Why the Name ‘Meltemi’?
In days past, the Meltemi winds were known as “Etesia” which roughly translates to “annual”. As for the current word, some say that the word “Meltemi” is from a Turkish root, and others claim that it is Latin, translating roughly to “bad weather.”
The Downsides of the Meltemi Winds
When the Meltemi winds are in full force, boats and ferries can potentially be delayed for safety reasons. It’s good to keep this in mind when scheduling your fast ferries through the Greek islands so that you get to your destination on time.
Even lounging on the beach can be dangerous with such high winds. At the very least, sitting on the beach will be uncomfortable during Meltemi winds, because the sand can be thrown into your face and eyes.
Taking Advantage of the Meltemi Winds
The best way to enjoy the Meltemi winds is to get on the water. If you are a sailor, there are ample opportunities to rent your own boat in the Cyclades. Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, and Tinos are all popular areas to take your boat. If you don’t know how to captain your own boat in the Greek islands, you can always charter a trip with a local Greek captain. A few potential routes are outlined here.
