{"id":14005,"date":"2026-10-16T19:49:40","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T17:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nauticaluxurycorporation.it\/?p=14005"},"modified":"2026-10-23T12:26:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T10:26:30","slug":"mediterranean-winds-charter-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nauticaluxurycorporation.it\/en\/mediterranean-winds-charter-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The winds of the Mediterranean: what to know before a charter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On a boat the wind decides many things: where you sleep, what time you leave, which side of the island is most beautiful that day. Knowing the winds of the Mediterranean<\/strong> helps you understand the captain\u2019s choices and enjoy your holiday more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The compass rose, in brief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the Mediterranean the winds have traditional names indicating the direction they blow from: tramontana<\/strong> from the north, grecale<\/strong> from the north-east, levante<\/strong> from the east, scirocco<\/strong> from the south-east, ostro<\/strong> from the south, libeccio<\/strong> from the south-west, ponente<\/strong> from the west and maestrale<\/strong> (mistral) from the north-west.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mistral (maestrale)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is the north-westerly wind, cool and dry, bringing clear skies and limpid seas. In some areas, such as northern Sardinia and the Strait of Bonifacio, it can blow hard for several days. When the mistral sets in, sheltered anchorages are sought on the east or south side of the islands. Those who sail on the Emerald Coast<\/a> know it well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scirocco<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It comes from the south-east, hot and humid, sometimes laden with sand. The sky becomes hazy and the sea can rise on exposed coasts. With the scirocco, bays open to the north are preferred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Libeccio<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It blows from the south-west and can raise a sea on the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian coasts. When it is strong, exposed harbours become uncomfortable and the captain chooses alternative shelter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meltemi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is the Aegean\u2019s summer wind: it blows from the north, especially in July and August, and is often fresh in the Cyclades<\/a>. It makes the days cooler, but can make crossings between islands demanding. That is why itineraries in Greece are built around its forecasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bora and breezes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the Adriatic the bora, from the north-east, arrives in gusts. In summer, along many coasts, daily breezes<\/strong> are more common than the big winds: calm in the morning, stronger in the afternoon, calm again in the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What it means for your charter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n