Meet Stav: Your Greek Islands Sailing Guide
Stav—doing what he does best—sailing across the Aegean Sea.
Ever wondered what it's like to sail the Greek islands with a local expert? Meet Stav, our passionate sailing guide who brings the magic of Greece to life for travelers from around the world. In this Q&A, Stav shares his journey, local insights, and what makes sailing the Greek archipelago such a unique experience.
About Stav
Where did you grow up in Greece and where do you live now?
I grew up in western Greece in the 80s, in a town of about 60,000 people where everyone knew each other. At 18, I moved to Athens to study biology. After spending most of my 20s and early 30s traveling and working overseas in Asia and Africa, I'm now back in Athens.
Stav exploring New Zealand—one of his favorite places on earth.
What does a perfect day in Greece look like for you when you're not sailing?
A perfect day starts with an early morning hike up Mt. Immitos, just a 5-minute walk from my home in eastern-central Athens. After the gym and work, I enjoy simple pleasures - afternoon power naps (especially in winter), hanging out with friends, trying new restaurants, or focusing on my hobbies. What I cherish most is time with friends and family.
Stav exploring in New Zealand.
The Mainalon trail hike—a hike that’s part of our Greece group trip!
What drew you to life on the water and becoming a sailing guide?
I love both the sea and people. I enjoyed showing friends and family around Greece, and it always brought me genuine happiness. In 2012, while working in Myanmar and feeling exhausted, my childhood friend, Panos, proposed this business idea. I thought, "showing people around sunny Greece seems like the ideal career change right about now" – and that was it!
What's your favorite Greek food to cook for friends?
Zucchini fritters with tzatziki on the side. I use my grandma's recipe and don't add to it. It's my ultimate comfort food that brings back memories of springtime in western Greece. Now there are people from Maine to Florida making this recipe and sending me photos of their crispy, golden fritters dipped in tzatziki.
What hobbies might surprise people to learn about you?
Besides visiting over 90 countries across all continents, I'm passionate about creative pursuits. I split my free time between photography, sculpting, and competitive miniature painting for national and international events. There's something peaceful about spending 100 hours painting a tiny scene while listening to audiobooks.
Sailing the Greek Islands
What would you tell someone who's never been sailing before?
No prior sailing experience is required. Our experienced crew ensures everyone's comfortable onboard. If you're interested, we encourage you to learn the basics while you're here. As for seasickness, it's rare and often more related to dehydration than rough seas. We monitor conditions and suggest remedies like ginger candy or Dramamine when needed.
Can you share a memorable moment that captures the magic of these trips?
One September morning in 2018, we left Hydra island before dawn. As we sailed past rocky cliffs, a guest named Gary joined us on deck. The horizon exploded with shades of purple, magenta, and red. I noticed tears running down his face as we watched in silence. That evening, he told me how that sunrise filled him with appreciation for everything the world has to offer.
How do you discover hidden gems that most tourists never see?
We focus on intimate, crowdless experiences. Years of exploration and research help us create experiences carefully catered to each group's interests. We're passionate about introducing guests to our culture and showing them our country in an authentic way.
Land Dad and Sea Dad: Our perfect Greek duo.
What's a typical day like on the water?
Early morning starts with the crew prepping while guests enjoy breakfast. We might visit local bakeries or take a morning swim before sailing to our first destination - often a remote bay only accessible by boat. There's time for snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, or sunbathing. After lunch, we head to an island marina where guests can explore, shop, or join our guided walking tours. Evenings feature dinner at authentic local restaurants, followed by planning the next day's adventure over drinks on deck.
Read about our most recent Greece trip with Stav here.
Taking a dip in the crystal-clear Aegean waters.
What can you tell us about the food in Greece?
Greek food is incredible - fresh produce, seafood, meats, and amazing bakery pastries. Our boats are stocked with breakfast and lunch supplies, and guests can use the galley to prepare meals. We encourage everyone to try making Greek classics like tzatziki and Greek salads. We regularly restock at different islands, letting guests sample regional specialties like local cheeses and fruits.
Which islands do you particularly recommend?
Two favorites are Kythnos and Poros. Kythnos offers stunning whitewashed houses, ancient chapels, and excellent food - plus it's less touristy and cheaper than Mykonos. Don't miss Kolona beach's turquoise waters and the village of Loutra with its hot springs. Poros, just three hours from Athens, features a historic clock tower, hidden restaurants in the old town, and some of the best pork chops in Greece.
Classic Cycladic architecture along the shoreline in Poros.
A beautiful harbor scene in Nafplio.
How do you handle weather changes?
The Aegean winds are generally predictable, but we always have backup plans. If strong winds prevent one activity, we might discover something equally special - like having an ancient archaeological site all to ourselves. The close proximity of islands gives us plenty of options for unique experiences.
Embracing guide dynamics at the helm.
Walking the coastal path in Laura Ericson Group Trips crew gear.
What surprises have your guests discovered during these adventures?
Some guests have found their trips to be life-changing. Two different groups were so inspired that they took sailing classes back home, bought boats, and started sailing around the world. One group is currently heading to the Panama Canal, while another spent years exploring the Caribbean during Covid.
What makes now a special time to experience the Greek islands by sail?
Sailing offers a unique way to escape mass tourism while still experiencing the islands' beauty. We can visit popular spots after the crowds leave, dropping anchor in a famous bay and having it all to ourselves for sunset. The diversity of the islands means there are always authentic experiences to be found - you just need to know where to look.
The sailing crew at sunset on Vathy beach.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Greece by sailboat offers a distinct advantage: the ability to experience these islands on your own terms, away from the typical tourist paths. As Stav's experiences show, this way of travel allows you to discover secluded beaches, visit popular spots after the crowds leave, and experience local culture in a more authentic way. Whether you're an experienced sailor or someone who's never set foot on a boat, the Greek islands have a way of revealing themselves differently when approached from the water.
Is the Aegean Sea calling your name? Sail with Stav + Laura Ericson Group Trips!
