Question 1

What is AegeanSwim?

Accepted Answer

AegeanSwim is a free web application that helps swimmers find the safest beaches in the Aegean Sea by analyzing real-time wind conditions, geographical protection, and Meltemi wind patterns. We provide data-driven recommendations for 235 beaches across 53 Greek islands including Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, and more.

Question 2

How many beaches does AegeanSwim cover?

Accepted Answer

AegeanSwim covers 235 beaches across 53 islands in the Aegean Sea, including popular destinations in the Cyclades (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Ios), Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos), North Aegean (Lesbos, Chios, Samos), and major islands like Crete, Skiathos, and Skopelos.

Question 3

What is the Meltemi wind and how does it affect swimming?

Accepted Answer

The Meltemi is a strong, dry northerly wind that blows across the Aegean Sea during summer months (July-August). It can create dangerous swimming conditions with rough waves and strong currents. AegeanSwim identifies beaches with excellent Meltemi protection, helping you find calm, safe swimming spots even during strong wind days.

Question 4

Which Greek islands does AegeanSwim cover?

Accepted Answer

AegeanSwim covers 53 Greek islands including: Cyclades islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Ios, Syros, Tinos, Andros, Amorgos, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos), Dodecanese islands (Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos), North Aegean islands (Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Lemnos, Thasos), and major islands (Crete, Skiathos, Skopelos).

Question 5

How does AegeanSwim calculate beach safety scores?

Accepted Answer

AegeanSwim uses a proprietary algorithm that combines real-time wind speed and direction data from Open-Meteo API with geographical protection factors for each beach. We calculate wind reduction based on natural shelter from cliffs, bays, and mountains, then generate a swimming safety score from 0-100. Beaches with high protection and low effective wind speeds receive higher scores.

Question 6

Is AegeanSwim free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, AegeanSwim is completely free to use. The service is donation-funded and open-source. We accept donations via PayPal to help fund research trips, server costs, and expansion to cover more Greek islands.

Question 7

What data does AegeanSwim use for weather forecasts?

Accepted Answer

AegeanSwim uses real-time weather data from the Open-Meteo API, which provides accurate hourly forecasts including wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and weather conditions. The data is updated every 30 minutes and covers forecasts up to 7 days in advance.

Question 8

Can I use AegeanSwim on my mobile phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, AegeanSwim is fully mobile-responsive and works perfectly on smartphones and tablets. We also have a React Native mobile app in development for iOS and Android with additional features like push notifications and offline mode.

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