SAILING IN CYCLADES
The Cyclades, the most renowned island group in the Aegean Sea, are known for their distinct barren landscapes adorned with solitary chapels, traditional white and blue architecture, stunning sandy beaches, folk music and festivals, and their welcoming and hospitable residents. The name "Cyclades" is derived from the islands forming a circular pattern (in English, the name means "circular islands") around the sacred island of Delos.
The Cyclades encompass 39 islands located in close proximity to each other, making them an ideal yachting destination. Of these, 24 islands are inhabited year-round: Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Kimolos, Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Donousa, Koufounisia, Iraklia, Shinousa, Amorgos, Santorini, Thirasia, Anafi, Sikinos, and Folegandros. The remaining smaller islands and islets remain untouched and are accessible only by boat.
Sailing conditions are most favorable from early June to mid-July and in September. Towards the end of July and throughout August, the Cyclades experience strong winds known as the "Meltemi," blowing from the north and northwest with forces reaching up to 7-8 Beaufort.
You may start your sailing holidays in the Cyclades from different marinas, depending on yacht availability, flight schedules, charter duration and desired itinerary
Marina Lavrion (Athens area)
Marina Alimos (Athens)
Marina Zeas (Athens)
Marina Agios Kosmas (Athens)
Marina Vouliagmeni (Athens)
Marina Paros (Cyclades)
Marina Mykonos (Cyclades)
Marina Santorini (Cyclades)
POPULAR ISLANDS IN THE CYCLADES
Mykonos is one of the most well-known islands in Greece. It lies in the heart of the Cyclades island group and is famous for its beautiful whitewashed architecture, its crystal clear water, its cosmopolitan and glamorous lifestyle and its exciting nightlife. Being also called "the island of the winds", it is a paradise for experienced sailors and watersport enthusiasts. It boasts a beautiful marina which is also used as a charter base for many yachts.
Santorini is the most spectacular Greek island. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, which shaped its rugged landscape and created a unique sub-merged caldera. The villages Fira, Imerovigli and Oia lie along the lip of the volcanic cliff, more than 200m above sea level, featuring an absolute breathtaking view over multi-colored layers of lava and pumice, barrel-roofed cave houses and of course the caldera.
Santorini is the most spectacular Greek island. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, which shaped its rugged landscape and created a unique sub-merged caldera. The villages Fira, Imerovigli and Oia lie along the lip of the volcanic cliff, more than 200m above sea level, featuring an absolute breathtaking view over multi-colored layers of lava and pumice, barrel-roofed cave houses and of course the caldera.
Paros is located right in the center of the Cyclades. It features beautiful traditional villages with very well preserved Cycladic and neoclassical buildings, charming squares and narrow marble alleys. Its picturesque harbor Naoussa is a colorful fishing village that also boasts a beautiful marina. Right next to Paros lies the small island Antiparos, which features awe-inspiring beaches that are definitely a "must visit".
Paros is located right in the center of the Cyclades. It features beautiful traditional villages with very well preserved Cycladic and neoclassical buildings, charming squares and narrow marble alleys. Its picturesque harbor Naoussa is a colorful fishing village that also boasts a beautiful marina. Right next to Paros lies the small island Antiparos, which features awe-inspiring beaches that are definitely a "must visit".
MYKONOS
SANTORINI
PAROS & ANTIPAROS
Naxos is the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades. It is characterized by traditional villages, fertile valleys, and impressive long beaches with clear blue waters. Its capital is a beautiful old castle town with stone paved alleys that harmonize perfectly with the island's blue and white architecture. Naxos' delicious food and local products are famous all around Greece.
Milos is a romantic island that is also called the "Island of Lovers". This nickname is based on the fact that the famous statue of Venus de Milo has been found here. Volcanic activity in ancient years endowed Milos with a unique and gorgeous landscape. Impressive rock formations that emerge from the water create a lot of sheltered coves, inlets and caves that are beautiful to discover by boat and make Milos' beaches uniquely beautiful. The most famous being Kleftiko.
Ios is a beautiful and diverse island. On the one hand it is very traditional with an idyllic and charming capital city that could be described as the perfect example of Cycladic architecture. It features snow-white little houses, twelve windmills, and 365 churches with arched belfries and blue domes. On the other hand, Ios is famous for its wild party life. At night, the tiny central square transforms into a fun open-air party that lasts until the morning dawn.
NAXOS
MILOS
IOS
The Small Cyclades is a chain of small islands between Naxos and Amorgos. Only four of them are permanently inhabited: Koufonisi, Donousa, Iraklia and Shinousa. They attract only a few visitors, who are looking for a laid back atmosphere, and splendid beaches with low-lying white sand dunes, and rocky coves that are covered with wild flowers.
Sailing from island to island will prove to be a special adventure.
Serifos with its rocky and wild landscape
has its very own distinct Cycladic flair.
From afar, the island actually looks like a great rock rising out of the sea. On top of the mountain, lies its picturesque capital city, which is certainly one of the most elegant Cycladic towns with a beautiful 15th century Venetian castle. Many sheltered bays with sandy beaches can be found around the island.
Andros is the northernmost island of the Cyclades and the second largest after Naxos. It has a unique landscape that features a mix of sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, emerald bays, and mountains with a quite lush vegetation and many abundantly flowing streams. It's picturesque capital is set dramatically along a narrow peninsula on the east coast of the island.
SMALL CYCLADES
SERIFOS
ANDROS
SAILING ITINERARIES IN THE CYCLADES
The Cyclades islands and islets are so unique and beautiful that it is quite impossible to point out and recommend only one specific route. There are countless routes worth exploring. You can choose among four different charter bases from which you can easily explore the Cyclades Islands. Marina Alimos and Marina Lavrion that are situated in the Attica region, and Marina Paros and Marina Alimos, which can be found right in the center of the Cyclades island group.
Marina Alimos and Marina Lavrion can be easily reached via Athens International Airport and are perfect starting points if you wish to explore the islands in the north, northeast, and west. Popular destinations that can be explored during a one-week charter in the northeast Cyclades are Kea, Kythnos, Syros, Andros, Tinos and Mykonos. A trip in the west might include the islands Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos and Milos.
If you are planning to explore the rest of the Cycladic islands, you can start your trip from marinas Paros or Mykonos. Reaching Paros or Mykonos is quite easy as there are numerous domestic flights and ferry boats leaving from Athens daily. Starting from Paros or Mykonos, you have multiple options and you might visit well-known islands like Naxos, Santorini, and Ios or the lesser known Small Cyclades islands that include Donousa, Koufounisa, Iraklia, Shinousa and several smaller not inhabited islets. Distances between the small cycladic islands are short and the area is quite protected from the strong wind that is blowing in the Aegean sea. Thus, it is a perfect sailing area.
Since distances between most of the Cyclades islands are quite far, we advise you to be open to some small route adjustments shortly before or even during your trip in order to be able to take advantage of the wind.
Discover below a couple of one-week route options, staring from Athens.
Mykonos is one of the most well-known islands in Greece. It lies in the heart of the Cyclades island group and is famous for its beautiful whitewashed architecture, its crystal clear water, its cosmopolitan and glamorous lifestyle and its exciting nightlife. Being also called "the island of the winds", it is a paradise for experienced sailors and watersport enthusiasts. It boasts a beautiful marina which is also used as a charter base for many yachts.
Naxos is the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades. It is characterized by traditional villages, fertile valleys, and impressive long beaches with clear blue waters. Its capital is a beautiful old castle town with stone paved alleys that harmonize perfectly with the island's blue and white architecture. Naxos' delicious food and local products are famous all around Greece.
Milos is a romantic island that is also called the "Island of Lovers". This nickname is based on the fact that the famous statue of Venus de Milo has been found here. Volcanic activity in ancient years endowed Milos with a unique and gorgeous landscape. Impressive rock formations that emerge from the water create a lot of sheltered coves, inlets and caves that are beautiful to discover by boat and make Milos' beaches uniquely beautiful. The most famous being Kleftiko.
Ios is a beautiful and diverse island. On the one hand it is very traditional with an idyllic and charming capital city that could be described as the perfect example of Cycladic architecture. It features snow-white little houses, twelve windmills, and 365 churches with arched belfries and blue domes. On the other hand, Ios is famous for its wild party life. At night, the tiny central square transforms into a fun open-air party that lasts until the morning dawn.
The Small Cyclades is a chain of small islands between Naxos and Amorgos. Only four of them are permanently inhabited: Koufonisi, Donousa, Iraklia and Shinousa. They attract only a few visitors, who are looking for a laid back atmosphere, and splendid beaches with low-lying white sand dunes, and rocky coves that are covered with wild flowers.
Sailing from island to island will prove to be a special adventure.
Serifos with its rocky and wild landscape
has its very own distinct Cycladic flair.
From afar, the island actually looks like a great rock rising out of the sea. On the top of the mountain, lies its picturesque capital city, which is certainly one of the most elegant Cycladic towns with a beautiful 15th century Venetian castle. Many sheltered bays with sandy beaches can be found around the island.
Andros is the northernmost island of the Cyclades and the second largest after Naxos. It has a unique landscape that features a mix of sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, emerald bays, and mountains with a quite lush vegetation and many abundantly flowing streams. Its picturesque capital is set dramatically along a narrow peninsula on the east coast of the island.
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
WEST CYCLADES
Aegina | Poros | Hydra | Spetses | Agistri | Ermoini
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
WESTERN CYCLADES
Kythnos | Milos | Kimolos | Serifos | Kea | Sounio
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
EASTERN CYCLADES
Kythnos | Syros | Mykonos | Tinos | Andros | Tsia | Sounip
CHARTER A YACHT TO SAIL IN THE CYCLADES
Monohull sailing yacht or Catamaran? Bareboat, Skippered or Crewed Charter? No matter what is your preferred sailing yacht and charter type, we can offer plenty of options, so that you can tailor your sailing holidays in the Cyclades to your needs.
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
MONOHULL SAILING YACHTS
Monohull Sailing Yachts are beautiful classic sailing yachts that are characterized by their one hull. Since they are smaller in width than catamarans, it is easy to find them a room to moor in Greek ports, even in the peak months July and August. All our monohull sailing yachts can be chartered bareboat and with a professional skipper.
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
CATAMARANS
Catamarans are characterized by their two hulls, which provide significantly more pace than classic monohull sailing boats. They are an ideal choice if you are planning a cruise with a group of friends or family. Our catamarans can be chartered either bareboat or with a professional skipper.
