A Cyclades yacht charter is a Mediterranean classic. It is a sailor’s paradise, with vast open sea dividing the islands, which have all managed to maintain a pristine and idyllic state. The Cyclades comprise about 220 islands, all of which are peaks of submerged mountain ranges, with the exception of two volcanic islands, Santorini and Milos. You will discover quaint bays, stunning beaches and the charm of the beautiful Greek villages. Onshore you will find an abundance of ancient sites, Byzantine castles, museums, nightlife, shopping and restaurants.
Dream destinations
Athens to Santorini
7 Days
DAY ONE ATHENS - KEA
Join your yacht in the oldest inhabited city in the world, Athens, and cruise to the picturesque island of Kea where vines and fruit trees run right down to the sea. Step ashore to explore the unassuming port of Korissa, reputedly the safest natural harbour in the Mediterranean, which is lined with tavernas and restaurants. You’ll also find a number of exceptional beaches on this island and some of the best walking paths and trails of any Greek island. Avid walkers can choose from a number of routes that will take you through a variety of landscapes to remote coves and the ruins of ancient cities. North East of Kea town you will find the famous lion, carved from the native rock in the 6th century BC. Also well worth a visit is the hamlet of Vourkari which boasts excellent fish restaurants, small shops and friendly local bars.
DAY TWO KEA - SYROS
From Kea, set sail for Syros, located almost in the centre of the Cyclades. This is one of the smallest islands of the Cyclades but it also has the highest population. Syros is the administrative centre of the Cyclades, but it is still an island that hasn’t been too touched by tourism. The rewards of visiting Syros are great – in addition to the exposure to traditional island life, there are a handful of small, pretty beaches, and the bustling harbour of Ermoupolis, or Queen of the Cyclades, has many interesting Venetian and neoclassic buildings situated in an amphitheatrically way.
DAY THREE SYROS - MYKONOS
As you cruise into the cosmopolitan Greek island of Mykonos and the colourful harbour of Hora, be sure to take in its plethora of hip bars and restaurants. Mykonos is the most popular island of the Cyclades Group, famous for its fine sandy beaches by day, and dazzling nightclubs and bars by night. Head to Mykonos Town and you’ll truly appreciate the island’s beauty – rolling hills are dotted with whitewashed houses that are built along a maze of alleys, and the famous Venetian windmills and hundreds of tiny red roofed churches add a flavour of culture and custom to the Mykonos scene. Step back aboard for a 2km trip to discover the neighbouring uninhabited island of Delos, one of Greece’s most famous archaeological sites and the birthplace of Apollo. For a romantic interlude visit Little Venice, boasting superb sunsets that can be viewed from the luxurious Venetian balconies that reach out over the sea.
DAY FOUR MYKONOS - PAROS
After a leisurely cruise, spend the morning in Naoussa Bay, Paros, a superb location for windsurfing and kiteboarding. From the busy little port town of Parikia to the pretty fishing village of Naoussa, Paros presents a very traditional picture of a Greek island – sandy beaches, blue shuttered white washed houses, a hilly landscape dotted with churches, endless vineyards and stunning cliff top views. But Paros is on the way to becoming the next Mykonos, especially among Greeks, it has fantastic nightlife and plenty of choices for dining.
DAY FIVE PAROS - IOS
Cruise along the coastline of Ios, adorned with small coves, countless chapels, olive trees and vineyards. Ios is a small island in the heart of the Cyclades that has rightfully earned its place in the list of “party islands” in Greece. It’s popular with the younger generation and is famous for its vivid nightlife with an uncountable number of bars, cafés, clubs and restaurants. But the island also boasts wonderful beaches with crystal clear waters as well as some fascinating churches and the monastery of St John. Our recommendations for beaches to visit are Mylopotas and Yialos.
DAY SIX IOS - SANTORINI
Cruise around Santorini’s satellite islands of Thirassia, Palea and Nea Kameni for superior and secluded beaches, before stepping ashore to sample some of the island’s great wines and local cuisine but most of all, to discover the little villages which are situated on cliffs offering breathtaking views over the submerged volcano. Santorini boasts extraordinary landscapes, spectacular heights and breathtaking sunsets. After dinner at the island’s most idyllically appointed restaurant, Ambrosia, whose balcony has the best sunset view on the island, step back onboard for an overnight cruise back to Athens.
DAY SEVEN ATHENS
Awake in Athens and enjoy a last leisurely breakfast onboard before disembarking for your transfer to the international airport.