Family Discover the Greek Islands in Comfort
Two families with young children were looking for a two-week luxury, crewed sailing holiday, island hopping around the Cyclades in Greece.
Published October 12, 2017
Updated February 10, 2025

The Client
Requirements
- A catamaran, as it offers plenty of space and comfort, plus extra stability. Its shallow draft would also allow them to sail close to the shore, so handy for the beach and if they wanted to anchor up and go snorkelling in caves or grottos.
- Opportunity to try out variety of water sports.
- Family-friendly destinations and places to eat out.
- Stunning, low-key destinations with lots of options to anchor up at lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming.
Where and When
Budget



Lagoon 450 Catamaran
Daniella II
This beautiful 46ft catamaran offering amazing indoor and outdoor spaces was ideal for this family group.
Daniella II has four double cabins, each with private en suite facilities and ample living and outside dining space, fore deck and in the saloon.
The fore deck also has a sofa area and trampoline ideal for sunbathing, reclining and taking in panoramic views of the Cyclades.
The family also had the use of numerous water toys, including snorkelling gear, towable tubes, a knee board, adult and children’s water skiis and a paddle board. So no chance of anyone getting bored.



Greek Islands Itinerary

Day One
Athens (Alimos) – Tzia
After a short taxi ride from Athens airport we arrived at Alimos Marina where we were warmly greeted by our skipper and crew and set off for the island of Tzia, known as ‘the gateway to the Clycades and the destination for our first night.
We docked in Korissia, the main port, and after a short walk round the town to soak up the atmosphere, we dined on board on delicious locally caught fish and settled into the holiday mood.

Day Two
Tzia – Syros
We were all keen to get into the beautiful turquoise waters of the Aegean, so after a mornings sailing we stopped off the coast of Syros for a delicious lunch, followed by an afternoon of swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing.
We anchored for the night at the beautiful port of Hermoupolis, the capital of the Cyclades and ate out on the waterfront at one of the many tavernas there.
As we discovered, every restaurant in Greece is family-friendly, so there was never any problem arriving with three children aged between 6 and 15!


Day Three
Syros – Delos – Rhinia – Mykonos
Before we left Syros we decided to check out the famous market here, where we picked up some delicious local honey, herbs and olive oil to take home.
We then settled back for a full days sailing and sightseeing from out deck, passing the tiny islands of Delos and Rhinia on our way to Mykonos.
Our helpful skipper knew of some perfect coves to stop off at on the way, so this seemed the perfect opportunity to try out the water skis – the children seemed to get the hang of it quicker than the adults, and it was a fun way to spend the afternoon.
On arrival at the old port of Mykonos, one of the Cyclades' most glamorous destinations, we dressed up and set off to explore the warren of narrow alleyways and whitewashed buildings, before dining at the chic Little Venice quarter on the waterfront, to enjoy a spectacular sunset.

Day Four
Mykonos – Paros
Our crew had told us that Paros was a great place for kit-surfing, so we decided to head straight to the island this morning to check it out.
It was certainly exhilarating and while some of us got air-borne, the rest of us enjoyed a peaceful afternoon paddling and picnicking on the beach.
After so much physical activity, we decided to stay on board tonight and tucked into a delicious barbecue prepared by the crew, washed down by a bottle or so of the lovely local wine. Bliss!

Day Five
Paros – Naxos
An early morning dip off the back of the boat and a short sail past the beautiful coastlines of Paros and we arrived at Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades Islands.
The island boasts many beautiful beaches and although many can get busy, our skipper guided us to a beautiful secluded cove, ideal for all the children to swim and snorkel safely.


Day Six
Naxos – Koufonisia
The beauty of the Cyclades Islands, with their exquisite whitewashed houses never failed to delight me every day on this holiday, but Koufonisia stands out as a particular, hidden gem.
We found some wonderful, quiet beaches (great for building sandcastles!), swimming and snorkelling followed by a long, leisurely dinner at a friendly taverna on the waterfront.
A lovely, low-key stop off.



Day Seven
Koufonisia – Schoinoussa – Iraklia

Day Eight
Iraklia – Santorini
Santorini is the most famous of the Cyclades Islands and it did not disappoint!
The stunning snow drifts of white washed houses lining the cliff tops impressed everyone, even our youngest member!
We wanted to avoid the crowds, so spent the day cruising the coastline, stopping to swim and siesta peacefully before touching land in the late afternoon and joining in the party atmosphere.

Day Nine
Santorini – Folegandros
Folegrandros is a tiny, beautiful island which boasts some wonderful remote crystalline coves and prehistoric coves.
Our skipper guided us to a wonderful spot where we all marvelled at the colourful sealife below the waves.

Day Ten
Folegandros – Milos
Every island in the Cyclades has its own character, and Milos has been defined by its volcanic past, which has given it dramatic rock formations and white pumice rock.
There is a dramatic shipwreck on the rocks nearby, which we could view from our yacht as we sailed round the island.
We also got to swim in the incredible blue sulphuric water at Papafragas.

Day Eleven
Milos – Polyaigos – Kimolos
We sailed over to the uninhabited island of Polyaigos, known as the island of goats, where we spotted Mediterranean Monk seals which make their homes in the many sea caves on the coast.
Then it was on to Kimolos, with its spectacular and often empty beaches.
We just had time to anchor off Gerakias cave and take our dinghy in to explore its sparkling waters, before settling down for the night.



Day Twelve
Kimolos – Serifos
Off to Serifos today, another unspoilt and peaceful island, but with a buzzy atmosphere on the port and a great place to people watch.
There were plenty of tavernas to choose from for dinner, and we sat alongside local families as we tucked into our locally-caught fish.

Day Thirteen
Serifos – Kythnos
As with many of the islands in the Cyclades, Kythnos has been inhabited since the Melolithic era, yet it is still sparsely populated.
After a day swimming and relaxing on board our Cyclades catamaran, we set out to explore Hora, the main town on the island.
We were delighted to come away with lots of delicacies, including capers and the local speciality – amigdelota (almond cookies). Delicious!

Day Fourteen
Kythnos – Cape Sounion
Today we set sail back to the mainland, heading for Cape Sounion and time for a little culture – the Temple of Poseidon – the Ancient Greek god of the sea!
The temple sits impressively on a peninsula overlooking the sea and, although you are not allowed to enter the temple any more, the views are incredible.

Day Fifteen
Cape Sounion – Athens (Alimos)
Our final day, and it was back to base at the marina in Alimos to say farewell to our dedicated and caring skipper and crew after two incredible weeks of adventure, escapism and tranquillity in the sparkling waters of the Aegean.
We can't wait to be back next year!
Breakdown
- Yacht and Crew: £20,000
- Provisioning Allowance: £4,200
- VAT: £2,400
Total: £26,600
Need some help?
If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide.
We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.