Cyclades Sailing Itinerary
7 days
•166 nautical miles
7 Days Sailing the Cyclades
Day 1: Arrive Lavrion
Day 2: Lavrion to Kithnos (Kolona Bay) (24nm)
Day 3: Kythnos to Paros (Naousa) (50nm)
Day 4: Paros to Mykonos (21nm)
Day 5: Mykonos to Siros (Ermopouli) (18nm)
Day 6: Siros to Kea - (37nm)
Day 7: Kea to Lavrion (16nm)
Sailing the Cyclades
Just one hour away from Athens airport and a few hours’ sail from the first of the Cyclades Islands, the small town of Lavrion is a perfect starting location. Good facilities in the marina and a nearby supermarket make preparing for your charter a breeze and there are plenty of good restaurants to soak up the Greek atmosphere on your first night. A few miles south of the town, perched on the craggy headland of Cape Sounio, the Temple of Poseidon overlooks the Aegean Sea. This 5th Century Doric structure dedicated to ancient Greek god of the sea is well worth a visit if you have time on your first or last day, or there is even a sheltered bay just below the temple for a potential for a lunch or overnight stop.
Visit the temple of Poseidon – only 15/20 minutes by taxi.
Provision your yacht ready for the weeks holiday.
On the North West coast on the island of Kythnos, Kolono Bay provides a picturesque anchorage sheltered from most wind directions. A small tavern offering traditional Greek food overlooking the beautiful bay is the only hint of civilisation. If you’re feeling up to it, climb up the hill to watch the sunset over the Aegean.
Take a swim in the crystal clear sheltered waters of the bay, also an ideal opportunity for some water sports.
Climb up the hill to watch the breath-taking sunset.
Set off early morning from Kolona Bay, as it’s a long sail down to Paros. But well worth getting the long sail done early in the week. Naousa is a beautiful and lively town in a sheltered natural harbour on the north east coast of Paros island. A small marina, with 15-20 births, offers a suitable mooring for the night. There are also plenty of anchorages in the numerous bays. Admire the quintessential whitewashed sugar cube buildings and wander through the maze of streets before dining in a traditional taverna.
Dine in one of the many Greek style restaurants, for some authentic island cuisine.
Hire a car to explore more if the beautiful island.
Watch the sunset over the hills.
A short hop northwards takes you to the glamorous island of Mykonos. With its sandy beaches, startlingly white buildings and vibrant nightlife, it is easy to see why people fall in love with this captivating island. There is a medium sized harbour to the north of the town, which has water and some electric moorings, but generally the facilities are basic. There is a supermarket close by. A long walk, bus or a quick taxi will get you into the main town.
Hire scooters/ car to explore the breath-taking mountainous roads to get a better view of the island, including the legendary Mykonos Windmills.
Have a drink in one of the many serene cocktail bars.
Visit Matoyianni Street, famous for it’s shops. An ideal place to find a piece of Greece home with you.
A comfortable sail west takes you to Ermoupoli on the island of Siros, the capital of the Cyclades islands. As a busy shipping port and a large town, there is a lively atmosphere to the quay, where it is possible to moor stern-to with electric and water hook ups and step straight off into the street. There is small marina to the south of the bay as well as mooring buoys and places to anchor if you want a quieter evening.
Hire a car to drive across the island, for a sublime dinner in the fish restaurant in Kini Bay. Incredible views from both the top of the hill overlooking Ermopouli as well as the sun setting across the water in Kini Bay.
Visit the Apollon Theatre – an architectural jewel in Emopouli.
Leave in good time for a fairly long sail up to the island of Kea. On the north west coast, both Vourkari and Korissia are quaint and sheltered spots to moor for the night. There are some laid moorings in the bays, as well as a few spots on the quay of each town. Some fantastic restaurants, mountainous surroundings, and ancient buildings make Kea an elegant last night’s stay in the islands.
Visit the Ancient Greek ruins in Korissia, overlooking the turquoise waters of the bay.
Go Scuba diving with the Keadivers club – unparalleled visibility and great underwater landscapes – there is also the Patris Wreck close by.
One final exhilarating sail of just a few hours takes you back to Lavrion, where the magical week sadly comes to an end.
If you have time on our last day, head over to Athens where you can find the temple of Zeus, the original Olympic stadium, and many more historical monuments in this world-famous city.
Staying more local to Lavrion - there is a comfortable beach to the South – Panormos, where you can spend the day catching those last few rays before your flight.