Mykonos Yacht Charter Itinerary

Glamorous Mykonos is famed for the classic sugar-cube houses and white sandy beaches that fringe its coast, as well as its vibrant nightlife. It's location within the Cyclades chain also makes it the perfect place to start a yacht charter in the region.

Your first day on the water takes you south from Mykonos to Naxos. The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos is also among the prettiest. Several lovely little coves, anchorages and beaches punctuate the coastline, while the ruined temple of Apollo dominates the approach to the harbour. This elegant waterfront makes a great final night stop. The influences of centuries of conquest weave through the architecture, and as the Cyclades' greenest island, Naxos has a relatively lush landscape. Spend the afternoon exploring the town, wander across the causeway to the ruins, or walk up to the Venetian castle and savour the views.

A long morning sailing south from Naxos leads to the island of Ios. On approach, Ios is about as Greek as Greece can be - the island's coast is lined with mountains and olive trees, punctuated by chapels and churches with vivid blue domes. There are an abundance of gorgeous beaches dotted around Ios - it's well worth anchoring off Mylopotas beach for a quick dip before going into the town to moor up. Ios is also something of a party island, with the town of Chora on the hill famous for its nightlife. Fortunately, it is about a 15-minute walk from the town quay to the busiest bars, so the actual waterfront is quite peaceful. Ios is also the perfect launchpad for a daytrip on the ferry to Santorini, Instagram's favourite Aegean island, famous for its windmills and sunsets. Stunning as it is, Santorini is difficult to get to and there are no options to moor up there.

One of the smallest islands in the chain and largely untouched, rugged Folegandros is full of character and a nice place to spend a quiet evening. From the quay at Karavostasi, it's an hour's walk up to the main town of Chora, packed with classic Cycladic houses and charm. The views over the steep cliffs on the northern edge of town are quite something, and the impressive Church of Our Lady at the end of a zig-zag uphill path is very special.

Faros is a charming anchorage in a bay on the SE side of Sifnos which provides good shelter from the meltemi. You can anchor either to the S of Cape Petalos or off the village.

The town of Naoussa, on the north of Paros island is an adorable fishing town, in the traditional Greek style, with whitewashed buildings, blue doors and shutters and classic stone paving. The waterfront is packed with good restaurants and bars, offering fresh octopus and local dishes. Tight, bougainvillea-clad walkways weave a path behind the houses, and are as pretty as any in the region. A lovely place to start your holiday.

The final day of your charter has arrived. Today is a chance to get one last sail in, stretching across the open Cyclades back north to Mykonos. Visit the ruins at Dilos, or anchor off the nearby island of Rineia for one last lunchtime swim before sailing back to base and exploring the sights and sounds once ashore.