ΓΛΩΣΣΑ

THE MINOR CYCLADES ROUTE

Sail in the Minor Cyclades for one week from Paros

The proposed sailing trip will take you and your company to explore the Minor Cyclades and swim in serene destinations. At the same time the itinerary offers a shelter in the Cyclades islands, in case of strong, northern in the Aegean Sea, as this area is protected by the big islands of Naxos and Paros, so the weather conditions are milder than in the open sea of the Cyclades.

The Minor Cyclades is a cluster of small islets, being kept until the last years off-the-beaten-track. The inhabited islets are Iraklia, Schoinoussa and Koufonissi, with some uninhabited islets around them, all gifted with a wild  beauty and amazing sea colours. Donoussa is also part of the Minor Cyclades, but it is located farther north, it is exposed to strong winds, so it is excluded from the specific sailing route.

Starting from Paros island offers access to many destinations, as it is located in the center of the Cyclades. This itinerary is the safest of all, in case of strong winds. It is also considered of low difficulty, since the distances between the islands is rather small.


The Chart of the Trip

Click on the image to enlarge

Paros (Paroikia) - Despotikon - Iraklia - Koufonissi - Schoinousa - Naxos - Naoussa (Paros) - Paroikia

Note: The map is based on navionics.com


Video Highlights of the Trip


The Description of the Trip

 Day 1: Paros to Antiparos (Despotikon)

Departing from Paros and heading south-west you will arrive to Antiparos and further on to Despotikon. This small uninhabited island has one of the earliest settlements of the Cycladitic civilization, which dates back to 3000 BC. The tranquille bay between Despotikon and Antiparos is ideal for anchoring and enjoying the crystal waters. You will find fish tavernas on the Antiparos side that serve local delicacies. On the southern side of Despotikon you will find the beach Livadi.

Aerial photo of the Despotiko bay, looking West
The port of Iraklia
Day 2: Antiparos to Iraklia

You will leave Antiparos early in the morning and sail east to the island of Iraklia. Time stops in this beautiful island where there are no cars nor the noise of tourism. You will find tavernas. mini markets and ofcourse whitewashed churches and houses in the cycladitic style. For those who enjoy hiking, Iraklia hosts the seventh largest cave of Greece, the cave of St. George.

What our guests say...

Milos P, Serbia
Milos P, Serbia
Experience Jul 2022 | Reviewed Jul 2022

Unforgettable

We keep coming back to Sail in Greek Waters, they are always at our disposal, providing support during our sailing adventure, helping with daily affairs (finding a spot in crowded por...

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Ruslan S, Madrid
Ruslan S, Madrid
Experience Jul 2024 | Reviewed Jul 2024

Amazing holidays in and with Greek waters

We booked two different charter boats for one week each in July 2024, a monohull and a catamaran. My partner and I crewed the monohull and had friends over f...

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Oscar S, Madrid
Oscar S, Madrid
Experience Jul 2025 | Reviewed Nov 2025

Perfect Sailing Experience

We spent an unforgettable week sailing through the Ionian Islands this past July with a Lagoon 42 catamaran and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We were a fa...

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Ian, USA
Ian, USA
Experience Oct 2023 | Reviewed Oct 2023

Sail in Greek Waters

I'm an experienced sailors but chose to have Kosta join us and skipper the boat (Lagoon 42). It worked out really well, I loved sailing and navigating with Kosta, he was 100% fle...

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Kimberly D, USA
Kimberly D, USA
Experience Sep 2023 | Reviewed Sept 2023

Choose Sail in Greek Waters for a Perfect trip of a lifetime!!!!

Do your research! We are thrilled that we did ours and found Kostas and his team at Sail in Greek Waters. There are so many sailing ex...

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Fanis, Greece
Fanis, Greece
Experience Jun 2023 | Reviewed Jun 2023

Heartwarming experience

I couldn't recommend more chartering from them. Kostas treats his boats with care and respect, he is not just there to take the money and run. He is also there to assist, guid...

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Ayr M
Ayr M
Experience Aug 2022 | Reviewed Nov 2022

First time sailing in Greece and we can't wait to return!

This was the first time we'd done anything like this and it was amazing. We're going to recommend Sail in Greek Waters to every...

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Cristina T
Cristina T
Experience Sep 2022 | Reviewed Oct 2022

Great sailing trip visiting Cyclades islands

We went for a sailing week and we had Kostas as skipper. Everything went very smoothly, from checking the boat to planning the trip and handing over the...

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Diana
Diana
Experience Sep 2022 | Reviewed Oct 2022

Amazing week sailing with Kostas

We chartered a boat with Sail in Greek Waters in September. Kostas was super helpful, answering all the questions we had, arranging groceries supplies and providing...

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Hellena Zecevic
Hellena Zecevic
Experience Aug 2022 | Reviewed Aug 2022

Life time experience

This was the trip of my life and my first sailing adventure! Such a great experience, the best Capitan in the world. The boat was very good equipped, has everything. It was so ...

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ΟΛΕΣ ΟΙ ΑΞΙΟΛΟΓΗΣΕΙΣ
Day 3: Iraklia to Koufonissi (via Antikeria)

On your third day it is time to head for Koufonissia islands. These Minor Cyclades islands are a place of heaven where the blue crystal waters prevail anywhere you go. The main Koufonissi island has a marina for you to spend the night and from there to sail to the surrounding smaller islands. For your first day in Koufonissia we propose a sail towards the Antikeria islets which lay just south of the island of Keros. A thin strip of sand surrounded by the clearest turquoise waters is sure to win your heart. You can spend the whole day in Antikeria or you can explore more of the Minor Cyclades before you head to Koufonissi island to spend the night.

The Koufonissi island has some of the most beautiful swimming spots in the Aegean pelagos. Time, water and wind has sculptured these islands forming the rocks into caves and hidden beaches. Waste no time and sail around the Koufonissia for unforgettable swims. Here you will surrender to the sun and you will sleep under countless stars. Walking around the island only lasts a couple of hours, wandering around in the whitewashed alleys of the small town or enjoying a dinner on one of the tavernas.

In between the islets of Antikeria
The cove of Pori, at the northern coast of Koufonissi


The main bay of Koufonissi


Charter Yachts in Paros

What is your favourite yacht?

ΣΕ ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΑ
ΑΠΟ: €3,885.00/ΕΒΔΟΜΑΔΑ
Beneteau Oceanis 51.1
51 ft
•
2020
6
Καμπίνες
•
12
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Dufour 470
47 ft
•
2022
5
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Bali 4.4
44 ft
•
2023
5
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
ΣΕ ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΑ
ΑΠΟ: €2,590.00/ΕΒΔΟΜΑΔΑ
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440
44 ft
•
2018
4
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
ΣΕ ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΑ
ΑΠΟ: €2,125.00/ΕΒΔΟΜΑΔΑ
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419
42 ft
•
2019
3
Καμπίνες
•
7
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 415
41 ft
•
2026
3
Καμπίνες
•
8
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Dufour 530 - Owner's Version
53 ft
•
2021
4
Καμπίνες
•
9
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
ΣΕ ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΑ
ΑΠΟ: €2,680.00/ΕΒΔΟΜΑΔΑ
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 519
51 ft
•
2016
6
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490
49 ft
•
2023
4
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Dufour Catamaran 48
48 ft
•
2024
6
Καμπίνες
•
11+1
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Lagoon 46
46 ft
•
2024
6
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Bali 4.6
46 ft
•
2023
5
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Dufour 460 Grand Large
46 ft
•
2020
4
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Bavaria Cruiser 46
46 ft
•
2017
4
Καμπίνες
•
9
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Fountaine Pajot Elba 45
45 ft
•
2023
6
Καμπίνες
•
12
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Lagoon 450 Flybridge
45 ft
•
2020
6
Καμπίνες
•
12
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Bavaria C45
45 ft
•
2019
5
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Lagoon 450 Flybridge
45 ft
•
2015
6
Καμπίνες
•
12
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Fountaine Pajot 44
44 ft
•
2026
5
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
ΣΕ ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΑ
ΑΠΟ: €2,550.00/ΕΒΔΟΜΑΔΑ
Bavaria C42
42 ft
•
2025
3
Καμπίνες
•
8
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Bavaria C42
42 ft
•
2024
3
Καμπίνες
•
8
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Lagoon 42
42 ft
•
2023
6
Καμπίνες
•
12
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Lagoon 42
42 ft
•
2022
5
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Beneteau Oceanis 40.1
41 ft
•
2025
4
Καμπίνες
•
8
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Lagoon 400
40 ft
•
2015
6
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
Isla 40
39 ft
•
2022
4
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
ΣΕ ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΑ
ΑΠΟ: €2,760.00/ΕΒΔΟΜΑΔΑ
Lagoon 380
38 ft
•
2019
6
Καμπίνες
•
10
Επιβάτες
•
Πάρος
View all Yachts in Paros
The small port of Schoinoussa with crystal waters
Day 4: Koufonissi to Schoinousa

Next destination is the islet Schoinousa. Another untouched island of the Minor Cyclades yet again a beautiful scenery for amazing vacation. You will find 17 quiet beaches on Schoinousa for relaxing swims in blue waters. The few locals of the island are fishermen and farmers and will welcome you with an open heart. You can also find traditional delicacies and local produce like wine, honey and marmalade.

Day 5: Schoinousa to Naxos

Leaving the Minor Cyclades you will sail to the largest of the main Cyclades islands, Naxos. The town port of Naxos is situated on the west side of the island and is a famous tourist destination. According to mythology Zeus spend his childhood on Naxos and therefore there are temples where he was worshipped. For those who want to explore the inland, the villages of Apiranthos and Filoti on the mountain offer amazing views from above. Spend the day swimming in a spot around the island and head to the port to enjoy Naxos unique cuisine and vibrant nightlife.

The port of Naxos. Credit: P.Dimitrakopoulos, GNTO

Short Video from Kato Koufonissi

 Breathtaking hidden coves in the Greek islands

The picturesque port of Naoussa
Day 6: Naxos to Naoussa (Paros)

Last but not least, your return trip takes you to the picturesque village of Naoussa in Paros. Before heading back to Parikia make a stop in the northern big bay and swim in Kolimbithres or Monastiri beach. Naousa was once raided by pirates who made the village a hideout for many years. Today its a vibrant tourist destination with plenty of tavernas, bars, shops and walking around the alleys of Naousa is an experience by itself. Berth in the port and enjoy the picturesque village with vivid nightlife. 



Day 7: Return to Paroikia port

The next day, sail back to Paroikia filled with memories that will last forever! On the way, you can have a swim in the bay of Naoussa or the bay of Paroikia. Both places are gifted with beautiful spots to swim and relax, before returning to the home port.

Return to Paroikia port is expected before 18:00pm, but you can spend the night in the beautiful town and disembark from the yacht the next morning.

Definetely, changes to this route are not only possible, but also required, according to the preferences of your group, the weather conditions, or even the embarkation and disembarkation ports. 

For example, instead of spending another night in Paros (Naoussa), one could choose to spend a second night in Schoinoussa; the islet has plenty of coves to explore and, why not, spend a night in one of them. The port of Antiparos is also a wonderful option for the first night of the trip and then you can head south to Despotikon, which also has plenty of wonderful coves, apart from the main bay with Antiparos. Destinations are countless, use our ideas and create your own, unique and amazing sailing trip!

Notes:

Routes, distances and any other information are provided merely for informational purposes. The skipper must assess the nautical maps before sailing this area.

Passengers are free to modify the above route according to their preferences

More Sailing Trips in the Cyclades islands

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