TWO WEEKS SAILING AROUND THE ANCIENT MONUMENTS OF CYCLADES

Day 2: Sounion - Kythnos island (25 nm)

Next day sail from Sounion to Kythnos islands. It's a route of nearly 25 nm heading southeast, therefore the north wind, which is prevalent in the summer, will make the trip easy going. Berth in Merihas port which offers very good shelter, but keep some distance from the dock that the boat berths. We suggest also paying a visit with the yacht to the nearby bay of Kolona. It is one of the most beautiful places to swim and relax.

Kythnos ancient agora is very interesting for sightseeing. The ancient agora of the island was discovered in 2009; it is believed that it was built in the 4th or 5th century BC. Kythnos is populated since the 10th century BC. Findings are mostly made of clay or marble, include household and religious items (small statues, coins, pottery etc.). Archeological research has taken place in the sea, around the port of Mandraki, where part of castle wall was discovered. In the same area (ancient name Vryokastro) an ancient temple was excavated, including all valuable items of the era. Vryokastro is very close to the main Kythnos port Merihas, making the visit to the archeological area rather easy.

Days 3, 4: Kythnos - Milos island (41 nm)

The following day sail to Milos island. The distance between Kythnos and Milos is approximately 41 nm toward south with the north wind easing the sailing conditions. Find a berth in Milos main port, Adamantas. Because of the size of the island, the number of ancient monuments, as well as the numerous, amazing swimming spots, it is suggested that you spend two days in this magnificent place.

The Archeological Museum of Milos is located in Plaka (main village of the island). Visitors can view exhibitions since the pre-historic period and after (5.000 BC), jars, small statues and other sculptures. Copy of the famous statue “Venus of Milos” is located in this museum.

On the island of Milos guests can find remains of the ancient town of Filakopi, one of the most important centers of pre-historic Aegean region. There are existing traces of human presence from about 3.000 BC. Later, around 1.100 BC the place was developed into a commercial center due to the stone “obsidian”. Large development took place (e.g. the defense walls that are still visible); the town was destroyed from invasions and re-built three times.

Guests can also visit the ancient residence of Klima, the first port of the island in ancient years. The acropolis of the residence is a worthy sightseeing and guests can also see the parts of the ancient and roman temple. Please note that the famous statue “Venus of Milos” was discovered in Klima.

Located in close proximity, is the Ancient Roman theatre (first built in the 3rd century BC), still utilized for concerts, theater plays etc. (currently it can host audience of up to 700 people).

Due to its unique geological structure, Milos has old Christian catacombs, which comprise the oldest monument of Christianity. They are located near the village of Tripiti. There are long labyrinths, tombs and the site is comparable to the old Christian catacombs of Rome and Holy Places.

Milos has unique geology interest, like geothermal fields, hills of pumice which are visible to anyone visits the beautiful coastline of the island. Guests may admire samples of the mining museum in Adamantas, the main port of Milos.

The main port of Adamantas offers very good berth and easy access to sightseeing. Visiting the coast line of the island, especially the south side offers unique spectacle. Kleftiko, Gerontas and Gerakas are among the most impressive places to visit if you sail around the south coast. Protection wise, keep in mind the prevalent north winds (meltemi) and strong gusts in case you spend the night on anchor. Mind also that waters are rather deep in most places. On the north side, if you berth the yacht safely in Adamantas, don't miss the Sarakiniko beach with the landscape of clay rocks and turquoise color of the sea.

Day 6: Sifnos - Paros island (24 nm) 

The next destination, Paros island has wonderful beaches and places to anchor but like in all islands, you need to be in main port to have easy access to sightseeing places. Main ancient monument is a temple of Delion, dedicated to god Apollon. Built in the 5th century BC, the temple overlooks the island of Delos and also has magnificent view to the Aegean Sea. You can see the remains of temple columns and walls. Nearby there are the ruins of another temple, dedicated to Apollo's sister, Goddess Artemis, and at south part of the island, there are the ruins of the temple of Asklipoios, God of Medicine and son of Apollon, built in the 4th century BC. The archeological museum of Paros is located in Paroikia, main port of Paros. The collection belongs to main periods of history in Greece, since the third millennium BC.

Although berthing in Paroikia is safe and offers good access to island's monuments, Paros has many anchor places. Out of many beautiful ones, the favorite is the strait between Paros and Antiparos. There you can find many places to berth, mostly sandy and with good anchorage. Mind the shallow waters while passing through the canal and read the maps carefully because accidents have happened by the careless. Nevertheless, sailing around Antiparos is a wonderful experience. As Antiparos is inhabited since the 4th millennium, there are some interesting ancient places for sightseeing on the island, as well as on smaller islands around.    

Syros has rich history which is evident in main town Ermoupolis, Ano Syros as well as in houses scattered in the south side of the island. Syros went through dramatic development in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and was the industrial center of Greece at that time, due to its geographical position (center of the Aegean Sea). It has wonderful, picturesque roads and walking around is a mere pleasure. The building of Town Hall, the opera, the district “Vaporia” creates a very interesting sightseeing in the town of Ermoupolis. In addition, Ano Syros, situated on the high hill of Ermoupolis, with old churches and monasteries offer a wonderful walk, while you can admire the deep blue at every glance. Visit also the village “Poseidonia”, near Phoinikas port to see the neoclassical aristocratic houses that reveal the wealth that once was created in Syros Island.

The most important place for sightseeing in Andros island is the extended settlement of Zagora, which peaked development between 10th and 8th centuries BC. You can see the strong surrounding walls, ruins of houses and storage rooms. Likewise, on the hill of Ipsili, another settlement has been discovered with strong surrounding walls and house ruins, dating back to 10th century BC. These two settlements reveal that Andros held a strong position in that era (Geometric period) with strong ties to mainland civilization.

Day 13: Andros - Kea island (25 nm)

 The port of Kea lies at the northeastern coast of the island. It is comprised of two parts or separate docks, the main port of Korrisia, and the dock in Vourkari. It is safe to anchor in the port with most wind directions, while many yachts choose to anchor in the wide bay of Livadi, where both docks are located.

Near Vourkari lies one of the oldest settlement sites of the Aegean Sea, in the area of Santa Eirini. The sight is dated around the 3rd millennium BC. Excavations revealed parts of the defensive wall, hydraulic infrastructure for the supply of the ancient town with water, remains of houses and roads.