2 WEEKS ROUTE IN THE CYCLADES

Day 1: Alimos marina - Sounion (23 nautical miles - nm or 5 nm from Lavrion port)

Starting on Saturday afternoon from Athens, we arrived in the cape of Sounion just before dark. We anchored near the temple, among many other yachts, as this is a popular destination for the first night after the start of the cruise. Other nearby alternatives are also available however (e.g. the bay of Anavissos or the nearby island of Kea), if required.

Please note that in case of departing from Lavrion port, it takes an hour to reach Sounion, or 3 hours to Kea (either port or a bay).

Sounion bay is suitable with north winds, but it may be affected by waves in case of southern winds (although not very common in summer months). In such case, the port of Kea offers better protection.

Day 3: Syros – Paros, port of Naoussa (21 nm)

The next day we continued the trip south, to the island of Paros, at the center of the Cyclades islands. The nearest port is Naoussa, located in a large bay open to the north winds. Although the port is protected to the North, in case of heavy winds the port is not safe. Additionally, because the port is small, it needs to get there early in order to find an available spot. However, if there is no docking space, yachts can stay out of the port on anchor, and get by dinghy to the shore (assuming there are no strong, northern winds).

The port is usually busy and picturesque. The alleys have the traditional feeling of the Cycladic architecture and there are also many restaurants and bars creating a warm atmosphere at night, which might continue until the morning hours as well.

Day 5: Naxos – Koufonissi (21 nm)

The area of the Minor Cyclades is praised by poets as much as travelers across the world for their serenity and simplicity of the landscape. Picturesque villages are built on the small islets, which are surrounded by sandy beaches and of course the endless blue of the Aegean Sea. Regarding the weather conditions, the Minor Cyclades are lesser affected by the strong northern winds compared to the rest of the Cyclades islands. The big island of Naxos protects both from winds and from waves, so conditions are tolerable, even when the rest of the Aegean is tormented by the so called ‘meltemi’.

Koufonissi is the main islet of the Minor Cyclades, located farther east, or just few hours from Naxos. There are very specific options on the islet. Either dock in the small marina (if there are any spots available) or anchor in the turquoise waters of the bay in front of the village. At the north coast of the islet, you can also visit the cove of Pori, with crystal, turquoise waters, offering good protection from the North wind also because of the swallow waters in the bay.

Day 7: Schoinoussa – Antiparos (21 nm)

This is a beautiful sailing trip, southern of the islands of Naxos and Paros. This condition results in smaller waves (if there are strong winds in the wider area), so ideal sailing conditions. Soon, you are reaching the islet of Antiparos and Despotikon further south, but close to Antiparos. There are many options: you can sail by the coast of Despotikon, as there are many coves, usually without many other boats. Closing the day, you can anchor in the large bay between the two islands, Despotikon (on the south) and Antiparos (on the north). The anchorage in this place is exceptional, because all the bay has ideal sea bottom (sandy, up to 13 meters deep, lots of space at 4-5 meters). Swimming is fantastic and there is also the ancient temple of Apollo on Despotikon (toward the west), which is restored recently and worth a visit. Finally, another option is to anchor near (or inside) the port of Antiparos. There is no dock available even inside the port, and it is rather shallow to enter the port with a monohull; for this reason there are mostly catamarans that anchor inside the port. The port of Antiparos is quite beautiful and picturesque; fancy and traditional restaurants and bars offer a vivid nightlife.

Day 9:  Sifnos – Milos, port of Adamas (23 nm)

The next day we sailed further south, to the island of Milos and its nicest satellites, the islets of Kimolos and the uninhabited Polyaigos.

For many, this area has some of the nicest swimming spots in the Cyclades, and probably all over Greece. Kleftiko, a formation of rocks at the southwestern coast of Milos, the “Blue Waters” at the western coast of Polyaigos, Sarakiniko, at the northern coast of Milos, Prasonissi in Kimolos, all compose an astonishing area with amazing spots. Which of these areas you can visit depends on the weather conditions, as well as your mood to sail from one place to the other. We followed the plan below, but you can adjust it to the preferences and conditions of your own trip.

As we were heading south, the northern winds were rather calm, so we passed Kimolos and anchored in Sarakiniko. We enjoyed diving off the cliffs and had a walk on the unique landscape. After few hours we sailed to the main port of Milos, Adamas. We arrived late in the afternoon, so we were lucky to find free some of he last spots there. In the evening we visited the picturesque town of Klima uphill, the largest settlement of the island.

Day 11: Milos – Polyaigos - Kimolos (16 nm)

Having explored the southern coast of Milos, we headed toward the islet of Polyaigos. The western coast of this uninhabited islet offers some incredible rock formations, as well as serene sandy beaches. We approached the coast by the yacht and then sailed with northern direction admiring the diverse rock formations. The winds were calm, so we could drop anchor and swim wherever we liked. We visited the bay of Manolonissi further north, and snorkel by the northern coast, during the amazing rock formations and the small beaches.

After a long day in the turquoise waters of Polyaigos, we sailed to the island of Kimolos. Our main option was the port of Psathi, a picturesque, small place with nice shops around. From there, you can also walk up the hill and visit the village of the islet, up the small hill. Unfortunately, the port was full, as there are only few spots and the place gets full as early as noon. We could also anchor in the wide open at the north of the port, available only with calm winds. However, we decided to sail 2 miles more and visit the bay of Prassa, at the northeast of the islet. There is a beautiful beach with white sand there, and there is also a restaurant at the eastern side. We booked a table and enjoyed dinner there.

According to the maps, the depths are very shallow in that place, so we were very careful when anchoring.

Day 13: Serifos – Kithnos (23 nm) 

Kithnos island is gifted with one of the most impressive beaches in the Cyclades islands, in Kolona, at the northwestern coast and near the main port of Merichas. The bay of Kolona offers numerous spots for anchorage, as well as the wonderful experience of visiting a beach that consists of a strap of sand surrounded by the sea in both sides. There is also a beach bar and restaurant at the end of this beach, for some more fun and dinner options. When visiting the Cyclades, the beach of Kolona is usually the first (or last) stop we do, not only because of the position of the island (the one closest to Athens when sailing to the Cyclades) but also for the immense beauty of the area. It is also important that the beach of Kolona, and the bay of Fikiada at the other side of the ‘strap’ offer protection from all wind directions.

In case you prefer a port for the last night of the cruise before returning to Athens, the port of Kithnos, Merichas, is a very good choice. The place is calm, there are several restaurants and few bars built on the sand by the sea, food is good; all in all, you can find all the conditions that make the evening comfortable and relaxing. You need to get to the port early, since the berthing spots are limited and the port gets full pretty early, especially at the beginning or end of each week.