ONE WEEK SAILING IN THE CYCLADES: START FROM PAROS, VISIT MILOS ISLAND

 Day 1: Paros - Antiparos island (4 nautical miles)

We sailed this route few years ago, starting on Saturday afternoon from Paroikia, the main port of Paros. However, we could follow the same route if we started from Naoussa (the port in the North), or Piso Livadi, located at the eastern coast of Paros, which is 13 nautical miles (around 2 hours distance) from Antiparos island. 

Antiparos is the islet closest to Paros, so it is an ideal sailing destination for the first day, and it is a beautiful place, either you visit the port, at the northeastern coast of the island, or the large bay that is formed between Antiparos and the islet of Despotikon at the southern coast of Antiparos. We followed the first option, visiting Antiparos port. As there is no dock suitable for sailing yachts in the port, we anchored just outside, in shallow depth, around 5 meters, dropped a lot of chain to secure the yacht and enjoyed the night falling. 

Two persons stayed on the yacht for safety, while the others visited the small town, full with restaurants and bars. Despite the small size of the islet, there is a great number of young tourists, who create a vivid inightlife in the small town and the places around. 

Day 3: Explore Polyaigos, visit Sarakiniko and Adamas, the port of Milos (19 nm)

Next day we had a busy plan! After we left the port of Kimolos, we sailed first to Polyaigos, the uninhabited islet at the East. First stop was in the bay of Manolonisi for a swim, and then we continued south the exploration of the coast. It is comprised of rocky parts as well as sandy beaches. The rocks are amazingly colorful, obviously affected by the ancient volcano. There are many caves, tall rocks extending above the water line, where we could swim and explore. There is an endless beauty and serenity in the landscape. 

At noon, we sailed from Polyaigos to the Northern coast of Milos, so we could visit the bay of Sarakiniko. This is another unique sailing destination, with very different, but again amazing rock formations. In Sarakinikon, the main rock is a shining, white limestone, spread across a large area by the sea. The rocks are sharp, creating tall cliffs ideal for diving, while the shining area extends for hundreds of meters on the land. Walking at this area and then diving the cliffs into the crystal sea was something we will hardly forget. It was just awesome.

Soon, we left Sarakinikon and headed to the main port of Milos, Adamas, inside the large gulf of the island. It is a trip longer than an hour and we already needed to get on time to the port, so we could get one of the berthing spots. We arrived before 5 pm and managed to berth the yacht in one of the last remaining spots. After a long day, we relaxed in the port and enjoyed dinner and a few drinks. The port is well protected to the North winds, but exposed to western or southern wind directions. The place is busy, with lots of tourists, as well as plenty of restaurants and a few bars. Adamas offers vivid nightlife but lacks the traditional architecture of other Cycladic ports.

Rock formations are unique in Kleftikon. The coast there is composed of steep, sharp rocks by the sea, some have fallen into the sea because of the years or the explosive volcano. The sea is crystal, very transparent and the sand on the sea bottom ensures a safe anchorage. Perhaps the most impressive spot is the cave, large like a cove, created by the huge fallen rocks in the sea. Boats enter that cove without been seen from the outside. This is a lovely place to swim and snorkel. Like most of these impressive swimming spots, one has to visit in order to admire and appreciate.

The winds were north during the day and night, so staying in Kleftikon on anchor was not an issue. The night view was also impressive, as the moon lit the sharp stones creating a marvelous spectacle.

Day 6: Folegandros- Ios island (17 nm)

Next day started with the first light. We sailed upnorth to Ios. The northern wind had gone stronger, at 20-23 knots, which created challenging sailing conditions, as we had to sail upwind. We were lucky because the waves were not too tall, so we could make it to Ios. It took us longer than expected, but we approached the  island before noon. Instead  of heading directly to the port, we visited the beautiful cove of Magganari, at the southeastern coast of the island; it was also easier for us to head more eastern than the location of the port, it have a better angle to the wind. Magganari is an amazing spot, with more small bays created inside the larger cove, with small, sandy beaches scattered across the shiny coast. We anchor and dove into the amazing sea, relaxing after the hard trip. After a couple of hours and some light lunch, we headed west to the port. On the way, we sailed into the cove of Milopotas, another awesome place in Ios. This is also a famous sailing destination, with a very long sandy beach covering a big part of the cove.

Day 7: Return to Paros island (26 nm)

The next day, Friday, we sailed back to Paros. The northern winds stayed strong, so the trip was again hard. Things became smoother as we approached the coast of the island. We made a stop at the the islets of Pantieronia, two rocks in between the southern coasts of Paros and Antiparos. Although the place was rather busy, the turquoise waters were astonishing, and we enjoyed a wonderful swim. Soon we headed to Paroikia, the port of Paros. We anchored safely and had a wonderful sailing trip completed. At night we visited the town and enjoyed dinner and the nightlife in the busy bars close to the shore. We could not forget the amazing experience of a sailing cruise and the amazing destinations that we visited!