Day 1: Naoussa - Antiparos (12 nautical miles - nm)

The sailing cruise started on Paros island and its northern port, Naoussa. This is the most picturesque town of Paros, with vivid night life. The port is affected in case of strong northern winds, but there are safe spots in the wider bay, in case of extreme weather conditions (e.g. wind speed above 30 knots).

We left the port early and headed to the port of Antiparos. There are no berthing spots there, so we anchored few meters below the southern wavebreaker of the port.

As we sailed across the passage between Paros and Antiparos, we had to be very careful, as this strait is very narrow, and it is risky to hit a rock, if the yacht deviates from her course. Navionics charter plotter (download on a smart phone)provides exact guidance, so we crossed the passage without any issues.

The anchorage at the south of the port of Antiparos is very safe. The sea bed shallow, around 4-5 meters and sandy, allowing to be safe, even if strong northern winds prevail. The water is very clear and transparent, so swimming near Antiparos port is a wonderful experience.

The port of Antiparos is small, but yet quite interesting. There are plenty of restaurants and bars, that stay busy until late night. However, staying on the yacht is also beautiful, as the waters are crystal and the landscape is amazing

Day 3: Ios - Schoinoussa (20 nm)

Indeed, the route from Ios to Schoinoussa islet took place on a windy day, which generated challenging sailing conditions. We had to sail at closed haul for more than 3 hours, although conditions became calmer as we were approaching Schoinoussa.

This is a wonderful island, with numerous coves at its coast. Again, we preferred to avoid the small port and anchor at the cove southern of it, by the beach of Tsigkouri. This is another beautiful spot, with crystal waters, protecting fully from the northern winds. We had a relaxing swim after anchorage and enjoyed dinner on the yacht.

Day 4: Schoinoussa - Amorgos (18 nm)

We left the islet of Schoinoussa and sailed east, to the island of Amorgos. It was a day with mild winds, ranging from 18 to 25 knots. We made a stop for swim in the islets of Antikeria. Despite the wind, the area between the two tiny islets was calm, so we enjoyed a quick swim in an amazing spot.

Soon, we continued our trip to Amorgos, but the waves were expectedly stronger, after we passed the southern coast of Naxos and got exposed in the open Aegean Sea. We headed to the port of Katapola at the southern part of the island. 

After berthing, we rented a taxi and visited the impressive monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa. It is an amazing hike on a stiff slope, over the Endless Blue of the Aegan Sea. The monastery has an incredible structure mounted on the cliffs; it was a short adventure that we enjoyed a lot.

In the evening, we visited the main village of the island, up hill. It is a picturesque little town, with steep alleys, little white houses. We dined in a small, traditional tavern and enjoyed live, Greek folk music. 

Note: Credits for the photo of Naxos port go to N.Kontos / GNTO

Day 6: Koufonissi - Iraklia (7 nm)

The trip was now at its best phase, as we had a relaxing day ahead, sailing in the Minor Cyclades, while the winds had dropped. We left Koufonissi after a swim and breakfast and headed to the nearby islet of.... Kato Koufonissi, for another swim in the amazing, turquoise waters and the unique rock formations.

Later we sailed by Schoinoussa and berthed in the small port of Iraklia. 

This is an amazing destination with a very cute port, exposed however to the northern winds. We enjoyed a swim by the yacht and then we dined at a family tavern by the coast.