The Cyclades - A Yachting Destination Guide

T H E C YC L A D E S A YACHTING DESTINATION GUIDE

HUNGARY

Andros

ROMANIA

Kea

Tinos Giaros

SERBIA

Mykonos

Kythnos

BULGARIA

Dilos

Syros MACEDONIA

Naxos

Serifos

Paros

Donousa

ALBANIA

Koufonisi

Sifnos

Keros

Antiparos

GREECE TURKEY

Irakleia

Antimilos

Kimolos Amorgos

Sikinos Ios

Schoinousa

Milos Folegandros Thirasia

Anafi Santorini

YACHTING IN THE CYCLADES The beauty of chartering in the picture-perfect Cyclades is the freedom to island-hop wherever the mood takes you. Warm, calm waters and ribbons of sandy beaches are a huge draw, alongside the cool coastal vibe found in these relaxed towns.

This dense group of islands scattered across the central Aegean Sea is within easy reach of Athens and benefits from the Meltemi winds, ideal for watersports enthusiasts. Expect fresh-from-the-sea cuisine, genuine hospitality and striking Cycladic scenery – a yacht charter here is a truly magical experience.

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ANDROS & TINOS N

orthernmost Andros boasts lush hillsides, meandering rivers and golden sands. Nestled on a peninsula between two long swathes of beach, the pedestrianised main chora bustles with delightful cafés and shops, while a diverse collection of art museums, monasteries and ancient sites are found island-wide. A top spot for activity-lovers is Ormos Beach, renowned for its excellent windsurfing.

Nearby, and comparatively unknown, charming Tinos is teeming with old-style villages and secluded beaches. Enjoy unspoiled architecture, traditional culture and provincial gastronomic feasts.

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MYKONOS P

opular for stylish boutiques, chic beach clubs and lively nightlife, the whitewashed paradise of Mykonos packs a scenic punch. Visitors can enjoy sheltered anchorages, picturesque bays and some fantastic beaches.

Whimsical Little Venice enchants with pendulous medieval buildings, while the warren of narrow streets in chic Mykonos Town radiates allure. Whether you seek relaxed seclusion or a cosmopolitan vibe, countless beaches deliver the required mood; whilst heading inland the leafy hillsides are dotted with quaint villages. Nocturnal proceedings cater for all tastes, with beach-based super-clubs, Champagne bars and cabaret shows ensuring the action continues until dawn.

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PAROS, ANTIPAROS & NAXOS S

ugar-cube towns, ancient ruins and lively tavernas nestling in the natural landscape make Paros a quintessentially Greek island. There are countless opportunities to anchor and snorkel in secluded crescent-shaped bays enveloped by swathes of velvet sand, whilst Golden Beach provides the perfect spot for watersports enthusiasts. Explore the nearby tiny isle of Antiparos, with its traditional village, deserted beaches and an impressive cave system on the southern side.

The largest in the island group, Naxos lays claim to the highest Cycladic peak of Mount Zas, set amidst meandering hiking trails and fertile valleys strewn with vineyards. The coast is fringed with exotic beaches, exciting wreck dives and friendly seaside tavernas – not forgetting the windsurfing haven on the western shore.

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KEA, KYTHNOS, SYROS & SERIFOS G

ateway to the Greek mainland, Kea stands out from the crowd – steep mountains, olive groves, hiking trails and off-the-beaten-track beaches characterise this unspoiled isle.

The relaxed paradise of Kythnos fully embraces beach life, offering countless sandy stretches only accessible by yacht and clear waters to intrigue divers.

For a slice of away-from-it-all tranquillity, make your way to culturally significant Syros, exuding the romance of a bygone era and several pristine beaches – the sheltered cove at Galissas is a must.

Beautifully relaxed Serifos is a yachting haven packed with infinite charm, thanks to sheltered bays and boundless beaches. Head hillside to wander the main chora and take in the breath-taking panoramic views at the top.

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SIFNOS & MILOS C

ycladic chic is prevalent in Sifnos: whitewashed terraces, terracotta chimneys and vibrant bougainvillea mirror the refined yet relaxed ambience. At Panagia Chryssopigi thrill-seekers dive from rocky ledges, whereas isolated Fykiada Bay is mainly accessed by yacht. Foodies take note: in September the annual gastronomy festival in Sifnos further promotes the island’s rich culinary tradition.

Unique Milos, birthplace of Aphrodite and original home of the Venus de Milo, radiates natural beauty.

From volcanic Plaka’s sunsets, Kleftiko’s pirate caves to the charming fishermen’s boathouses at Klima, this island is a treasure chest of hidden gems.

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SIKINOS, FOLEGANDROS, AMORGOS & IOS T

iny and picturesque, peace abounds on delightful Sikinos. The popular hiking path to the ancient Episkopi Monastery delivers awe-inspiring views, whilst four secluded coves offer isolated beaches, perfectly accessed by yacht. Rocky Folegandros, famed for exquisite sunsets, is the antithesis of Santorini and Mykonos. With no airport and just three villages, ancient ruins take you back in time while the isolated crystalline coves and prehistoric caves are truly captivating.

On the south-eastern edge of the Cyclades, remarkably unspoiled Amorgos is rich in both beauty and culture. Enjoy glorious Aigialis beach, visit the famous Monastery of Hozoviotissa with achingly beautiful views and taste delicious local Ladotýri cheese. In contrast, the ultimate fun island of Ios is filled with high tempo action. If nightlife is low priority, relish gorgeous Magganari beach and explore the town’s windmills.

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SANTORINI B

est approached by sea across the immense volcanic caldera, Santorini is undeniably spectacular.

Whitewashed cubiform houses perch hillside, intricately linked by cobblestone alleys - while below the coastal beaches individually hued with red, white and black sand add colourful appeal.

Cruise past uninhabited Aspronisi and Strogili, take a therapeutic swim in the Nea Kameni thermal springs and admire the Akrotiri clifftop lighthouse and ‘Indian’ rock formation. Be sure to head to scenic Oia village - the top spot to watch Santorini’s famed sunset.

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