The Cyclades
The picture you imagine when you imagine Greece. White-washed villages, deep-blue domes, and the Meltemi wind shaping every afternoon.
A cruising overview
The Cyclades — 'the islands in a circle' — are the iconic Greek archipelago, a constellation of more than 30 inhabited islands in the central Aegean. Mykonos and Santorini are the headliners; Paros, Naxos, Antiparos, Milos, Folegandros and Amorgos are the connoisseurs' choices.
Distances are moderate (typically 2–4 hours between islands), wind is strong and reliable in July and August (the Meltemi), and the cruising rewards a skipper or captain who knows the safe night-harbours. The Cyclades suit experienced charterers and those willing to plan around the wind.
May – October
May, June and September are best — strong Meltemi in July and August can make some passages demanding. Skippered or crewed charters recommended at peak.
7 days
Minimum: 7 days
Recommended: 10–14 days to reach Santorini and return
- Lavrio (Athens) — primary Cyclades departure base
- Marina Mykonos — limited berths — book early
- Parikia & Naoussa (Paros) — main Paros harbours
- Vathi (Sifnos) — sheltered overnight anchorage
The right yacht for these waters
Sailing Yachts 42–56ft
Skippered monohulls handle the Meltemi well — Bavaria, Jeanneau, Beneteau widely available. From €2,800/week.
Catamarans 42–52ft
Stable in wind and the most popular Cyclades format — Lagoon 46, Bali 4.6, Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42. From €6,000/week.
Motor Yachts 45–75ft
Princess, Azimut and Sanlorenzo — for quicker, calmer passages between islands. From €15,000/week.
Luxury Crewed Yachts 80–150ft
Sanlorenzo, Benetti, Oyster and Hallberg-Rassy with full crew. From €65,000/week.
What you'll remember
Little Venice, Mykonos
Aperitivo at Scarpa or Caprice, then dinner at Spilia or Hippie Fish.
Naoussa, Paros
Arguably the most charming small port in the Cyclades — dinner at Mario.
Santorini caldera at sunset
Cruise through the volcanic caldera at sunset — the most dramatic sundowner in Greece.
Kleftiko, Milos
White volcanic rock formations and sea caves — best by tender.
Polyaigos & Kimolos
Quieter alternatives near Milos — exceptional water clarity.
Delos archaeological site
A morning ashore from Mykonos — the sacred island of Apollo.
Cruise the region
Good questions, good answers
- What is the Meltemi?
- A strong, dry north wind that blows across the Aegean in July and August, often at 25–35 knots. It's catnip for sailors but demands experienced handling — we recommend skippered or crewed charters in peak summer.
- Can I reach Santorini in one week?
- Tightly. A 7-day charter from Athens reaches Santorini only by skipping islands. We recommend 10–14 days for a comfortable Cyclades + Santorini loop.
- Where should I board?
- Lavrio (1h south of Athens airport) is the standard departure point for the Cyclades. Mykonos and Paros are also possible bases but berthing is limited.
- Is Mykonos worth the hype?
- Yes for the nightlife and dining; the anchorages on the south coast (Super Paradise, Agrari) are also excellent. Avoid the harbour overnight in August — anchor at Ornos instead.
A bespoke yacht charter, personally arranged.
Tell us your dates and preferences. We'll return with a tailored selection of yachts and a proposed itinerary within 24 hours.