Cruising Itinerary for the Cyclades Islands

Why choose the Cyclades Islands cruising grounds?

When Athens and its international airport is so close, it’s no wonder that so many choose the Cyclades luxury yacht charter grounds for an 11-day cruising itinerary that offers full immersion into lively local culture, atmospheric and romantic ruins, vineyard tasting experiences, amazing Scuba dive sites and of course the innumerable golden sand beaches – plus a few colourful surprises as well.

The stunning Cyclades consists of 220 islands for your group to discover by mono-hull or catamaran, with the well-maintained ports and numerous natural anchorages able to cater to motor yachts and sailing yachts alike. Skip the crowds and pack your days around your activities and interests, not the timetable for the next ferry, and spend your time on board watching films, working out in the gym or savouring both the view and your expertly prepared meal from your sundeck.

The larger islands have a great selection of beach side bars, restaurants and harbour-side clubs to dance the night away, plus the more traditional tavernas and cafes where you can relish the aniseed-flavoured local drink ouzo at sundown.

Take a look at the following Cyclades Islands Yacht Charter itinerary to find out about the best landmarks and experiences you could have in just 11 days of cruising this Grecian wildlife haven.

Day 1: Athens

Begin your luxury yacht itinerary in Athens, the famous ancient city often called ‘the birthplace of democracy’ and home to a multitude of temples, museums, galleries, bars, restaurants and theatres – in short, a culture lovers’ paradise.

So densely packed are the Athens ruins, it’s impossible to miss them in the city centre or to do it all in a single day, however the Temple of Hephaestus, god of the forge, is one of the best preserved classic buildings to add to a sightseeing tour around the Ancient Agora. If you only have time for one museum, the Acropolis Museum is one of the most extensive and up to date, then for entertainment the Herod Atticus Odeon is an open-air amphitheatre that holds concerts and other events, or for a more lively night scene the city centre has a variety of modern and traditional venues for partying after sundown.

Shoppers will be spoiled for choice with the eclectic markets, boutiques and international brands, placed side-by-side with art galleries, indulgent cafes and lavish spas to make the day truly extravagant.

For Michelin-starred fare in Athens, try Varoulko Seaside close to the marina or Spondi close to the city centre. Both have an ambient environment, an extensive menu complemented by excellent wines. If you have a couple of hours to fill, the views from Mount Lycabettus are spectacular and an atmospheric location for a twilight meal.

Location highlights: Ancient Agora, Temple of Hephaestus, Herod Atticus Odeon, Acropolis Museum, Mount Lycabettus, Varoulko Seaside restaurant, Spondi restaurant

Day 2: Kea

Your first island among the Cyclades is scenic Kea, an island covered in olive groves, seaside hamlets and scattered churches and monasteries, perched high up in the hills where there are panoramic views of the sea. Shopping is limited after the delights of Athens and your luxury yacht charter group has plenty of time to taste the local produce, learn new water toys or simply stretch out on the sundeck and snooze after a hearty meal.

Discover secluded beaches such as Karthea Beach to the south, the site of ruins and clear blue waters that are perfect for snorkelling together as a family or for wind-powered water toys.

There are several locations around Kea where Scuba diving is banned to protect artefacts, however this doesn’t mean a lack of alternatives: Wall, cave and wreck dives are available in addition to shallow open sits for beginners, and more experienced divers can explore the incredible wreck of the Patris paddle steamer, sunk in 1968 due to human error and lying at a depth of 28m/91.8ft.

Location highlights: Folklore Museum, Archaeological Museum, Karthea beach, Patris dive site

Day 3: Syros

Syros has an excellent balance between nature and civilisation, historical entertainments and modern delights: In Ermoupoli bars, restaurants, museums, churches and theatres make up the colourful buildings that descend down the hillside to the shores, and the grand landmarks can be spotted before you step onto land.

Saint Nicholas Church on the hillside is not to be missed for its breath-taking interiors, and during your stay you might be able to catch on of the island’s spectacular events: The Festival of the Aegean for Music and the International Classical Music Festival of the Cyclades. For a romantic night out, take a loved on to the Apollon Theatre to watch dance and drama, followed by a stroll past the Ermoupolis City Hall lit up at night.

On the other side of the island, Poseidonia and Finikas attract luxury yachts with fine sand beaches and a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from. Agios Stefanos Church and Saint Pakou are nestled among the cliffs and have a serene atmosphere for watching the sunset before returning to your luxury yacht for a film before bed.

Sunbathers have a wealth of options, with Agathopes Beach, Koito Beach and Kini Beach popular choices for relaxation close to town, while guests looking for complete seclusion in nature should head north to Varvarousa, Aetos and Lia beaches for crystal clear blue water and wonderful conditions for windsurfing and sailing.

Location highlights: Saint Nicolas Church, Apollon Theatre, Ermoupolis City Hall, Agios Stefanos, Saint Pakou, Agathopes Beach, Koito Beach and Kini Beach, Varvarousa Beach, Aetos Beach, Lia Beach

Day 4: Sifnos

Discover the postcard-perfect white and blue villages of Sifnos where the fishing and leisure boats match with the houses and the water is just as clear in the harbour as it is on deserted shores.

On a stroll through Apollonia taste the authentic flavours of Greece in the local restaurants and tavernas as you explore the religious buildings, galleries and museums. As evening approaches, get in some cocktails at Argo Bar and Cosi Sifnos, or make use of your wet bar on board you yacht and host your own private party along the shore.

Farther south, stop off at the Church of the Seven Martyrs and Castle Sifnos in Kastro, where the group can spend the afternoon kayaking along beneath the winding cliffs or taking life at your leisure on the sundeck.

Those who like a choice of places to dine and relax will enjoy time sent at the long sandy beach at Platis Gialos, while groups looking for complete privacy can watch the stars come out at the secluded sandy bays along the western side of the island.

Location highlights: Argo Bar, Cosi Sifnos, Church of the Seven Martyrs, Castle Sifnos, Platis Gialos

Day 5: Ios

Known for its incredible bars, restaurants and parties lasting long into the night, you will be in good company on Ios. There are exceptional beaches down quiet bays if you want to celebrate away from the crowds, from Tzamaria Beach beside Ios town to Magganari Beach in the south with its sparse restaurants and bars to middle-of-nowhere locations such as the sandy shores north of Kalamos Beach.

For a stroll on land, visit the Tomb of Homer, the Bronze Age settlement on Skarkos Hill, or for the best views over the town and out across the bay, visit the Church of Virgin Mary of the Cliff.

Location highlights: Tomb of Homer, Skarkos Hill, Church of Virgin Mary of the Cliff, Baru Bar, Lost Boys Bar

Day 6: Santorini

On Santorini, the locals have been making wine for over 4,000 years and there is much history to uncover about the island’s inhabitants: Learn about the destroyed Bronze Age settlement in Ancient Thira, revisit its early period with the art and tools in the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, and discover the advanced level of technology the townspeople enjoyed in 17th Century B.C. at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site.

The aptly named ‘Red Beach’ to the south has striking contrasts between the cool blue waters and the imposing red sand cliffs that colour the beach below. Heading west, there is the Red Beach Cave and White Beach Cave, the Mavro Vouno Caves dive site for more experienced Scuba divers and the shallow Kabia Reef dive site, making the area perfect for an afternoon of water sports.

To the west, the volcanic island of Tholos Naftilos has hiking trails to the summit, and it conceals a charming church named Ekklisia Agios Taxiarchis to the south east where there is also spectacular wreck dive site nearby. To the south west there is another church named after Saint Nicholas and the hot springs in the region are a popular attraction: Visit very early or late in the day to avoid the peak summer season crowds End your stay on Santorini was a tour of one of the local wineries and watch the sun sink over the western horizon while you sip on a glass of wine and enjoy the sunset.

Location highlights: Ancient Thira, Museum of Prehistoric Thira, Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Red Beach, Mavro Vouno Caves dive site, Kabia Reef dive site, Ekklisia Agios Taxiarchis, St. Nicholas Church, Nea Kameni dive site

Day 7: Amorgos

When privacy in paradise is what you’re after, Amorgos is one curving bay and cove after another providing shady sandy beaches and wondrous environments in which the group can play on the water toys and encounter fish and octopi in water that offers excellent visibility. Agai Anna Beach is the site of filming for Le Grand Bleu, and Scuba divers should take the time to swim amongst the Deep Blue Wall, the Manina 3 wreck and Nikoura’s Cavern.

The traditional architecture is present and if you were hoping to snap some photos of blue and white buildings covered in bougainvillea, the island is happy to oblige. Up in the mountains, there is the Moni Panagias Chozoviotissas Monastery that was built in the 11th Century, and the botanical gardens where there are uninterrupted views out across the Aegean Sea.

Location highlights: Agia Anna Beach, Deep Blue Wall dive site, Manina 3 dive site, Nikoura’s Cavern dive site, Moni Panagias Chozoviotissas Monastery

Day 8: Naxos

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Islands and is centrally located in the chain. In ancient myth this was the nuptial island of Dionysus, and there is a sanctuary to the god of wine within the hills. Along the coast the built up towns have plenty of galleries, boutiques, museums and churches for a full dose of retail therapy and culture in equal measure, then rest up on the magnificent beaches before partying through the night.

In Naxos Town, see the iconic Windmills of Kato Mili along the shore, then delve into the past with the Byzantine and Venetian museums.

During the afternoons the western coast is ideal for wind-powered sports because of the strong gusts, and there are amazing dive sites nestled between Naxos and Paros, including a swim-through reef, as well as wreck dives lying 25m/82ft below the surface.

Location highlights: Temple of Demeter, Temple of Apollo, Old Town, The Windmills of Kato Mili, Byzantine Museum, Venetian Museum, Kastro, Petalouda Art Gallery, Yalomorfon Glass Art Studio, Marianna dive site, Swim-through reef dive site

Day 9: Paros

Along with Naxos, Paros is situated at the heart of the Cyclades and is a family friendly destination with great beaches for learning how to swim, snorkel and use more advanced water toys. In Naoussa, a stroll through the town will take you to the Venetian Fortress and the remains of a Frankish Castle, and since Paros has been inhabited since ancient times your group might also come across centuries-old cemeteries, docks and marble quarries on your adventures.

Paros also has numerous spas and yoga retreats – make your own aboard your superyacht by anchoring amongst the dramatic coastal headlands and using the warm breezy surroundings for exercise and meditation.

Location highlights: Venetian Fortress, Frankish Castle, Folklore Art Museum Of Cycladic Civilization, Panayia Ekatondapiliani Cathedral, Café del Mar, Kosmos Cocktail Bar, Pirate Bar, Resalto

Day 10: Tinos

Take your time on calm and quiet Tinos, where the number of magnificent beaches will have you spoiled for choice. Kayak, paddleboard and swim in crystal clear water’s to your heart’s content, then dry of on the warm sands in a bay only accessible by boat.

While most of the traditional villages are to be found inland, the harbour side towns have a great choice of international eateries, cafes, tavernas and all-night bars. Refresh yourself with a cup of ouzo before paying a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Tinos and the Archaeological Site of Kionia Tinos to get a true picture of Tinos in the past.

Location highlights: Archaeological Site Kionia Tinos, Archaeological Site Kionia Tinos, Rochari Beach, Lefko Beach,

Day 11: Mykonos

End your incredible Cyclades luxury yacht charter at Mykonos, an island that has secluded sunbathing to the north and beach parties to the south, with Mykonos Town (Chora) the primary stop for shopping, history and culture. In Chora, ‘Little Venice’ along the coast is the quintessential postcard picture of the Cyclades: White-washed buildings and pedestrian ways overlooked by The Windmills from the 16th Century.

Escape the midday heat with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, the Aegean Maritime Museum, Lena’s House Folk Museum and the contemporary Kapopoulos Fine Arts gallery.

Wander down Matoyianni Street and pick up some new accessories for the beach or gifts for those back home, then take the weight off your feet and recuperate with an iced coffee or a glass of ouzo.

Location highlights: Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, The Windmills, Paraportiani Church, Matoyianni Street, Kapopoulos Fine Arts, Lena’s House Folk Museum, Aegean Maritime Museum