CYCLADES

7-Day Itinerary Cyclades Islands

ATHENS - ATHENS

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

Cruising speed: 7-10 knots

Daily sailing time: 3-4 hours

Estimated total distance: 170 nautical miles

Day 1 Athens – Kea (35 NM)

Day 2 Kea – Kythnos (20 NM)

Day 3 Kythnos – Syros (25 NM)

Day 4 Syros – Paros (30 NM)

Day 5 Paros – Naxos (15 NM)

Day 6 Naxos – Sounion (40 NM)

Day 7 Sounion – Athens (30 NM)

Day 1 Athens – Kea (35 NM, 4 h)

Departure from Athens towards Kea, the gateway to the Cyclades, known for its charming villages and untouched landscapes.

Activities: Stroll through Ioulida, visit the ancient Lion of Kea, and relax on Otzias Beach.

Recommended Restaurants: Aristos (Vourkari), To Spiti Sti Hora.

Mooring: Vourkari Marina.

Day 2 Kea – Kythnos (20 NM, 3 h)

Sailing to Kythnos, famous for its thermal springs and secluded beaches.

Activities: Swim in Kolona Beach, visit Loutra thermal baths.

Recommended Restaurants: Sofrano, Ostria.

Mooring: Loutra Bay.

Day 3 Kythnos – Syros (25 NM, 3.5 h)

Sailing to Syros, capital of the Cyclades with neoclassical architecture.

Activities: Walk through Ermoupoli, visit Ano Syros.

Recommended Restaurants: Avant Garden, Sta Vaporia.

Mooring: Ermoupoli Marina.

Day 4 Syros – Paros (30 NM, 4 h)

Heading towards Paros, a lively island with beautiful beaches and traditional villages.

Activities: Explore Naoussa, visit Kolymbithres Beach.

Recommended Restaurants: Siparos, Barbarossa.

Mooring: Naoussa Marina.

Day 5 Paros – Naxos (15 NM, 2 h)

Short sail to Naxos, the largest Cycladic island.

Activities: Visit the Portara, explore the Old Town.

Recommended Restaurants: Doukato, To Elliniko.

Mooring: Naxos Marina.

Day 6 Naxos – Sounion (40 NM, 5 h)

Sailing back towards mainland Greece with a stop at the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion.

Activities: Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon.

Recommended Restaurants: Akrogiali.

Mooring: Sounion Bay.

Day 7 Sounion – Athens (30 NM, 4 h)

Final leg of the journey back to Athens.

Activities: Visit the Acropolis, explore Plaka.

Recommended Restaurants: Dionysos Zonar's, Kuzina.

Mooring: Alimos Marina.

Best time to visit: May to October, with warm temperatures and moderate winds. July and August are high season with stronger Meltemi winds.

Sailing tips: Be aware of the northern Meltemi winds, which can be strong in summer. Anchor in protected bays and arrive early at popular marinas.