The Cyclades are a complex of islands with unique white washed architecture, array of stunning beaches, and interesting sights and history. Each island possesses its own natural beauty with the majority having unique and barren landscapes, while a few, for instance Naxos, have quite a lot of vegetation and greenery.
When daydreaming about these beautiful locations the first images which come to mind are the intriguing white little alleyways, picturesque ports, delicious cuisine and rich culture. When visiting on board a sailing yacht there are so many little bays and beautiful locations to explore it can be quite challenging to decide where the best places are to find anchorage during your sails of the Cyclades Islands. In this article we have composed a list of possible anchorages and mooring in order to make this task a little easier but also to guide you to some of the most beautiful areas of the islands.
Paros: Parkia Port
This is a lovely natural port which has been in use since antiquity, here you will find numerous berths as well as access to electricity, water, and power. There are many taverns and cafes available to enjoy a refreshment, cold beer, or glass of wine while nibbling on some delicious local mezes.
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Katapola Marina, Amorgos
This is an excellent location to gaze at the stars and watch the moonlight shimmer off the sea. Just above the port are the interesting ruins from the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. Here you can also enjoy an evening exploring the restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Livadi Marina, Serifos
Livadi is filled with all types of activities and interesting things to do. There are numerous venues to enjoy a night out and plenty of restaurants serving serifian dishes. Here you will also find numerous markets and places to buy whatever it is you need. There is a lovely gold sandy beach called Avlomonas where you may decide to check out during your time here. It is a modern marina and accommodates mooring spots for sailing boats.
Milopotas, los
This is the most popular beach in Ios, it tends to gather young crowds and be quite busy in the summer. It has a gorgeous sandy shoreline and aquamarine waters. It offers excellent shelter from the Meltemi wind, where you may stop to take a break and enjoy the stunning surroundings on the comfort of your yacht.
Ornos, Mykonos
Here you will find a white sandy beach, crystal clear waters, and a well organized beach. It tends to get really overcrowded with family and visitors but provides perfect shelter from all directions of wind when needed. Being one of the most lively areas in Mykonos, many of the restaurants along the waterfront serve some of the best dishes available on the island. There are also a number of establishments to enjoy cocktails or drinks. This area tends to be overcrowded during the peak summer months.
Panormos Bay, Naxos
This area has a sandy beach located on the southeast of the island. It is one of the most secluded areas, where you may stop, relax, and enjoy some peaceful moments with friends and family. This is the perfect area to avoid the crowds and enjoy the pristine waters available to enjoy. Some ancient remains are located near by, an interesting spot for those interested in ancient greek history.
Naoussa, Paros
Another option when in Paros is the charming port of Naoussa, this is one of the most romantic and picturesque ports in the country. Paros is known for its fresh fish and seafood, and it is here you will enjoy some of your most memorable meals under the moon and the stars. This is a busy area, popular amongst locals and tourists alike. Its marina acts as a shelter from strong winds for those on sailing yachts seeking shelter. This lovely area could prove to be one of the highlights of your tour of the Cyclades islands.
Adamantas Port, Milos
This is one of the largest villages of the islands, and another breathtaking port town of the Cyclades. It is the main port of Milos and offers good shelter from the wind when sailing. When approaching everyone will quickly notice the gorgeous whitewashed architecture typical in this area of Greece. Its history dates back to 1835. When wandering the alleyways you will notice many bars, restaurants, and other establishments. There are also banks, a post office, and many stores where you should be able to pick up anything you may need.
To conclude, the Cyclades are some of the most beautiful islands on the planet. Scattered in the Aegean Sea, their whitewashed villages create an incredible sight for those visiting their breathtaking shores. The sheer amount of hidden bays and private beaches are truly fascinating, and we are certain you will make some amazing discoveries of your own. The ports mentioned above are only some of the amazing places you will experience during your adventures of the Cyclades Islands. We hope you find this article useful and it is of assistance during your journey.
Featured Photo by Despina Galani on Unsplash
