Sailing in the Cyclades area requires normally a minimum of 2 weeks time. In the opposite case where your sailing time is limited you will need to cover a lot of miles in one day. Mainly our suggestion for these kind of distances is to try to make a middle stop for a swim and end to the port of destination at the end of the day. For 1 week sailing we suggest 3 different routes deppending on the weather and the crew (if they have been here before or not). See below our suggestion:
Saturday: For most charterers the first day can be tricky in terms of departure. This will depend on your arrival time, the traffic, if you have arranged shopping onboard etc. Therefore I consider Saturday a day where you will not depart (if you are here earlier and your boat is ready, we encourage you to sail as soon as possible in order to gain a day)
Sunday:ALIMOS-KEA (Sailing Distance 40 miles)
KEA is a 5-6 hour sail from Alimos. It is the first island of the Cyclades and a good representative of the Cycladic spirit. White houses combined with a warm atmosphere will get you into what Cyclades is all about. The waters are crystal clear and nature is quite wild and rocky in a way. You can easily moor in Vourkari where there is a big port and very nice restaurants or tavernas for you to visit.
If you intend to go directly to KEA then before going to Vourkari, an additional solution could be Koundouros bay. Koundouros is located in the south side of the Island. There is not a fancy nightlife in Koundouros, however there is a big beach bar and a restaurant if you want to spend the night there
Monday: KEA-SYROS (Sailing Distance 32 miles)
SYROS is a very beautiful and big island. It is the capital of Cyclades and an island with a very beautiful architecture in her buildings. Ermoupolis which is the main port, is a rather crowdy solution but you will be in the 'heart of events'. On the other hand 'FINIKAS' on the south-west side is a more calm and pleasant solution for our sailing friends.
Tuesday: SYROS-MYKONOS (Sailing Distance 25 miles)
MYKONOS is a well known island and the number 1 destination for everyone. This makes MYKONOS an island which needs a bit of attention concerning how you will approach, where you will moor and what you will do in case it is very windy and you do not find a place in the new marina. I inform you beforehand that the facilities compared to the popularity of the island and the number of visitors, is really not up to good standards. There are limited slots available and most of the times wind is blowing very hard into the new marina. Another solution could be Ornos bay, which is on the South side and is a good shelter for windy days.
Wednesday: MYKONOS-PAROS (Sailing Distance 23 miles)
Paros is the center of the Cyclades islands. You have the solution to go either to Naousa port which is further north or to Paroikia port which is the main port of Paros (where the ferries anchor). To my opinion Naousa is a more beautiful place and would be my choice if I was sailing.. Don't forget that PAROS is very close to ANTIPAROS which is again a very beautiful and interesting destination.
Thursday: PAROS-KYTHNOS (Sailing Distance 46 miles)
KYTHNOS is quite far from Paros however when you reach KOLONA bay you will forget the miles you covered previously. Have a swim in crystal clear waters and at the same time walk from one side of the sea to the other just by stepping on the gold sand which lays inbetween. If you have a swim in KOLONA bay then the easiest solution would be to anchor in MERICHA port where is just a 10 min sail from where you are. In MERICHA bay you will find many tavernas and shops, however if you want to get a good idea of what Kithnos is all about we strongly recomend you to take a taxi or bus and have a walk in the main ciity. You will not regret it.
Friday: KYTHNOS-ALIMOS (Sailing Distance 45 miles)
This would be the most 'boring' part of your trip. No reason specifically just because you are on your way back.. Remember to take a swim in Sounion and relax since it would be your last day, try to enjoy it and forget for once you are returning. Please remember to be cautious on you sail towards Athens for the rifs on your way back. Keep a distance from the shore and have your eyes on your plotter and map.
Saturday Morning: Disembarkation (09:00 o'clock)
Well, the time has come.. I hope the trip turned out well and you will be visiting with us again next year. Maybe for 2 weeks as well!
