Tours Travel

One week vacation in the Aegean islands with a sailboat

Endless hours on the beach, contemplating the blue horizon, the night sky and the stars. Early in the morning a cup of coffee, pajamas as a bathing suit and then plunge into the “big blue”. Just you and your partner, in secluded bays and yet on the most popular islands. Sailing holidays are a way of life, which however can be followed by everyone.

Let’s start our sailing trip from the island of Paros. The advantage of Paros lies in the fact that Paros is located exactly in the center of the Cyclades with so many islands around it, which makes your Greece cruise vacation an ideal choice.

This gives you the opportunity to sail every day, no matter where the wind blows from, making your islands jump in a dream.

There are so many options and so many anchorages to stay in even in very difficult conditions, that sailing is safe and pleasant even for relatively inexperienced crews.

Day 1: Set sail around Paros towards your first destination, Naxos. Depending on the weather conditions, it will take us between 3 and 4 hours to navigate. Naxos is one of the largest islands in the Cyclades with great interest and many sights. Don’t miss the sunset at the ancient temple of Apollo, a few meters from the marina. The grilled octopus with “ouzo” is a “must” here.

Day 2: Set sail south today along the west coast of Naxos ending at the southern tip of the island in Kalando Bay. Half way we will stop at a nice anchorage, Roga, for swimming and lunch. Kalando is a special place. It is not a village, but it offers a perfect haven for the yacht. It is an isolated area with a long sandy beach and many kilometers of paths by the sea, ideal for hiking in the middle of nature. For dinner, a kiosk run by a local shepherd offers BBQ only with local products. Don’t expect luxury here. Without a doubt, it will be your favorite place in the end.

Day 3: Set sail from Kalando towards Koufonisi. A short stop at a wonderful place, called Rina, where you can swim inside a sea cave. Amazing colors throughout. Koufonisi by far the most beautiful of the small Cyclades islands, with many sandy beaches all around. Rent a bike and ride all of them. Dinner at the “Captain Nicolas” venue is out of any kind of bargain, as is an ice cold mojito at the windmill bar just above the marina.

Day 4: If the wind is strong, stay in the area visiting the nearby island of Kato Koufonisi and swim in the crystal clear waters, go snorkeling or go hiking. The area is very protected from the big waves because the huge island of Naxos to the north blocks the wind to make our life on board more comfortable. In the afternoon return to the same marina in Pano Koufonisi.

If time permits, we will set sail for Amorgos, the island from the movie “Big blue”. Rent a car or a bike here to explore the wild beauty of this paradise. Visit the famous monastery with the amazing view from your balcony and try “rakomelo”, the local alcoholic drink. Dinner at “Xilokeratidi” is going to be a memorable romantic event at the seaside.

Day 5: Iraklia is another island of the “Lesser Cyclades” that is worth visiting especially for those who want to experience small, quiet, cute and isolated places, representative of the Greek spirit. So, after a short swimming stop in Antikeros on our way from Amorgos to Iraklia, we will end up in the picturesque port of the island.

Here you can swim to the nearby beach, snorkel from the yacht and walk enjoying the pure nature. Dining in Iraklia means fresh fish and the local taverns more hospitable than anywhere else are ready to meet your expectations.

Day 6: Antiparos, the last island of your sailing cruise. After a 4-5 hour sailing trip and of course the vital stop for lunch and swimming, we end up in Antiparos in the late afternoon. Strolling through the small streets of the beautiful town, dine in one of the hundred restaurants and continue with a drink in one of the local bars. The nightlife here, especially in high season, is a must for everyone.

Day 7: Before setting sail for your final destination, visit the Antiparos cave. Nozzles are available just 100 meters from the yacht. Upon your return on board, proceed immediately to a nice anchorage on a small island north of Antiparos with crystal clear waters. The evening has arrived and the hour of farewell.

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