White houses, churches with blue domes and a sea that changes colour every hour. The Cyclades are the heart of Greece by boat: islands close together, each different, and a light you never forget. This is a typical week, departing from Mykonos or Paros.
The route in seven days
- Mykonos. Embarkation, a tour of the south coast with the most famous beaches, evening in Little Venice.
- Delos. The sacred island, a UNESCO site: visited in the morning by boat from Mykonos. Then course for Paros.
- Paros. Naoussa, the little fishing harbour, and the rocks of Kolymbithres.
- Antiparos. Quieter, with bays to spend the day in the water.
- Koufonisia. The most beautiful and least known islands: Caribbean-like water and white-sand beaches.
- Ios or Folegandros. Depending on the wind, one of the two before the last stop.
- Santorini. Arrival in the caldera, a stop beneath the cliffs and sunset towards Oia.
The meltemi, simply explained
The meltemi is the north wind that blows over the Aegean in summer, especially in July and August. It can be strong for several days in a row. It cools the hottest days, but makes the sea rough in open stretches.
That is why the order of stops is decided day by day: with the meltemi you sail south with the wind astern and choose sheltered bays. A catamaran or a good-sized motor yacht handles it better. The captain knows the lee of every island.
Our advice
If you want the calmest sea, choose June or September. They are also the months with fewer crowds in Mykonos and Santorini.
Which boat to choose
For the Cyclades we recommend boats of 15 metres and over: spacious catamarans for families and groups, motor yachts for those who want to see more islands. For those travelling in style, there are superyachts with a full crew. Our proposals are on the yacht charter in Greece, in the Cyclades page.
How to get there
Mykonos, Paros and Santorini have airports with direct flights in season from Italy, or via Athens. We can also organise a private flight to the island of embarkation.
The lesser-known islands
Mykonos and Santorini are famous, but the beauty of the Cyclades often lies in the small islands. The Small Cyclades, such as Schinoussa and Iraklia, have almost deserted bays and tavernas on the harbour. Folegandros has one of the most beautiful villages in the Aegean, on the edge of a cliff. Sifnos is famous for its cuisine and ceramics. A well-planned week alternates famous islands and quiet ones.
What to pack
A light windproof jacket for evenings with the meltemi, a hat and high-factor sunscreen: the Aegean sun is strong even with the wind. Comfortable shoes for climbing up to the villages, which are often on the hillside above the harbour.
Frequently asked questions
When does the meltemi blow?
Mainly in July and August, often for several days in a row, peaking in the afternoon. In June and September it is weaker and less frequent.
Where is the best place to start?
From Mykonos, Paros or Athens. Athens lets you include the islands closest to the mainland too, but means a longer crossing on the first day.
Is a week enough?
For a route of six or seven islands, yes. With ten days or two weeks you can add the southern islands, such as Milos, or reach the Dodecanese.
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