Athens - Cyclades Islands & Santorini Tour · 12 Days Yacht Route

Your Aegean journey begins in historic Athens. Step aboard in the afternoon, where your captain and professional crew welcome you with a refreshing drink and an introductory safety briefing. After settling into your private cabins, we set sail across the Saronic Gulf toward the charming island of Aegina. Known for its rich maritime history and famous pistachio orchards, Aegina offers a serene start to your voyage. We will anchor in a calm bay for a late afternoon swim in clear waters before docking or mooring near the town. Enjoy an exquisite welcome dinner prepared on board and relax into the rhythm of island life.

Enjoy breakfast on the aft deck before we weigh anchor and chart a course south toward the legendary island of Hydra. Famed for its complete ban on motorized vehicles, Hydra preserves an authentic 19th-century maritime atmosphere defined by stone mansions, donkeys, and cobblestone alleys. En route, we will stop at a secluded cove near Dokos or Tselevinia for a long swim and an al fresco lunch. Arriving in Hydra by late afternoon, explore the picturesque amphitheater-shaped harbor, visit historic captains' residences, or enjoy a sunset cocktail over the sea. Spend a peaceful evening anchored in a nearby sheltered bay.

We depart Hydra in the morning and sail toward the Peloponnesian mainland to visit the charming coastal town of Ermioni. Known for its pine-forested peninsula and traditional seafront tavernas, Ermioni provides an idyllic backdrop for a morning shore stroll and a swim in the surrounding clear waters before lunch on board. After lunch, we weigh anchor and set sail for Poros, an island separated from the mainland by a narrow, scenic sea canal. As we approach Poros Town, admire its iconic clock tower perched above pastel-colored houses. Spend the late afternoon swimming off the boat in a sheltered cove or exploring the lively waterfront promenade before anchoring for the evening.

Today we cross from the Saronic waters toward the Cyclades, heading directly to the island of Kea (Tzia). Kea features dramatic hillsides, quiet beaches, and traditional stone architecture. En route across the blue Aegean waters, the captain will drop anchor in a pristine bay for a relaxing lunch and swimming break. In the afternoon, we continue to Kea and anchor in a protected bay like Koundouros or Otzias, allowing you to relax on deck, swim in crystal-clear waters, or take an optional shore excursion to the hilltop capital village of Ioulida.

After breakfast, we set sail across the Aegean to Syros, the aristocratic capital of the Cyclades. Unlike its neighboring islands, Syros is famous for its grand neoclassical architecture, marble-paved plazas, and rich cultural heritage centered in Hermoupolis. Before heading to port, the captain will navigate to an isolated bay along the western coast of Syros for anchored swimming, paddleboarding, and a fresh lunch. In the late afternoon, step ashore to explore the grand Miaouli Square, the Vaporia mansion district, or the medieval hilltop settlement of Ano Syros.

Leaving Syros behind, we set our sights on the iconic island of Mykonos. Before arriving at the main island, we anchor in the pristine, turquoise lagoons of neighboring Rhenia Island—an uninhabited paradise perfect for swimming and snorkeling. After lunch, we sail toward Mykonos. Discover its famous whitewashed windmills, the narrow alleys of Matogianni, and the romantic waterfront of Little Venice. Whether you seek vibrant beach clubs or a private sunset on deck, Mykonos offers an unmatched Aegean atmosphere. Overnight at anchor or marina.

We depart Mykonos in the morning, sailing south toward Paros, an island renowned for its golden beaches, traditional villages, and clear waters. We will drop anchor in a sheltered bay such as Kolymbithres—famous for its unique granite rock formations—for lunch and water activities. Later, we head toward the charming northern village of Naoussa or the main port of Paroikia. Stroll through Venetian stone harbors, sample local seafood, and enjoy a relaxing evening under the Aegean stars.

A short morning sail brings us to Naxos, the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades. Known for its ancient monuments, fertile valleys, and endless sandy beaches, Naxos offers a rich blend of history and natural beauty. Anchor off the southwest coast for swimming and sunbathing before approaching Naxos Town. Dominated by a Venetian castle and the magnificent Portara (the ancient marble gate to Apollo’s temple), Naxos is ideal for evening exploration and tasting locally produced cheeses and citrus liqueurs.

Today we embark on one of the highlight legs of the voyage, sailing south to the breathtaking island of Santorini. As we approach, marvel at the towering volcanic caldera cliffs crowned by whitewashed villages. We will navigate into the flooded crater, stopping near the Red Beach or the volcanic Hot Springs for a swim in unique mineral waters. Enjoy lunch with dramatic views of the caldera cliffs before anchoring off Oia or Fira to witness Santorini's world-famous sunset from the comfort of your private deck.

Leaving Santorini's volcanic landscape, we head northwest to Folegandros, one of the most untouched and cliff-bound islands in the Cyclades. Folegandros offers a peaceful retreat with dramatic sea drop-offs and unspoiled coves. We will anchor in a secluded bay such as Katergo for lunch and swimming. In the late afternoon, visit the clifftop village of Chora, widely considered one of the most picturesque squares in Greece, perched 200 meters above the sea. Overnight at anchor in a quiet bay.

We enjoy a morning sail north from Folegandros toward Serifos, an island marked by rugged hillsides and deep, quiet bays. We drop anchor in a pristine cove such as Koutalas or Ganema Bay for a long morning swim, water sports, and a relaxed lunch on deck. In the afternoon, we set sail for neighboring Kythnos, heading straight for the world-famous Kolona Beach—a spectacular natural sandbar connecting Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas, creating two back-to-back turquoise bays. Enjoy swimming in double-sided clear waters and savor a sunset dinner at anchor.

Enjoy a final breakfast on the aft deck as we weigh anchor and begin our smooth return journey across the Saronic waters toward Athens. Take in the last views of the Aegean blue during the morning cruise. We arrive back at the marina in Athens by mid-day for disembarkation. Farewell your captain and crew as you step ashore with unforgettable memories of your 12-day adventure through the Cycladic islands.