~ Cyclades Islands 7 Day Route 1 from Athens Sailing The Cyclades Islands


Anchors represent Ports of Interest. Logo for our Bases. Click on yachts for distances.

From

To

Nautical Miles

Marina Alimos

Kythnos

44nm

Kythnos

Syros

50nm

Syros

Mykonos

27nm

Mykonos

Kea

60nm

Kea

Sounion

15nm

Sounion

Marina Alimos

22nm

Kythnos

South east of Kea lies the island of Kythnos, an island unspoiled by tourism and very ‘Greek’ in every aspect. Attracting mostly Greek tourists due to its lack of commercialism, the locals here are very friendly and hospitable and the pace of life is slow. While the landscape is largely rocky and barren, the summer months bring out an abundance of colourful flowers and there's a stark beauty in the harsh mountainous terrain peppered with figs, vines and goats.

There are lovely sandy beaches, some only accessible by boat so this is the perfect place to get away from the crowds and find a beach to yourself. If you wander ashore you will find whitewashed houses, windmills, blue-domed churches and a way of life which seems to have remained unchanged for centuries. Kythnos is where you will find a taste of the ‘real Greece’, untouched by mass tourism and uncrowded even at the height of the season.

Syros

The hilly island of Syros is found in the northern Cyclades between Kythnos and Mykonos. Its central location makes it the principal administrative centre for the Cyclades and its beautiful capital Ermoupolis is the capital not only of Syros, but of all the Cyclades Islands. Admire the neo-classical buildings and Cycladic style whitewashed houses, which line the hills down to the harbour below.

The town’s main Miaouli square is among the most beautiful in Greece with coffee shops and restaurants sitting amongst palm trees. The Venetian settlement of Ano Syros, dating back to 1200 AD is also well worth a visit. With narrow lanes and a wonderfully medieval atmosphere, the town has been built in the style of an amphitheatre, with houses built on top of each other to form a defensive fortress – a throwback to the days when seaside towns needed protection from hostile enemies. Winding steps take you past houses with coloured doors and up to the 13 century Catholic Cathedral of St. George, perched on the hilltop. Enjoy the panoramic
views out across the neighbouring islands of Tinos, Delos, Mykonos and Naxos.

Mykonos

Although it is the smallest of the Cyclades Islands, Mykonos is the most well-known. Famed for its wild nightlife and jet set visitors, it is one of the most cosmopolitan holiday resorts in the Mediterranean, attracting everyone from celebrities to backpackers.

Despite its immense popularity,  Mykonos has managed to preserve its colour and character. All buildings are built in accordance with the classic Cycladic architectural style – the white buildings contrast to the rocky landscape against the deep blue of the Aegean Sea.

Mykonos is also famed for its crystal clear water and beautiful sandy beaches, where seaside tavernas and waterfront bars send music out across the bay. Chora, the main town located on the west coast of the island, has been likened to Saint Tropez, while maintaining its unique Greek character. Narrow streets weave around houses with their tiny balconies, coloured windows and bougainvillea spilling from window boxes. Numerous little churches and chapels can be found around every corner and colourful shops, bars and cafes line the streets. A wander up the hill to the windmills is a must – you will be rewarded by spectacular views out across Mykonos bay.

Kea

Located in the north west Aegean, Kea is one of the largest islands of the Cyclades, with stunning beaches, plenty of archaeological sites to visit and lovely traditional villages. Kea is a walker’s paradise, with an extensive network of ancient paths for those wanting to explore by foot. Wander through the island’s beautiful landscape, past olive trees, fruit trees, almond trees and oak trees. Head to the south side of Nikolaos Bay to the port of Korissia where you’ll find the remains of the ancient town walls and a Sanctuary of Apollo.

Unspoilt by tourism, Kea is an authentic Greek destination with some of the best restaurants in Greece, serving traditional local fare. Nestled in a valley of trees is Pisses, our favourite beach. It is an excellent spot for snorkelling and the best place for a late afternoon swim while the sun sets over the horizon.

Sounion

Most famous for the ruins of the Greek temple Poseidon, which are perched on Cape Sounion overlooking the Aegean.  It’s worthwhile heading up to the ruins and watching the sunset over the Aegean…definitely a Kodak moment!  But don’t think that’s all there is to see with its sandy beaches, café culture and great restaurants it has a lot more to offer.


  • 1448_99x99_cropped
  • 1449_99x99_cropped
  • 1451_99x99_cropped

Cyclades Bareboat Charter Yachts