Yacht Charter Cyclades

Sailing the Cyclades

The Heart of Greek Island Sailing

The Cyclades are what most people picture when they think of Greece: blue-domed churches on cliff tops, narrow cobbled lanes, volcanic landscapes and water so clear you can anchor in ten metres and read the seabed. Sailing is the best way to experience them. You arrive at your own time, leave when you choose, and anchor in coves that the ferry passengers never reach.

From Alimos Marina in Athens, the Cyclades are a day's sail away. Kea and Kythnos are reachable in half a day, making them the ideal first night. From there the chain extends south through Serifos, Sifnos, Paros and Naxos, before culminating in Santorini and Ios at the southern arc.

Vlamis Yachts has been sailing these waters from Athens for over thirty years. Our team knows the anchorages, the seasonal weather patterns, the best tavernas on the water and the marinas worth avoiding in a Meltemi. That local knowledge is part of every charter we run.

Where You'll Sail

The Cyclades Islands

A one-week charter from Athens covers the western Cyclades comfortably. Two weeks opens up the full chain to Santorini.

Kea & Kythnos

The closest Cyclades to Athens, ideal first and last nights on a one-week charter. Kea has excellent anchorages and a well-preserved hilltop town. Kythnos offers natural hot springs right at the water's edge.

Paros & Naxos

The commercial centre of the Cyclades. Paros has the best infrastructure for charterers, excellent marina, provisioning and nightlife. Naxos is larger, greener and less touristed, with exceptional beaches on its west coast.

Mykonos

The most cosmopolitan island in Greece. Iconic windmills, excellent restaurants and a famous nightlife scene. Best visited early morning before the day-trippers arrive, your yacht gives you that option.

Santorini

The caldera sunset from a yacht at anchor is one of the great sailing experiences. Best reached on a two-week charter or as a one-way destination. Approach from the north to sail through the caldera under sail.

Serifos & Sifnos

Two quieter gems in the western Cyclades. Serifos has a dramatic hilltop chora and one of the best anchorages in the islands. Sifnos is renowned for its food, the best cuisine in the Cyclades by a clear margin.

Milos

Volcanic, lunar and extraordinary. The sea caves and coloured rock formations of Milos are unlike anything else in Greece. The beach at Sarakiniko, white pumice rock carved into surreal shapes, is unmissable.

Good to Know

Yacht Charter Cyclades FAQs

How much does yacht charter in the Cyclades cost?

Charter prices vary by yacht, season and charter type. In line with our booking policy we do not publish fixed rates here. Request a quote or check our charter calendar for current availability and pricing, and we will come back within one business day.

When is the best time to sail the Cyclades?

May, June and September offer the most comfortable conditions: warm water, manageable winds and anchorages that aren't crowded. These are the months most experienced Cyclades sailors prefer.

July and August bring the Meltemi, the strong northerly Aegean wind that makes sailing fast and exhilarating but can pin you in port for a day or two. Great for confident sailors, less ideal for beginners or families with young children.

How long does it take to sail from Athens to the Cyclades?

From Alimos Marina, Kea is 4 to 5 hours under sail, Kythnos 6 to 7 hours. Paros is typically a full day's sail or an overnight passage. Most one-week charters comfortably cover 4 to 6 islands depending on wind conditions and how much time you want to spend at anchor.

Is the Cyclades suitable for beginners?

The Cyclades in July and August can be demanding for first-time bareboat charterers due to the Meltemi. We recommend May, June or September for first-time Cyclades charters, or adding a professional skipper to your booking regardless of season. The Ionian (Lefkada, Corfu) is generally a better first destination for sailors new to Greek waters.