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Explore the sun-baked Cyclades islands with their dazzling whitewashed hilltop villages.

The Cyclades in the central Aegean Sea are the archetypal Greek islands, with charming whitewashed houses, windmills, churches with bright blue domes, ancient ruins and small tavernas with traditional food and wine.

On a yacht charter holiday you can visit Paros and Naxos, popular tourist islands with sandy beaches and a lively nightlife. Santorini (Thira) has one of the most spectacular landscapes in Greece as the island is the exposed rim of a submerged volcanic crater. As a contrast Kea, Skiathos, Kithnos, Serifos and Amorgos are much simpler with unspoilt small fishing harbours and protected anchorages - charming island to discover and still very genuine places to visit on your holiday.

This sailing holiday is great for more experienced sailors who want plenty of wind, longer passages and more challenging sailing itineraries. Distances between the islands in the Aegean are longer so you will spend much of the day sailing. Great sailing for serious sailors!

Cyclades Yacht Charter

  • Overview
    shutterstock_Naoussa_paros_Gallery600x400

    Naoussa, Paros

    shutterstock_Santorini_Gallery600x400

    Santorini

    shutterstock_Mykonos_Gallery600x400

    Mykonos

    shutterstock_Sifnos_Aegean_Gallery600x400

    Sifnos

    Sailing holidays in the Cyclades

    •  Iconic Greek islands
    •  Average distances of 25nm/day
    •  Level 3 sailing
    •  Average summer temperatures of 26-30 degrees
    •  Average winds force 5-7
    •  Great for experienced sailors
    •  Flexible start and finish dates from Paros
  • 1 Wk Paros

    Suggested 1 week sailing itinerary from Paros

    DAY 1 : Paroika

    Embark at Paroika, the main harbour on Paros.

    DAY 2 : Folegrandos (30nm)

    An enchanting little island in the Cyclades, with an authentic character and spectacular landscape. Th main harbour of Karavostasi is a traditional Greek fishing harbour.

    DAY 3 : Santorini (21nm)

    Santorini (also called Thira) was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the world and what remains today is a submerged volcano and a caldera. Moor in the new marina and visit the stunning town of Thira overlooking the volcano crater to enjoy the sunset and local wine.

    DAY 4 : Ios (15nm)

    A "party island" famed for its nightlife but the harbour front is not noisy - most of the action is in the town, a steep walk up the hill. Apart from fun, the island has many beautiful beaches and peaceful anchorages.

    DAY 5 : Naxos(40m)

    The largest of the Cyclades islands with many sandy beaches. Naxos Town is the capital and main harbour and has a lovely waterfront with elegant Venetian architecture.

    DAY 6 : Naoussa, Paros (28nm)

    Paros is one of the most popular islands with lovely sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, traditional villages with whitewashed houses in narrow paved alleys contrasted with the many colourful bougainvilleas. Naoussa is a lovely anchorage with a cosmopolitan town and plenty of tavernas.

    DAY 7 : Paroika (6nm)Aegean Paros 1 week sailing holiday itinerary

  • Sailing Conditions

    Sailing conditions in the Cyclades

    A sailing holiday in the Cyclades will suit more experienced skippers as the passages between the islands can be exposed. In general the sailing conditions are more demanding than in other areas of Greece and involve longer passages.

    The best times to sail in the Cyclades are May/June and September/October when you are less likely to be affected by the prevailing meltemi wind from the north which blows strongest in July and August at Force 5-6 and may reach Force 7-8. The meltemi can blow for 1 day or it can blow for 1 week continuously. In the Spring and Autumn the wind strength is less, around Force 3-4. Summer temperatures reach 25-27ºC.

    There are many sailing itinerary options available in the Cyclades so you can plan your itinerary to best suit your sailing experience and the weather forecast. Your itinerary in this area must be flexible to cope with wind conditions, it is always a good idea to keep an extra day or so in hand to allow for adverse weather on the return leg.

    We have rated this destination a 'Level 2-3' (levels info) and you will need an ICC qualification for bareboat charters in the Cyclades. You should be Coastal Skipper standard with plenty of skippering experience.

    You can see all of the bases we offer in Greece along with the level ratings here so that you can find the most suitable destination for you. If you are at all unsure about a destination then please get in touch and our sales team will be more than happy to make their recommendations for you.

  • Getting There

    Getting There

    Flights to Athens

    British Airways, Aegean Airlines and Olympic Airlines run flights from Heathrow to Athens, easyJet operates from Gatwick. With daily flights you can add on a few days for a city break in Athens before or after your charter.

    For onward travel to Paros: Olympic & Aegean have a 30 minute flight from Athens to Paros or the ferry from Pireaus Port in Athens to Paros runs daily and takes 4-5 hours.

    Transfers

    The transfer time from Athens airport to Lavrion is approximately 40 minutes. 

"A mail to say how much we enjoyed last week's flotilla. The lead crew were really excellent, we are full of compliments for them. They were ever patient, helpful, genuinely kind people who went out of their way to make everyone relax and feel included. The rest of the people on the flotilla were all really lovely and great group meals in some very well chosen restaurants added to the memory. Thanks to you all for a really great holiday. "

Athens Flotilla 2016 - A.O.
Trustpilot

Cyclades Yacht Charter prices

Fleet 2 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week
Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Sun Odyssey 410202132244831143781445350764453378131142448

Fleet 1 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week
Yacht details 01 Jan-21 Apr22 Apr-19 May20 May-16 Jun17 Jun-28 Jul29 Jul-25 Aug26 Aug-15 Sep16 Sep-20 Oct21 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Dufour 430 GL20204221903238428649525714495242862190
Dufour 470 - 5 cab.20224427623714485758106857581048572762
Hanse 588 - 4 + 1 cab.20195465717905923811333119051133392386571
Oceanis 51.1 - 5 + 1 cab.20225336194762590569528381695259053619

Fleet 2 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week
Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Sun Odyssey 440202042282936004371513958575139437136002829
Sun Odyssey 449201742263833624076479654674796407633622638
Sun Odyssey 479201944314340004857571065055710485740003143
Sun Odyssey 519 - 5 cabs202053388649436000706380487063600049433886
Sun Odyssey 490 4 cabins202344386749145971702380107023597149143867

Fleet 1 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week
Yacht details 01 Jan-21 Apr22 Apr-19 May20 May-16 Jun17 Jun-28 Jul29 Jul-25 Aug26 Aug-15 Sep16 Sep-20 Oct21 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Fountaine Pajot Lucia 4020174432384571581068578571685758103238
Lagoon 42 - 4 + 2 cab.201944400050486381809510000809563814000
Lagoon 46 - 4 + 1 cab.20214455247524919011143132381114391905524

Fleet 2 Prices shown are in GB£ per yacht for 1 week
Yacht details 01 Jan-22 Apr22 Apr-20 May20 May-17 Jun17 Jun-29 Jul29 Jul-19 Aug19 Aug-16 Sep16-30 Sep30 Sep-14 Oct14 Oct-31 Dec
Model / layout Year Cabins WC
Lagoon 42 (4 Dbl / 2 singles 12)202344 (+1 in the starboard side bow)4867620075248857106298857752462004867
Elba 45202344 + 1 head in the starboard bow576273338905104761257110476890573335762

Fleet 1 from Paros

FREE Outboard

 

Extras payable on embarkation:

COMPULSORY EXTRAS:

Damage Waiver - Monohulls up to 36ft €30/day + €500 refundable deposit, Monohulls 37-49ft €40/day + €500 refundable deposit, Monohulls 50-55ft €50/day + €600 refundable deposit. 
Damage Waiver - Catamarans up to 40ft €50/day + €600 refundable deposit, Catamarans 42ft+ €60/day + €600 refundable deposit.
 
End cleaning - Monohull up to 45ft €250, 46-49ft €300, 50ft and over €350

End cleaning - Catamaran up to 45ft €250, 46-49ft €300, 50ft and over €350

 
Fuel used (fill up on return)
OPTIONAL EXTRAS (i.e. SUP, WIFI etc) available on request.

SKIPPER: €1330/week + food and drink + own cabin + €350 damage waiver + €600 refundable deposit. 

 

Fleet 2 from Paros

FREE Outboard

 

Extras payable on embarkation:

COMPULSORY EXTRAS:

Damage Waiver - Monohulls up to 37ft €150 + €350 refundable deposit, Monohulls 38-43ft €200 + €400 refundable deposit, Monohulls 44-48ft €250 + €500 refundable deposit, Monohulls 49-52ft €300 + €550 refundable deposit, Monohulls over 53ft €350 + €750 refundable deposit.
  
Damage Waiver - Catamarans up to 41ft €300 + €1000 refundable deposit, Catamarans up to 42-45ft €350 + €1000 refundable deposit, Catamarans over 46ft €450 + €1000 refundable deposit.
 
End cleaning - Monohull 32-35ft €120, 36-42ft €160, 43-48ft €200, 49ft €240, 50ft and over €330

End cleaning - Catamaran 38-40ft € 240, 41-46ft € 290, 47ft and over € 380

 
Fuel used (fill up on return)
OPTIONAL EXTRAS (i.e. SUP, WIFI etc) available on request.

SKIPPER: €1330/week + food and drink + own cabin

Prices may be subject to change.

Sailing Qualifications

To skipper a bareboat charter or flotilla yacht, you need to hold a practical sailing certificate equivalent to RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification or RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC). For charters in Greece, you must now have the ICC certificate. You must also be assisted by at least one competent crew member over the age of 18.

The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates: RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence), RYA Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster, ASA IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) or the IYT (International Yacht Training) Passport. If you hold an RYA Day Skipper or ASA104 it will no longer be accepted and you need to obtain either an ICC or IPC from the corresponding issuing body (RYA or ASA). If your RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster or ASA105/106 certificate is more than 12 years old and does not have a photo ID, then we would also strongly advise applying for an ICC or IPC. If you are a member of the RYA or ASA, you may qualify for a discount or free certificate, otherwise, you will have to pay. The approximate cost is £50. Please use this link - RYA application for the ICC or ASA application for the IPC.

For charters in Croatia, Malta and the Canaries, at least one member of the crew or the skipper will also need a VHF licence.

RYA qualifications can be obtained by RYA sailing schools in the UK or alternatively choose from one of our overseas centres in Gibraltar, Greece or Turkey.

For Seychelles, the local authorities require an ICC for the skipper of a bareboat or flotilla yacht charter.

For Caribbean and Tropical charters, formal qualifications are not compulsory, however, you should be Day Skipper standard and be assisted by at least one competent crew. A brief sailing resume should be provided to outline your experience.

If you don't hold the relevant qualifications then why not add a skipper?

Sailing Levels

Level 1

Winds force 2-3 (4-11 Knots)combined with generally shorter distances. Good for beginner or intermediate sailors. Line-of-sight navigation but basic knowledge of charts and ability to plot your position required.

Level 2

Winds force 3-5 (7-21 Knots) with approximately 15-20nm per day. Intermediate experience required. Predominately line of sight navigation but an understanding of how to sail in open water.

Level 3

Winds force 4-6 (11-27 Knots) with mileage of approximately 20nm+ per day. Ideal for experienced skippers looking to venture out to new destinations. Day skipper standard but with experienced crew would be recommended.