CYCLADES ISLANDS

See below the map for the Cyclades sailing area in Greece.

The Cyclades islands are situated in the Aegean Sea, South & East of Athens, and the mainland of Greece. They are one of the island groups which constitute the Aegean archipelago. The name refers to the islands around Delos. With the exception of Naxos island, the majority of the others are hilly with bare vegetation. Famous for barren landscapes, colorful bays, sandy beaches, whitewashed & sugar cube-shaped houses, blue-roofed churches, the Cyclades islands offer all sorts of amenities and activities!

In the Cyclades group, the Meltemi wind blows mainly in July & August from the North at Force 5-6. Moderate to advanced sailing skills are required to sail the Cyclades islands since local winds can reach the force of 5-8 beauforts lasting several days. During this “rough” period in the nearby area, there are also intervals when you can sail in more relaxed conditions. During spring and autumn, the wind mainly blows from the South. The climate is generally dry and mild and the average temperature in the Cyclades islands is 25 to 26 °C (78,8F) and often 33 to 35 °C (95F). In a few words, the Cyclades islands are the ideal place for those who seek adventurous sailing boat holidays!+

Although many people wish to sail the Cyclades islands in order to see the 2 famous islands of Mykonos & Santorini, there are other smaller islands, off the beaten track, which make the difference. The so-called small Cyclades group consists of several scattered islands such as the Koufonissia, Iraklia, Schinoussa as well as more, unknown but very attractive islands like Kimolos, Folegandros, Anafi, and Sikinos. Therefore, if you seek a remote sailing paradise, the Cyclades islands have it all!

There are also countless places of interest in the Cyclades such as the holy island of Delos, the windmills of Mykonos, and the caldera of Santorini. The most imposing 1600-year-old church in the Cyclades and a “must-see” place in the Greek islands is the Church of Ekatontapliani (“Our Lady of a Hundred Doors”), in Parikia-Paros island just 200 m from the port.

Alimos marina and Lavrion port, both located in Athens, are the dedicated charter departure bases for your sailing trip around the Cyclades. Athens is connected with direct charter and normal daily flights from many capitals around the world. Alimos marina is at 50 minutes drive from the Athens international airport and Lavrion port can be accessed within 15-20 minutes by taxi or coach bus.

You can also sail the Cyclades islands departing from Paros port in Paros island (always depending on the boat availability).

See some links for the Cyclades islands:

• http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/index.htm

See some of the islands/ approaches included in the Cyclades sailing area:

Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Despotiko & Strogilo, Donoussa, Iraklia, Koufonissia, Schinoussa, Folegandros, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos & Antimilos, Mykonos, Delos, Rinia, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos.