One week itinerary in the Cyclades and Lesser Cyclades on a sailing boat from Paros to and from
Let’s discover the Cyclades and Lesser Cyclades on a sailing boat in an itinerary with departure and return from the port of Paros, reachable by direct ferry from Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. We will visit the islands Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Amorgos and the Small Cyclades, a micro archipelago of 6 small main islands located in the stretch of sea including between Naxos and Amorgos, including Schoinoussa and Kafounisi.
The Cyclades area, in the middle of the Aegean Sea, is very subject to Maltemi, strong north wind fueled by sudden changes in temperature which reaches its maximum strength in the hottest hours of the day. We will therefore try to take advantage of the best moments to move and stay close to some nice anchorage for the rest of the day.
PAROS – NISIDA GLAROPOUNTA – ANTIPAROS – 2.5 HOURS OF NAVIGATION
We start our itinerary from the port of Paros. Just over an hour of navigation and – Maltemi permitting – we will make a first stop for a memorable swim in the Torquais Bay on the islet Nisidia Glaropounta (pictured).
We will then leave to head towards the south of the island of Antiparos, in an anchorage between the Despotiko islet and Antiparos. We will spend the night here at anchor in nature. Don’t miss a magical visit to the Temple of Apollo at sunset while on board getting ready a tasty dinner.
ANTIPAROS – SCHOINOUSSA – NAVIGATION HOURS 5
In the morning we set sail for a navigation that promises to be sporty towards the island of Schoinoussa, in the Small Cyclades. Arriving before lunch we will find a good sheltered anchorage in one of the various breathtaking coves of the island such as Paralia Livadi or Tsigouri beach.
We will spend the afternoon and evening here in the wild and natural setting of this micro archipelago. Diving, snorkeling, an aperitif at sunset and dinner under the stars.
SCHOINOUSSA – AMORGOS – 3 HOURS OF NAVIGATION
We set sail from our anchorage in Schoinoiussa to head towards the magnificent island of Amorgos. Here we will be able to anchor for a swim and lunch stop in front of Kalotaritissa beach, on the western tip of the island.
In the afternoon we will continue along the coast of the island to anchor near the lively and picturesque town of Katapola. We can go down and visit this fishing village with a typical Cycladic architectural style, among white and blue houses, narrow streets and glimpses of the authentic Mediterranean.
AMORGOS – KAFOUNISI – 3 HOURS OF NAVIGATION
We leave the island of Amorgos to head back to the Lesser Cyclades to the small but populated island of Kafounisi. We can stop at Pori beach, perhaps the most beautiful beach on the island, enclosed in a horseshoe-shaped gulf with golden sand and turquoise water.
We will then move near the lively town of Kafounisi, where we will spend the night at anchor. We will be able to go down with the tender to visit the town and spend another evening immersed in the magical atmosphere of the Cyclades.
KAFOUNISI – NAXOS – 4 HOURS OF SAILING
We leave Kafounisi and the Small Cyclades to skirt the island of Naxos. After a morning of navigation we can choose to head towards the port of Naxos – anchoring under the scenic gate of the temple of Apollo or entering the marina – to visit the city.
Alternatively we can look for a more natural anchorage on the island of Naxos such as the Caribbean resort of Agios Prokopios, or the quiet Kalantos where it is possible to taste excellent typical products in a family run taverna on the beach.
NAXOS – PAROS – 3 HOURS OF NAVIGATION
We have reached the last day of our one week itinerary. Time for a last stop for swimming, relaxation and lunch on board in one of the countless coves on the north coast of the island of Paros, such as Lageri Beach and Ormos Agiou Ioannou .
In the afternoon we will then head to the port of Paros where we will spend the last night.