7-Day Greek Islands Itinerary — Cyclades
The Cyclades are the iconic Greek Islands — the whitewashed villages, the vivid blue church domes, the volcanic caldera of Santorini. This itinerary loops through the central Cyclades from Mykonos, taking in Santorini’s extraordinary caldera, the unspoiled islands of Folegandros and Paros, and ending with the famously photogenic windmills of Mykonos.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Embarkation in the Cosmopolitan Cyclades
Board in Mykonos. Explore the famous Little Venice quarter and the windmills at sunset. Dinner in town — Mykonos has some of the best restaurants in Greece. Overnight in the main port.
The Sacred Island
Morning: anchor off the uninhabited island of Delos — the birthplace of Apollo, and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Stunning ruins in near-perfect condition. Afternoon sail to Naxos — Greece’s largest and most fertile Cycladic island. Overnight in Naxos town.
Marble and Perfect Villages
Morning: explore Naxos old town, the 6th-century Temple of Apollo gateway, and the marble craft shops. Afternoon sail to Paros — famous for its beautiful capital Parikia and the charming fishing village of Naoussa. Overnight Naoussa.
Off the Beaten Track
Full day sail south to the small island of Folegandros — one of the Cyclades’ least discovered gems. Arrive in the beautiful chora (main village) perched on a cliff above the sea. Lunch and explore. Continue south towards Santorini. Overnight: anchor off Santorini’s outer coast or in Vlychada marina.
The Caldera
Early morning sail into Santorini’s caldera — the flooded crater of an ancient volcanic explosion, enclosed by sheer black lava cliffs with the famous white villages clinging to the rim 300 metres above. Anchor in the caldera. Tender to Fira and Oia. Watch the sunset from Oia — one of the world’s great views. Overnight at anchor in the caldera.
Island Hopping Back
Morning: final swim in the geothermally warm caldera water. Sail to the island of Ios — popular with a younger crowd, with beautiful beaches on the south coast. Swim at Mylopotas Beach. Afternoon passage towards Paros. Overnight: Antiparos island, a quieter alternative to Paros.
Return
Morning: explore Antiparos town — smaller and more laid-back than its famous neighbour. Sail north back to Mykonos. Final lunch at anchor off a beach on Rineia island (uninhabited, adjacent to Mykonos). Disembarkation in Mykonos.
Practical Information
The Cyclades require experience. The Meltemi wind (July–August) can blow Force 6-7 from the north — plan passages with the crew accordingly. Anchoring is generally possible throughout but marinas are limited on smaller islands.
Best Suited To
Performance sailing yachts (ideal with Meltemi)Experienced sailorsPhotography enthusiastsGreek culture lovers
Want This Itinerary?
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