Cyclades Islands

Due to its proximity to Attica, Kea (also called “Tzia”) is an easily accessible beauty with a scenery variety: steep mountains, small fields, olive groves, vineyards, valleys, picturesque coves, exciting hiking trails and off-the-beaten-track beaches. On the island with the largest oak forest in the Cyclades bird-watching is a real delight. For those who are into geology, there are plenty of small caves (like in Kalamos and in Ayios Timotheos). 36 km long cobbled trails will lead you to the four city-states of the ancient times: Ioulis, Karthaia, Koressia, Poiessa).

Also called “Thermia” on account of its thermal springs, Kýthnos is very close to Attica; still, it is one of the less visited islands of the Cyclades. The most impressive of the 65 sandy beaches of the island is Kolona, where a lane of sand connects the islet of Agios Loukas to Kythnos. Low stone fences run for many kilometres on bare Cycladic hills with 350 white country chapels. The typical Cycladic style equally appears in the villages. Follow the paths that connect the villages to each other and taste apricots and wild mulberries on the way to Katafyki cave, one of the biggest caves in Greece with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Kythnos is definitely the place for thermal tourism. A modern spa centre is in operation in Loutra, with two hot springs in the area. The following springs have been famous for their therapeutic effectiveness since the ancient times, namely the spring of Agioi Anargyroi, inside the spa facilities, and the spring of Caucasus, at 50 m. from the first one, with a temperature reaching 52 degrees Celsius.

Serifos Island, with its rugged mining sites, ladened with history, has its own distinct Cycladic flair. The island exudes a calm atmosphere and speaks directly to your senses. Despite its arid and wild land characteristics, Serifos is gracefully embraced by the deep blue colours of the Aegean Sea and has some magnificent beaches.
You will enjoy your outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking and diving!

Serifos’ cuisine bursts with aromas and flavours! Delicious meat products such as louzes, syglina (traditional cured pork) and sausages, as well as the islands rich aromatic spices. Taste marathopites and marathotiganites (fennel pies baked or fried), revythada (traditionally cooked chickpeas) with a local variety of raisins, sun-dried octopus, local cheeses such as myzithres and xinomyzithres. Make sure to accompany your meal with the islands local wines. If you have a sweet tooth then try: pasteli (sesame bar) which is cut in a diamond shape, with an almond in its middle and usually laid down on a lemon leaf as well as their delicious sweet wines.

Sifnos, the island of flavours, is the birthplace of famous poets, like Ioannis Gryparis, Kleanthis Triantafyllou (or Rampagas) and Aristomenis Provelegios, as well as award winning chefs, like Tselementés. Unique traditional villages, organized or secluded beaches, and 227 churches spread around the island are waiting to be discovered.

Taste mouth-watering local specialties:
Chick pea balls

Manoúra (cream cheese)

Mastélo (lamb cooked in red wine and spices)

Amigdalotá (small round sweets with pounded almond, rosewater and caster sugar)

Honey pie

The volcanic activity in ancient years has endowed Milos island with an exciting variety of gorgeous landscapes, consequently offering the visitor a wide range of activities. The funny shapes of the rocks and their wonderful colours at the beautiful white sandy beaches are one expression of the volcanic features of Milos; the economic activity is another: minerals such as obsidian are excavated here. What is more, one of the most ancient mines in the Mediterranean is on this island.

References had been made by Hippocrates to the peculiar morphology of spectacular caves (Papafragkas and Sykia) and a multitude of thermal springs (Kanava, Alyki, Provata, Pikropigi). The diving enthusiasts will find a paradise in the underwater caves in the triangle formed by Milos, Kimolos and Polyegos islands.

Polyaigos (Polivos) is an exotic paradise of unique colours and feelings that will stay in your memory forever. One dip in the turquoise waters with the seabed of the bright white sand and you will feel as if you were reborn. Cruising around the islet you will admire wonderful beaches, the lighthouse on cape Maskoula, caves and rocks that constitute a true inspiration.

Shining under the Aegean sun, Folegandros was named after the son of king Minos. This off-the-beaten-path destination captivates the visitors with the untouched beauty of its beaches, the luminous blue of its waters, and the unadulterated style of its architecture.

At 200m above sea level travellers will discover Kástro, a Venetian castle. Hóra, the capital town of the island, has been built partially in it. Bougainvilleas leaning over the balconies, sugar-cube whitewashed houses, and sheer cliff drops convey the island’s ethereal, yet wild, beauty.

Chrysospiliá is a natural monument of great interest, and not just to archaeologists and speleologists. Situated below the monastery of the Virgin Mary on a rocky beach at 30m above sea level with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is globally unique for the ancient male Greek names written on its walls and roof, dated back to the 4th century BC. Nicagoras, Themistocles, Cleon, Callimachus, Pythagoras, and Lysicrates are some of the names carved on the cave walls. According to some theories, the cave was used as a worship site where ceremonies for young men coming of age used to take place

The island of Ios, or Nios as locals call it, is a charming Cycladic island and renowned among the young for its vivid nightlife and its plethora of lovely bays and beaches.
The sights you shouldn’t miss out on are the lighthouse at the port entrance as well as the open air theatre “Odysseas Elytis”, where lots of events take place during summer.

This is one of the finest examples of a traditional village built according to Cycladic architecture. Snow-white little houses, picturesque arcade-covered alleys (stiyadia), the twelve windmills, churches with arched belfries and light blue domes create a unique residential area. Chora’s covered alleys is where the “Kounia”, an ancient local custom, takes place every year in the month of May, as follows: young men build swings for the young ladies who sit and rock themselves while listening to traditional love songs being sung to them in the form of a dialogue

Follow any (or all) of the eight paths that stretch and wind in the hinterland and discover Iraklia's unspoiled beauty which has secured it a place in the Natura 2000 Network. One of these tracks starts from Panagia and will take you, after a one hour hike, to Agios Ioannis Cave – the biggest cave in the Cyclades with multiple chambers and amazing stalactites and stalagmites. All tracks will offer you breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the other Minor Cyclades Islands. However, the spot offering the finest view is the top of Papas Hill, south of Panagia. This is the highest location on Irakleia, where you will drink in the panoramic view of its winding shores and coves, as well as of all the neighbouring islands dotting the deep blue Aegean Sea waters.

Whatever dishes you taste on Irakleia, one thing’s for sure: they’re bound to be fresh, tasty, and fragrant! Try fish cooked fresh off the sea, local meat (lamb, goat, pork), traditional cheeses (ksinomyzithra and anthotyro among others), and the one and only fava, a well-famed flavourful dish made with local split peas, onions, capers and extra virgin olive oil. Last but not least, taste the famous local thyme honey; you’ll probably want to buy some for home before you leave.

Koufonisia is a small group of two islets, E of Naxos and W of Amorgos; these are Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi, and they are separated by a narrow 200 m. wide strait. They were named Koufonisia [meaning Hollow islands] because of the existing huge caves which gave the impression to pirates who viewed them from a distance that the islands were hollow! At a short distance you will see the deserted Keros island. It has been designated as an archaeological site under protection, as major Cycladic Art finds have been unearthed there many a time.

Out of the two islands, Pano Koufonisi is the only populated one. Koufonisia are a favourite destination for those who seek to relax on their holidays and look for sheltered golden sand beaches, small natural pools of turquoise waters, feasts in the original ‘island way’ and seafood fresh from the sea.

Naxos is the biggest and greenest island in the Cyclades. It has high mountains, fertile valleys, lush green gorges, stunning seascapes and traditional villages perched high on mountain tops, where the inhabitants still wear their traditional dress and live off the fruits of the land. Naxos is also home to beautiful old churches, monasteries and Venetian castles coexisting harmoniously with the Cycladic architecture. Upon entering the port of the whitewashed Chora of Naxos you'll encounter the islet of Palatia at its entrance. On Palatia islet the impressive marble gate, temple of Apollo, “Portara” stands still since the 6th century BC. According to mythology, the god Dionysus met Ariadni there, who had been abandoned by Thesseus.

Naxos is also famous for its wide variety of cultural events and traditional fairs such as the Naxos Festival at Bazeos Tower and Dionissia. It includes various fascinating events taking place all summer long. The celebrations culminate with the famous Wine Festival and the Fisherman’s Feast held in September

Unrivaled natural beauty, beaches with crystal clear waters, Byzantine footpaths connecting traditional villages and breathtaking landscapes make Paros, located at the heart of the Cyclades, one of the best loved holiday destinations in Greece.

Parikia, the capital of Paros, is a beautiful Cycladic village with whitewashed cubic houses and impressive neoclassical mansions. A well preserved 13th century Venetian castle stands proudly on a hill at the centre of the village offering an amazing view of Parikia. In the capital you can also admire an important ecclesiastical monument, the 6th century church of Panayia Ekatontapyliani, also called Katapoliani. The name means the church with 100 gates, one of which is a secret one! The Parikia Byzantine Museum is housed on the ground floor of the church.

Sun-drenched beaches, like Chrissí Aktí, Santa Maria and Poúnda, welcome sun-loving visitors who want to enjoy the crystal clear sea, the sun or even their favourite water sports! Every year Chrissí Aktí is the venue for the Windsurfing World Championship. On the sea bed at Alykí beach, to the southwest, you can explore the ruins of an ancient town!
Enjoy the unusual natural landscape with impressive white rock formations on Kolymbithres beach. The beach of Kalogeros, surrounded by red and green clay rocks offers a really effective spa for free! Cover your body with clay and let it dry in the sun; after a while rinse yourself in the sea and your body will feel softer than ever!

Antiparos Islet: The Hora (Main Town) of Antiparos is built around a 15th century Venetian castle. The stone paved streets, the whitewashed alleys, the houses decorated with thriving pink and purple bougainvilleas and the central square in the shade of eucalyptus trees create an enchanting atmosphere. On Agios Ioannis Hill lies the cave of Antiparos, distinctive for its marvellous stalagmite and stalactite formations.

Welcome to Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. According to mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. The island took its name from the grandson of Apollo, “Mykonos”.

Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity. On Mykonos celebrities, college students and families mingle together to celebrate the Greek summer. Whether you are an entertainment junkie out for a real good time, or a visitor who wishes to explore the island’s history and tradition, Mykonos will certainly meet your expectations.

In contrast to other Cycladic capitals, the capital town (Hóra) of the island is not built in the shape of an amphitheatre but instead spreads out over a wide area. It is one of the best examples of Cycladic architecture and a spellbinding attraction for visitors. Don’t forget to visit the Archaeological, Folklore and Maritime Museums to take in a little history. Wander around the pedestrian shopping streets of the Hóra, always colourful and busy. The most glamorous of all is Matoyánni Street, lined with brand name stores, charming cafés and stylish restaurants.

One of the most scenic corners of the island is Alefkántra or “Little Venice”, an 18th century district, dominated by grand captains’ mansions with colourful balconies and stylish windows.

The island is a paradise for water sport enthusiasts! It is only natural that the “Island of the Winds” should attract surfers and sailors from all over the world! There is a great choice of beaches for windsurfing; however, the most secluded ones are considered to be the best. Choose from Kórfos, Fteliá, Meyáli Ámmos and Kalafátis, where surfing lessons are also available. Play tennis or mini golf at Ayios Stéfanos, beach volleyball at Ayia Anna or try sea parachuting or jet skiing at Eliá or Kalafátis. Diving fans can do a little exciting exploration of the underwater magic of Mykonos. September is thought to be the best month for diving, as the water is warm and visibility is good down at the seabed.

On the island you can find many well-organized diving centers (some of them also offer snorkeling lessons) and stores specializing in diving equipment

The entire island is designated as an archaeological site, to be precise, a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s an ark of history, floating lazily on the waters of the Aegean Sea, just a few miles away from cosmopolitan Mykonos. It’s a chance to walk around the revival of the glory of the Greek civilization. It’s the head priest of the Cyclades, the birthplace of the immortals. It’s Delos.

In the ancient times, the myth of god Apollo, god of light, and goddess Artemis having been born there rendered the island sacred: no mortal would ever be allowed to be born on its land. But, a cradle of gods as the island has been, no mortals would ever be allowed to die on it either. So, apart from it being a conspicuous religious and economic centre, the island had also been exclusive in that: even during the years of peak of the Delian Alliance, women on the brink of childbirth and people close to dying would be carried to the neighbouring island of Rineia. The whole of the known world of that age was aware of the sacredness of the island and of its uniqueness.

Tinos is an ideal destination for nature lovers, architecture and art aficionados or gastronomy enthusiasts! You will enjoy your jaunts in the beautiful beaches and in the picturesque 40 or so villages, built according to the local traditional architectural style. You will be impressed by its culture and tasty cooking, as well as by the locals’ way of life.

Tinos is the homeland of great Greek artists of marble carving such as Gyzis, Lytras, Chalepas, Filippotis and Sochos. These artists were famous for their creations, which raised the island’s marble-carving tradition to new heights.

The religious celebration in honour of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on August 15th are accompanied by other festivities such as Tsiknias (the leavetaking of the Dormition, the mother of God, held nine days after); Exοmbourgo (a religious feast in honour of Jesus); as well as the culinary feasts featuring: artichokes and raki in Falatados, and honey in Kampos

This is the island where Greek tradition and western influence come to a harmonious marriage. Ermoúpoli (meaning “the city of Hermes”) is the island’s capital town and has been the first important trade and industrial centre of the country in the 19th century.

Evidence of this glorious past can be seen on public buildings (the City Hall, the Customs Office, “Apollo” theatre), on the neoclassical houses and at the beautiful squares. Due to its economic activity, Ermoúpoli has been called “Manchester of Greece” and the history of its years of blossom is exhibited in the Industrial Museum. The great number of beautiful beaches will delight the sea and sand lovers: Vari, Foinikas, Yalissas and Kíni, as well as Possidonia or Dellagrazia, the beach of a village with many neoclassical mansions with colourful orchards.

Sýros is well-known for its gastronomic peculiarities. Halva pie (a pie made of thyme honey and roasted almonds), loukoúmi (a delight made of water, starch and sugar), “loosa” ham, fennel sausages and the San Mihalis spicy cheese.

Also called “Thermia” on account of its thermal springs, Kýthnos is very close to Attica; still, it is one of the less visited islands of the Cyclades. The most impressive of the 65 sandy beaches of the island is Kolona, where a lane of sand connects the islet of Agios Loukas to Kythnos. Low stone fences run for many kilometres on bare Cycladic hills with 350 white country chapels. The typical Cycladic style equally appears in the villages. Follow the paths that connect the villages to each other and taste apricots and wild mulberries on the way to Katafyki cave, one of the biggest caves in Greece with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Kythnos is definitely the place for thermal tourism. A modern spa centre is in operation in Loutra, with two hot springs in the area. The following springs have been famous for their therapeutic effectiveness since the ancient times, namely the spring of Agioi Anargyroi, inside the spa facilities, and the spring of Caucasus, at 50 m. from the first one, with a temperature reaching 52 degrees Celsius.

Due to its proximity to Attica, Kea (also called “Tzia”) is an easily accessible beauty with a scenery variety: steep mountains, small fields, olive groves, vineyards, valleys, picturesque coves, exciting hiking trails and off-the-beaten-track beaches. On the island with the largest oak forest in the Cyclades bird-watching is a real delight. For those who are into geology, there are plenty of small caves (like in Kalamos and in Ayios Timotheos). 36 km long cobbled trails will lead you to the four city-states of the ancient times: Ioulis, Karthaia, Koressia, Poiessa)

You are kindly required to return to the marina the day before the end of the charter (usually on Friday afternoon) at around 17:00-19:00. Our marina personnel will assist you to moor and do the check out. You will be sleeping on board the yacht and will be expected to leave her on Saturday morning at 09:00.