A Week's Vacation in the Islands of the Aegean Sea With a Sailing Boat

[Genoveva Synthia]

Just you and your mate, in remote bays, and yet in the most popular islands. The cruising holidays are a way of life, which nevertheless can be followed by all.

Let's begin our sailing journey from Paros Island. The advantage of Paros lies in the reality that Paros is located precisely at the center of the Cyclades with so many islands around, thus making your cruising getaways in Greece an ideal option.

This gives you the opportunity to sail out every day, no matter where the wind blows from, making your islands hopping a dream.

There are a lot of options and so lots of anchorages to stay even in very rough conditions, that sailing is safe and satisfying even for relatively unskilled crews.

Day 1: Set sail around Paros for your first destination, Naxos. Naxos is one of the biggest islands of the Cyclades with fantastic interest and many sights.

Day 2: Today set sail south following the west coast of Naxos ending up in the southernmost of the island, at Kalando bay. It's a separated area with a long sandy beach and lots of kilometers of tracks by the beachfront, suitable for treking in the pure nature. For dinner a kiosk run by a regional shepherd uses BBQ just with regional items.

Day 3: Set sail from Kalando heading for Koufonisi. A brief stop at a fantastic spot, called Rina, where you can swim inside a sea cave. Fantastic colors everywhere.Koufonisi by far the most lovely of the small Cyclades islands with numerous sandy beaches all around. Lease a bike and visit all of them. Supper at "Captain Nicolas" place is out of any sort of settlement along with a frozen mojito at the windmill bar just above the marina.

Day 4: If the wind is strong, stay in the area going to the close-by island of Kato Koufonisi and swim in the crystal clear waters, snorkelling or go hiking around. The location is very protected from big waves since the big island of Naxos to the north blocks the wind in order to make our life on board more comfy. In the afternoon return to the exact same marina in Pano Koufonisi.

In case that the weather condition permits set sail to Amorgos, the island of the "Big blue" motion picture. Lease a bike or a cars and truck here to explore the wild beauty of this paradise. Go to the well-known monastery with the breath taken view from its balcony and try "rakomelo", the regional alcohol beverage. Supper at "Xilokeratidi" is going to be a memorable romantic event by the beach.

Day 5: Iraklia is another island of the "Minor Cyclades" which is worth to be visited especially for those who want to experience tiny, peaceful, adorable and separated places, agent of the Greek spirit. So after a short stop for swimming at Antikeros on our way from Amorgos to Iraklia we will wind up at the attractive port of the island.

Here you can swim to the nearby beach, diving from the yacht and treking around delighting in the pure nature. Dinner at Iraklia suggests fresh fish and the regional tavernas more hospitable than anywhere else are ready to fulfill your expectations.

Day 6: Antiparos, the last island of your cruising cruise. After a 4-5 hours cruising trip and naturally after the essential stop for lunch and swimming we end up in Antiparos late in the afternoon. Wandering around the small streets of the lovely village, have dinner in one of the hundred dining establishments and continue with a beverage at one of the regional bars. Night life here, especially in high season, is a must for everyone.

Day 7: Before setting sail for your last location visit the cave of Antiparos. Buses are available just 100 meters far from the yacht. On your return on board leave instantly for a great anchorage at a small island north of Antiparos with crystal clear water. The afternoon has already come in addition to the goodbye time.

For more information : yachting