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

[Shane Cataldo]

Endless hours on the beach, overlooking the blue horizon, the night sky and stars. Early in the morning a cup of coffee, pyjamas as swimwear and then dive to the "big blue". Just you and your mate, in secluded 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 cruising trip from Paros Island. The advantage of Paros lies in the fact that Paros lies precisely at the center of the Cyclades with numerous islands around, hence making your cruising trips in Greece a perfect choice.

This gives you the chance 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 pleasurable and safe even for fairly inexperienced teams.

Day 1: Set sail around Paros for your first location, Naxos. Depending on the climate condition it's going to take 3-4 hours sailing. Naxos is among the greatest islands of the Cyclades with terrific interest and numerous sights. Don't miss out on the sunset at the ancient temple of Apollo, just a few meters far from the marina. Grilled octopus with "ouzo" is a "should" here.

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 location with a long sandy beach and lots of kilometers of routes by the beachfront, suitable for hiking in the pure nature. For supper a kiosk run by a local shepherd uses Barbeque just with regional products.

Day 3: Set sail from Kalando heading for Koufonisi. Remarkable colors everywhere.Koufonisi by far the most beautiful of the small Cyclades islands with numerous sandy beaches all around.

Day 4: If the wind is strong, stay in the area going to the nearby island of Kato Koufonisi and swim in the crystal clear waters, snorkelling or go hiking around. The area is really secured from big waves due to the fact that the huge island of Naxos to the north obstructs the wind in order to make our life on board more comfortable. In the afternoon return to the same marina in Pano Koufonisi.

In case that the weather condition permits set sail to Amorgos, the island of the "Huge blue" motion picture. Lease a bike or an automobile here to check out the wild charm of this paradise. Go to the well-known monastery with the breath taken view from its terrace and attempt "rakomelo", the regional alcohol beverage. Dinner 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 checked out especially for those who wish to experience tiny, peaceful, cute and separated locations, agent of the Greek spirit. So after a brief stop for swimming at Antikeros on our method from Amorgos to Iraklia we will wind up at the stunning port of the island.

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

Day 6: Antiparos, the last island of your cruising cruise. After a 4-5 hours cruising journey and of course after the vital stop for lunch and swimming we end up in Antiparos late in the afternoon.

Day 7: Prior to setting sail for your final location visit the cavern of Antiparos. On your return on board leave instantly for a good anchorage at a little island north of Antiparos with crystal clear water.

For more information : yacht rental greece