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

[Lasonya Nelia]

Limitless hours on the beach, neglecting the blue horizon, the night sky and stars. Early in the early morning a cup of coffee, pyjamas as swimwear and after that dive to the "big blue". Only you and your mate, in secluded bays, and yet in the most popular islands. The cruising vacations are a way of life, which however can be followed by all.

Let's begin our cruising journey from Paros Island. The advantage of Paros lies in the fact that Paros is located exactly at the center of the Cyclades with a lot of islands around, therefore making your cruising trips in Greece a perfect choice.

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

There are many options and so lots of anchorages to stay even in very rough conditions, that sailing is satisfying and safe even for fairly inexperienced crews.

Day 1: Set sail around Paros for your very first location, Naxos. Depending on the weather it's going to take 3-4 hours cruising. Naxos is one of the biggest islands of the Cyclades with great interest and numerous sights. Don't miss the sunset at the ancient temple of Apollo, simply a few meters away from the marina. Grilled octopus with "ouzo" is a "need to" 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 numerous kilometers of routes by the seaside, perfect for hiking in the pure nature. For supper a kiosk run by a local shepherd offers BBQ only with regional products.

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

Day 4: If the wind is strong, stay in the location visiting the nearby island of Kato Koufonisi and swim in the crystal clear waters, snorkelling or go hiking around. The location is really secured from huge 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 comfy. In the afternoon return to the very same marina in Pano Koufonisi.

In case that the weather condition allows set sail to Amorgos, the island of the "Huge blue" movie. Check out the famous monastery with the breath taken view from its veranda and attempt "rakomelo", the regional alcohol beverage.

Day 5: Iraklia is another island of the "Minor Cyclades" which deserves to be visited especially for those who wish to experience tiny, quiet, adorable and separated places, agent of the Greek spirit. So after a brief 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 neighboring beach, diving from the yacht and hiking around enjoying the pure nature. Dinner at Iraklia suggests fresh fish and the local 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 journey and of course after the essential stop for lunch and swimming we end up in Antiparos late in the afternoon.

Day 7: Prior to setting sail for your final destination check out the cavern of Antiparos. On your return on board leave right away for a good anchorage at a little island north of Antiparos with crystal clear water.

For more information : yachting