Discovery cruise of the Greek islands, Cyclades, from Paros

Your cruise

Istvan, a French skipper born aboard a sailboat and a passionate sailor, will be delighted to welcome you aboard his magnificent sailboat to discover his favorite playground, the Cyclades archipelago.
More than just a sailboat cruise, sailing with Istvan in the Meltem (the prevailing northerly wind in the Cyclades during the summer months) is an adventure off the beaten track!

Important note from the skipper: During my cruises, I like to share my passion for the sea and the seafaring spirit with my crew. This cruise is geared towards discovering sailing, local cultures and wild places where wildlife is used to living peacefully, at the mercy of the winds. The spirit of this cruise is to approach these places as visitors, not as invaders. I'd like to make it clear that aperitifs that turn into nightclubs until the early hours of the morning are not part of the cruise's style.

Your possible stops during this cruise

First of all, a bit of weather!
From June to September, when the Meltem blows over the Archipelago, Paros is the ideal departure point for reaching some of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades. What's more, Paros is well served by ferry from Mykonos, Santorini and Athens, or by connecting plane from Athens.

Strategy: Depending on wind and sea conditions, there are 2 route options:
1. The south-westerly route to the Lesser Cyclades and Amorgos is the most common, as this sailing area is sheltered from the swell by the northern islands of Despotiko, Antiparos, Paros and Naxos. The sea is less rough here than to the west.
2. The south-westerly route to the archipelago of Milos, Kimolos and Polyaigos via Sifnos is only practicable in moderate winds. The absence of islands to the north makes this stretch of open sea much rougher, so avoid it if the wind is too strong.

Example of a southeast route:

Saturday: Embarkation in Paros at 6pm.
Istvan will be delighted to welcome you aboard his magnificent sailboat. After a short tour of the boat and a few safety instructions, you'll enjoy your first evening aboard the yacht at anchor in the bay of Parikia.
Sunday morning: We set sail for the small Cyclades archipelago
We spend the night in Schinoussa. A 4-5 hour sail through the turquoise waters between Paros and Antiparos. Along the unique lanes of the village of Schinoussa, you'll enjoy the many views of the island's jagged coastline, before sitting down to a delicious seafood platter.
Monday-Tuesday: Head for Amorgos "the magnificent, the wild, the gentle".
Allow 3 hours' sailing to reach Amorgos from the Cyclades.
This long, mountainous island stretches across the wind towards the Dodecanese. The island is so long that you can only make out the first third of its west coast when approaching it from the sea, a beautiful scenario. Amorgos is seldom visited by mass tourism, but rather by romantic travellers with an artistic flair.
The relaxed atmosphere of the port of Katapola is very pleasant, and the view of the sunset from one of the many small cafés is unbeatable at aperitif time. You'll have the pleasure of sampling local specialties in one of the small bistros along the water's edge. For those who prefer the heights, the chora (hilltop village) also offers a great atmosphere in the evening. Bring a fleece and a pair of pants.
The next morning, you can head to the island's south coast to visit the famous Panagia Chozoviotissa monastery, perched on a cliff overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea. If the sea is calm, your skipper will take you to visit the remains of the shipwreck featured in Luc Besson's film "The Big Blue".
Amorgos is also renowned for its many hiking trails, a real delight in springtime with its mosaics of multicolored flowers.
After a 2-3 hour crossing, we return to the small Cyclades for a night under the stars in one of the skipper's wild, "secret" coves.
Wednesday: Iraklia
Sail for 2-3 hours to Iraklia, a small haven of peace.
This small fishing village is the least populated of the archipelago. Its inhabitants live a peaceful fishing life, punctuated by the roll of the small colored boats that sway, as if weightless, on the translucent water of the harbor. On the menu, you'll be able to sample the day's fish, provided the catch has been good!
Thursday: Antiparos
Sail west for 4-5 hours, then anchor on the island of Antiparos or Despotiko, depending on wind conditions.
Friday: Return to Paros at the end of the day. This is a typical itinerary, well suited to strong winds during the summer months (June to September). But it can be slightly modified according to weather conditions and your wishes.