Discovery cruise of the Greek islands, Cyclades, from Paros

Your cruise

Istvan, a French skipper born on board a sailing boat and passionate about sailing, will be happy to welcome you on board his magnificent sailboat to help you discover his favorite playground, the Cyclades archipelago
More than a simple sailing cruise, sailing with Istvan in the Meltem (the prevailing north 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 and transmit my passion for the sea and the marine spirit with my crews. This cruise is oriented towards the discovery of the practice of sailing, local cultures but also wild places where the fauna is used to live peacefully, according to the wind. The spirit of this cruise is to approach these places as a visitor and not as an invader. I would like to make it clear that aperitifs that turn into nightclubs until noon are not in the style of the boat.

Your possible stops during this cruise

First of all, some weather information!
From June to September, when the Meltem blows over the Archipelago, Paros is the ideal starting point to reach some of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. Moreover, Paros is very well served by ferry from Mykonos, Santorini and Athens or by plane with connection from Athens

Strategy: Depending on the wind and sea conditions, there are 2 route options
1. The south-western route to the small Cyclades and the island of Amorgos is the most common because this sailing area is sheltered from the swell by the islands of Despotiko, Antiparos, Paros and Naxos, located to the north. The sea is therefore less rough than in the west
2. The south-western 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 it should be avoided when the wind is too strong

Example of a south-east route:

Saturday: Boarding in Paros at 6pm.
Istvan will be happy to welcome you on board his beautiful sailboat. After a short tour of the owner and some safety instructions, you will enjoy your first evening on board the yacht at anchor in the bay of Parikia.
Sunday morning: We set sail for the small Cyclades archipelago
We will spend the night in Schinoussa. A 4 - 5 hour sail through the turquoise waters between Paros and Antiparos. Along the unique alleyways of the village of Schinoussa, you will 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"
Count on a 3-hour sail to reach Amorgos from the small Cyclades.
This long mountainous island stretches across the wind towards the Dodecanese. The island is so long that only the first third of its west coast can be seen when approaching it from the sea, a beautiful scenario. Amorgos is not frequented by mass tourism, but rather by romantic travellers with an artistic flair
The relaxed atmosphere of the port of Katapola is very pleasant, the view of the sunset from one of the many small cafes is unbeatable at aperitif time. You can enjoy local specialties in one of the small bistros along the waterfront. 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 trousers.
The next morning you can go to the south coast of the island to visit the monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa which, clinging to its cliff, dominates the deep blue Aegean Sea. If the sea is calm, your skipper will take you to visit the remains of the wreck that featured in Luc Besson's film "The Big Blue".
Amorgos is also famous for its numerous hiking trails, a real delight in spring with its mosaic of multicolored flowers.
After a 2-3 hour crossing, return to the small Cyclades for a night under the stars in one of the skipper's wild and "secret" coves.
Wednesday : Iraklia
Sailing 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 life of fishing, punctuated by the roll of the small coloured boats that waddle, as if weightless on the translucent water of the port. On the menu, you will taste the fish of the day, if the fishing was good!
Thursday : Antiparos
Sailing for 4-5 hours to the west, then anchoring on the island of Antiparos or Despotiko, depending on the wind conditions.
Friday: Return to Paros at the end of the day. This itinerary is a typical sailing route which is well adapted to strong wind conditions during the summer months (June to September). But it can be slightly modified according to the weather conditions and your wishes.