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Cyclades Islands Yacht Charter

In the Cyclades Islands, whitewashed buildings cascade down rugged cliffsides, framed by the shimmering Aegean Sea, offering a timeless allure where ancient history meets postcard-perfect vistas.

Cyclades Islands Yacht Charter Guide

The Aegean Pulse: High-Energy Sailing & Whitewashed Dreams

The Cyclades are the beating heart of Greek yachting—a realm where rugged, sun-scorched landscapes meet the vibrant energy of the world’s most famous islands. This is the home of the iconic blue-domed church and the winding marble alleys of the Chora.

Navigating the Cyclades is an exhilarating experience favored by those who seek the "true" feel of the Aegean. While the Meltemi (the north wind) provides incredible sailing for experienced crews, it also creates a dynamic itinerary where the best-kept secrets—like the sea caves of Milos or the hidden tavernas of Kythnos—offer a tranquil sanctuary from the wind. With High Tide, your journey is curated to embrace the glamour of Mykonos while always maintaining the flexibility to find the quietest, most pristine anchorages in the chain.

Featured Yachts for Charter

JEWEL - Lagoon 51 - 2023

Starting from:
€15,500

JEWEL is a brand-new Lagoon 51 crewed catamaran, accommodating 12 guests in 6 en-suite cabins. Featuring expansive deck spaces, a stylish flybridge, and a vibrant crew led by Captain George, she offers an unforgettable Greek Island sailing experience filled with luxury, adventure, and breathtaking views.

ASTORIA - Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 - 2021

Starting from:
€24,900

Welcome to ASTORIA, the stunning Fountaine Pajot Samana 59, where luxury meets adventure. Based out of Athens, ASTORIA is your gateway to exploring the idyllic Saronic or Cyclades Islands.

STEPHAINE - Fountaine Pajot Algeria 67 - 2024

Starting from:
€33,500

Welcome aboard STEPHAINE, a brand-new 2024 Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 designed to redefine luxury yacht charters. Based in Athens with availability to explore the enchanting Dodecanese Islands from Kos, STEPHAINE is perfect for adventurers seeking elegance and unparalleled service.

The Aegean Mosaic: Iconic Ports & Hidden Cays

The Cyclades are a collection of over 200 islands, each offering a distinct rhythm of life. From the cosmopolitan energy of Mykonos to the volcanic drama of Santorini and the "Secret Cyclades" like Koufonisia, a private yacht is the only way to navigate this archipelago without compromise. Explore the unique character of our primary cruising grounds below—where whitewashed villages meet the deepest sapphire waters of the Mediterranean.

Mykonos Yacht Charter
The Cosmopolitan Pulse

Mykonos & Little Venice

The "Ibiza of Greece" is best experienced by water. Anchor your yacht off the exclusive beach clubs of Psarou or Nammos before tendering into Little Venice for sunset cocktails. Explore the winding marble streets of Chora, where chic boutiques meet iconic Aegean windmills.

Santorini Yacht Charter
The Volcanic Caldera

Santorini (Thira)

Sailing into the Santorini caldera is a definitive yachting moment. Avoid the clifftop crowds by watching the Oia sunset from your own aft-deck. Explore volcanic beaches like Red Beach or enjoy private wine tastings at cliffside estates overlooking your anchored vessel.

Paros Yacht Charter
Traditional Elegance

Paros & Naoussa

Naoussa is the most picturesque fishing harbor in the Cyclades, now a hub for elite Mediterranean dining. Anchor at Kolimbithres to swim among naturally sculpted granite rocks, then moor in the harbor for an evening of sophisticated Aegean nightlife.

Antiparos Yacht Charter
The Insider's Secret

Antiparos & Despotiko

The "it" destination for low-key luxury. Use your yacht’s shallow draft to navigate the Blue Lagoon channel before stopping for a sea-to-table lunch at the famous Captain Pipino’s in Agios Georgios. Perfect for day trips to the ancient ruins of Despotiko Island.

Naxos Yacht Charter
The Fertile Giant

Naxos & The Portara

Naxos Town offers an iconic arrival—the massive Portara marble doorway. This island is a haven for luxury provisioning, offering world-class local honey and cheeses. Anchor off the golden sands of Agios Prokopios or Plaka for a day of swimming in some of the clearest waters in Greece.

Koufonisia Yacht Charter
The Hollow Islands

Koufonisia & Kato Koufonisi

Explore the*uninhabited Kato Koufonisi, a sanctuary of secluded, magnificent beaches. On Pano Koufonisi, drop anchor at **Pori Beach**—widely considered the most beautiful in the Cyclades—and head ashore for a bohemian lunch at the famous Taverna Kalofeggo.

Milos Yacht Charter
Volcanic Sculpture

Milos & Kleftiko

Sailing here is an adventurous odyssey; visit the sea-access-only pirate hideout of Kleftiko for cave snorkeling, or anchor off the white lunar landscape of Sarakiniko for a visual experience unlike any other in the Aegean.

Ios Yacht Charter
Laid-back Luxury

Ios & Manganari Bay

Beyond its vibrant Chora, Ios offers some of the best sandy anchorages in Greece. Sail to the secluded Manganari beach for snorkeling in crystal-clear coves or enjoy the carefree spirit of Mylopotas beach clubs from the privacy of your flybridge.

Curated Aegean Routes: Beyond the Horizon

Designing a Cyclades itinerary is an art form that balances wind patterns, sailing distances, and your group's unique dynamic. Whether you seek the "Bucket List" sights of the southern chain or a technical sailing journey from the mainland, these sample routes serve as a foundation for your bespoke odyssey. Every High Tide itinerary is refined by our experts in real-time to ensure you find the calmest anchorages and most exclusive berths available in 2026.

The Discovery

Kea-Syros Loop

Athens → Mykonos (Exc. Santorini)

The Sailor

Aegean Gateway

Lavrion → Paros → Naxos

Social Pulse

Central Highlights

Mykonos → Paros → Antiparos

The Legend

Iconic South

Mykonos ⇄ Santorini ⇄ Milos

7-Day Kea-Syros Loop (Athens Start)

Day 1: Alimos to Kythnos

Depart Athens for the best sandy beach in the Cyclades: Kolona. This double-sided sandbar is perfect for a first overnight anchorage.

Day 2: Kythnos to Syros

Sail to Ermoupoli to admire neoclassical Greek architecture and dine on authentic Cycladic gastronomy in the marble squares.

Day 3: Syros to Mykonos

Arrive at the Aegean's social hub. Anchor off Psarou for the elite beach club scene or enjoy sunset cocktails at Little Venice.

Day 4: Delos & Rhenia

Visit the UNESCO site of Delos by tender, then swim in the uninhabited turquoise coves of Rhenia for total seclusion.

Day 5: Mykonos to Serifos

Sail to the "Secret Cyclades." Explore the white-washed Chora of Serifos and enjoy a traditional seafood dinner in Livadi harbor.

Day 6: Serifos to Kea

Visit the ancient Stone Lion of Ioulis. Kea offers refined dining and world-class wreck diving near the harbor of Vourkari.

Day 7: Sounion to Athens

Anchor beneath Cape Sounion for a swim under the Temple of Poseidon before your final sunset cruise back to Athens.

7-Day Aegean Gateway (Lavrion Start)

Day 1: Lavrion to Kea

Skip the Athens traffic and sail straight to Vourkari, Kea. Enjoy a night at this luxury yachting hub with its boutique galleries.

Day 2: Kea to Syros

Cross the Cavo D'Oro. Experience **neoclassical mansions** and the grand Apollo Theater in the hidden capital of the Aegean.

Day 3: Syros to Paros

Moor in Naoussa, Paros—the chicest fishing village in the Cyclades. Perfect for high-end boutiques and waterfront dining.

Day 4: Naxos Exploration

Discover the largest island. Anchor by the Portara (Temple of Apollo) and explore the medieval Venetian castle and mountain villages.

Day 5: Naxos to Sifnos

A culinary highlight. Taste **slow-cooked clay pot recipes** in Sifnos, the gastronomy capital of the Greek islands.

Day 6: Sifnos to Serifos

Drop anchor in Serifos. Hike to the hilltop Chora for views widely considered the most beautiful in Greece.

Day 7: Return to Lavrion

One final **blue-water sailing leg**. Anchor beneath the Temple of Poseidon for a final Mediterranean swim.

7-Day Central Highlights (Mykonos Round-Trip)

Day 1: Mykonos to Rhenia

Start your luxury yacht charter with total seclusion. Rhenia's turquoise coves are ideal for private island snorkeling.

Day 2: Delos & Naxos

Take a **private guided tour of Delos**. Sail to southern Naxos for a quiet anchorage in the crystal waters of **Kalados Bay**.

Day 3: Naxos to Paros

Visit **Golden Beach** for water sports, then moor in Naoussa for exclusive waterfront dining and boutique shopping.

Day 4: Antiparos Blue Lagoon

Swim in the "Blue Lagoon" channel—neon-blue water that is world-famous. Explore Antiparos Town’s celebrity-favored boutiques.

Day 5: Despotiko & Sifnos

Visit the ancient Temple of Apollo on Despotiko. Finish the day in the medieval settlement of Kastro on Sifnos.

Day 6: Syros (Ermoupoli)

Provision with local **San Michali cheese**. Syros offers a magnificent opera house and neoclassical grandeur.

Day 7: Return to Mykonos

Conclude your elite Cyclades charter at a **sunset beach club** like Scorpios or Nammos in Mykonos.

7-Day Iconic South (Mykonos Round-Trip)

Day 1: Mykonos to Paros

Moor in Naoussa. This is the **most chic fishing village in Greece**, blending tradition with high-end Greek dining.

Day 2: Paros to Ios

Visit Manganari beach for **luxury paddleboarding**. Enjoy the hidden bays of Ios away from the village crowds.

Day 3: The Santorini Caldera

Sail into the caldera—a **yacht bucket-list moment**. Experience private wine tasting as the sun sets behind the Oia cliffs.

Day 4: Santorini to Milos

Anchor at the **Kleftiko sea caves**. This pirate hideout is only accessible by boat and is perfect for cave snorkeling.

Day 5: Sarakiniko Moonscape

The white volcanic rock of Sarakiniko is the most **Instagrammable beach in Greece**. Explore the colors of Milos by water.

Day 6: Sifnos Gastronomy

Visit the **culinary capital of the Cyclades**. Sifnos is world-renowned for its sophisticated, unhurried Mediterranean pace.

Day 7: Return to Mykonos

A fast downwind leg back to the **Mykonos superyacht marina** to complete your **ultimate Greek island-hopping adventure**.

Perfect Yachts for the Cyclades

Featured Yachts for Charter

JEWEL - Lagoon 51 - 2023

Starting from:
€15,500

JEWEL is a brand-new Lagoon 51 crewed catamaran, accommodating 12 guests in 6 en-suite cabins. Featuring expansive deck spaces, a stylish flybridge, and a vibrant crew led by Captain George, she offers an unforgettable Greek Island sailing experience filled with luxury, adventure, and breathtaking views.

ASTORIA - Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 - 2021

Starting from:
€24,900

Welcome to ASTORIA, the stunning Fountaine Pajot Samana 59, where luxury meets adventure. Based out of Athens, ASTORIA is your gateway to exploring the idyllic Saronic or Cyclades Islands.

STEPHAINE - Fountaine Pajot Algeria 67 - 2024

Starting from:
€33,500

Welcome aboard STEPHAINE, a brand-new 2024 Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 designed to redefine luxury yacht charters. Based in Athens with availability to explore the enchanting Dodecanese Islands from Kos, STEPHAINE is perfect for adventurers seeking elegance and unparalleled service.

Cyclades Charter Frequently Asked Questions

The Meltemi is a strong, dry northerly wind that peaks in July and August. While it provides excellent sailing for experienced crews, it can create significant swell in open-water crossings.

Our Strategy: We monitor wind forecasts daily. If the Meltemi is strong, we shift the itinerary to the "South Cyclades" (Milos, Ios, Santorini) where the islands themselves provide better shelter, or we utilize the more stable performance of a Motor Yacht. Essential for summer travelers.
Cyclades pricing is tiered by vessel luxury and season. Below are 2026 weekly baseline estimates for the peak summer window.
Type Vessel Example Weekly Base Rate
Bareboat45ft Sailing Mono€4,500 – €8,500
SkipperedLagoon 46 Catamaran€9,500 – €16,000
Crewed60ft Luxury Catamaran€25,000 – €45,000
Elite Crewed100ft+ Motor Yacht€80,000 – €250,000+
*Rates exclude VAT (13% or 6.5%) and APA (30-35% for crewed yachts).
Athens (Alimos) offers the widest selection of yachts but adds 3-4 hours of transit. Lavrion is the "Sailor’s Gateway," saving you half a day of motoring. Mykonos is ideal for one-way charters or motor yachts, though island-based fleets are smaller and book up faster. Logistical planning.
Marinas inside the Caldera are extremely limited and primarily reserved for local day-trip catamarans. Most private yachts will anchor in the designated zones beneath Oia or Ammoudi Bay. We then utilize the yacht's tender or a private shore-side transfer to bring you to the clifftop villages.
Greek Port Authorities require the skipper to hold a valid ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or an equivalent national license (e.g., RYA Day Skipper). Because of the challenging wind conditions in the Aegean, a **VHF Radio License** is also mandatory for all bareboat charters. Mandatory for self-skippered groups.
Absolutely. We specialize in "The Secret Cyclades." Islands like Kythnos, Serifos, and Sifnos offer authentic Greek charm, traditional tavernas, and quiet anchorages even in the height of August. A private yacht is the only way to escape the "tourist track" of the ferry lines.
The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) covers fuel, food, and marina fees. In Greece, fuel is a significant factor due to the distances between islands. Your Captain will provide a full ledger of expenses; any unused portion is **refunded to you** at the end of the week.
The beauty of the Cyclades is the balance. On a Crewed Charter, your private chef will prepare gourmet breakfasts and lunches, leaving your evenings free to explore the world-class dining in ports like Naoussa (Paros) or Mykonos Town. Bespoke meal planning.
The Cyclades is the most in-demand region in the Mediterranean. To secure the latest models (2024-2026 hulls) and the best crews, we recommend booking 8 to 10 months in advance. For peak July/August dates, bookings should be finalized by January.
Most marinas in Athens and Lavrion offer online provisioning services that deliver directly to your yacht's gangway. For specialty items like San Michali cheese or Cycladic wines, we recommend stocking up in Syros or Naxos midway through your journey.

Choose Your Itinerary

7-Day Iconic South (Mykonos Round-Trip)

Plan your Cyclades Islands Yacht Charter Trip

The Cyclades archipelago is a study in spectacular contrasts, stretching from the cosmopolitan pulse of Mykonos in the north to the iconic volcanic caldera of Santorini in the south. For those seeking a rapid, high-octane odyssey, a week aboard a high-speed motor yacht effortlessly bridges these legendary distances. Conversely, a 10-night journey on a luxury sailing catamaran offers the gift of time—allowing you to fully decompress into the unhurried rhythm of the "Secret Cyclades."

Every horizon in the Cyclades reveals a new world. Milos stands as a geological masterpiece, where white lunar rock formations dive into sapphire waters. Naxos, the fertile giant of the chain, boasts a grand Venetian harbor, while Paros serves as the heart of sophisticated Aegean nightlife and beach club culture. For those seeking the quiet elegance of old-world Greece, the terracotta-roofed villages of Kea provide a serene, low-key sanctuary.

Your journey typically begins in Athens, home to the Mediterranean’s most diverse fleet of vetted sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts. Upon arriving at Athens International Airport (ATH), a seamless 30-minute private transfer brings you to the marina, where your crew and a chilled glass of Assyrtiko await your arrival.

A true Aegean odyssey requires an understanding of the Meltemi—the powerful northerly winds that define the character of July and August. While these winds provide exhilarating sailing, the most refined experiences are often found during the "Golden Windows" of May–June and September–October, when the seas are tranquil and the islands breathe a more relaxed air. For those chartering in the peak of summer, our experts specialize in "Meltemi-proof" itineraries, utilizing local knowledge to find the most sheltered, pristine anchorages regardless of the conditions.

Explore our curated sample itineraries to see how High Tide can tailor the distances and destinations of the Cyclades into your perfect 2026 Mediterranean escape.

Ready to Sail the Aegean?

Our Greece experts are standing by to help you navigate the Meltemi and discover the quietest coves in the Cyclades for your 2026 journey.

Essential Information for Cyclades Islands Yacht Charter

Currency

Euro (€)

Sailing Level

Advanced (Strong Winds)

Main Wind

Meltemi (Northly)

Best For

Nightlife & Iconography

License

ICC + VHF (Mandatory)

Broker Insight: The Cyclades are famous for the Meltemi winds, which peak in July/August. For families or less experienced sailors, we recommend a Skippered Charter or focusing on the South Cyclades (Milos/Ios) where conditions are often more manageable.

Regional Gateways & Airport Codes

Athens (Main Hub) ATH

Mykonos JMK

Santorini JTR

Paros PAS

Naxos JNX