If the Aegean is one of the most beautiful seas for a sailing cruise, the route from Athens to the Cyclades islands is by far the most coveted and known by yachtsmen. Among the dozens or perhaps hundreds of possible itineraries, the one we propose today lasts 7 days and will take you, island after island, to the beautiful and highly sought-after Santorini.
The one-way trip that we are about to propose to you is designed to be undertaken during the summer period and will allow you to always sail with the wind in favor by visiting, among the Cyclades, some of the most beautiful and least visited islands by mass tourism. Among these, we include Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Polyaigos, Folégandros, and Amorgos.
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One way charter itinerary from Athens to Santorini
What kind of navigation awaits us?
Our sailing catamaran cruise from Athens to Santorini is relatively easy sailing, as it always has loads of wind.
Heart of the sea holidays in Greece, the Cyclades archipelago includes dozens of islands, geographically very different from each other but united by a strong and wild character, and by a seasonal wind called Meltemi which regularly shows itself every July and ends in September. It generally blows from north to south and can sometimes be impetuous. For this reason, it is good to plan each trip in time and always keep the weather conditions under control.
Related: A Week Yacht Charter Itinerary from Athens to the Cyclades Islands
How to deal with the Meltemi in the Cyclades?
There are only two ways to avoid the Meltemi: Probably obvious, but if you are scared of it, the best solution is to sail to other areas of the Aegean, such as the Sporades or Dodecanese islands.
If, on the other hand, you are ready to do it, you can sail ‘one-way’ from northwest to the southeast (and not vice versa) to enjoy an exciting sailing with the wind almost always in favor and not against. It goes without saying that in this way it is more difficult to visit the two most famous destinations of the archipelago, Mykonos, and Santorini, on the same cruise, since they are located at opposite ends of the archipelago.
Where will we sail from?
We decided to set sail from Lavrio, an industrial city located on the coast, about 60 kilometers southeast of Athens. It is not a tourist resort but appears to be a strategic port on the Aegean from which ferries leave for Kea and Kythnos, as well as, during the summer season, catamarans and pleasure boats bound for the western Cyclades.
There are two options to reach the port of Lavrio from Athens airport.
Moving by car or taxi, the journey takes approximately 40 minutes, depending on the day and traffic. The cost is around 70/80 euros. Alternatively, the port can also be reached by bus lines from Athens International Airport.
Recommended: 50 Feet Catamarans in Athens, Greece
7 Days one-way catamaran charter itinerary from Athens to Santorini
Day 1 -> departure towards Kythnos
The first day of sailing is relatively short and undemanding, with the wind supporting the route to reach Kythnos.
Kythnos is an island little frequented by foreign tourists but much appreciated by the Greeks; it has a barren and rocky territory and the particularity of having thermal springs.
We drop anchor in the beautiful bay of Kolona, located on the northwest side of the island, and famous for a thin strip of sand that connects Kythnos with the islet of Agios Loukas. The particularly charming features are the golden sand and the fact that it is possible to see the sea and the boats anchored on both sides of the beach.
The right place to enjoy some relaxation and the possibility of taking a nice walk along the bay coast.
- Day 2 -> Serifos
Departing from Kythnos, we sail the short stretch of sea that separates us from Serifos, our second destination, with the wind in our sails.
Serifos is also an island little traveled by tourism and therefore very quiet. However, its rocky coast creates a succession of suggestive coves and beaches and a spectacular Chora (historic center). The coast at the southwestern end of the island is particularly wild.
The main village can be reached from the port of Livadi through a beautiful walk. A long staircase takes you to the old town and beyond, up to the church which is located at the highest point, from which you can admire a breathtaking view.
- Day 3 -> Sifnos
Sifnos especially fascinates lovers of countryside views, thanks to its
spectacular valley covered with olive groves and small villages with windmills and typical churches.
It has more than 200 churches (some say even more than 300) and is home to the most important culinary event of the Greek islands, the Cycladic Gastronomic Festival.
The village of Kastro is worth a visit, probably the most beautiful on the island, it was founded more than 3000 years ago and is perched on top of a hill overlooking the sea.
Few, but beautiful and varied, are the beaches of Sifnos. There isn’t one that identifies it, you don’t go to Sifnos for the long beaches or the rocks: you go to find a bit of everything. The only factor common to all is the sea, very blue and transparent as you can expect from a Greek island.
- Day 4 -> Polyaigos
The following day we will have a short sailing to reach Polyaigos.
Polyaigos is a desert island, probably due to its territory which is extremely rough and rocky, suitable only for goats and shepherds. Its coastline is spectacular and there are some of the most beautiful bays in Greece. We spend the day anchored in a lagoon with crystal clear water and white sand, spending hours relaxing and waiting for the sunset. If you are feeling active, we advise you to appreciate it from one of the hills in the area. The view will leave you speechless.
- Day 5 -> Folegandros
Definitely more popular with tourism is Folegandros. Wild, semi-deserted, charming, intimate but also chic, this small island has conquered lovers of tranquility and nature with its spectacular alternation of pink rock and white sand. For this and other reasons, more and more boats are dropping anchor in its central bays on the south side.
In general, Folegandros is a rocky and barren island with beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea. We anchor our charter catamaran in a bay on the south coast, famous for its crystal clear waters, and spend the afternoon here. Do not miss a visit to the Chora, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades with the spectacular sunset that can be enjoyed from the monastery overlooking the town. Once in the area, you can consider stopping for dinner at one of the lovely restaurants on site.
- Day 6 -> Amorgos
The sixth day begins by tackling the longest stretch of sea of the holiday, which takes us from Folegandros to Amorgos, the easternmost island of those encountered so far.
At first glance, this immense long, and narrow strip of land do not seem to offer great attractions. But once you arrive, it is not long to understand why it fascinates every traveler who happens to see it, perhaps casually: rock monasteries, climbing cliffs, enchanting beaches, and villages that are still not very touristy.
More than 100 kilometers of coastline, Amorgos offers a variety of beaches and coves suitable to satisfy all sea lovers. The most famous beach on the island is Agia Anna, a pebble beach at the point of the island where the sea is most beautiful. Luc Besson also noticed it, who shot some key scenes of the film Le Grand Blue here, giving the place an international reputation. Near Aegiali there are Paralia Aegiali, a sandy beach recommended for families with small children, and Agios Pavlos, a pebble beach bathed by an incredibly clear sea.
- Day 7 -> finally arrived in Santorini
Santorini is a volcano island, which exploded a few thousand years ago, and where today it is possible to navigate inside the caldera as it is invaded by the sea.
Navigating in the caldera of Santorini is an unforgettable sight: the water and the blue sky, surrounded by the black walls of the volcano on whose summit are perched thousands of white houses that give shape to various villages, is a unique experience.
We will stop for lunch on the islets inside the caldera and then in the afternoon, we will reach Akrotiri, located on the south coast, to enjoy the sunset which in these parts is spectacular.
The next day your trip from Athens to the Cyclades by charter boat will end with final greetings to the skipper and crew. This does not mean that you cannot continue to appreciate the many beauties that Santorini has to offer, such as White Sand beach and Red Sand beach, or wonderful villages like Oia and Thira.
Not-to-be-missed: Mykonos and Santorini Yacht Charter: Breath-Taking Greek Isles!
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You can contact us by sending an email at ask@yourboatholiday.com or by phone, calling +39 33436 00997, available also on WhatsApp for both calls and texting.
7 Days Catamaran Itinerary from Athens to Santorini
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