Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands

Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins in Santorini, where you’ll meet your skipper and fellow travellers at Cafe Spartakos at 1 pm at Athinios Port. If you’ve got time, consider arriving a couple of days early to see all that Santorini has to offer. There are heaps of restaurants, shops and bars to explore in the island's capital, Thira, not to mention some beautiful beaches and landscapes. Check out the volcanic beaches or take a walk along the caldera's rim to Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia – this walk is especially scenic at sunset! After meeting your crew, take a ferry to Ios where you’ll board your yacht – your home for the next nine nights. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore the nearby beaches or check out Hora's shops, restaurants and bars – it’s all accessible within a short walk from the harbour.

Sail to the rugged island of Amorgos. This is the stunning location of Luc Bresson's film, 'The Big Blue'. Stop for a swim at Paradisi Beach before continuing along the coast to the port of Katapola. The restaurants, cafes and bars along the waterfront are an excellent place to relax and enjoy views of classic Cycladic windmills and an old Venetian castle. You might like to explore the ancient Minoan Settlement or drive up to the 11th-century monastery, Moni Hozoviotissis, for beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. Maybe head to the village of Hora, sitting high up in the rocky mountainside. Stroll through the labyrinth of stone laneways and Byzantine churches surrounding the town square. The Amorgos Archaeological Collection is housed nearby in Gavros Tower.

Cast off and sail to the Small Cyclades this morning. This group of islands are home to some small fishing villages as well as beautifully clear waters and beaches. While all these islands once harboured communities, the Middle Ages saw this reduced to just pirates and goats! Today, only Koufonisia, Iraklia, Schinoussa and Donousa have permanent residents, with the largest population said to be around 300. In the evening, maybe sample some fresh seafood in a waterfront taverna and sit back to enjoy the peace of the Mediterranean.

Today you'll make your way to the largest Cycladic Island of Naxos. There’s the option of taking a daytrip around the island, but you can always stay behind and relax. The island’s best beaches are to the south, where water sports are also on offer. Maybe hike up to the old Roman Catholic neighbourhood of Kastro, where winding laneways, mansions and churches all retain a medieval feel. While here, stop by the Roman Catholic Cathedral in the square, and the nearby Archaeological Museum, in the former Jesuit School of Commerce. Take an optional trip to the countryside to observe rural life, see one of the oldest temples in Greece and have lunch in the hills at a family tavern. Tonight, taste the local brew with a shot of kitron (lemon liqueur).

Sail to the island of Syros, dropping by the Bay of Gaidharos for a swim. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and neo-classical architecture, Syros’ neutral role during the Greek Revolution made it a safe haven for the persecuted. Over the next two days, maybe catch a bus up the hill to the fortress-like village of Ano Syros and explore the town’s stone archways and narrow alleys (the views of the Aegean are stunning from up here). Sample authentic Greek food and culture in the capital of Syros and the Cyclades, Ermoupoli and check out the town hall in the main square. At night, maybe immerse yourself in local island life with an optional group dinner at a neighbourhood family's home. Tuck into some homemade cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and enjoy the views from the seafront.

Syros

Head to Mykonos today – with a history spanning around 5000 years, the island is said to be named after Apollo's grandson. It was also the mythological base for a deadly battle between Zeus and the Titans, their giant petrified bodies forming the rocks of the island. Browse the galleries and boutiques in town, see the unique architecture of the Church of Panagia Paraportiani or relax on one of the island’s white beaches. Tonight, maybe wander down to Little Venice, where colourful wooden balconies hang precariously over the sea – this is the ideal spot to sit back with a cocktail and enjoy the Aegean sunset. After, join the fun of Mykonos’ notorious nightlife.