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A week’s vacation in the Aegean islands with a sailboat

Endless hours on the beach, overlooking the blue horizon, the night sky, and the stars. Early in the morning a cup of coffee, pajamas as a bathing suit and then dive into the “big blue”. Just you and your partner, in secluded bays and yet on the most popular islands. Boating holidays are a way of life that, however, everyone can follow.

Let’s start our sailing trip from the island of Paros. The advantage of Paros lies in the fact that Paros is located exactly in the center of the Cyclades with so many islands around it, which makes your cruise vacation in Greece an ideal choice.

This gives you the opportunity to sail every day, no matter where the wind comes from, making your islands a dream.

There are so many options and so many anchorages to stay even in very difficult conditions, that sailing is safe and enjoyable even for relatively inexperienced crews.

Day 1: Set sail around Paros for your first destination, Naxos. Depending on the weather conditions, the navigation will take between 3 and 4 hours. Naxos is one of the largest islands in the Cyclades with great interest and many places of interest. Don’t miss the sunset at the ancient temple of Apollo, a few meters from the marina. Grilled octopus with “ouzo” is a “must” here.

Day 2: Today set sail south along the west coast of Naxos to finish at the southern tip of the island, in Kalando Bay. Halfway, we will stop at a beautiful anchorage, Roga, to swim and have lunch. Kalando is a special place. It is not a town, but it offers a perfect haven for the yacht. It is an isolated area with a long sandy beach and many kilometers of trails by the sea, ideal for hiking in the middle of nature. For dinner, a kiosk run by a local pastor offers barbecue only with local products. Don’t expect luxury here. Without a doubt, it will be your favorite place in the end.

Day 3: Set sail from Kalando in the direction of Koufonisi. A short stop in a wonderful place, called Rina, where you can swim inside a sea cave. Amazing colors everywhere. Koufonisi by far the most beautiful of the small Cyclades islands with many sandy beaches around. Rent a bike and visit them all. Dinner at the “Captain Nicolas” place is out of any negotiation, as is a frozen mojito at the mill bar just above the marina.

Day 4: If the wind is strong, stay in the area visiting the nearby island of Kato Koufonisi and swim in the crystal clear waters, go snorkelling or go hiking. The area is highly protected from big waves because the huge island of Naxos to the north blocks the wind to make our life on board more comfortable. In the afternoon return to the same marina in Pano Koufonisi.

In case time permits, set sail for Amorgos, the island from the movie “Big blue”. Rent a car or bike here to explore the wild beauty of this paradise. Visit the famous monastery with the breathtaking view from your balcony and taste “rakomelo”, the local alcoholic drink. Dinner at “Xilokeratidi” will be a memorable romantic event by the sea.

Day 5: Iraklia is another island of the “Lesser Cyclades” that is worth visiting especially for those who want to experience tiny, quiet, beautiful and isolated places, representative of the Greek spirit. So, after a short stop for a swim at Antikeros on our way from Amorgos to Iraklia, we will end up at the picturesque port of the island.

Here you can swim to the nearby beach, dive from the yacht and walk enjoying pure nature. Dining in Iraklia means fresh fish and the local taverns, more hospitable than anywhere else, are ready to meet your expectations.

Day 6: Antiparos, the last island of your sailing cruise. After a 4-5 hour boat trip and of course after the vital stop for lunch and a swim, we finished in Antiparos in the late afternoon. Strolling through the small streets of the beautiful village, dine in one of the hundred restaurants and continue with a drink in one of the local bars. The nightlife here, especially in high season, is a must for everyone.

Day 7: Before setting sail for your final destination, visit the Antiparos cave. Buses are available just 100 meters from the yacht. Upon your return on board, leave immediately for a pleasant anchorage on a small island north of Antiparos with crystal clear waters. The afternoon has come and the time to say goodbye.

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