“The island of Mykonos”

Lat/Long – 38.3946° N, 14.9706° E

One of the most famous and well-visited islands in Greece, Mykonos is a busy, beautiful yet barren island situated in the middle of the Cyclades. Such a lively and active island with a collection of extraordinary beaches is a unique and striking place to visit. However, it can be quite crowded during the summer months – the docks, towns and beaches – and for this reason, many yachts and cruisers try to avoid it.

For the most part, visiting yachts berth at the partially built Mykonos around two miles north of Mykonos Town. Moreover, this is actually the only safe harbour on the island – it is not possible to dock or anchor at the Old Harbour. This is solely reserved for tripper boats.

Such a lively and active island with a collection of extraordinary beaches is a unique and striking place to visit. However, crowded it can be during the summer months – the docks, towns and beaches – and for this reason, many yachts and cruisers try to avoid it.

You may experience this marina to be noisy and crowded, however, it’s considered to be protected and sheltered from the strong gales of the Meltemi. Be careful, though, as the swell reaching into the harbour can be considerable and dangerous. If you can get onto the southwest jetty, it is much quieter there.

Anchoring is not necessary when berthing in the marina anymore. Back in July 2017, the last dock positions without mooring lines had them installed making a much safer place to moor through a strong gale. Additionally, you’ll find power and water available at every position with typically Greek low prices. Between 5 and 8 EURO for an overnight mooring and an additional 10 EURO for water and electricity

“The island of Paros”

Lat / Long – 39.1974° N, 20.1852° E

Naoussa is a picturesque, beautiful fishing village, found within a huge bay on the northern side of Parks, just 10km east of the Parikia, the Capital. Considered to be one of the most attractive villages in the Cyclades, Naoussa maintains its traditional charm, character and authenticity. The lovely village, built amphitheatrically around the port, is filled with colourful fishing boats they call Caiques, with floral, whitewashed houses, chapels and churches, engulfed in a labyrinth of stone-paved, narrow streets. From the waterfront, you can see the remains of an old Venetian castle, helping to create a unique and enchanting atmosphere. You may also be interested to learn the history of Captain Barbossa, the pirate!

Naoussa used to have a small overcrowded harbour with only enough room for a handful of large yachts. However, back in 2011 completely redesigned into a picturesque, well-facilitated marina with spaces for as many as 80 vessels in good weather. Larger boats go stern-to on their anchor but watch out for the laid lines which extend out in the marina.

The Harbourmaster will likely meet you at the end of the breakwater, guide you to your mooring and assist with the lines. Expect the fees to be around €15 for the night with cheap water and electronics. Youla, +30 6956 098080) Alternatively, it’s perfectly sensible to anchor outside the marina / in the bay and visit the town by dinghy in fair weather.

Naoussa Bay itself is a wide, open bay with shallow waters and a great holding on the island’s north-eastern side. You can find several beautiful locations to drop your anchor within it, but be careful with a deep draught keel as the water does get remarkably shallow. At the north-eastern corner of the bay, there quaint little monastery and a pretty beach. A water taxi does go to and fro Naoussa during the daytime. Stand on your bow and wave down, taxi driver or instead, take your dinghy in.

“The island of Paros”

Lat / Long – 37.0856° N, 25.1488° E

Parikia, otherwise known as Hora or Paros Town, has just 3000 inhabitants and was built at the site where the ancient city and capital once stood. Parikia is the main harbour on the island, serving ferries and connections with the other islands, and is the cultural and commercial centre of Paros. Amphitheatrically built around the port, Parikia has classic Cycladic architecture with flat-roofed, whitewashed houses defined by their architectural lines, coloured wooden doors, balconies and windows. At the mouth of the mouth, you’ll see a magnificent whitewashed windmill, considered the trademark of Paros.

Around town, you’ll find many traditional tavernas, restaurants, bars, night clubs and cafes along the coast, with a beach just south of Parikia port. There is many cultural tours, museums and architecture to explore in town, and you can lose yourself in the narrow, winding streets exploring the many hidden gems, boutique shops and more.

Parikia can be a busy harbour and is the main commercial harbour on the island; however, it provides excellent protection when the Meltemi blows and from the south winds. You can moor stern-to with your anchor on the yacht quay, taking notice of the boulders. The holding is good with sand and some weed at the bottom. There are also permanent moorings inside the yacht harbour. Be sure to call ahead, and Friday and Saturdays are usually full due to turnover day for charter yachts.

“The island of Antiparos“

Lat/Long – 37.0403° N, 25.0814° E

At the heart of the Aegean Sea, to the west of Paros, lies the stunning island of Antiparos. Despite being as close as it is to Paros, Antiparos is not a crowded island but maintains its cosmopolitan, chic character.

Antiparos is renowned for its lovely beaches, mostly within walking distance of Chora, the island’s island. Swimming here in the crystal clear waters by its sandy beaches is one of the most pleasant things you can do on this peaceful island. On the south side of the island, you can find Antiparos cave and its most famous. It’s an incredible sight and well worth a visit, full of stalactites and stalagmites.

Chora, the beautiful capital of Antiparos, is where the island’s heart is beating and also where most Antiparos hotels, restaurants, bars and taverns lie. Chora Antiparos boasts traditional Cycladic architecture and is home to the Venetian castle and fortress of Antiparos. Its overall effect is deeply charming!

You can find some protection from the Meltemi here when it blows, but it’s quite shallow at just 2 to 3m. Towards the south, through the Antiparos Channel, there are also several anchoring opportunities, and any of these places are good for visiting the cave.

“The Cyclades Islands”

Lat/Long -37.4385° N, 24.9139° E

Syros is a beautiful, culture-packed island with around 35,000 inhabitants and most famously known for its easter festivities! Surrounded by nature and its capital, Ermoupoli is filled with a mixture of Venetian and Cycladic architecture; whitewashed houses, blended with colourful mansions, imposing orthodox squares and churches and other neoclassical buildings. Worthy of any picture-perfect postcard! If you hike the hill above Ermoupoli, you’ll also discover the old catholic town of Syros, Ano Syros – your classic Cycladic town of winding narrow alleys and whitewashed houses, perfect for a stroll under the sun. The island’s coastline is brimming with beaches and the best ones to visit on Syros are Kini, Garissa, Delfini and Dellagratsia.

There are two main marinas here, the first being Finikas Marina (VHF Channel 12). There are no dangers on the approach, and you can anchor with lines stern to the dock, wherever there is space. Try and get there in good time, as usually by 5 pm this marina is full. There is an attendant with good facilities ashore.

Alternatively, you can visit Ermoupolis Marina. It’s a large commercial hub where the town is nice but the harbour is not so pretty. During the Meltemi, the harbour can have an uncomfortable swell and there are many ferries here creating a swell of their own. Moor stern-to or alongside the quay, working clockwise from the statue of Hermes found at the north end of the harbour. It’s a good holding hear with mud.

“The island of Naxos”

Lat/Long – 37.1036° N, 25.3777° E

Naxos is arguably the most compelling destination in Greece with its glorious, ancient past. Strong influences from the Venetians and the Franks are responsible for an abundance of ancient sites. Naxos breathes ancient Greek history. Naxos’ many archaeological sites embellish its rich history, and the most iconic of all of them is the highlight of Naxos – “Portara”, the last remaining gate of the ancient temple dedicated to the Greek God Apollo.

Besides its impressive monuments, however, Naxos boasts a remarkable landscape, considered the greenest island of the whole Cyclades which it’s green valleys, imposing mountains, rural villages and sensational beaches that are sure to tickle the fancy of any nature lover.

Chora, the main town of Naxos, is a fine mixture of Venetian and traditional Cycladic architecture. Above the Cycladic whitewashed houses of Chora stands the dignified Venetian castle, exuding a medieval charm.

The commercial harbour at Naxos is not a great destination for visiting yachts and can be noisy with an uncomfortable and considerable swell. Instead, visit the new Naxos Marina operated by the local municipality. A marina attendant is typically available to assist with visiting yachts, but it can be a squeeze, and you’ll need your wits about you. Thankfully, the marina is well protected from the Meltemi winds, and you’ll be dropping your anchor with stern-to lines ashore. Space is limited, and it can be tight. It may not always be possible to find room here during peak season.

“The island of Milos”

Lat/Long – 36.6914° N, 24.3936° E

Milos, found at the heart of the Aegean sea overlooking the Cyclades’ archipelago, enchants visitors with its unpretentious charm. Defined by a rich history, grand ambience, charming fishing villages, indigo bays and marvellous food, Milos is one of the timeless, Cycladic treasures that will take your breath away with its beauty.

The landscapes of Milos and their variety are unreal; there is always something unique, new and dramatic to discover, such as the breathtaking, iconic Sarakinito Beach. This lunar landscape, consisting of crystal clear turquoise waters and volcanic, gleaming white rock formations, is a spectacle. Explore the mysterious catacombs, jump off the cliffs or nap under the sun – you’ll cherish the enchanting atmosphere of this beach unendingly. An equally important visit is the wildly popular Kleftiko beach, boasting emerald waters and towering rock formations; this former pirate hideaway is now the island’s monumental trademark.

Milos is also home to the Venus of Milo Statue, discovered on Milos in 1820; this stunning piece of history is now displayed in the Louvre Museum, Paris, where thousands of visitors stand in awe of its beauty.

Port Milos, otherwise known as Adamas, is the only harbour on the island of Milos. Found at the end of Milos Bay, this is one of the largest natural harbours in the Med’ – the volcano’s caldera. Consequently, there can be an uncomfortable groundswell, and the ferry wash doesn’t help, but the harbour provides good (if not always comfortable) protection from the Meltemi winds. There is some exposure to southerlies. Yachts visiting the harbour can dock stern-to yacht quay, space for about ten yachts or on the outside of the day-tripper boat harbour with space for another 10 or 12. Alternatively, you can anchor out in the bay towards the east where the holding is good; mud and weed.

“The island of Folegandros”

Lat/Long: 36.6171° N, 24.9161° E

Off the beaten path of most charter yachts is the often forgotten and somewhat stark island of Folegandros. Around the capital, Chora, you will find the only real greenery on the island, but you’ll be astounded by the wild, natural beauty and barren landscape of Folegandros, where enormous rocks and boulders alternate with majestic, sandy beaches. A sophisticated stop on your itinerary, some say the views from Chora can even rival those of Santorini!

Karavostasi (or ‘Ship Port’) is the main port of Folegandros and the only safe option for yachts on the island unless the conditions are favourable, where the bay of Vathi makes a beautiful alternative. The port of Karavostasi has good protection from the Meltemi. However, it can get smelly with extended, lasting winds. It’s advisable to make sure your anchor is well dug in and far away from the quay, and there is no water, fuel, or power to be gained off the dock. Supplies are also limited and rely solely on ferries to bring goods and essentials.

The old town of Chora is accessible from the port by foot and catching the bus, where you’ll find an array of delicious restaurants to browse and dine at.

“The island of Ios”

Lat/Long -36.7226° N, 25.2826° E

“The island of Santorini”

Lat/Long: 36.3932° N, 25.4615° E

“The island of Koufinisia”

Lat/Long -36.8912° N, 25.6451° E

“The island of Schinoussa”

Lat/Long: 36.8700° N, 25.5181° E

“The island of Iraklia”

Lat/Long: 36.8441° N, 25.4556° E