Cyclades Islands Yacht Charter Guide for 2025 and 2026 | Greece
Discover the Cyclades Islands onboard a luxury charter yacht and explore our top recommendations for 2025 and 2026.
Cyclades Islands Crewed Motor Yachts | Top Cyclades Islands Crewed Catamarans | Cyclades Islands Crewed Sailing Yachts | Cyclades Islands Day Charters
Destinations | Itineraries | Cuisine | Cyclades Islands Charter Yachts
The Cyclades Islands continue to be some of the most popular destinations in Greece and are best seen via a luxury yacht so that you can see all the islands you desire. The Cyclades are an archipelago in the middle of the Aegean Sea. Kea, Kythnos, Sifnos, Serifos and Milos islands comprise the outer ring, while Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios and Santorini are the most popular of the inner Cyclades, just a few hours cruising from Athens.
Mykonos and Santorini are the top attractions and their reputation for glamour and charm precede them. Mykonos is a desirable celebrity hotspot, similar to St Tropez and Ibiza, while Santorini is adorned with some of the most stunning views in Greece. There is a multitude of islands in the Cyclades between these hotspots, which offer dramatic cliffs, charming whitewashed towns, secluded coves, beaches, and bays to explore. All the Cyclades islands share the renowned architecture of white and blue buildings and magnificent sunsets.
Charter a luxury yacht and embark on a weekly motor yacht charter around the Cyclades including Paros and Mykonos. Alternatively, if you prefer connecting with the wind, step onboard a crewed catamaran for an epic weekly charter. Contact our Charter Experts and begin planning your vacation today.
Cyclades Islands Crewed Motor Yachts
Greece has the second biggest yacht charter fleet in the Mediterranean after the French Riviera. All Greece crewed motor yachts are based in Athens, allowing fast access to the Cyclades islands. There are motor yachts for all tastes and sizes, from beautiful 80-100ft luxury motor yachts to the worlds largest superyachts from 120-200ft. With an average cruising speed of 20 knots on a motor yacht, you will reach the outer Cyclades in 2-3 hours cruising from Athens. The advantages of a luxury motor yacht are the speed, which allows for fast island hopping, high-end service and the fantastic selection of water toys, ensuring hours of fun for the whole family.
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Cyclades Islands Crewed Catamarans
Our selection of luxury catamarans are comfortable, spacious, and offer all the amenities found on motor yachts. They are staffed by experienced crews who know the islands, serve extraordinary cuisine and will find you the perfect anchorage for a glorious sunset. One major reason for the popularity of crewed catamarans is the low fuel consumption and expenses, as well as the extra stability offered by the multiple hulls. Luxury crewed catamarans are extremely popular and, as they are limited in numbers, they get booked a year in advance, so we recommend booking early!
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Cyclades Islands Crewed Sailing Yachts
Luxury sailing yachts are the epitome of grace and the Cyclades are their ideal cruising ground. Sailing yachts have a very determined clientele as they represent the archetypical type of wind-propelled vessels. This, however, does not mean that crewed sailing yachts are less luxurious or service offered onboard is lower than on motor yachts or catamarans. Our brokers believe there is nothing more exhilarating than cruising between the Cyclades under full sail; the wind, the sun, the lack of noise and the magnificent horizon, full of distinct islands create a magical atmosphere.
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Top Cyclades Islands Charter Destinations
Kea | Mykonos | Paros | Naxos | Ios | Sifnos
Kea
The Island of Kea is a magnet for sailors as it provides some of the most difficult and interesting wind conditions around. The area between Kea and the Attica peninsular known as Cavo Doro is characterized by a melting pot of different wind streams, none of which are blowing in the same direction. Not only this but this same area is a mecca for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts as it features many shipwrecks – some are believed to be the Greek ships that sunk on their way back from Troy, while others we know for certain such as the wreck of the Britannic, the sister ship to the mighty Titanic. If you are chartering in this area, guests can enjoy the Tale Festival, an event when fabulists from all over the world come and delight children and adults alike with their stories.Â
Mykonos
Yet Mykonos is not just known for its nightlife. There are wide expanses of white sandy beaches or the beautiful ‘Little Venice’ to relax in and soak up the sun. It is also known as a paradise for water sports with surfing and windsurfing favourites here. If you like to explore below the waves then be sure to head for the southeastern shore of the island to see Anna II, a shipwreck from 1995 that plays host to an array of marine life. The nearby island of Dragonisi with its caves and underwater rock formations also makes for a memorable dive!
Paros
Paros is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, its whitewashed houses and traditional cuisine are indicative of the quiet, peaceful Greek atmosphere that can so easily revitalize the body and mind. Wander through the old Venetian port of Naoussa and take a table at Mario's where you can enjoy the deliciously sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine. Watch the sunset from the terrace of Sommoripa Consolato with beautiful views and fabulous cocktails, this is sure to be a night to remember.
Its sun-kissed beaches and white rock formations lure sailors in from all over the Aegean, especially to KolymbÃthres beach where the natural clay acts like your very own spa. Just off the coast, the stunning islet of AntÃparos is well worth a visit, as is the 15th-century Venetian castle or the cave of AntÃparos and its incredible stalagmite and stalactite formations. For diving enthusiasts, The Blue Dome makes a fascinating dive with amazing lighting and beautiful anemones dotted about or at The Doors, where colorful corals and thriving sea life will amaze you. Â
Naxos
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, famous for its high mountains, fertile valleys, traditional villages, Venetian castles, and stunning beaches. While not as popular as its neighbor Mykonos, it has a delightful and more relaxed feel of its own. Naxos is well known for its wine, and many cultural events and traditional fairs such as the ‘Naxos Festival’, the famous ‘Wine Festival’ or the ‘Fisherman’s Feast’.
For those who want to make a splash off the coast of Naxos, the island offers some amazing snorkeling and diving and the opportunity to explore countless reefs as well as two plane wrecks. The World War One German Araldo plane is only 11m deep and makes the perfect easy dive or a great spot to snorkel from above. For one of the greatest dives in the Mediterranean, be sure to visit Graviera Reef with its small caves and canyons filled with abundant marine life, this is an unforgettable dive.
Ios
Ios is one of the many stunning islands that make up the Cyclades archipelago. It is a hilly island situated halfway between Naxos and Santorini and though just 18km long and 10km wide, boasts nearly 75km of beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise coastlines for the charterer to enjoy. It has been inhabited since the early Cycladic period and is celebrated for its exceptional conservation efforts, particularly on Skarkos hill.
For a romantic evening meal and spectacular views of nearby islands, be sure to visit Ios Club Restaurant, located in Hora, offering everything from tasty cocktails to an amazing Greek dining experience with a wonderfully sophisticated ambiance.
The blue flag beaches of Mylopotas, Manganari and Yialos are the ones to look out for as you cruise on by or stop for traditional dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, oven-baked lamb or pastitsio. And with over 40 bars and clubs, this island's nightlife also rivals anywhere in Greece!
Santorini
One of the southernmost islands that make up the Cyclades, Santorini is well worth the visit and perhaps the most well-known of the Greek Islands. The island curves around an active volcano and boasts some of the most impressive natural features in the world. The multi-colored cliffs capped with white bungalows, spectacular sunsets, intriguing history, vibrant atmosphere, and incredible beaches are a potent cocktail that draws guests from all over the world.
Santorini is a key stop on your Cyclades charter - reserve time to explore the amazing clifftop town of Oia, hike the volcano, swim in the hot pools, and relax on white, red, or black sandy beaches. For an amazing evening dining experience, try Koukoumavlos where fine dining, breathtaking views, and Mediterranean fusion cuisine will make for a fabulous evening.
Milos
Milos is the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades. Its violent birth as a volcanic island has endowed it with a stunning and unique landscape characterized by spectacular rock formations and caves, thermal springs such as Kanáva, AlykÃ, and Provatá, and underwater caves that truly are a diver's delight!
A stop in Milos on your Cyclades charter might include exploring the early Christian catacombs, sampling some delicious watermelon pies or bonbons with white pumpkin, and a stop at one of the 80 beaches at your disposal – perhaps Kléftiko, which can only be reached by boat.
Sifnos
Sifnos is a delightful island located in the western part of the Cyclades. Whether you are looking for supreme natural beauty, a moment to absorb its traditionally slow-paced atmosphere, or a chance to let your hair down a bit more, Sifnos has it all. The Monastery of Chrissopighi, the picturesque village of Kastro, and the chapel of Kastro are a must for those who feel like exploring the history and culture of this wonderful island.
For a picturesque beach setting, sail for Chryssopigi, where this small and quiet bay offers beautiful clear waters for swimming and one of the best taverns on the island nearby for drinks and food of a traditional feel! In the evening, head to the center of town for a more exuberant atmosphere and a great bar called Cosi. Here you will find fantastic drinks made with traditional Greek spirits and juicy exotic fruits.
Cyclades Islands Itineraries
To help you plan your charter, we have created several great itineraries that you may want to follow, or use as a basic guide and amend to your tastes. These itineraries give you day-by-day suggestions, plot out the route to reach all the islands you want, and provide insider tips about how to get the most out of your Cyclades charter.
Cyclades Crewed Motor Yacht Itinerary Saronic & Cyclades Islands Crewed Motor Itinerary Cyclades Crewed Catamaran Itinerary
Cyclades Cuisine
The Cyclades Islands enjoy unique microclimatic and geological conditions that have been incorporated into their world-renowned cuisine. Local dishes include fresh, local vegetables, fish and crustaceans from the surrounding seas, local meats and a unique cheese tradition combined with some of the most renowned Greek wines (mainly of the Assyrtiko and Malvasia grapes).
You can sample this cuisine in any of the hundreds of local restaurants dotting every island. And if you're on a crewed yacht, your chef will allow you to sample the best of local and international cuisine prepared to your specific tastes. Enjoy!
Top Cyclades Islands Charter Yachts
The very proximity of these islands, the interesting sailing conditions, and the unbelievable beauty on offer make this region one of the most desirable chartering destinations in the world. Boatbookings offers years of experience sailing in Cycladic islands and personal knowledge of the yachts we offer. We've hand-picked the best charter yachts in each category; be it a crewed motor, catamaran, sail or bareboat.
Other Destinations: the Italian Riviera | Sicily | Sardinia | the French Riviera | Monaco | Corsica | Mallorca | Ibiza | Croatia
