7 Day Cyclades Sailing Itinerary from Lavrio: Island Hopping Through Kea, Mykonos, Paros, Serifos and Kythnos
25 July 2026 - 1 August 2026
Cyclades Islands, GR
7 days trip
10 places avaliable
Sailboat
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A one week sailing circuit through the Greek Cyclades, connecting five distinct Aegean islands from a base port just forty minutes from Athens airport, with Meltemi winds, crystalline anchorages and authentic island harbors.
The route departs from Lavrio Marina, on the eastern coast of the Attica peninsula, a well-equipped port with provisioning options and direct road access from Athens International Airport in under an hour. From there, the circuit moves into the western and central Cyclades through a sequence of five islands that together cover a wide spectrum of what the archipelago has to offer, from the quiet anchorages and ancient ruins of Kea to the remote, unpolished character of Serifos and the extraordinary natural sandbar anchorage at Kythnos.
Sailing distances between islands are generally manageable, though the crossing to Mykonos is the longest of the week and rewards an early start. Navigation in the Cyclades is shaped largely by the Meltemi, a northerly wind that establishes itself reliably from early July through mid-August and can reach force 7 and above in exposed channels, particularly around Mykonos and in the passages between the western islands. Departures timed for the morning, before the wind builds to its daily peak, and routes planned to use the northerly direction rather than fight it, turn the Meltemi from a challenge into what drives a genuinely satisfying week of sailing. Outside the peak summer window, particularly in June and September, conditions are considerably more forgiving and the anchorages far less crowded.
The thirty-nine islands of the Cyclades share the same volcanic geology, the same whitewashed architecture and the same fishing culture, yet each carries a personality distinct enough to make every stop feel worth the passage. Kea sits closest to the mainland and offers the most sheltered first anchorage of the week. Mykonos brings the archipelago's most internationally recognized harbor and the windmills above the waterfront. Paros offers traditional Cycladic character and a choice of mooring options across several bays. Serifos rises gradually from the sea, its hilltop Chora visible well before the boat enters the harbor at Livadi.
The cultural and historical depth of this area adds a dimension that purely natural destinations cannot match. The island of Delos, accessible as a day stop from Mykonos, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the ancient Greek world, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and can be reached by sailing rather than a ferry ticket. Cape Sounion, on the return passage to Lavrio, carries the Temple of Poseidon on its headland directly above the sea, a natural endpoint to a week spent entirely on the water.
Days generally combine an early start with a morning passage, a swim stop and a slower afternoon ashore or at anchor, with evenings spent in harbor tavernas or on deck depending on the island. The rhythm settles in quickly, and by midweek the daily routine of reading wind and tides, choosing an anchorage and exploring a new village feels entirely natural.
Itinerary
Day1
Lavrion Marina and First Passage to Kea
The week begins at Lavrio Marina, where the boat is ready from the afternoon. The morning is practical time for provisioning, with shops and a supermarket within easy reach of the port. Departure in the early evening covers the short crossing to Kea before dark, heading for Koundouros Bay on the southwestern coast of the island. The bay sits in a shallow sandy bowl surrounded by rolling hills, well protected from the prevailing northerly winds and well suited to a first night at anchor. The sandy bottom holds reliably in most conditions. Dinner is served onboard with the first Aegean horizon visible from the cockpit.
Day2
Kea to Mykonos
An early morning swim in Koundouros Bay opens the day before the boat sets out on the longest sailing passage of the week. Mykonos lies well to the east and the crossing takes most of the day, with the northerly wind building predictably through the morning to create beam reach conditions that reward an early start. Waves in the Aegean channels between islands are short and steep, particularly in strong Meltemi conditions, and the passage gives guests a genuine feel for open sea sailing in Cycladic waters. The approach to Mykonos Town in the afternoon reveals the harbor in stages, first the windmills on the ridge above the waterfront, then the dense cluster of whitewashed cubic houses, then the quay itself crowded with boats of every size. The evening belongs to the island, with dinner ashore in the old town or along the harbor front.
Day3
A Day around Mykonos and Delos
The second day in the Mykonos area leaves the schedule open. The most historically significant option is a morning sail to Delos, the small uninhabited island just offshore that served as the sacred center of the ancient Aegean world and the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The archaeological site is exceptionally well preserved, with the famous Terrace of the Lions and the remains of ancient temples and market buildings spread across a compact hilltop. Visits are day-only as overnight stays on the island are not permitted. For guests who prefer to stay closer, the southern coast of Mykonos offers sheltered bays with clear water accessible by boat, or the town itself rewards an unhurried second look in the cooler hours of the morning.
Day4
Mykonos to Paros
A shorter passage south opens the middle of the week, with the route from Mykonos to Paros leaving time for a stop at Rhenia on the way. Rhenia is a small uninhabited islet adjacent to Delos with free anchorage and calm water, a useful mid-passage swimming stop in settled conditions before the final run to Paros. The choice of harbor on arrival depends on the wind, Naoussa on the northern coast is sheltered and lively, with a well-known harbor village of fishing boats and whitewashed lanes, Paroikia on the west offers direct access to the main town and its covered market, and Antiparos, across the narrow channel to the southwest, provides a quieter alternative for guests who prefer broad sandy beaches and a less populated atmosphere. The skipper selects based on conditions and the preference of the group.
Day5
Paros to Serifos
An early departure from Paros heads the boat westward into the less-visited half of the western Cyclades. The passage to Serifos is the longest of the second half of the week and benefits from starting before the Meltemi builds to its midday strength. Serifos comes into view gradually from the sea, with the hilltop Chora becoming visible well before the entrance to Livadi harbor, its white cubic houses and the ruins of a medieval kastro stacked against the bare rock of the summit. The port fills quickly in peak season and an early arrival secures a better mooring position. The village of Livadi at the base of the hill has tavernas with outdoor tables facing the water, and the walk up to the Chora in the late afternoon, with the western Aegean spreading out below in the evening light, is one of the more memorable moments available on this route.
Day6
Serifos to Kythnos
The return leg begins with a northward passage to Kythnos, the last island before the return to the mainland. The channel between Serifos and Kythnos concentrates and accelerates the northerly wind in strong Meltemi conditions, and the skipper may choose a wider route to the west to avoid the most demanding section of the crossing before turning northeast toward the island. Kythnos offers two genuinely distinct options for the final night. The harbor of Merichas is a working fishing port with a straightforward quay, waterfront tavernas and a village atmosphere anchored in everyday island life rather than tourism. Kolona Bay is something different, a natural sandbar that connects two sections of coastline and creates a double-sided beach, with one face exposed to the open sea and the other sheltered, both accessible by anchor in calm conditions. The choice between the two depends on the weather and the mood of the group.
Day7
Kythnos to Lavrio and Disembarkation
The final passage northwest from Kythnos back toward the Attica coast brings the week to a close via one of the most quietly compelling stops on the entire route. Cape Sounion marks the southern tip of the Attica peninsula, and the Temple of Poseidon on its summit is visible from the water on a clear day well before the boat arrives below it. A stop in the bay at the foot of the headland is a natural ending to a week in the Aegean, with the ancient temple above and open sea to the south. From there the final stretch to Lavrio Marina takes approximately one hour. Arrival is planned for the late afternoon. Guests sleep onboard for the last night and disembarkation takes place the following morning by 9am.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and marine activity. Daily navigation planning is adjusted by the skipper to ensure safety and the best possible sailing experience throughout the week.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 4950.77
€ 3218
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Tender
Mooring at the base
Complete equipment of the boat
Outboard engine
Bed linen, towels and blankets, one set per cabin per week
The Dufour 430 Grand Large is a 43-foot monohull designed by Umberto Felci that navigates the balance between genuine sailing performance and onboard comfort without sacrificing either. Wide hull windows, large overhead skylights and a forward galley arrangement that opens the saloon make the interior feel considerably more spacious than the boat's length suggests.
The Dufour 430 Grand Large was nominated for Best Boats 2020 in the cruising monohull category, a recognition that reflects how successfully the design manages the transition between a hull shaped for performance and an interior built for comfortable living over multiple days at sea. Naval architect Umberto Felci, the same designer behind the Dufour Catamaran 48, carried both the hull and interior concept, producing a boat with high sides, a wide stern and a full bow that gives the 430 its immediately recognizable profile in a marina.
On deck, the cockpit is well organized for both sailing and socializing, with twin helms, a central cockpit table and enough room to move freely when the full group is onboard. Side decks are wide and passage forward past the lower shrouds is straightforward, which makes day-to-day boat handling less demanding than on comparable-sized monohulls. The twin-wheel setup gives clear visibility over the stern and contributes to the direct, responsive feel the 430 delivers under sail in conditions ranging from light thermal breezes to stronger coastal winds.
Below deck, the interior is the boat's strongest argument. The three-cabin version uses a forward galley arrangement that positions the cooking and preparation area against the forward bulkhead, separating it from the main seating area and creating a saloon that reviewers consistently describe as feeling closer to a 48-foot vessel. Natural light enters through two forward portlights, two panoramic side windows and overhead skylights, keeping the interior bright throughout the day. The master cabin forward features an island queen berth that benefits from the full beam of the bow, while the two aft cabins offer above-average sleeping width at 1.68 meters, each with comfortable access and headroom for a cruising week.
The four-cabin charter version replaces the forward galley with a linear galley along the starboard side to accommodate a fourth cabin forward. Both configurations share the same quality of light, ventilation and general finish below deck.
The exact configuration will be confirmed before departure while maintaining the same standard of onboard comfort.
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What’s a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor, ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What’s a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you’ll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what’s included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
