Cyclades Island Hopping Sailing Itinerary from Paros: A 7-Day Cruise Through Antiparos, Ios, Koufonisia and Naxos
Cyclades, GR
7 days cruise, 27 dates available
Catamaran
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 holiday through the Central Cyclades, connecting the sheltered channel of Antiparos, the remote anchorages of the Small Cyclades and the Venetian harbor of Naxos in a balanced circuit of open sea passages and authentic Aegean island life.
The cruise departs from Parikia on the island of Paros, one of the most central and well-connected sailing bases in the Cyclades, and follows a circular route south and east through the heart of the archipelago before returning north to the starting point at the end of the week.
Navigation in the Central Cyclades is shaped primarily by the Meltemi, the northerly Aegean wind that builds reliably through the late morning and peaks in the afternoon from July through mid-August. Understanding its direction and timing is what makes sailing in this area rewarding rather than demanding, with morning departures timed before the wind builds and routes planned to work with the prevailing northerly rather than against it. Outside the peak Meltemi window, particularly in June and September, conditions are considerably more forgiving.
The islands along the route vary considerably in scale and character despite their proximity. Antiparos sits just across a narrow channel from Paros and carries a quieter, more low-key energy. Ios draws a lively crowd to its harbor town but offers genuinely calm anchorages in bays like Manganari on its southern coast. Koufonisia, part of the Small Cyclades group, is one of the most relaxed island stops available in the Aegean, with shallow turquoise water, sandy coves and a village scale that keeps the atmosphere easy and unhurried.
Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, adds a different dimension near the end of the week, with its Venetian old town, the ancient marble Portara gateway above the harbor entrance and a local economy built on agriculture as much as tourism. Naoussa on Paros closes the circuit, known for its whitewashed lanes, fishing boats and waterfront restaurants that make it one of the most consistently photogenic harbors in the archipelago.
Days follow the rhythm of the wind, a morning departure before the Meltemi builds, a swim stop during or after the crossing, afternoon arrival at the day's destination and an evening spent in a harbor taverna or at anchor under an open Aegean sky.
Itinerary
Day1
Boarding in Parikia and Sail to Antiparos
Boarding takes place in Parikia during the afternoon, with time to settle into the cabins and a short briefing before departure. The first sail leads through the narrow channel separating Paros from Antiparos, with a possible swim near the protected waters of Despotiko Island before reaching the harbor. The evening is spent in Antiparos village or at anchor nearby, with time to explore the small waterfront and local tavernas.
Day2
Antiparos to Ios
After breakfast, a longer morning sail heads south across the Aegean toward Ios, with open sailing conditions often influenced by the Meltemi. The crossing follows the western side of the Cyclades, with possible swimming stops in protected coves before reaching the southern coast of the island. Arrival is planned at Manganari Bay or another sheltered anchorage, with the afternoon left for swimming and watching the sunset from the water.
Day3
Ios to Koufonisia
After breakfast, sailing continues east toward the Small Cyclades and Koufonisia, one of the most relaxed and scenically concentrated island groups in the region, surrounded by shallow turquoise water and sandy coves. Arrival around lunchtime leaves the afternoon free for swimming, snorkeling or exploring the island on foot. The evening is spent in the small harbor, among tavernas, cafés and quiet Cycladic lanes.
Day4
Koufonisia and Kato Koufonisi Exploration
A slower day dedicated to coastal exploration around Ano Koufonisi and the nearby island of Kato Koufonisi. Short sailing distances allow time to discover isolated bays, sea caves and shallow lagoons accessible mainly from the water. Lunch is at anchor in protected coves, followed by swimming through the afternoon. The night is spent at anchor near Koufonisia or with another relaxed evening ashore.
Day5
Koufonisia to Naxos
Morning departure northwest toward Naxos, with the route passing through open stretches of Aegean water mixed with calmer coastal navigation depending on conditions. A possible swim stop along the southern coastline precedes the afternoon arrival in Naxos harbor. The evening is free to explore the old town, the Venetian lanes and the Portara, the ancient marble gateway standing above the harbor entrance that has marked the approach to the island since antiquity.
Day6
Naxos to Naoussa, Paros
After breakfast, a comfortable crossing leads back toward Paros and arrival in Naoussa, one of the most picturesque harbors in the Cyclades, known for its whitewashed streets, fishing boats and waterfront restaurants. The afternoon is free for a swim nearby, a walk through the village or sunset drinks along the harbor promenade before another relaxed evening in the archipelago.
Day7
Return to Parikia and Disembarkation
A final short navigation along the Paros coast, with a possible last swim stop depending on sea conditions, brings the week back to Parikia harbor. The last night is spent on board, with disembarkation the following morning after breakfast.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, sea state and operational requirements. The route, anchorages and overnight stops may be adjusted on board, following the briefing at the base, to ensure safety and comfort.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 3111
€ 2800
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Dinghy with outboard engine
Bed linen and bath towels
Snorkelling equipment
Yacht additional fees
Standard Charter pack: €250
Security Deposit Waiver, mandatory and non-refundable: €400, with a €200 credit voucher for the next charter in case of no damage or loss upon redelivery, no cash refund
Security deposit: € 3,000, refundable
Fuel, provisions and mooring fees: not included
Extra services
Skipper, food provisioning included: €1,505 for the week, Security Deposit Waiver included
Hostess, food provisioning included: €1,260 for the week
Cook, food provisioning included: €1,505 for the week
Automatic life jackets, per unit: €20
Portable BBQ, one gas bottle included: €80
Beach towel: €10
Extra linen set: €10
Family pack, safety net, junior life jackets and SUP: €350
Fast track access to the yacht by 14:00: €200
Fishing equipment, rod and steel: €30
Internet pack, Wi-Fi router for up to 10 GB per week on GSM coverage: €50
Overnight embarkation, embarkation and overnight stay the day before the charter starts, check-in by 13:00 on the charter start day, subject to last minute availability: €180
A bright, easy-going catamaran with generous outdoor space, made for relaxed days at sea and long evenings at anchor with family or friends.
Wide open decks, a spacious cockpit and a light-filled saloon make this modern catamaran a comfortable home afloat. Six cabins are spread across the two hulls: four double cabins for couples and two compact single cabins, ideal for children or friends who like their own space. Shared bathrooms keep mornings simple.
Under sail the twin hulls give a steady, forgiving ride, while a self-tacking jib keeps manoeuvres easy for small crews. The cockpit table is the natural spot for long lunches, and the bimini keeps it comfortable in any weather. A dinghy with outboard and snorkelling gear make every anchorage easy to enjoy.
There are ten berths in total, eight in the four double cabins and two in the single cabins.
Yacht
Model
2025 Excess 11
Length
11.4 m
Yacht services
Snorkeling equipment
Yes
Accommodations
Max guests
10
Double cabins
4
Single cabins
2
Bathrooms
2
Private Bathrooms
No
Crew
0
Chef on board
No
Other facilities
Solar panels
Hot water boiler
Full batten mainsail
Self-tacking jib
Lazy jacks
Gangway
Battery charger
GPS plotter in cockpit
Autopilot
VHF
Bimini
Cockpit shower
Cockpit table
Electric windlass
Dinghy with outboard engine
Refrigerator
Full kitchen equipment
Electric toilets
Towels and linen
Snorkelling equipment
Life raft
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 bareboat charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties, think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If a skipper, hostess or cook is added as an optional service, the level of support on board depends on the service chosen, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. 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, the person in charge of the boat adjusts 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 these changes are handled? 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.
