Cyclades Yacht Charter

Best Islands in the Cyclades

At the Poros and Napflion yacht shows, we asked over 100 Captains what their favorite islands in the Cyclades were. At the top of the list were Polyaigos, Folegandros, Koufonisia, Paros, and Naxos. But the number one island to visit on your Cyclades yacht charter was Milos, without a doubt.

Milos

Voted the number one island by captains and crew—by far. Milos is in the western Cyclades and offers ideal conditions for charters. You can anchor near Kleftiko’s caves and explore lunar-like beaches such as Sarakiniko. The island combines quiet coves, easy mooring, and stunning geology that you can only reach by sea.

• Highlight: Cave swimming at Kleftiko – surreal rock formations, accessible only by boat

Polyaigos

Just off Milos, Polyaigos is the largest uninhabited island in the Aegean. It’s rugged, quiet, and completely wild. We love it for swim stops in gin-clear bays—ideal for privacy and drone shots. There are no towns, no tourists—just nature at its best. – the largest uninhabited island in the Aegean

• Highlight: Uninhabited beauty and private swims

Folegandros

South of Milos, Folegandros feels like a secret. Its dramatic cliffs and remote beaches are perfect for anchoring in solitude. The hilltop town has one of the best sunset views in the Cyclades. It’s raw, authentic, and a total contrast to the tourist buzz of bigger islands. – less development, real Aegean charm

• Highlight: Great sunset spots without the crowds

Koufonisia

Tucked between Naxos and Amorgos, these twin islets are a catamaran dream. Koufonisia is all about clear lagoons, soft sand, and a sleepy village vibe. We recommend you anchor offshore and go for a swim, paddleboard, and unwind with zero rush. – a catamaran paradise

• Highlight: Tiny, peaceful, perfect for lazy afternoons and paddleboarding

Paros & Naxos

These central Cyclades islands are perfect for mixing sailing with culture. Paros offers lively villages and beach clubs, while Naxos leans traditional with green hills and quiet anchorages. Both are great for food, relaxed nights, and easy access.

• Highlight: Good for windsurfing, exploring inland villages

ALSO READ: Top 10 Best Islands to Visit on Your Cyclades Yacht Charter – Voted by Captains

Understand the Weather & Distance

The Meltemi winds blow strong across the Cyclades during summer—especially from June to August. You don’t need to worry about planning around it—that’s what our captains do—but it’s important to know how it might shape your trip.

It can mean itinerary changes, longer passages than expected, and potentially choppy conditions. Knowing this helps set the right expectations for comfort, timing, and flexibility.

Also, distances are bigger than they look. It is, for example, over 140 nautical miles from Athens to Santorini, which is not realistic on a 1-week catamaran charter, unless you want to spend all your time at sea.

What does this mean for you?

• Be open to itinerary adjustments based on conditions
• Choose a yacht type that fits your comfort and pace – we recommend a motor yacht with stabilizers.
• Trust your captain—they’ll steer you to the best spots, safely and smoothly

Best Yacht Type for Cyclades Yacht Charters

The two main factors in the Cyclades are distance and weather, especially the Meltemi winds, which can blow hard in summer. No matter what yacht you choose, flexibility is key!

Motor Yacht Charters

Motor yachts are the best option if you want to cover long distances quickly. If you’re starting in Athens and aiming for Santorini, a motor yacht is the only realistic choice—a catamaran simply won’t get you there comfortably in a one-week charter. With a motor yacht, you can see more in less time, explore further, and adjust your itinerary more freely.

Catamaran Yacht Charters

Catamarans have a major advantage when it comes to port restrictions—when winds are too strong, motor yachts can be stuck in port, but catamarans (with sails) are allowed to depart. They are also more fuel-efficient, using the Meltemi winds as free fuel, saving on APA costs. That said, long crossings aren’t ideal—so instead of pushing for Santorini, we recommend focusing on the closer Cyclades islands, where you’ll find easy island hopping, protected anchorages, and incredible sights without spending days at sea.

Sailing Yacht Charters

Sailing yachts are for the purists and adventurous who want to experience real sailing and use the Meltemi as their fuel. It is not only an exhilarating feeling, but it is also very economical, saving lots of money on fuel. However, a sailing trip in the Cyclades is not for the sensitive stomach; it can get rocky when the wind blows strong.

ALSO READ: Best Yacht Types for a Yacht Charter to Santorini and Mykonos

Where to Start Your Cyclades Yacht Charter

You’ve got three solid options for kicking off your Cyclades yacht charter, each with its own advantages.

Athens Yacht Charters

Starting your yacht charter in Athens is your best bet for yacht availability. Athens is the main charter hub, offering the largest selection of yachts, but keep in mind that the Cyclades are a fair distance away—Santorini is 150 nautical miles, which can be a long ride, especially if the Meltemi winds pick up.

Go to Athens Yacht Charters →

Mykonos Yacht Charters

Starting your yacht charter in Mykonos is a great alternative. Some yachts are based there, while others can be delivered from Athens or may already be finishing a charter nearby. Since Mykonos is 85 nautical miles from Athens, starting here can save you two days of cruising time.

Go to Mykonos Yacht Charters →

Santorini Yacht Charters

Starting your yacht charter in Santorini is another option. If Santorini is your must-see, the safest bet is to fly in and start your charter from there. Availability is more limited, but we can help you find the right yacht to start directly from the island.

Go to Santorini Yacht Charters →

Best Cyclades Yacht Charter Itineraries

Our Top Recommended Yachts for a Cyclades Yacht Charter