Cyclades Yacht Charter

Best Yacht Type for a Cyclades Yacht Charter

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best Cyclades Islands

At the Poros and Napflion yacht shows we asked over 100 Captains what their favorite islands in the Cyclades. At the top of the list were Polyaigos, Folegandros, Koufonesia, Paros, and Naxos. But the number one island to visit on your Cyclades yacht charter was Milos, without a doubt. Captains especially highlighted places like Sarakiniko Beach, known for its otherworldly, moon-like landscape and secluded bays.

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

Cyclades Yacht Charter Itineraries

Best Yachts Chartering in the Cyclades