7 days - Greece
7-day Cyclades sailing itinerary
A balanced seven-day Cyclades loop for experienced owner crews - short hops, afternoon meltemi awareness, and anchorages when marinas fill.
- Best window: late May - June or September; peak meltemi July - August needs conservative planning.
- Typical base: Paros or Syros; day sails 15-35 NM with afternoon wind funneling.
- Budget one lay day for weather - forced harbour days are normal, not failure.
Day-by-day sketch
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pick up in Paroikia (Paros) - provisions, weather brief, short shakedown sail |
| 2 | Paros → Naousa or anchor south coast; practice stern-to if marina busy |
| 3 | Naxos - Portara passage, explore Chora; check meltemi forecast for north leg |
| 4 | Weather window to Milos or Folegandros; cliff anchorages need good holding |
| 5 | Lay day or Milos → Adamas; volcanic coast - watch katabatic gusts |
| 6 | Return leg toward Paros via Sifnos or Serifos shortcut |
| 7 | Early return, fuel, handover |
Boat fit
35-45 ft cruising yachts with reliable ground tackle handle this loop well. Compare Beneteau Oceanis 37 and Bavaria 36 if you cross-shop charter vs ownership.
Before you go
Read the Baltic sea sailing guide for passage discipline - then adapt for meltemi: reef early, plan arrivals before 15:00 local.
Frequently asked questions
- Is one week enough for the Cyclades?
- Yes for a focused loop (Paros - Naxos - Milos). Add days if you want Santorini without rushing.
- When is meltemi strongest?
- July and August afternoons - plan shorter legs and protected anchorages.