Description
This one-week extended Cyclades circuit from Alimos Marina is designed for sailors who want a broader, more diverse Aegean experience in a single charter: iconic islands, longer offshore passages, world-famous beaches, traditional old towns, and cultural contrasts that keep each day fresh. Starting from Athens gives you the logistical ease of a major sailing base and the freedom to head directly into the Cyclades, where the sea opens up and the islands begin to feel distinctly different from the mainland. With embarkation at 17:00 on Saturday and return at 09:00 the following Saturday, the trip is structured for an efficient start while still giving you a full week of island-hopping at your own pace.
About Our Service in Alimos Marina, Athens and the Central Cyclades
Your charter begins at Alimos Marina with an organized check-in process designed to get you away from the dock smoothly and confidently. You’ll receive a complete yacht orientation and systems briefing, inventory verification, and a charter briefing covering navigation notes, safety procedures, boat handling, and practical onboard operations. Navigation charts, pilot books, and regional guides are included onboard, supporting both route planning and day-to-day decision making when choosing anchorages, harbor approaches, and swim stops. Throughout the week, technical assistance and 24/7 emergency support remain available, giving you peace of mind while still enjoying the independence that makes bareboat charters so popular. Optional extras such as skipper services, early check-in, SUP/kayak, Wi-Fi, and outboard engine options let you customize the holiday according to your comfort level and preferred activities.
Day 1 - Saturday: Alimos to Kythnos (Merichas) (45 NM)
The first passage sets the tone with a rewarding open-water crossing into the Cyclades. Leaving Athens behind, you settle into an offshore sailing rhythm that feels like a true journey, not just a coastal hop. Merichas is a comfortable introduction to Cycladic port life: relaxed waterfront dining, clear water nearby for a quick swim if time allows, and a low-key atmosphere perfect for your first night. It’s an ideal place to regroup, review the next day’s crossing, and enjoy the satisfaction of beginning the week with a meaningful sail.
Day 2 - Sunday: Kythnos to Paros (Paroikia) (45 NM)
A longer crossing brings you to Paros, one of the Cyclades’ most loved islands, combining beautiful beaches with a charming old-town character. Arriving in Paroikia by early afternoon opens a full range of options. You can wander narrow alleys filled with traditional shops and cafés, explore local churches, and enjoy waterfront dining as the harbor shifts into evening mood. If you want to expand the day, nearby bays offer excellent swimming, and a side trip toward Antiparos adds another layer of adventure, including the famous Antiparos Cave for those who enjoy natural attractions. Overnight in Paros gives you time to experience both daytime beauty and the lively evening atmosphere that makes the island so popular.
Day 3 - Monday: Paros to Mykonos (25 NM)
Today’s sail leads toward the vibrant energy of Mykonos. Arriving around midday means you can choose the style of Mykonos you want: anchoring near the famous town for its whitewashed lanes and windmills, or choosing beach anchorages such as Psarrou, Ornos, Elia, or Paradise for an afternoon built around swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on deck. Mykonos is also known for its dining and nightlife, and spending an evening ashore lets you enjoy that cosmopolitan side before returning to the calm comfort of your yacht. Overnight around Mykonos offers the best of both worlds: lively island atmosphere onshore and a private retreat at sea.
Day 4 - Tuesday: Mykonos to Syros (Finikas) (24 NM)
The route shifts again as you sail to Syros, creating a contrast that keeps the itinerary exciting. Finikas provides a sheltered marina base, while Syros itself is known for refined architecture and cultural depth. Beaches such as Galissas and Kini provide easy daytime swimming, and the evening can be dedicated to Ermoupolis, the neoclassical capital of the Cyclades. Exploring its architecture, waterfront dining spots, and elegant squares adds a sophisticated cultural layer that balances the beach and nightlife feel of previous stops. Overnight at Finikas keeps the experience comfortable and well-paced.
Day 5 - Wednesday: Syros to Kea (Vourkari) (35 NM)
A satisfying passage brings you to Kea, a quieter island with a welcoming yacht scene. Vourkari is lined with tavernas, small bars, and boutique-style shops, giving you a relaxed but lively evening environment. This is also an ideal base for exploring inland Kea, including Ioulis with its traditional houses and the well-known Lion of Kea, or for seeking out additional beaches like Spathi, Koundouros, or Otzias depending on your preference. Overnight in Kea provides the perfect “exhale” after the busier highlights earlier in the week.
Day 6 - Thursday: Kea to Sounio (14 NM) then to Alimos (22 NM)
This day combines one of Greece’s most iconic coastal stops with your return toward Athens. Sailing to Cape Sounio allows you to anchor beneath the Temple of Poseidon, swim in clear water with an ancient monument towering above, and enjoy lunch onboard with views that feel uniquely dramatic. In the afternoon, you continue to Alimos Marina, arriving in the early evening. This schedule makes the return practical while still giving you a powerful final highlight that feels like a true finale rather than simply “heading back.” Overnight at Alimos brings the week full circle.
Day 7 - Friday Night / Saturday Morning: Check-out at Alimos Marina
After a final onboard breakfast, you complete check-out procedures and disembark, concluding a week that combines open-water sailing, iconic Cycladic destinations, and flexible bareboat freedom. The sense of completion is real: a voyage across multiple island personalities, stitched together by your own choices at sea.
About Our Boat - Beneteau Oceanis 38 (2014-2015)
This modern 38-foot sailing yacht is built for sailors who value simplicity, versatility, and smooth performance - exactly what you want for an itinerary that includes offshore crossings and busy island ports. Measuring 11.50 m with a 3.99 m beam and 2.05 m draft, it balances space and manageability, making it comfortable to live aboard while still remaining approachable for bareboat crews. The three-cabin layout accommodates up to six guests, offering a cozy but practical living environment for couples, families, or friends. The saloon is designed to feel bright and open, making it an inviting space for meals, chart sessions, and evening relaxation. Smart storage and a functional galley support true week-long provisioning, so you can enjoy onboard meals as often as you like without feeling restricted by space.
On deck, the cockpit is a major advantage - it becomes your outdoor dining room, sunset lounge, and social hub. Visibility and seating comfort support both sailing and relaxed evenings at anchor. A dependable 30 HP engine contributes to confident harbor maneuvering, while essential sailing systems support safe and comfortable passages. Features such as bimini and sprayhood improve comfort under Greece’s strong sun, solar panels enhance autonomy, and an electric anchor winch makes repeated anchoring easier - especially valuable when you’re stopping in multiple bays and ports across the Cyclades. Optional extras including outboard motor, skipper, SUP, Wi-Fi, and early check-in allow you to tailor the yacht and service level to your group’s preferences.
This charter is a strong choice because it combines a well-supported Athens departure base with a route that genuinely feels like “the Cyclades experience” - Kythnos for a soft entry, Paros for classic charm, Mykonos for famous energy and beaches, Syros for culture and architecture, Kea for calm yacht-harbor living, and Sounio for an unforgettable temple anchorage. Many providers offer boats, but not all providers deliver smooth operations, practical onboard guidance, fast embarkation, and reliable support that makes bareboat travel feel effortless. This is why sailors choose this kind of weekly service from Alimos: it lets you travel farther, see more, and still feel fully in control - with the confidence that a professional team is behind you when needed. If you want a week that feels bigger than a simple local cruise, while still remaining safe, comfortable, and customizable, this extended Cyclades circuit is exactly the kind of itinerary that earns repeat bookings.
