A 7-day sailing cruise departing from and returning to Lavrion to explore some of the most beautiful spots of the Cyclades: Kythnos, Milos, Polyaigos, Kimolos, Sifnos, Serifos, and Cape Sounion.

Scattered across the stunning Aegean Sea, the Cyclades—with their 200 islands and islets—are loved by sailors worldwide for the beauty of their rocky landscapes merging with crystal-clear waters, their traditional white houses and windmills, their millennia-old history, and the endless opportunities they offer for exploration and discovery.

The itinerary we propose, departing from and returning to Lavrion, will allow you to experience some of the most beautiful spots of these islands: Kythnos, Milos, Polyaigos, Kimolos, Sifnos, Serifos, and Cape Sounion. At the same time, this cruise will fulfill your sailing ambitions under ideal weather conditions throughout the week. During the summer months, the famous “Meltemi” wind blows across the Greek seas from the north and northwest, reaching up to 5 on the Beaufort scale on certain days. The wind is strongest in the middle of the day, so it is recommended to sail early in the morning to avoid rough seas.

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Day 1, Lavrion – Kythnos, 27 miles

Our boarding base is Lavrion, a picturesque port located at the southeastern tip of Attica. It is just a half-hour taxi ride from Athens Airport and, compared to other local marinas, its proximity to the archipelago makes it an ideal starting point for sailing in the Cyclades. The port was modernized for the 2004 Olympics and is now very popular with charter sailors who visit every year. Ferries also depart from here to Kavala, Kea, and Piraeus. With a capacity of about 700 berths, the port offers tourist offices, a boat repair basin, and a 24-hour taxi service. The town of Lavrio is just a 10-minute walk away, with supermarkets for provisioning, as well as bars and restaurants.

Once check-in is complete, we set sail for our first destination: Kythnos. We arrive at the small fishing port of Merichas, located on the western coast in a stunning bay with crystal-clear waters, sheltered from northern winds. A promenade lined with shops and tavernas runs from the port, offering local delicacies. Kythnos is a peaceful, unspoiled island with beautiful sandy beaches. The most notable are Merichas, Martinakia, Episkopi, Flambouria—accessible only by boat—and Aghios Stefanos. The most striking beach, however, is Kolona, a long stretch of fine sand that extends into the sea, creating two separate beaches.

Also worth visiting are the town of Loutra, famous for its sulfuric hot springs, and Dryopida, a hilltop village dotted with windmills and built around the Katafiki Cave, which offers beautiful sea views.

Day 2, Kythnos – Milos, 45 miles

We leave the docks of Merichas early in the morning and sail south towards the island of Milos. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in some of the most scenic spots of the Cyclades, around the island where the famous statue of the goddess Aphrodite, also known as the Venus de Milo, was discovered—a symbol of classical feminine beauty. The statue is carefully kept at the Louvre in Paris, but the island itself is full of beauty, with picturesque villages, enchanting beaches with crystal-clear waters, and ancient ruins. Milos is volcanic and has a unique horseshoe shape. It is also called the “island of colors” because of its dark rock formations that contrast with the deep blue sea and the island’s characteristic white stone.

The island has more than 70 beaches. Among the most spectacular are Paleochori, an amphitheater-shaped beach protected by a high reddish cliff; Tsigrado, the most photographed beach on the island; and Fatourena, near the ornithological reserve of Rivari Lagoon. Other notable beaches include Kastanas Beach, known for its multicolored pebbles. A boat trip is also worthwhile to explore the Sykia Cave and the famous Kleftiko sea stacks, impressive arch-shaped rocks rising proudly from the sea. The villages of Plaka and Pollonia, as well as the town of Adamas—our port of call—are all worth visiting.

Day 3, Milos – Polyaigos – Kimolos, 15 miles

Take the opportunity to explore the nearby islands of Polyaigos and Kimolos. Polyaigos is the largest uninhabited island in the Aegean Sea and features magnificent beaches, especially on its western coast, as well as numerous sea caves. It is renowned among the Cyclades as a refuge for monk seals and many other animal species, including goats, which live here undisturbed, far from noise and chaos. Polyaigos belongs to the community of Kimolos, while part of its territory is directly under the jurisdiction of the Church of Kimolos.

Kimolos, on the other hand, offers a volcanic landscape and charming beaches with thermal springs. Its only village, Chora, is among the most authentic you can find in the Cyclades. It is nestled along a low ridge, surrounded by fields, offering panoramic views and several tavernas and a few shops for refreshment. Among its most beautiful beaches is the very white Prassa, located at the end of the road that runs along Kimolos’ spine. Equally interesting is Mavrospilia, surrounded by communities of donkeys and crystal-clear waters.

Day 4, Milos – Sifnos, 20 miles

It’s time to set sail again towards Sifnos, the “island of scents,” renowned for its architecture, natural beauty, charming villages, and traditional Cycladic cuisine. Besides Kamares, where the main port is located, there are other mooring spots such as Faros, near a small fishing village; Poulati, a secluded cove much loved by naturists; Vathy, a semicircular bay with incredibly blue waters, at the end of which stands a characteristic monastery; and also Vlychada, Heronissos, Panagia, and Chryssopigi.

Sifnos is a small paradise of valleys and mountains covered with olive trees, almond trees, oleanders, and aromatic herbs. It has over 200 churches and hosts the most important culinary event in the Greek islands, the Cyclades Gastronomic Festival. The island is also famous for its terracotta pottery tradition. Hospitable and enchanting, it attracts sailors with its simplicity: crystal-clear waters, typical white houses with blue balconies, and intoxicating scents of wild plants. On land, the elegant town of Apollonia and the archaeological site of Kastro are worth visiting. Kastro, founded more than 3,000 years ago, is a village perched on a hill above the sea. It hosts the Church of the Seven Martyrs (Eftamártyros), a small archaeological museum, and some tavernas and shops perfect for enjoying a cold beer and doing a bit of shopping.

Day 5, Sifnos – Serifos, 11 miles

The next destination in the Cyclades is Serifos, an island that embodies the very essence of the archipelago: small, romantic, and authentic. It’s a place waiting to be discovered, with more than 60 beaches washed by crystal-clear turquoise waters, few paved roads, and gentle hills dotted with tamarisk and fig trees. One of these hills surrounds the port of Livadi, where the island’s main town, Hora, is located. A particularly charming anchorage is Agios Sostis Beach, nestled in a small bay overlooked by a lovely white-and-blue chapel. Other must-see beaches include Psili Ammos, the most famous and popular; Platys Gialos, a sandy beach shaped like a seashell; and Sikamia, a long stretch of sand and pebbles on the island’s northern tip—remote and wild. In the south, Vagia stands out with its fine white sand and transparent waters.

The main coastal settlements are Chora and Livadi. Livadi has a lively, summery atmosphere—perfect for browsing souvenir shops or sipping a drink at one of its many small bars. Chora, on the other hand, is the island’s true gem: a quintessential Cycladic town cascading down the hillside in a maze of whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and steep but picturesque climbs. Highlights include the neoclassical town hall, the cathedral, and the old Kastro. Among the inland villages, Galani, Kentharcos, and Panagià are worth a visit, as is the beautiful Monastery of Taxiarchon, dedicated to the island’s patron saints.

Day 6, Kythnos – Kolona Bay, 23 miles

It’s time to head back north toward the island of Kythnos and explore the famous Kolona Bay, one of the most beautiful spots in all of Greece. This magical and romantic place lies on the island’s northwestern coast, just over a mile from the village of Chora and about 4 miles north of the port of Merihas. Its name comes from its unique shape—the sandy strip looks like an ancient column fallen into the sea. This narrow sandbar connects Kythnos with the small rocky islet of Agios Lucas, while at the same time dividing the bay into two parts, so that the beach is surrounded by sea on both sides.

Kolona Beach is only about 240 meters long but very wide. It’s covered in coarse golden sand and framed by gentle, almost bare hills. The turquoise waters are stunning, and thanks to its position between two islands, the beach is well protected from winds and waves.

Day 7: Kythnos – Cape Sounion – Lavrion, 28 miles

Finally, our return journey includes one of Greece’s most famous landmarks: Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. You can swim in the beautiful waters of the bay and then visit the archaeological site, just a 20-minute walk from the beach. This promontory, located not far from Athens at the southern tip of Attica, is a truly captivating place, steeped in myths and legends.

According to legend, it was from this stretch of land that King Aegeus of Athens, in despair, threw himself into the sea, which later took his name—the Aegean Sea. In the afternoon, we head toward Lavrion, ready to disembark from this cruise and bid farewell to the hidden Cyclades, an unforgettable place that captures the heart.

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