The quintessential Greek Island Experience
Stunning coastlines, sandy beaches and the world renowned white and blue architecture make the Cyclades the most popular sailing area in Greece!
Millions of visitors from Greece and abroad come to the Cyclades every year to enjoy the crystal blue waters and dazzling sunlight. The islands of the Cyclades are a dream destination for many as the classic image of summer in Greece.
This island group lies southeast to mainland Greece, in the Aegean sea, and comprises beautiful islands with sandy beaches, traditional lifestyle, barren landscapes, olive groves, local cuisine, characteristic white and blue cubist houses and isolated little chapels. All these unique elements are a combination guaranteed to make your private sailing holiday in the area a lifetime experience!
The Cyclades: A holiday through history
The Cycladic islands form a circle around the sacred island of Delos and get their name from the Greek word "Kyklos", which means "circle". One of the most rewarding experiences for the dedicated sailor is to "close that circle". Greek mythology has it that the enraged Poseidon, God of the sea, turned the Cyclades nymphs into islands to punish them.
The Cyclades are comprised of about 220 islands, of which 24 are considered major destinations including the well known islands of Amorgos, Ios, Naxos and Paros, the jet setting clubbing capital of Mykonos and the world famous volcanic island Santorini which is well known as a romantic getaway.
Full of geographical contrasts and landscapes of unique natural beauty, each island has its own distinct architectural features, always in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings. Visitors will admire underground buildings, stone rustic huts, traditional whitewashed Cycladic houses or even neoclassic houses built by the aristocracy in the Cycladic capital of Hermoupolis, on the island of Syros.
Whether you wish for a cosmopolitan and glamorous touch or a relaxed and serene sailing holiday around islands of pristine beauty and exotic beaches, the Cyclades make an ideal place to start for first time visitors to Greece.
Glamour and style in mykonos
The world famous island of Mykonos is the ideal destination for those seeking something glamorous and prefer a stylish approach to their holidays. Mykonos combines it all. Celebrities, clubs and expensive restaurants with the traditional beauty of its town, built like a Cycladic maze, the local architecture and some off-track beaches which will reward the visitor with their crystal clear waters.
If partying is what you are after, Mykonos will live up to the expectations as a cosmopolitan, fabulous Mediterranean destination. The nearby island of Delos is of notable archaeological significance, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Visitors flock to admire its ancient monuments and impressive mosaics.
Amazing sunsets in santorini
One of the most popular destinations is the crescent-shaped Santorini, or Thira, where Cousteau was said to be looking for the lost city of Atlantis.
Famous for one of the best sunsets in the world Santorini owes its unique morphology to the volcanic erruption which created the island's 16 kilometres of multicoloured cliffs, soaring up over 300 metres from the caldera, the vast crater left by the erruption.
White traditional houses line the cliff tops overlooking the terraced rock. The island attracts visitors who will enjoy fine dining and sampling of local wines gazing at the breathtaking sunsets. This cosmopolitan island combines vibrant nightlife with beautiful beaches of volcanic sand.
