Sailing
Athens Region

When you land in Athens International Airport, take a 40-minute bus or taxi ride to Lavrion, your starting point. After check-in, make yourself comfortable on a yacht and sail around 15 NM east towards the island of Kea. Moor in the biggest and safest bay of the Cyclades, Aghios Nikolaos, in the small fishing village of Vourkari. Its location grants Vourkari to be protected from winds. Therefore, you will see a lot of fishing and sailing boats in the area.

Restaurants have specialized in fish food (make sure to try lobster) and you can always try some traditional specialties with a glass of Greek wine. Visit a small art gallery that houses island-related paintings. The island has beautiful beaches, such as Liparo and Kambi, where you can peacefully lounge, swim or wreck dive, and there is a good system of walking paths.

Raise your sails early to reach Finikas on the island of Syros located around 41 NM east. Make a swimming stop at bays of Loutra or Agia Irini on the island of Kithnos to break the long journey. Enjoy nice and relaxing beaches near Finikas (Kokkina, Fetouri and Finikas beach) equipped with tourist facilities and accommodation. Since Finikas is a rather small sheltered harbor in a naturally beautiful bay, it can get a bit busy during high season.

Moor at the marina or anchor offshore, but be careful about winds. There are all needed facilities, supplies and services in the marina. Greek cuisine is a must-try in one of taverns and bars. The island’s atmosphere is ideal for families and couples.

Your next destination Parikia is 24 NM southeast and is the capital, main harbor and cultural center of the island of Paros. It is amphiteatrically built around the port in a typical Cycladic architecture. A magnificent whitewashed trademark windmill will greet you at the entrance of the port. The town’s road divides the town into two - one side is occupied with restaurants and bars, while the beach occupies the other side.

Parikia is also built around the hill of Kastro with ruins of the castle built in 13th century on top of it. The most important and oldest church is the Byzantine Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani that also houses a museum, and you can visit the Archaeological Museum of Paros as well. The most famous beaches on the island are Golden Beach, New Golden Beach, Kolymbithres and Santa Maria, ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Sail 29 NM to the west and you will reach the island of Sifnos. Surround the island on its north side to reach a beautiful bay and the village of Kamares, a port village on the island of Sifnos. The island is perfect for relaxing on calm sandy beaches (Cherronisos, Kamares and Vathi) that have watersport facilities and crystal clear sea.

Moor in Kamares and stroll the narrow paved streets set between stone houses. The village is one of the best-known ceramic production centers in Greece. Make sure to try delicious Greek specialties, such as Greek salad, chickpea soup and Moussaka, in seaside taverns.

The last island you will visit is the mountainous island of Kythnos and the village of Loutra located around 32 NM north. The island is a wild beauty with small secluded beaches perfect for complete relaxation. On the west side of the island, there is the most beautiful, the most famous and the most crowded beach - Kolona - a long stretch of sand that gets into the sea thus creating two beaches.

Loutra literally translates to ‘baths’ and is a popular spa resort with healing mineral springs and thermal baths. It is situated in a natural bay and is close to an important archaeological site. You can sunbathe on the beach and enjoy Greek delicacies in a variety of restaurants with friendly vibe.

Return to your starting point Lavrion located 27 NM north-northwest. The bay has an amazing view of the island of Makronisos. Lavrion is famous for silver mines (silver was mainly used for coinage) and ruins of the oldest and biggest amphitheatre in Greece.

Do some souvenir shopping. Opt for fresh fish in a restaurant or for a traditional meal and distinguished barbecue dishes, and drink a traditional aperitif Ouzo, as well as a glass of white or red wine.

Spend your last day having breakfast in a serene atmosphere on the yacht. Check-out, stroll around town, have coffee and lunch. Athens is a half an hour away, so visit the capital of Greece and historically important city if you have time. Make your way to the airport and travel safe.

When you land in Athens International Airport, take a bus or taxi ride to Alimos. Check-in, board your yacht and start your sailing holiday in Sounio, a world-renowned archaeological site of historical significance, located around 23 NM southeast. Soak up the sun on golden beaches and swim in blue waters. Legraina Beach is one of the largest and Charakas Beach is organized with sunbeds and parasols. Have fresh fish and seafood in cozy taverns. Visit the Temple of Poseidon on the hill and get a chance to see a beautiful sunset. The cape of Sounio is the spot where King Aegeus drowned himself, which is why the Aegean Sea hold this name.

Visit the mountainous island of Kythnos and the village of Loutra located around 25 NM southeast. The island is a wild beauty with small secluded beaches perfect for complete relaxation. On the west side of the island, there is the most beautiful, the most famous and the most crowded beach - Kolona - a long stretch of sand that gets into the sea thus creating two beaches. Loutra literally translates to ‘baths’ and is a popular spa resort with healing mineral springs and thermal baths. It is situated in a natural bay and is close to an important archaeological site. You can sunbathe on the beach and enjoy Greek delicacies in a variety of restaurants with friendly vibe.

Sail 44 NM east, make a swim stop at the island of Syros, and after a long journey you will reach one of the most popular destinations in Greece – Mykonos. A luxury, party and the most gay-friendly destination that has something for everyone. Mykonos has up to 300 sunny days per year, so you will be able to soak up the sun on pebbled and sandy beaches of Paradise, Super Paradise, Lia, Aios Sostis and Kalafatis. Refresh yourself with a cold drink in beach bars that turn into party places during the night. Tickle your taste buds with local cuisine: kopanisti (salty and spicy cheese), kremmydopita (onion pie) and lazarakia (sweet spice breads). Pair it with fine wines. See the whitewashed windmills around the island and in the main town of Chora built by the Venetians. Couples can feel the romance of one of the most photographed spots in Greece - Little Venice, rows of fishing houses with balconies hanging over the sea. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the Aegean Maritime Museum or the Folklore Museum. Spend the night in lively atmosphere of bars and clubs.

Raise your sails to reach Finikas on the island of Syros located around 30 NM west. Enjoy nice and relaxing beaches near Finikas (Kokkina, Fetouri and Finikas beach) equipped with tourist facilities and accommodation. Since Finikas is a rather small sheltered harbor in a naturally beautiful bay, it can get a bit busy during high season. Moor at the marina or anchor offshore, but be careful about winds. There are all needed facilities, supplies and services in the marina. Greek cuisine is a must-try in one of taverns and bars. The island’s atmosphere is ideal for families and couples.

Sail 34 NM east-northeast towards the island of Kea. Moor in the biggest and safest bay of the Cyclades, Aghios Nikolaos, in the small fishing village of Vourkari. Its location grants Vourkari to be protected from winds. Therefore, you will see a lot of fishing and sailing boats in the area. Restaurants have specialized in fish food (make sure to try lobster) and you can always try some traditional specialties with a glass of Greek wine. Visit a small art gallery that houses island-related paintings. The island has beautiful beaches, such as Liparo and Kambi, where you can peacefully lounge, swim or wreck dive, and there is a good system of walking paths.

To reach your starting destination Alimos, you will need to sail 38 NM west-northwest. Moor in a marina and engage in a conversation with fellow sailors. Relax on the sandy beachfront of the Athens’ municipality that is very popular with tourists. The beaches are well-organized, family-friendly, and offer various watersports. See the magnificently white Church of Panagia Mirtidiotissa. Enjoy in Greek cuisine by having dinner in one of the restaurants and have a drink in a bar later in the evening.

Spend your morning having breakfast on your yacht and relax before you check-out. Seize the day by going to Athens. See the impressive Acropolis, Ancient Agora, temples in ruins, and learn about the Greek mythology firsthand. Do some souvenir shopping and travel safe home.