Cruising the Cyclades Islands
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[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclades Cyclades] (Κυκλάδες) is the quintessential group of Aegean islands. Their name comes from the the greek word κύκλος (circle) because they form a rough circle centered around the small island [[Rhinia#Delos|Delos]]. | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclades Cyclades] (Κυκλάδες) is the quintessential group of Aegean islands. Their name comes from the the greek word κύκλος (circle) because they form a rough circle centered around the small island [[Rhinia#Delos|Delos]]. | ||
- | In the early [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Bronze_Age Bronze Age], Cyclades was the center of a brilliant civilization, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycladic_civilization Cycladic civilization] which gave us surprisingly modern looking paintings and statuettes. Today, the Cyclades with its many islands is the most popular cruising area in the Aegean. The islands are arid and rocky which gives them | + | In the early [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Bronze_Age Bronze Age], Cyclades was the center of a brilliant civilization, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycladic_civilization Cycladic civilization] which gave us surprisingly modern looking paintings and statuettes. Today, the Cyclades with its many islands is the most popular cruising area in the Aegean. The islands are arid and rocky which gives them na austere beauty. Their traditional architecture with its white-washed houses and arches blend harmoniously with the terrain. Yet, each island has an individual character and diversity ranging from the volcanic [[Santorini]] to the remote [[Donousa]]. |
For the cruiser, there are many interesting sight-seeing sites as well as many anchorages. From the trendy [[Mykonos]] and the cosmopolitan [[Syros]] to the uninhabited [[Rhinia]]. | For the cruiser, there are many interesting sight-seeing sites as well as many anchorages. From the trendy [[Mykonos]] and the cosmopolitan [[Syros]] to the uninhabited [[Rhinia]]. | ||
==Climate & Weather Information== | ==Climate & Weather Information== | ||
- | In the summer months the weather is dominated by the ''meltemi'' which in the west Cyclades comes | + | In the summer months the weather is dominated by the ''meltemi'' which in the west Cyclades comes from the NE and on the east Cyclades from the N. |
For details see [[Aegean_Sea#Weather_and_Winds|Aegean Weather]]. | For details see [[Aegean_Sea#Weather_and_Winds|Aegean Weather]]. | ||
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==Navigation Charts Required== | ==Navigation Charts Required== | ||
- | BA 1037 Nisís Falkonera to Nísos Ios | + | ;BA |
- | + | :1037 Nisís Falkonera to Nísos Ios | |
- | + | :1038 Stenó Sífnou to Stenó Kafiréa | |
- | + | :1040 Nísos Íos to Vrakhonisídha Kandhelioússa | |
- | + | :1041 Nisos Naxos To Vrakhoi Kaloyeroi | |
- | + | :1444 Nisos Milos to Nisos Paros | |
- | + | :1647 Nísos Tínos to Nísos Ikaría | |
- | Imray-Tetra G31 North Cyclades | + | :2682 Kólpos Patalion to Nísos Nísiros |
- | + | ;Imray-Tetra | |
- | + | :G31 North Cyclades | |
- | + | :G33 Southern Cyclades (West) | |
- | + | :G34 Southern Cyclades | |
- | + | ;NIMA | |
- | + | :54320 Kiklades Nisoi to Kriti | |
- | + | :54321 Nisos Thira | |
- | + | :54332 Nisoi Paros & Naxos | |
- | + | :54412 Nisos Amorgos & Plans in Astipalaia | |
- | Greek 41 Cavos Maleas to Cavos Kimis | + | :54355 Nisos Andros & Dhiekplous Kafireos |
- | + | ;Greek | |
- | + | :41 Cavos Maleas to Cavos Kimis | |
- | + | :42 Andros to Chalki Island | |
- | + | :415 Ydra to Sikinos | |
+ | :421 Karystos to Naxos | ||
+ | :423 Paros to Astypalia | ||
See also [[Aegean_Sea#Charts|Aegean Sea]]. | See also [[Aegean_Sea#Charts|Aegean Sea]]. | ||
==Passage Description== | ==Passage Description== | ||
- | It is assumed that you start your cruise from the convenient and relative close to the marinas near [[Attika_Coast|Athens]] harbor of [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]] in the island of [[Kea]]. Kea is the closest | + | It is assumed that you start your cruise from the convenient and relative close to the marinas near [[Attika_Coast|Athens]] harbor of [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]] in the island of [[Kea]]. Kea is the closest Cycladic island to Athens. You can, of course, start your cruise at any other island. Also, you may skip or add islands to the overall cruise. |
You start the cruise by sailing in the easy southern direction and then proceed east and finally NW to close the circle. Although distances are short given the many interesting islands it advisable to allow at least a month for the cruise. Should you be presses for time it best to visit fewer islands and spend a couple of days exploring each island that you do visit. You can either rent a motor-scooter or a car for your land explorations. In many places you may also hire a taxi. Most young drivers will speak some english and the older ones some french. | You start the cruise by sailing in the easy southern direction and then proceed east and finally NW to close the circle. Although distances are short given the many interesting islands it advisable to allow at least a month for the cruise. Should you be presses for time it best to visit fewer islands and spend a couple of days exploring each island that you do visit. You can either rent a motor-scooter or a car for your land explorations. In many places you may also hire a taxi. Most young drivers will speak some english and the older ones some french. | ||
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==Distance & Duration== | ==Distance & Duration== | ||
- | See also [[Aegean_Distances_Tables|Aegean Distances Tables]]. | + | See also [[Aegean_Distances_Tables#Cyclades|Aegean Distances Tables]]. |
==Possible Departure Points== | ==Possible Departure Points== | ||
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## sail SSE to the southern tip of the island (GPS : {{Coord|37|40|N|24|19.5|E|}}) keeping well clear of the submerged <font color="red">reef</font> (GPS: {{Coord|37|34.7|N|24|15.8|E|}}), then turn SE and sail | ## sail SSE to the southern tip of the island (GPS : {{Coord|37|40|N|24|19.5|E|}}) keeping well clear of the submerged <font color="red">reef</font> (GPS: {{Coord|37|34.7|N|24|15.8|E|}}), then turn SE and sail | ||
## to the northern tip of [[Kythnos]] (GPS : {{Coord|37|40|N|24|19.5|E|}}) at which point you turn S and head for | ## to the northern tip of [[Kythnos]] (GPS : {{Coord|37|40|N|24|19.5|E|}}) at which point you turn S and head for | ||
- | ## the pleasant small harbor of [[Kythnos#Loutra|Loutra]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|26.6|N|24|25.9|E|}}) on the NE side of [[Kythnos]]. The distance from [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]] is 22 | + | ## the pleasant small harbor of [[Kythnos#Loutra|Loutra]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|26.6|N|24|25.9|E|}}) on the NE side of [[Kythnos]]. The distance from [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]] is 22 nM.<br/><br/>This is a good place from which to explore the island.<br/><br/> |
- | # From [[Kythnos#Loutra|Loutra]] sail 23 nM | + | # From [[Kythnos#Loutra|Loutra]] sail S 23 nM to [[Serifos#Livadhi|Livadhi]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|08.6|N|24|31.2|E|}}) the main harbor of [[Serifos]] island.<br/><br/>Do not fail to visit the main village of [[Serifos#Chora|Chora]], a wonderful example of Cycladic architecture.<br/><br/> |
# After departing from [[Serifos#Livadhi|Livadhi]] head SE and sail for 20 nM to [[Sifnos#Platis_Yialos|Platis Yialos]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|55.8|N|24|43.7|E|}}) in the island of [[Sifnos]] famous for its cuisine, its pottery, and architecture.<br/><br/>Here you can watch the pottery being made in several workshops. It ranges from the strictly utilitarian cookware to decorative. A visit to the capital of the island Apollonia is highly recommended.<br/><br/> | # After departing from [[Serifos#Livadhi|Livadhi]] head SE and sail for 20 nM to [[Sifnos#Platis_Yialos|Platis Yialos]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|55.8|N|24|43.7|E|}}) in the island of [[Sifnos]] famous for its cuisine, its pottery, and architecture.<br/><br/>Here you can watch the pottery being made in several workshops. It ranges from the strictly utilitarian cookware to decorative. A visit to the capital of the island Apollonia is highly recommended.<br/><br/> | ||
# From [[Sifnos#Platis_Yialos|Platis Yialos]] head SW and sail to [[Milos#Adamas|Adamas]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|43.5|N|24|27|E|}}) the main harbor in the island of [[Milos]] where the famous [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_de_Milo Venus de Milo] statue was found. The distance is 25 nM.<br/><br/>In [[Milos]], an island not often visited by cruisers, you should visit [[Milos#Phylakopi|Phylakopi]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Bronze_Age Bronze Age] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycladic_civilisation Cycladic] settlement, and the lovely town of [[Milos#Plaka|Plaka]]. There also many beaches with interesting and colorful volcanic rock formations.<br/><br/> | # From [[Sifnos#Platis_Yialos|Platis Yialos]] head SW and sail to [[Milos#Adamas|Adamas]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|43.5|N|24|27|E|}}) the main harbor in the island of [[Milos]] where the famous [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_de_Milo Venus de Milo] statue was found. The distance is 25 nM.<br/><br/>In [[Milos]], an island not often visited by cruisers, you should visit [[Milos#Phylakopi|Phylakopi]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Bronze_Age Bronze Age] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycladic_civilisation Cycladic] settlement, and the lovely town of [[Milos#Plaka|Plaka]]. There also many beaches with interesting and colorful volcanic rock formations.<br/><br/> | ||
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## (GPS: {{Coord|36|46.6|N|24|31.2|E|}}), then turn to SE and transit the [[Milos]]-[[Kimolos]] channel, | ## (GPS: {{Coord|36|46.6|N|24|31.2|E|}}), then turn to SE and transit the [[Milos]]-[[Kimolos]] channel, | ||
## when you reach (GPS: {{Coord|36|45.2|N|24|33.4|E|}}) turn ESE again and sail to [[Folegandros#Karavostasi|Karavostasi]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|36.8|N|24|57.1|E|}}) in the island of [[Folegandros]] maybe the most picturesque of Cyclades. The total distance from [[Milos#Adamas|Adamas]] is 34.5 nM.<br/><br/>The thing to do here is to either walk (about 3/4 of hr) or take the bus to [[Folegandros#Tourism_.26_things_to_do_ashore|Chora]]. Wander its narrow streets and take memorable photographs.<br/><br/> | ## when you reach (GPS: {{Coord|36|45.2|N|24|33.4|E|}}) turn ESE again and sail to [[Folegandros#Karavostasi|Karavostasi]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|36.8|N|24|57.1|E|}}) in the island of [[Folegandros]] maybe the most picturesque of Cyclades. The total distance from [[Milos#Adamas|Adamas]] is 34.5 nM.<br/><br/>The thing to do here is to either walk (about 3/4 of hr) or take the bus to [[Folegandros#Tourism_.26_things_to_do_ashore|Chora]]. Wander its narrow streets and take memorable photographs.<br/><br/> | ||
- | # The next island to visit after [[Folegandros]] is [[Santorini|Santorini or Thera]] with dramatic towns built on the lip of the caldera of | + | # The next island to visit after [[Folegandros]] is [[Santorini|Santorini or Thera]] with dramatic towns built on the lip of the caldera of an active volcano. Unfortunately there are no good harbors here save for an unfinished [[Santorini#Santorini_Marina|marina]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|20.1|N|25|26.2|E|}}) on the S side of the island. While sailing directly from [[Folegandros#Karavostasi|Karavostasi]] to the [[Santorini#Santorini_Marina|Santorini Marina]] is 29 nM, it is recommended, if you are not in hurry, to |
## first sail to the NE entrance of the caldera (GPS: {{Coord|36|27.9|N|25|21|E|}}). From there make a loop of the caldera noting the lovely town of [[Santorini#Oia|Oia]], the main town [[Santorini#The_town_of_Th.C3.ADra|Thíra]] perched high up, and the island of [[Santorini#Nea_Kameni|Nea Kameni]] which emerged from the water during the eruption of 1573. | ## first sail to the NE entrance of the caldera (GPS: {{Coord|36|27.9|N|25|21|E|}}). From there make a loop of the caldera noting the lovely town of [[Santorini#Oia|Oia]], the main town [[Santorini#The_town_of_Th.C3.ADra|Thíra]] perched high up, and the island of [[Santorini#Nea_Kameni|Nea Kameni]] which emerged from the water during the eruption of 1573. | ||
## Exit the the caldera on its SE side (GPS: {{Coord|36|21.5|N|25|20.9|E|}}), and then proceed to the [[Santorini#Santorini_Marina|marina]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|20.1|N|25|26.2|E|}}). The total distance with this detour is about 37 nM.<br/><br/>The "must see" places in Santorini are: | ## Exit the the caldera on its SE side (GPS: {{Coord|36|21.5|N|25|20.9|E|}}), and then proceed to the [[Santorini#Santorini_Marina|marina]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|20.1|N|25|26.2|E|}}). The total distance with this detour is about 37 nM.<br/><br/>The "must see" places in Santorini are: | ||
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#* The town of The town of [[Santorini#The_town_of_Th.C3.ADra|Thíra]] & the [http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh151.jsp?obj_id=3400 Museum] | #* The town of The town of [[Santorini#The_town_of_Th.C3.ADra|Thíra]] & the [http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh151.jsp?obj_id=3400 Museum] | ||
#* A visit by a local tour boat to the volcanic island of [[Santorini#Nea_Kameni|Nea Kameni]]<br/><br/> | #* A visit by a local tour boat to the volcanic island of [[Santorini#Nea_Kameni|Nea Kameni]]<br/><br/> | ||
- | # Our tour takes you from [[Santorini]] to the easternmost island of the Cyclades [[Amorgos]]. It is a long, for the Cyclades, 39 nM NE sail to [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|49.7|N|25|51.8|E|}}) the main harbor of the island.<br/><br/>The main attraction here, and it is a must, is a visit to the 1088 AD [[Amorgos#Monastery_of_Hozoviotisa|Monastery of Hozoviotisa]] built within a cave on a cliff overlooking the S, stormy shore. It is one of the most dramatic sites in the Aegean.<br/><br/> | + | # Our tour takes you from [[Santorini]] to the easternmost island of the Cyclades [[Amorgos]]. It is a long, for the Cyclades, 39 nM NE sail to [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|49.7|N|25|51.8|E|}}) the main harbor of the island.<br/><br/>The main attraction here, and it is a must, is a visit to the 1088 AD [[Amorgos#Monastery_of_Hozoviotisa|Monastery of Hozoviotisa]] built within a cave on a cliff overlooking the S, stormy rocky shore. It is one of the most dramatic sites in the Aegean.<br/><br/> |
- | # If you want to go to small, out of the way island, sail N from [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]] to the lovely cove of [[Donousa#Dendro|Dendro]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|05.7|N|25|48.2|E|}}) in the small island of [[Donousa]]. It is a 17 nM sail.<br/><br/>You may, of course, skip this island and go directly to the next stopover.<br/> | + | # If you want to go to small, out of the way island, sail N from [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]] to the lovely cove of [[Donousa#Dendro|Dendro]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|05.7|N|25|48.2|E|}}) in the small island of [[Donousa]]. It is a 17 nM sail.<br/><br/>You may, of course, skip this island and go directly to the next stopover.<br/><br/> |
- | # The next stopover is actually in either of two islands or even better | + | # The next stopover is actually in either of two islands or even better visit both: |
#* [[Schinousa#Mersini|Mersini]] ({{Coord|36|52.3|N|25|30.6|E|}}) in the small island of [[Schinousa]] - 23 nM SW from [[Donousa#Dendro|Dendro]] or 19 nM W from [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]] | #* [[Schinousa#Mersini|Mersini]] ({{Coord|36|52.3|N|25|30.6|E|}}) in the small island of [[Schinousa]] - 23 nM SW from [[Donousa#Dendro|Dendro]] or 19 nM W from [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]] | ||
- | #* [[Iraklia#Ayios_Georgios|Ayios Georgios]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|51.9|N|25|28.3|E|}}) in the small island of [[Iraklia]] - 23 nM SW from [[Donousa#Dendro|Dendro]] or 19 nM W from [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]] | + | #* [[Iraklia#Ayios_Georgios|Ayios Georgios]] (GPS: {{Coord|36|51.9|N|25|28.3|E|}}) in the small island of [[Iraklia]] - 23 nM SW from [[Donousa#Dendro|Dendro]] or 19 nM W from [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]]. |
- | # From either [[Schinousa#Mersini|Mersini]] or [[Iraklia#Ayios_Georgios|Ayios Georgios]] you sail NW for to [[Naxos#Port_Naxos|Port Naxos]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|06.3|N|25|22.5|E|}}) the port of the largest of the Cyclades, [[Naxos]].<br/><br/> | + | #* Note that the distance between [[Schinousa#Mersini|Mersini]] and [[Iraklia#Ayios_Georgios|Ayios Georgios]] is just 2.3 nM.<br/><br/> |
- | # Next, our tour takes to one of the loveliest towns of the Cyclades: [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|07.5|N|25|14.1|E|}}) in the nearby island of [[Paros]], 10 nM W of [[Naxos#Port_Naxos|Port Naxos]].<br/>If you want to spend several days in [[Paros]], and it worth it, it is | + | # From either [[Schinousa#Mersini|Mersini]] or [[Iraklia#Ayios_Georgios|Ayios Georgios]] you sail NW for to [[Naxos#Port_Naxos|Port Naxos]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|06.3|N|25|22.5|E|}}) the port of the largest of the Cyclades, [[Naxos]].<br/>It is well worth to drive in the interior of the island and visit its nice villages.<br/><br/> |
- | # | + | # Next, our tour takes to one of the loveliest towns of the Cyclades: [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|07.5|N|25|14.1|E|}}) in the nearby island of [[Paros]], 10 nM W of [[Naxos#Port_Naxos|Port Naxos]].<br/>If you want to spend several days in [[Paros]], and it is worth it, it is more convenient to sail to the main port of [[Paros#Parikia|Parikia]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|05.4|N|25|08.9|E|}}), 10 nM SW of [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]].<br/><br/> |
+ | # From [[Paros]] you can sail NE and visit either bustling and fashionable [[Mykonos]] or secluded [[Rhinia]]. You can, of course, visit both. | ||
+ | ## The distance from [[Paros#Parikia|Parikia]] to [[Mykonos Marina]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|27.8|N|25|19.6|E|}}) is 26 nM and from [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]] 21 nM. | ||
+ | ## The distance from [[Paros#Parikia|Parikia]] to [[Rhinia#South_Bay|South Bay]] in [[Rhinia]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|23|N|25|14.3|E|}}) is 20 nM and from [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]] 16 nM.<br/>Note that the distance between [[Mykonos Marina]] and [[Rhinia#South_Bay|South Bay]] is 9 nM.<br/><br/> | ||
+ | # The next port of call on the tour is cosmopolitan [[Ermoupolis]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|26.1|N|24|56.8|E|}}), the capital of the Cyclades, in the island of [[Syros]]. The distance to [[Ermoupolis]] is: | ||
+ | #* 16 nM WNW from [[Rhinia#South_Bay|South Bay]], and | ||
+ | #* 19 nM WSW from [[Mykonos Marina].<br/><br/>[[Syros]] is a lovely island well worth exploring by car.<br/><br/> | ||
+ | # From [[Ermoupolis]] it is 26 nM NNW sail to [[Andros#Batsi|Batsi]] (GPS: {{Coord|37|51.5|N|24|47|E|}}) in the island of [[Andros]].<br/><br/>Worth visiting in Andros is [[Andros#Chora|Chora]], its capital, with a nice [http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh151.jsp?obj_id=3283&theme_id=25 Museum of Modern Art].<br/><br/> | ||
+ | # Finally, we sail 26 nM SW from [[Andros#Batsi|Batsi]] back to [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]] ({{Coord|37|40|N|24|19.5|E|}}) in [[Kea]] thus completing our tour of the Cyclades. | ||
==Possible Arrival Ports== | ==Possible Arrival Ports== |
Revision as of 18:01, 27 April 2009
Cruising the Cyclades Islands
The Cyclades | |
MORE notes about the passage |
Introduction
Cyclades (Κυκλάδες) is the quintessential group of Aegean islands. Their name comes from the the greek word κύκλος (circle) because they form a rough circle centered around the small island Delos.
In the early Bronze Age, Cyclades was the center of a brilliant civilization, the Cycladic civilization which gave us surprisingly modern looking paintings and statuettes. Today, the Cyclades with its many islands is the most popular cruising area in the Aegean. The islands are arid and rocky which gives them na austere beauty. Their traditional architecture with its white-washed houses and arches blend harmoniously with the terrain. Yet, each island has an individual character and diversity ranging from the volcanic Santorini to the remote Donousa.
For the cruiser, there are many interesting sight-seeing sites as well as many anchorages. From the trendy Mykonos and the cosmopolitan Syros to the uninhabited Rhinia.
Climate & Weather Information
In the summer months the weather is dominated by the meltemi which in the west Cyclades comes from the NE and on the east Cyclades from the N.
For details see Aegean Weather.
Weather Windows
The best times to tour the Cyclades are in the Spring, May to June, and in the autumn, September to October. You are less likely to encounter strong meltemi winds and also all the anchorages are less crowded. Other than the weather-wise unpredictable winter months, the worse time to be cruising the Cyclades is during the month of August. In August not only will you encounter a number of "meltemi" gales but all harbors and anchorages, even the most remote, will be crowded as this is the prime vacation time in Greece and the rest of the EU.
Radio Nets
See Aegean Sea.
- BA
- 1037 Nisís Falkonera to Nísos Ios
- 1038 Stenó Sífnou to Stenó Kafiréa
- 1040 Nísos Íos to Vrakhonisídha Kandhelioússa
- 1041 Nisos Naxos To Vrakhoi Kaloyeroi
- 1444 Nisos Milos to Nisos Paros
- 1647 Nísos Tínos to Nísos Ikaría
- 2682 Kólpos Patalion to Nísos Nísiros
- Imray-Tetra
- G31 North Cyclades
- G33 Southern Cyclades (West)
- G34 Southern Cyclades
- NIMA
- 54320 Kiklades Nisoi to Kriti
- 54321 Nisos Thira
- 54332 Nisoi Paros & Naxos
- 54412 Nisos Amorgos & Plans in Astipalaia
- 54355 Nisos Andros & Dhiekplous Kafireos
- Greek
- 41 Cavos Maleas to Cavos Kimis
- 42 Andros to Chalki Island
- 415 Ydra to Sikinos
- 421 Karystos to Naxos
- 423 Paros to Astypalia
See also Aegean Sea.
Passage Description
It is assumed that you start your cruise from the convenient and relative close to the marinas near Athens harbor of Vourkari in the island of Kea. Kea is the closest Cycladic island to Athens. You can, of course, start your cruise at any other island. Also, you may skip or add islands to the overall cruise.
You start the cruise by sailing in the easy southern direction and then proceed east and finally NW to close the circle. Although distances are short given the many interesting islands it advisable to allow at least a month for the cruise. Should you be presses for time it best to visit fewer islands and spend a couple of days exploring each island that you do visit. You can either rent a motor-scooter or a car for your land explorations. In many places you may also hire a taxi. Most young drivers will speak some english and the older ones some french.
Distance & Duration
See also Aegean Distances Tables.
Possible Departure Points
Route/Suggested Stopovers
- Start from Vourkari in the island of Kea (GPS: 37°40′N, 24°19.5′E) and
- sail SSE to the southern tip of the island (GPS : 37°40′N, 24°19.5′E) keeping well clear of the submerged reef (GPS: 37°34.7′N, 24°15.8′E), then turn SE and sail
- to the northern tip of Kythnos (GPS : 37°40′N, 24°19.5′E) at which point you turn S and head for
- the pleasant small harbor of Loutra (GPS: 37°26.6′N, 24°25.9′E) on the NE side of Kythnos. The distance from Vourkari is 22 nM.
This is a good place from which to explore the island.
- From Loutra sail S 23 nM to Livadhi (GPS: 37°08.6′N, 24°31.2′E) the main harbor of Serifos island.
Do not fail to visit the main village of Chora, a wonderful example of Cycladic architecture.
- After departing from Livadhi head SE and sail for 20 nM to Platis Yialos (GPS: 36°55.8′N, 24°43.7′E) in the island of Sifnos famous for its cuisine, its pottery, and architecture.
Here you can watch the pottery being made in several workshops. It ranges from the strictly utilitarian cookware to decorative. A visit to the capital of the island Apollonia is highly recommended.
- From Platis Yialos head SW and sail to Adamas (GPS: 36°43.5′N, 24°27′E) the main harbor in the island of Milos where the famous Venus de Milo statue was found. The distance is 25 nM.
In Milos, an island not often visited by cruisers, you should visit Phylakopi, the Bronze Age Cycladic settlement, and the lovely town of Plaka. There also many beaches with interesting and colorful volcanic rock formations.
- After you depart from Adamas and exit the deep bay steer ESE and head for
- (GPS: 36°46.6′N, 24°31.2′E), then turn to SE and transit the Milos-Kimolos channel,
- when you reach (GPS: 36°45.2′N, 24°33.4′E) turn ESE again and sail to Karavostasi (GPS: 36°36.8′N, 24°57.1′E) in the island of Folegandros maybe the most picturesque of Cyclades. The total distance from Adamas is 34.5 nM.
The thing to do here is to either walk (about 3/4 of hr) or take the bus to Chora. Wander its narrow streets and take memorable photographs.
- The next island to visit after Folegandros is Santorini or Thera with dramatic towns built on the lip of the caldera of an active volcano. Unfortunately there are no good harbors here save for an unfinished marina (GPS: 36°20.1′N, 25°26.2′E) on the S side of the island. While sailing directly from Karavostasi to the Santorini Marina is 29 nM, it is recommended, if you are not in hurry, to
- first sail to the NE entrance of the caldera (GPS: 36°27.9′N, 25°21′E). From there make a loop of the caldera noting the lovely town of Oia, the main town Thíra perched high up, and the island of Nea Kameni which emerged from the water during the eruption of 1573.
- Exit the the caldera on its SE side (GPS: 36°21.5′N, 25°20.9′E), and then proceed to the marina (GPS: 36°20.1′N, 25°26.2′E). The total distance with this detour is about 37 nM.
The "must see" places in Santorini are:
- Minoan Akrotiri - the extensive and one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean
- The town of The town of Thíra & the Museum
- A visit by a local tour boat to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni
- Our tour takes you from Santorini to the easternmost island of the Cyclades Amorgos. It is a long, for the Cyclades, 39 nM NE sail to Katapola (GPS: 36°49.7′N, 25°51.8′E) the main harbor of the island.
The main attraction here, and it is a must, is a visit to the 1088 AD Monastery of Hozoviotisa built within a cave on a cliff overlooking the S, stormy rocky shore. It is one of the most dramatic sites in the Aegean.
- If you want to go to small, out of the way island, sail N from Katapola to the lovely cove of Dendro (GPS: 37°05.7′N, 25°48.2′E) in the small island of Donousa. It is a 17 nM sail.
You may, of course, skip this island and go directly to the next stopover.
- The next stopover is actually in either of two islands or even better visit both:
- Mersini (36°52.3′N, 25°30.6′E) in the small island of Schinousa - 23 nM SW from Dendro or 19 nM W from Katapola
- Ayios Georgios (GPS: 36°51.9′N, 25°28.3′E) in the small island of Iraklia - 23 nM SW from Dendro or 19 nM W from Katapola.
- Note that the distance between Mersini and Ayios Georgios is just 2.3 nM.
- From either Mersini or Ayios Georgios you sail NW for to Port Naxos (GPS: 37°06.3′N, 25°22.5′E) the port of the largest of the Cyclades, Naxos.
It is well worth to drive in the interior of the island and visit its nice villages.
- Next, our tour takes to one of the loveliest towns of the Cyclades: Naoussa (GPS: 37°07.5′N, 25°14.1′E) in the nearby island of Paros, 10 nM W of Port Naxos.
If you want to spend several days in Paros, and it is worth it, it is more convenient to sail to the main port of Parikia (GPS: 37°05.4′N, 25°08.9′E), 10 nM SW of Naoussa.
- From Paros you can sail NE and visit either bustling and fashionable Mykonos or secluded Rhinia. You can, of course, visit both.
- The distance from Parikia to Mykonos Marina (GPS: 37°27.8′N, 25°19.6′E) is 26 nM and from Naoussa 21 nM.
- The distance from Parikia to South Bay in Rhinia (GPS: 37°23′N, 25°14.3′E) is 20 nM and from Naoussa 16 nM.
Note that the distance between Mykonos Marina and South Bay is 9 nM.
- The next port of call on the tour is cosmopolitan Ermoupolis (GPS: 37°26.1′N, 24°56.8′E), the capital of the Cyclades, in the island of Syros. The distance to Ermoupolis is:
- From Ermoupolis it is 26 nM NNW sail to Batsi (GPS: 37°51.5′N, 24°47′E) in the island of Andros.
Worth visiting in Andros is Chora, its capital, with a nice Museum of Modern Art.
- Finally, we sail 26 nM SW from Batsi back to Vourkari (37°40′N, 24°19.5′E) in Kea thus completing our tour of the Cyclades.
Possible Arrival Ports
You can stop your cruise in any of the islands but if you complete it you will end back in
CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
See Aegean Sea.
References
See Aegean Sea.
Personal Notes
I have sailed all of the above passages. --Istioploos
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