Cruising the Cyclades Islands

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==Cruising the Cyclades Islands==
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{{IsPartOf|Mediterranean|Greece|Aegean Sea}}
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{| class="infobox bordered" style="width: 26em; text-align: left; font-size: 90%;"
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{{TOC block}}
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: large;" | '''The Cyclades'''
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{{Infobox passage
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| name = The Cyclades
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | [[Image:Greece_Cyclades.jpg|center|thumb|450px|''Click for larger view'']]
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| mapwidth = 455px
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|-
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| zoom= 8
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| colspan="2" style="font-size 2" | MORE notes about the passage
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| map = Greece_Cyclades.jpg
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| label =
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==Introduction==
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| notes =
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}}
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==Description==
[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]].
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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]].
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==Climate & Weather Information==
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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.
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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.
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For details ''see [[Aegean_Sea#Weather_and_Winds|Aegean Weather]]''.
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==Weather Windows==
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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 pressed 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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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.
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==Radio Nets==
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''See [[Aegean_Sea#Radio_Nets|Aegean Sea]]''.
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==Navigation Charts Required==
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==Charts==
;BA
;BA
:1037 Nisís Falkonera to Nísos Ios
:1037 Nisís Falkonera to Nísos Ios
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''See also [[Aegean_Sea#Charts|Aegean Sea]]''.
''See also [[Aegean_Sea#Charts|Aegean Sea]]''.
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==Passage Description==
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==Weather==
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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.
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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.
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For details ''see [[Aegean_Sea#Weather_and_Winds|Aegean Weather]]''.
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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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====Weather Windows====
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The best times to tour the Cyclades are in the Spring, May and June, and in the autumn, September and 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union EU].
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==Distance & Duration==
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==Communication==
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''See [[Aegean_Sea#Radio_Nets|Aegean Sea]]''.
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''See also [[Aegean_Distances_Tables_III#Cyclades|Aegean Distances Tables]]''.
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==Possible Departure Points==
==Possible Departure Points==
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* [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]], [[Kea]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|37|40|N|24|19.5|E|}}
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* {{mark |37|40|N|24|19.5|E| type= harbour |name= [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]], [[Kea]] | zoom= 11}}
==Route/Suggested Stopovers==
==Route/Suggested Stopovers==
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# Start from [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]] in the island of [[Kea]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|37|40|N|24|19.5|E|}} and
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# Start from {{mark |37|40|N|24|19.5|E| type= harbour |name= [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]], [[Kea]] |altname= Βουρκάρι, Κέα | zoom= 13}} and
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## sail SSE to the southern tip of the island [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|37|40|N|24|19.5|E|}} keeping well clear of the submerged <font color="red">reef</font> [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|37|34.7|N|24|15.8|E|}}, then turn SE and sail
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## sail SSW to the southern tip of the {{mark |37|40|N|24|19.5|E| |name= island |type= waypoint | zoom= 13}} keeping well clear of the submerged {{mark |37|34.7|N|24|15.8|E| type= waypoint |name= {{Red|reef}} | zoom= 14}}, then turn SE and sail
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## to the northern tip of [[Kythnos]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|37|40|N|24|19.5|E|}} at which point you turn S and head for
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## to the northern tip of {{mark |37|29.39|N|24|26.26|E| |name= [[Kythnos]] |type= waypoint | zoom= 12}} at which point you turn S and head for
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## the pleasant small harbor of [[Kythnos#Loutra|Loutra]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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/>
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## the pleasant small harbor of {{mark |37|26.6|N|24|25.9|E| |name= [[Kythnos#Loutra|Loutra]] |type= harbour |altname= Λουτρά | zoom= 14}} on the NE side of [[Kythnos]] (Κύθνος). The distance from [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]] is 22 nM.
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# From [[Kythnos#Loutra|Loutra]] sail S 23 nM to [[Serifos#Livadhi|Livadhi]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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/>
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##* This is a good place from which to explore the island.
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# After departing from [[Serifos#Livadhi|Livadhi]] head SE and sail for 20 nM to [[Sifnos#Platis_Yialos|Platis Yialos]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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/>
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# From [[Kythnos#Loutra|Loutra]] sail S 23 nM to {{mark |37|08.6|N|24|31.2|E| |name= [[Serifos#Livadhi|Livadhi]] |altname= Λιβάδι |type= harbour | zoom= 15}} the main harbor of  [[Serifos]] (Σέριφος) island.
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# From [[Sifnos#Platis_Yialos|Platis Yialos]]  head SW and sail to [[Milos#Adamas|Adamas]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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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#* Do not fail to visit the main village of [[Serifos#Chora|Chora]], a wonderful example of Cycladic architecture.
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# After departing from [[Serifos#Livadhi|Livadhi]] head SE and sail for 20 nM to {{mark |36|55.8|N|24|43.7|E| |name= [[Sifnos#Platis_Yialos|Platis Yialos]] |altname= Πλατύς Γιαλός |type= anchorage | zoom= 15}} in the island of [[Sifnos]] (Σίφνος), famous for its cuisine, its pottery, and architecture.
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#* 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.
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# From [[Sifnos#Platis_Yialos|Platis Yialos]]  head SW and sail to {{mark |36|43.5|N|24|27|E| |name= [[Milos#Adamas|Adamas]] |altname= Αδάμας |type= harbour | zoom= 14}} the main harbor in the island of [[Milos]] (Μήλος) where the famous [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_de_Milo Venus de Milo] statue was found. The distance is 25 nM.
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#* 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.
# After you depart from [[Milos#Adamas|Adamas]] and exit the deep bay steer ESE and head for
# After you depart from [[Milos#Adamas|Adamas]] and exit the deep bay steer ESE and head for
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## [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|46.6|N|24|31.2|E|}}, then turn to SE and transit the [[Milos]]-[[Kimolos]] channel,  
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## {{mark |36|46.24|N|24|31.74|E| |name=  Polonia Point |type= waypoint | zoom= 13}}, then turn to SE and transit the [[Milos]]-[[Kimolos]] channel,
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## when you reach [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|45.2|N|24|33.4|E|}} turn ESE again and sail to [[Folegandros#Karavostasi|Karavostasi]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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/>
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## when you reach '''Polonia Point''' turn ESE again and sail to  {{mark |36|36.8|N|24|57.1|E| |name=  [[Folegandros#Karavostasi|Karavostasi]] |altname= Καραβοστάσι |type= harbour | zoom= 13}} in  the island of [[Folegandros]] (Φολέγανδρος) maybe the most picturesque of Cyclades. The total distance from [[Milos#Adamas|Adamas]] is 34.5 nM.
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# 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]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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
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##* 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.
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## first sail to the NE entrance of the caldera [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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.
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# The next island to visit after [[Folegandros]] is [[Santorini|Santorini or Thera]] (Σαντορίνη or Θήρα) 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 {{mark |36|20.1|N|25|26.2|E| |name=  [[Santorini#Santorini_Marina|marina]] |type= berth | zoom= 16}} 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
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## Exit the the caldera on its SE side [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|21.5|N|25|20.9|E|}}, and then proceed to the [[Santorini#Santorini_Marina|marina]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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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## first sail to the NE entrance of the {{mark |36|27.9|N|25|21|E| |name= caldera |type= waypoint | zoom= 12}}. 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.
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## Exit the the caldera on its {{mark |36|21.5|N|25|20.9|E| name= SE side| type= waypoint}}, and then proceed to the {{mark |36|20.1|N|25|26.2|E| |name=  [[Santorini#Santorini_Marina|marina]] |type= berth | zoom= 16}}. The total distance with this detour is about 37 nM. The "must see" places in Santorini are:
#* [[Santorini#Minoan_Akrotiri|Minoan Akrotiri]] - the extensive and one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean
#* [[Santorini#Minoan_Akrotiri|Minoan Akrotiri]] - the extensive and one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean
#* 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]
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#* A visit by a local tour boat  to the volcanic island of [[Santorini#Nea_Kameni|Nea Kameni]]<br/><br/>
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#* A visit by a local tour boat  to the volcanic island of [[Santorini#Nea_Kameni|Nea Kameni]]
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# 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]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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/>
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# Our tour takes you from [[Santorini]] to the easternmost island of the Cyclades [[Amorgos]] (Αμοργός). It is a long, for the Cyclades, 39 nM NE sail to {{mark |36|49.7|N|25|51.8|E| name= [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]] |altname= Κατάπολα | type= harbour |zoom = 12}} the main harbor of the island.
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# 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]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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/>
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#* 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.
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# The next stopover is actually in either of two islands or even better visit both:
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# If you want to go to a small, out of the way island, sail N from [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]] to the lovely cove of {{mark |37|05.7|N|25|48.2|E| name= [[Donousa#Dendro|Dendro]] |altname= Δέντρο | type= anchorage |zoom = 13}} in the small island of [[Donousa]] (Δονούσα). It is a 17 nM sail.
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#* [[Schinousa#Mersini|Mersini]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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]]
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#* You may, of course, skip this island and go directly to the next stopover.
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#* [[Iraklia#Ayios_Georgios|Ayios Georgios]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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]].
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# The next stopover is actually in either of two islands or, even better, visit both:
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#* Note that the distance between [[Schinousa#Mersini|Mersini]] and [[Iraklia#Ayios_Georgios|Ayios Georgios]] is just 2.3 nM.<br/><br/>
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#* {{mark |36|52.3|N|25|30.6|E| name= [[Schinousa#Mersini|Mersini]] |altname= Μυρσίνη | type= harbour |zoom = 14}} in the small island of [[Schinousa]] (Σχινούσσα) - 23 nM SW from [[Donousa#Dendro|Dendro]] or 19 nM W from [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]]
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# From either [[Schinousa#Mersini|Mersini]] or [[Iraklia#Ayios_Georgios|Ayios Georgios]] you sail NW for to [[Naxos#Port_Naxos|Port Naxos]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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/>
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#* {{mark |36|51.9|N|25|28.3|E| name= [[Iraklia#Ayios_Georgios|Ayios Georgios]] |altname= Άγιος Γεώργιος | type= harbour |zoom = 14}} in the small island of  [[Iraklia]] (Ηρακλειά) - 23 nM SW from [[Donousa#Dendro|Dendro]] or 19 nM W from [[Amorgos#Katapola|Katapola]].
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# Next, our tour takes to one of the loveliest towns of the Cyclades: [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|37|05.4|N|25|08.9|E|}}, 10 nM SW of [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]].<br/><br/>
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#* Note that the distance between [[Schinousa#Mersini|Mersini]] and [[Iraklia#Ayios_Georgios|Ayios Georgios]] is just 2.3 nM.
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# From [[Paros]] you can sail NE and visit either bustling and fashionable [[Mykonos]] or secluded [[Rhinia]]. You can, of course, visit both.
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# From either [[Schinousa#Mersini|Mersini]] or [[Iraklia#Ayios_Georgios|Ayios Georgios]] you sail NW for to {{mark |37|06.3|N|25|22.5|E| name= [[Naxos#Port_Naxos|Port Naxos]]| type= berth |zoom = 15}} the port of the largest island of the Cyclades, [[Naxos]] (Νάξος).
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## The distance from [[Paros#Parikia|Parikia]] to [[Mykonos Marina]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|37|27.8|N|25|19.6|E|}} is 26 nM and from [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]] 21 nM.
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#* It is well worth to drive in the interior of the island and visit its nice villages.
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## The distance from [[Paros#Parikia|Parikia]] to [[Rhinia#South_Bay|South Bay]] in [[Rhinia]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{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/>
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# Next, our tour takes to one of the loveliest towns of the Cyclades: {{mark |37|07.5|N|25|14.1|E| name= [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]]  |altname= Νάουσσα | type= harbour |zoom = 14}} in the nearby island of [[Paros]] (Πάρος), 10 nM W of  [[Naxos#Port_Naxos|Port Naxos]].
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# The next port of call on the tour is cosmopolitan [[Ermoupolis]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|37|26.1|N|24|56.8|E|}}, the capital of the Cyclades, in the island of [[Syros]]. The distance to [[Ermoupolis]] is:
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#* 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 {{mark |37|05.4|N|25|08.9|E| name= [[Paros#Parikia|Parikia]] |altname= Παροικία | type= harbour |zoom = 14}}, 10 nM SW of [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]].
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#* 16 nM WNW from [[Rhinia#South_Bay|South Bay]], and
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# From [[Paros]] you can sail NE and visit either bustling and fashionable [[Mykonos]] (Μύκονος) or secluded [[Rhinia]] (Ρήνεια). You can, of course, visit both.
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#* 19 nM WSW from [[Mykonos Marina]].<br/><br/>[[Syros]] is a lovely island well worth exploring by car.<br/><br/>
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## The distance from [[Paros#Parikia|Parikia]] to {{mark |37|27.8|N|25|19.6|E| name= [[Mykonos Marina]] | type= berth |zoom = 15}} is 26 nM and from [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]] 21 nM.
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# From [[Ermoupolis]]  it is 26 nM NNW sail to [[Andros-Greece#Batsi|Batsi]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|37|51.5|N|24|47|E|}} in the island of [[Andros-Greece|Andros]].<br/><br/>Worth visiting in Andros is [[Andros-Greece#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/>
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## The distance from [[Paros#Parikia|Parikia]] to {{mark |37|23|N|25|14.3|E| name= [[Rhinia#South_Bay|South Bay]] | type= anchorage |zoom = 14}} in [[Rhinia]] is 20 nM and from [[Paros#Naoussa|Naoussa]] 16 nM.
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# Finally, we sail 26 nM SW from [[Andros-Greece#Batsi|Batsi]] back to [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|37|40|N|24|19.5|E|}}  in [[Kea]]  thus completing our tour of the Cyclades.
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#* '''Note''' that the distance between [[Mykonos Marina]] and [[Rhinia#South_Bay|South Bay]] is 9 nM.
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# The next port of call on the tour is cosmopolitan {{mark |37|26.1|N|24|56.8|E| name= [[Ermoupolis]] |altname= Ερμούπολις | type= harbour |zoom = 15}}, the capital of the Cyclades, in the island of [[Syros]] (Σύρος). The distance to [[Ermoupolis]] is:
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## 16 nM WNW from [[Rhinia#South_Bay|South Bay]], and
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## 19 nM WSW from [[Mykonos Marina]].
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#* [[Syros]] is a lovely island well worth exploring by car.
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# From [[Ermoupolis]]  it is 26 nM NNW sail to {{mark |37|51.5|N|24|47|E| name= [[Andros-Greece#Batsi|Batsi]] |altname= Μπατσί | type= harbour |zoom = 16}} in the island of [[Andros-Greece|Andros]] (Άνδρος).
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#* Worth visiting in Andros is [[Andros-Greece#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].
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# Finally, we sail 26 nM SW from [[Andros-Greece#Batsi|Batsi]] back to {{mark |37|40|N|24|19.5|E| type= harbour |name= [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]], [[Kea]] |altname= Βουρκάρι, Κέα | zoom= 13}}  in [[Kea]]  thus completing our tour of the Cyclades.
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==Possible Arrival Ports==
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==Possible Arrival Points==
You can stop your cruise in any of the islands but if you complete it you will end back in
You can stop your cruise in any of the islands but if you complete it you will end back in
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* [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]], [[Kea]] [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|37|40|N|24|19.5|E|}}
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* {{mark |37|40|N|24|19.5|E| type= harbour |name= [[Kea#Vourkari|Vourkari]], [[Kea]] | zoom= 11}}
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==CruiserLog Forum discussions==
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==Distance & Duration==
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Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
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''See also [[Aegean_Distances_Tables_III#Cyclades|Aegean Distances Tables]]''.
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==Forums==
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List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
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==External Links==
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==Links==
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''See [[Aegean_Sea#External_Links|Aegean Sea]]''.   
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''See [[Aegean_Sea#Links|Aegean Sea]]''.   
==References==
==References==
''See [[Aegean_Sea#References_&_Publications|Aegean Sea]]''.  
''See [[Aegean_Sea#References_&_Publications|Aegean Sea]]''.  
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==Personal Notes==
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{{Comments}}
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I have sailed all of the above passages. --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece_Icon.png]]
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* I have sailed all of the above passages. --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece_Icon.png]] [[File:Sailboat_favicon.png]] [http://www.sy-thetis.org Travels with S/Y Thetis]
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{{Verified by}}
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* August 2014 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]]
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Latest revision as of 05:04, 9 July 2016

World ▶ Mediterranean ▶ Greece ▶ Aegean Sea ▶ Cruising the Cyclades Islands

Contents

The Cyclades
Greece Cyclades.jpg
Magnify-clip.png

Description

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.

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 pressed 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.

Charts

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.

Weather

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 and June, and in the autumn, September and 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.

Communication

See Aegean Sea.

Possible Departure Points

Route/Suggested Stopovers

  1. Start from Vourkari, Kea/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BKea.23Vourkari.7CVourkari.5D.5D.2C_.5B.5BKea.5D.5DHarbour icon Vourkari, Kea [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Vourkari, Kea|Vourkari, Kea]] (Βουρκάρι, Κέα) 37°40′N, 24°19.5′E and
    1. sail SSW to the southern tip of the island/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#islandWorld icon.png island [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#island|island]] 37°40′N, 24°19.5′E keeping well clear of the submerged reef/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.3Cspan_style.3D.22color:red_.22.3Ereef.3C.2Fspan.3EWorld icon.png reef [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#reef|reef]] 37°34.7′N, 24°15.8′E , then turn SE and sail
    2. to the northern tip of Kythnos/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BKythnos.5D.5DWorld icon.png Kythnos [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Kythnos|Kythnos]] 37°29.39′N, 24°26.26′E at which point you turn S and head for
    3. the pleasant small harbor of Loutra/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BKythnos.23Loutra.7CLoutra.5D.5DHarbour icon Loutra [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Loutra|Loutra]] (Λουτρά) 37°26.6′N, 24°25.9′E on the NE side of Kythnos (Κύθνος). The distance from Vourkari is 22 nM.
      • This is a good place from which to explore the island.
  2. From Loutra sail S 23 nM to Livadhi/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BSerifos.23Livadhi.7CLivadhi.5D.5DHarbour icon Livadhi [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Livadhi|Livadhi]] (Λιβάδι) 37°08.6′N, 24°31.2′E the main harbor of Serifos (Σέριφος) island.
    • Do not fail to visit the main village of Chora, a wonderful example of Cycladic architecture.
  3. After departing from Livadhi head SE and sail for 20 nM to Platis Yialos/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BSifnos.23Platis_Yialos.7CPlatis_Yialos.5D.5DAnchorage icon Platis Yialos [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Platis Yialos|Platis Yialos]] (Πλατύς Γιαλός) 36°55.8′N, 24°43.7′E in the island of Sifnos (Σίφνος), 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.
  4. From Platis Yialos head SW and sail to Adamas/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BMilos.23Adamas.7CAdamas.5D.5DHarbour icon Adamas [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Adamas|Adamas]] (Αδάμας) 36°43.5′N, 24°27′E the main harbor in the island of Milos (Μήλος) 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.
  5. After you depart from Adamas and exit the deep bay steer ESE and head for
    1. Polonia Point/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#Polonia_PointWorld icon.png Polonia Point [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Polonia Point|Polonia Point]] 36°46.24′N, 24°31.74′E , then turn to SE and transit the Milos-Kimolos channel,
    2. when you reach Polonia Point turn ESE again and sail to Karavostasi/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BFolegandros.23Karavostasi.7CKaravostasi.5D.5DHarbour icon Karavostasi [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Karavostasi|Karavostasi]] (Καραβοστάσι) 36°36.8′N, 24°57.1′E in the island of Folegandros (Φολέγανδρος) 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.
  6. The next island to visit after Folegandros is Santorini or Thera (Σαντορίνη or Θήρα) 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/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BSantorini.23Santorini_Marina.7Cmarina.5D.5DBerth icon marina [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#marina|marina]] 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
    1. first sail to the NE entrance of the caldera/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#calderaWorld icon.png caldera [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#caldera|caldera]] 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.
    2. Exit the the caldera on its SE side/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#SE_sideWorld icon.png SE side [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#SE side|SE side]] 36°21.5′N, 25°20.9′E , and then proceed to the marina/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BSantorini.23Santorini_Marina.7Cmarina.5D.5DBerth icon marina [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#marina|marina]] 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
  7. Our tour takes you from Santorini to the easternmost island of the Cyclades Amorgos (Αμοργός). It is a long, for the Cyclades, 39 nM NE sail to Katapola/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BAmorgos.23Katapola.7CKatapola.5D.5DHarbour icon Katapola [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Katapola|Katapola]] (Κατάπολα) 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.
  8. If you want to go to a small, out of the way island, sail N from Katapola to the lovely cove of Dendro/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BDonousa.23Dendro.7CDendro.5D.5DAnchorage icon Dendro [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Dendro|Dendro]] (Δέντρο) 37°05.7′N, 25°48.2′E in the small island of Donousa (Δονούσα). It is a 17 nM sail.
    • You may, of course, skip this island and go directly to the next stopover.
  9. The next stopover is actually in either of two islands or, even better, visit both:
  10. From either Mersini or Ayios Georgios you sail NW for to Port Naxos/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BNaxos.23Port_Naxos.7CPort_Naxos.5D.5DBerth icon Port Naxos [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Port Naxos|Port Naxos]] 37°06.3′N, 25°22.5′E the port of the largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos (Νάξος).
    • It is well worth to drive in the interior of the island and visit its nice villages.
  11. Next, our tour takes to one of the loveliest towns of the Cyclades: Naoussa/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BParos.23Naoussa.7CNaoussa.5D.5DHarbour icon Naoussa [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Naoussa|Naoussa]] (Νάουσσα) 37°07.5′N, 25°14.1′E in the nearby island of Paros (Πάρος), 10 nM W of Port Naxos.
  12. From Paros you can sail NE and visit either bustling and fashionable Mykonos (Μύκονος) or secluded Rhinia (Ρήνεια). You can, of course, visit both.
    1. The distance from Parikia to Mykonos Marina/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BMykonos_Marina.5D.5DBerth icon Mykonos Marina [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Mykonos Marina|Mykonos Marina]] 37°27.8′N, 25°19.6′E is 26 nM and from Naoussa 21 nM.
    2. The distance from Parikia to South Bay/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BRhinia.23South_Bay.7CSouth_Bay.5D.5DAnchorage icon South Bay [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#South Bay|South Bay]] 37°23′N, 25°14.3′E in Rhinia is 20 nM and from Naoussa 16 nM.
  13. The next port of call on the tour is cosmopolitan Ermoupolis/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BErmoupolis.5D.5DHarbour icon Ermoupolis [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Ermoupolis|Ermoupolis]] (Ερμούπολις) 37°26.1′N, 24°56.8′E , the capital of the Cyclades, in the island of Syros (Σύρος). The distance to Ermoupolis is:
    1. 16 nM WNW from South Bay, and
    2. 19 nM WSW from Mykonos Marina.
    • Syros is a lovely island well worth exploring by car.
  14. From Ermoupolis it is 26 nM NNW sail to Batsi/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BAndros-Greece.23Batsi.7CBatsi.5D.5DHarbour icon Batsi [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Batsi|Batsi]] (Μπατσί) 37°51.5′N, 24°47′E in the island of Andros (Άνδρος).
  15. Finally, we sail 26 nM SW from Batsi back to Vourkari, Kea/wiki/Cruising_the_Cyclades_Islands#.5B.5BKea.23Vourkari.7CVourkari.5D.5D.2C_.5B.5BKea.5D.5DHarbour icon Vourkari, Kea [[Cruising the Cyclades Islands#Vourkari, Kea|Vourkari, Kea]] (Βουρκάρι, Κέα) 37°40′N, 24°19.5′E in Kea thus completing our tour of the Cyclades.

Possible Arrival Points

You can stop your cruise in any of the islands but if you complete it you will end back in

Distance & Duration

See also Aegean Distances Tables.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

See Aegean Sea.

References

See Aegean Sea.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

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