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Paros
Paros is located in the heart of the Cyclades and is the third largest Cycladic island after Naxos and Andros. It is a very popular tourist destination, being on the convergence of a number of Ferry Routes and attracting people with its wealth of sandy beaches, traditional villages, whitewashed houses covered in bougainvillea and historic churches. It is known for its excellent nightlife in Naoussa, one of the most cosmopolitan areas of the island. The mountains of Paros traditionally produced the best white marble in the world and most of the ancient Greek masterpieces were made from Parian marble, including Venus de Milo and the Parthenon. Paros has a Domestic Airport with daily flights from Athens - however seats are limited and most choose the new high speed ferries which have brought the journey time from Piraeus down to little more than 3.5 hours.
Paros is the charter base for luxury motor yacht  .
Sifnos
The island of Sifnos is a mountainous island which has been inhabited since 3000BC. Sifnos is steeped in history, in ancient times Sifnos was a very wealthy island due to the island’s gold and silver mines. Production ceased either because the mines were flooded or they had worked it all out., there are also 365 churches on the island (not sure you’ll manage to visit all of them!) and several monasteries dotted around the island. Today Sifnos is still producing pottery, with unique jars and pots acting as a trademark for the island. A surprisingly green island for the Cyclades, Sifnos offers both peace and quiet and plenty of things to do. Even though it is a popular island, with both Greeks and foreigners, it has kept its originality and has resisted much of the over commercialisation some other islands have suffered. Consequently it has both natural charm as well as perhaps a hint of sophistication. Sifnos has no airport but is linked to Athens by almost daily ferries. Most of the bays & ports offer beautiful anchorages for a Motor Yacht. The only exception being the old town of Kastro, with its rocky cove which can only be reached by small boat or rib.
Folegandros
Folegandros is a picturesque island, with charming windmills, Cycladic style houses and the crystal blue of the Aegean which creates a truly breathtaking landscape that attracts a large number of visitors each year. You will find a great selection of traditional restaurants and tavernas where you can sample traditional Greek cuisine and a number of genuine local dishes. Folegandros hasn’t been impacted by mass tourism and still holds its traditions and character which adds greatly to the charm of the island. A lovely setting for a Greek holiday, especially with your own motor yacht.
Mykonos
A favourite of many tourists and for many their first encounter with Greece. Mykonos with its International Airport can be a very busy island in mid summer but it still retains its Cycladic feel, with white washed houses and narrow alleyways in the old town. Don’t be put off by the tourist numbers, it is well work a visit.
The countryside can be quiet & unspoilt especially early season and the main town & port should definitely be seen. Mykonos has a number of good ports though sometimes access by motor yacht or sailing yacht can be a little choppy due to the katabatic winds that blow off the islands mountains and it’s not unusual to see the local caiques having a bouncy ride on the way in.
Santorini
The most southern of the Cyclades Islands, Santorini (also known as Thira) is amongst the most well-known, with its spectacular landscape, dramatic cliffs and brilliant whitewashed buildings clinging to the volcanic rock. Once a single island, Santorini today is a circular archipelago of islands the result of an major volcanic eruption over 3,600 years ago. The explosion literally blew away half of the island with volcanic ash and pumice burying what was left. Once one of the most prosperous pre-historic settlements this is probably the reason Santorini has been linked with the myth of the lost city of Atlantis. Fira, the capital, is located above the old port on the western side of the island. It is famous for its stunning views out across the Aegean Sea and here you will find all the typical Cycladic whitewashed houses with blue roofs, narrow alleyways and winding stairs. Sunsets on the island are unforgettable and Santorini has long been known as a romantic destination. The approach by sea is breathtaking, especially at dawn with most yachts entering the caldera from the north west. The Vlichada Marina on the southern tip of Santorini is an excellent base to explore the island. Santorini has a full Domestic & International Airport with flights from all over Europe. This is a favourite of the larger cruise ships, but it always a spectacular sight when viewed from the sea. Perfect for a visit on a charter yacht.
Amorgos
Amorgos is one of the more popular Cycladic Greek Islands just a few hours from Athens. It was this island that filmmaker Luc Besson chose for the scene of ‘The Big Blue’. With its famous beautiful beaches, crystal waters, whitewashed houses and windmills this islad haven has a lot to offer. The island’s trademark is the beautiful monastery of Hozoviotissa which can be found wedged into a high precipice a few hundred metres from the sea. The monastery is spectacular especially, when viewed from below. Even though Amorgos is a very small island, there is plenty to see. The locals are very friendly and seem always to working hard to make the island look its best.
Favourites?
Well ultimately that’s really for you to judge and everybody seems to find their own favourite. But we love the tranquility and unspoilt nature of some of the smaller and normally less accessible islands such as Iraklia, Donoussa, Koufonissia and Serifos. Of the larger Islands, Sifnos has retained its charm and has perhaps a slightly more sophisticated air to it... But we’ll be happy to help you find your favourite.
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