Santorini

Day 1: Santorini – Ios (cca 22 NM)

After the necessary briefing and taking over the boat, we finally set sail. Course: north. Destination: the island of Ios, about 22 nautical miles away. Ios is a hilly island with cliffs falling directly into the sea and, according to legend, the final resting place of Homer himself.
Exploring Ios
We dock at the port and head for Chora, the capital. It's a maze of narrow streets and stairs where you won't meet a single car. The tranquillity is almost palpable. They say there are 365 churches and chapels on Ios, one for every day of the year. The highest one, Panayia Gremiótissa, has an absolutely divine view.
In the afternoon, it's beach time. Golden Mylopotas is one of the most beautiful in Greece, but if you're looking for privacy, Manganari beach, accessible only by boat, is a safe bet.
Culture and nightlife on Ios
In the evening we sample local specialities. Goat and sheep cheeses, the most famous of which are sour scotiri, pumpkin blossoms stuffed with rice (tsimediá) or melon pie (mosénta). As soon as it gets dark, Ios comes alive. The quiet island becomes a vibrant centre of nightlife. Who would have guessed it in Homer's island?

Day 2: Ios – Paros (cca 26 NM)

Morning bath and breakfast on deck, and then we set sail again. We're about 26 miles north to the island of Paros. We anchor in Parikia, the island's capital and cultural centre. It's a typical Cycladic beauty, amphitheatrically built around the harbour.
Parikia: the heart of Paros
The town is divided into two parts: restaurants and bars on one side, the beach on the other. The dominant feature is Kastro Hill with the ruins of a 13th-century Venetian castle. But its greatest pride is the Byzantine church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, said to be the "church of a hundred gates".
Beaches and water sports in Paros
Paros is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Beaches like Golden Beach or Kolymbithres are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The wind here has the right strength and the sea the right colour. What more could you ask for?

Day 3: Paros – Mykonos (cca 26 NM)

Today we're heading northeast to the epicenter of fun, Mykonos. After 26 miles of sailing, we arrive at an island that boasts 300 days of sunshine a year.
Mykonos: Island of windmills and fun
Mykonos is a concept. Beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise are a place for sunbathing during the day and turn into a giant dance floor at night. But Mykonos isn't just about partying. Its symbols are the whitewashed windmills built here by the Venetians in the 16th century.
Gastronomy and romance of Little Venice
Before dinner, you must stroll through the Alefkandra district, known as Little Venice. Rows of old fishermen's houses with colourful balconies hang directly over the sea, creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere. It's one of the most photographed places in Greece. For dinner, have kopanisti, a savoury local cheese, and kremmydopita, an onion tart. Sound weird? Wait till you taste it!

Day 4: Mykonos – Naxos (cca 22 NM)

After a busy Mykonos, it's time to take it easy. We sail 22 miles south to Naxos, the largest and greenest island of the Cyclades.Unlike the other, rather dry islands, Naxos is fertile and full of life.
Naxos: The largest island of the Cyclades
The locals are mainly engaged in agriculture, which is reflected on the plate. Be sure to try the local cheeses, chard pie (sefoukloti) and kitron liqueur made from citrus leaves.
The history and natural beauty of Naxos
The symbol of Naxos is the Portara, the giant marble gate of the unfinished temple of Apollo, which stands on a small peninsula by the harbour.The view of the sunset through this 2500-year-old gate is something not to be forgotten.The island is also full of traditional villages with stone houses and mysterious Venetian statues of Kouros lying in abandoned quarries.

Day 5: Naxos – Amorgos (cca 37 NM)

Today we have a longer voyage, about 37 nautical miles to the southeast, to Amorgos. This is an island for those seeking tranquillity, authenticity and breathtaking nature.
Amorgos: Island of tranquillity and hiking
Amorgos is a paradise for hikers and climbers. It has a network of well-maintained trails that take you through the wild landscape. The main attraction is the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, an incredible structure clinging to a 300-meter-high cliff. It looks like it was carved there by giants. The view of the Aegean Sea from here is spectacular, to say the least.
Hidden beaches and the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa
The beaches of Amorgos are often only accessible by boat, which is a huge advantage for us. We can anchor at the secluded beaches of Fokiotripa or Maltezi and enjoy complete privacy. Liveros Bay is also worth a visit, with its rocky beach and shipwreck that adds a mysterious atmosphere to the place.

Day 6: Amorgos – Santorini (cca 40 NM)

The last longer cruise takes us back to the starting point. 40 miles to the southwest, back to magical Santorini.

The return to Santorini: Romance and colour The view of Santorini from the sea on the return is perhaps even more impressive. This romantic and colourful island will once again take your breath away. It's time to explore its famous beaches. Red Beach with its red sand and cliffs, White Beach with white cliffs and black sand, or the organised beaches of Perissa and Kamari with their typical black volcanic sand.

Beaches and gastronomy of Santorini In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the tavernas on top of the cliff overlooking the caldera. Try local specialities such as the incredibly sweet cherry tomatoes or the white aubergines that only grow here. And, of course, have a glass of local wine, be it white Assyrtiko or red Vinsanto, while the sun paints the sky in orange and purple.

Day 7: Santorini - Farewell

Last morning. Use it for a last jump into the sea directly from the yacht and a hearty breakfast on board.

Last moments in Santorini After disembarkation, it's time to shop for souvenirs, take a last stroll around Fira or Oia and soak up the unique atmosphere. Even as the cruise draws to a close, the memories remain.

Departure and memories of sailing Greece With every nautical mile you've travelled, every island you've discovered and every sunset you've watched from the deck, you've created an experience of a lifetime. Sailing Santorini is not just a holiday, it's a journey.