Greece · Aegean Sea
Cyclades
Whitewashed villages, the Meltemi wind and legendary islands such as Milos, Paros and Naxos.
Chora auf Milos in den Kykladen, Griechenland · Photo: pastitio · CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The sailing area
Cyclades · Greece · Aegean Sea
The Cyclades are postcard Greece: white houses, blue domes and barren hills. Sailing here is challenging, as the Meltemi often blows at 6–7 Beaufort for days on end in high summer.
Sailing in May, June or September brings more pleasant conditions. Milos captivates with Kleftiko and Sarakiniko, Paros and Antiparos with lively harbours, and the Small Cyclades around Koufonisia with a Caribbean feel.
Nautical chart with anchorages
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Anchorages in Cyclades
Bays, harbours and mooring fields in Greece. Coordinates are approximate and not for navigation. Google Maps shows a place search, not a verified anchoring position.
- 1
Kleftiko (Milos)
Bay · 36.650° N, 24.365° E
Rock arches and caves – only in calm weather.
Search in Google Maps - 2
Adamas (Milos)
Harbour · 36.725° N, 24.447° E
Sheltered harbour in the large bay of Milos.
Search in Google Maps - 3
Despotiko (Antiparos)
Bay · 36.962° N, 25.016° E
Turquoise water between Antiparos and Despotiko.
Search in Google Maps - 4
Naoussa (Paros)
Harbour · 37.124° N, 25.237° E
Lively fishing harbour with bars.
Search in Google Maps - 5
Ano Koufonisi – Pori
Bay · 36.936° N, 25.616° E
A sandy beach straight out of the Caribbean.
Search in Google Maps - 6
- 7
Iraklia – Agios Georgios
Harbour · 36.839° N, 25.457° E
Quiet island in the Lesser Cyclades.
Search in Google Maps - 8
- 9
Polyaigos
Bay · 36.762° N, 24.626° E
Uninhabited island with incredibly clear water.
Search in Google Maps
Suggested itineraries
Southern Cyclades from Paros
7 days · approx. 140 sm
Head south with the Meltemi at your back, returning via the sheltered waters of the Lesser Cyclades.
- Paros
- Despotiko
- Ios
- Iraklia
- Schinoussa
- Koufonisia
- Naxos
- Paros
Milos & Western Cyclades
7 days · approx. 125 sm
Varied western circuit with Kleftiko as the highlight.
- Lavrio
- Kythnos
- Serifos
- Sifnos
- Milos
- Kimolos
- Kea
- Lavrio
Coordinates are approximate and do not replace an official nautical chart or an up-to-date harbour guide.
Passage planning for Cyclades
If you're planning a sailing trip in Cyclades you should familiarise yourself with the wind, weather and local conditions beforehand. The best time to visit is usually during the season May/June and September/October. The difficulty level for this sailing area is “Challenging” – so plan your daily legs to leave enough time for changes in the weather, breaks and relaxed anchoring.
Wind and weather
Typical conditions in this sailing area: Meltemi from N to NW, often 6–7 Bft in July/August. Check the latest weather report and the forecast for the next few days every morning. Many bays only offer shelter from certain directions. Having an alternative anchorage up your sleeve makes any sailing trip much more relaxed.
Anchoring with a catamaran
A catamaran like our Lagoon 42 can reach shallower bays thanks to its shallow draught. Still, pay attention to the seabed: seagrass meadows are protected and provide poor holding. Sandy patches are the better choice. Let out enough chain, rig an anchor bridle and check that the anchor is holding securely after setting it.
Before casting off
For Greece get up-to-date nautical charts and a harbour guide, and find out about local fees, protected areas and regulations. The map and coordinates on this page are planning aids, but do not replace navigation on board.