You can charter the whole boat (up to 6 guests) or by the cabin on our sailing and hiking cruises. On board will be a skipper and a hiking guide. Each day you will sail to a new island in the Cyclades, away from the crowds and the tourist hotspots, to lesser known, more traditional islands with wonderful landscapes. You will stop in a beautiful bay or small fishing port for lunch and a swim and sail a bit more in the afternoon to the next destination. If there`s time, you`ll go for an evening hike, often following a mountain trail to the hilltop village with magnificent views, or around the surrounding countryside. Then dinner at a taverna and a well earned sleep on board the yacht. Sometimes you`ll hike in the morning before you set sail. Hikes are adjusted to accommodate all levels of walkers and a comfortable pace is set.
Hiking season is usually from May to mid July and from September to October as it`s too hot to hike in August. Cruises are from Saturday (embark 5pm) to Saturday (disembark 9 am) and usually begin from the island of Paros or Syros in the heart of the Cyclades islands.
Highlights:
We’re as flexible as the weather!
The below itinerary is an example of what you will experience on our Sailing & Hiking Cruise around the Cyclades islands. We don’t follow the same route every week and the itinerary may slightly change due to the weather and other factors beyond our control. Remember that we cannot go against the weather! We will do our best.
Please note itineraries vary week by week, with embarkation / disembarkation also from Syros, Paros, Naxos, Milos – all of which are well connected by ferry from Athens.
Charters run from Saturday (check in: 17:00) to Saturday (check out: 09:00)
Day 1: Saturday
Meeting at the island of Naxos in the afternoon. Briefing, arrangement of provisions and supper at one of our favourite tavernas in the Old Town. During the day you can explore the island’s beaches, enjoy a short walk to the temple of Apollo to watch the sunset or walk around the picturesque alleys of the Old Town leading up to the Venetian Castle.
Day 2: Sunday
We’ll start the day with a visit to one of the island’s most picturesque villages, Filoti. Within an easy 2-hour walk you will conquer the Cyclades’ highest peak, Zas. The view from the top to the Aegean Sea and the islands of the West and Small Cyclades is really mind-blowing. We’ll rest and have a picnic admiring the panoramic view. We’ll then descend towards Agia Marina church and go back to the boat. Late in the afternoon we’ll sail towards the remote bay of Kalando, south of Naxos. Time for a barbecue on the beach.
Day 3: Monday
After a morning swim we’ll sail to the little fishing port of Iraklia. Relax, swim and check the island. Early in the evening we’ll walk from the hora, Panayia, to the cave of St. John. It’s an hour hike to the largest cave of the Cyclades, famous for its formations of stalactites. On our way back to the village you’ll enjoy the sunset from the top of the hill. You’ll have the chance to taste home-made dishes during supper at the local bakery/tavern at the hora.
Day 4: Tuesday
Sail towards the mountainous island of Amorgos. We’ll stop on the way for lunch and swim at the crystal clear blue waters of the deserted island of Antikeri. We’ll continue our sail towards the fishing port of Aegiali where we’ll spend the night. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a short hike to the village of Tholaria where you’ll enjoy traditional island music and delicious dishes at one of its taverns.
Day 5: Wednesday
Today the day we’ll be dedicated to hiking and discovering the island’s northeast area which is characterised as a Natura 2000 area due to its unique flora and nature. We’ll start our hike from the beautiful village of Langada. We’ll follow the narrow path towards the impressive church of St. Theologos, where we’ll rest and have a snack under the shade of one of the church’s outhouses. We’ll then take the trail towards Stavros enjoying the impressive view of rock formations and deep blue sea underneath. Relax and enjoy one of Aegiali’s beautiful beaches for the rest of the day.
Day 6: Thursday
We’ll set sails towards the islands of Koufonisia, known for their crystal clear, turquoise waters and beautiful beaches. They also belong to the Natura 2000 network. We’ll spend the night on the anchor at one of the beautiful bays of Kato Koufonisi. In the evening you’ll enjoy a walk around the island and have supper at the taverna of the only family that lives on the island. They have their own animals and produce all their vegetables and fruits themselves. We don’t have words to describe the quality of food you’ll taste!
Day 7: Friday
Last day sailing towards the island of Paros and the fishing port of Piso Livadi. Early in the evening we’ll visit one of the oldest villages of Paros, Lefkes, and walk for an hour towards the picturesque village of Prodromos. We’ll have supper at the local ‘kafeneio’ and enjoy Greek hospitality and home-made food. If we’re lucky locals we’ll entertain us with live music!
On our sailing yacht “Tahita” (Jeanneau Sun Kiss 45) we can accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 double cabins. Your crew: Skipper and hiking guide will occupy a separate crew cabin. The Sun Kiss 45 is one of the most exceptional and elegant classical models created by Jeanneau, known and recognised for its strength and sailing capabilities, for sailing as well as cruising the world over. There are 2 toilets/showers and a stern shower on the diving platform. In order to guarantee the maximum space and comfort for our guests, we take up to 6 people each time, while keeping the cost at a minimum.
Testimonials:
“Finished up our holiday with time in Greece including a week onboard the yacht “Tahita” on a sailing & walking tour of the Small Cyclades Islands. Beautiful weather and great sailing with our skipper Sotiris and his first mate Annie. We visited many small islands and walked in the afternoons with Annie who has great local knowledge. This usually ended up in a local taverna with delicious local cuisine, lots of wine and singing, so much fun!! Angels, William, Patrick, Deborah and Lara, Australia!
“Tahita sailing for our family around the Cyclades was a memorable experience. Sotiris and Annie were fantastic and gave us a truly full on sailing time. The afternoon walks with Annie topped off our days on the water perfectly. I personally would love to do another adventure on Tahita and will be recommending you to my friends back in Australia. Thanks for the great time!” Pat, Australia
2023 prices
Prices start at €850 per person in a shared cabin. Please contact us for a specific quote for your requirements.
Price includes:
The fee doesn’t include*:
* You should allow around €100 per week per person, payable on embarkation in cash, (for 6 guests) for fuel, crew meals and cruise expenses. How much fuel is used will depend on how much wind there is and how often the engine is used. Marina fees are only charged in a few locations. You will usually moor at small fishing ports and remote bays but once or twice per week it is necessary to go to marinas to refill the water tanks and so on.
Regarding lunches, guests usually buy provisions for a light lunch i.e. salads, snacks on board, and in the evening you would go out together to the main villages for supper at local tavernas. Supper at a local taverna with local wine costs around 10-15 Euro per adult. Tasting local food, products and wine is an important aspect of your holiday and you`ll find that most taverna owners grow their own vegetables, raise their own animals & make their own wine.
Odyssey Sailing is registered and bonded with the Greek National Tourist Organisation (GNTO – EOT) and is a member of the Hellenic Yacht Brokers Association (HYBA).