Cyclades Yacht Charter

Geography in brief

The Cyclades are a circle of more than 200 islands and islets in the central Aegean, between the mainland and Crete. About two dozen are inhabited. The western group (Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos) is closest to Athens; the central group (Syros, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos) is the most connected; and the south (Ios, Santorini, Amorgos, the Small Cyclades) is furthest from the capital. Passages between neighbouring islands are often 10 to 25 nautical miles.

The meltemi: what to expect

The defining feature of a Cyclades yacht charter in summer is the meltemi, a dry north to north-easterly wind that blows most often from July to late August. It can reach force 6 to 7 and sometimes more, and may last for several days. It makes for fast, exciting sailing but also short, steep seas in the channels. Itineraries are planned to sail south with the wind and return when it eases, with spare time built in. Bareboat charters here suit experienced skippers; otherwise choose a skippered charter.

May, June and September are often calmer, with warm water and quieter harbours.

Where to start

Lavrio, near Athens, is the closest mainland base to the western and central Cyclades. Paros, Mykonos and Santorini also have charter bases and airports, which allows shorter routes inside the islands or one-way trips. See yacht charter Athens, yacht charter Paros and yacht charter Santorini.

Sample 7-day route

This sample route is an example of a relaxed week. The real route is always set by the skipper and the weather forecast on the day.

Want the detail behind this table? Our 7-day Cyclades sailing itinerary covers each day with approximate distances, meltemi tactics and alternative routes.

How booking works

Booking a Cyclades yacht charter with Astra Yachting follows the same steps every time. You send your preferred dates, the number of guests, the type of charter you want (bareboat, skippered or crewed) and any must-see stops. We check live availability with the yacht owners and charter fleets we work with, and come back with the yachts that are actually free for your dates, their exact specifications and a written quotation.

Once you choose a yacht, you receive the charter agreement and the payment schedule; our Booking Terms & Conditions and charter FAQs set out each step, from the crew list to embarkation day.

On embarkation day you meet the yacht in Athens (Lavrio or Alimos), Mykonos, Paros or Santorini, go through the check-in and safety briefing, and set off. During the charter you can reach us by phone or WhatsApp on +30 693 918 6245.

What is included and what is extra

Every quotation for a Cyclades yacht charter lists what the charter fee covers, so there are no surprises. As a rule, the fee covers the use of the yacht for the agreed period, its standard equipment and the yacht's insurance. On skippered and crewed charters it also covers the skipper or crew wages.

Fuel, marina fees, the final cleaning, optional extras and the security deposit are usually charged separately. The FAQs explain each item, and your written quotation lists them for the yacht you choose.

We do not publish fixed prices on these pages because rates depend on the yacht, the week of the season and the charter format. Ask for a quotation and you get the real price for your dates.