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Sailing trip Cyclades

Carolin Thiersch Kykladen 2017
Powerful Aegean between Santorini & Amorgos

Powerful Aegean between Santorini & Amorgos

White villages on dark rocks, deep blue sea and the local Meltemi wind: the Cyclades are the heart of the Aegean. With Sailing-Classics you sail from Santorini via Ios, Amorgos, Paros and Folegandros through one of the most impressive island worlds in Greece – intense, authentic and with true Aegean character. Our Cyclades cruises usually start and end on Santorini and pass through the southern and central islands of the region. The route combines spectacular volcanic landscapes, small harbour towns, secluded bays and longer stages under sail – ideal for anyone who wants to experience Greece and an active life on board.

Quick facts about sailing trips in the Cyclades

Highlights

  • Sailing between Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, Paros & Folegandros
  • Dramatic rocky coasts, white villages & deep blue Aegean waters
  • Sportier area with real wind character

The best time to travel

The ideal time for a sailing trip in the Cyclades is May and June as well as September and October. These months are characterized by pleasant temperatures, stable weather conditions and good sailing conditions with moderate Meltemi.
From mid-July to the end of August, the Meltemi can be very strong to extreme. This period is particularly suitable for guests who appreciate an intense, windy sailing experience.

Sailing conditions

The Cyclades are one of the windiest areas in Greece. The Meltemi, a dry northerly wind, ensures constant conditions and clear visibility, but can freshen up considerably in midsummer. Longer distances between the islands make the area more challenging than many other Mediterranean regions – ideal for those who want to experience real, powerful sailing.

Arrival

Arrival is via Santorini International Airport (JTR). Alternatively, it is possible to travel via Athens (ATH) by domestic flight or ferry. The respective port of embarkation can be reached from Santorini Airport in a short time.

Top highlights & sights on the route

RHEA 2017

Santorini - spectacular caldera & volcanic landscape

Santorini is the dramatic prelude and impressive conclusion to your trip. The towering crater walls of the caldera, formed by a massive volcanic eruption, rise imposingly out of the deep blue sea. The whitewashed villages of Fira and Oia, whose houses nestle against the cliffs like paintings, are enthroned high above the rocks. From the water, Santorini has a very special effect: the contrasts of dark volcanic rock, white villages and bright Aegean blue are unique. Whether entering the caldera or sailing out into the open sea – Santorini is one of the most impressive sailing moments in Greece.

RHEA 2017

Amorgos - wild beauty & pristine Aegean Sea

Amorgos is one of the most pristine and impressive islands in the Cyclades. Steep rocky coasts, deeply indented bays and the spectacular Hozoviotissa monastery built into the rock face characterize the picture. The island appears rougher, quieter and less touristy than many of its neighbours – which is precisely what makes it so appealing. Here you can experience the Aegean in its purest form: clear air, wide horizons and the feeling of freedom. Anchor stops off secluded bays offer ideal conditions for swimming stops, while small villages in the interior of the island convey authentic Greek life.

RHEA 2017

Paros & Ios - lively harbour towns and relaxed island atmosphere

Paros combines traditional Cycladic architecture with lively but pleasant harbour life. In places like Naoussa, you can expect winding alleyways, small tavernas and an authentic yet stylish ambience. At the same time, the island offers numerous sheltered bays with clear water – ideal for relaxing anchorage breaks.

Ios completes the route with a mixture of spectacular beaches, rolling hills and charming villages. Away from the well-known places, you will discover quiet anchorages and spacious bays that are perfect for extended swimming stops and relaxed evenings on board.

RHEA 2017

Folegandros - Cyclades idyll with a wide horizon

Folegandros is an insider tip among the Cyclades islands. The small, elevated Chora is one of the most beautiful in Greece: whitewashed houses, small squares and narrow alleyways create a tranquil, almost timeless atmosphere. From here you can enjoy sweeping views over the sea and the surrounding islands. The island is much quieter than many other destinations in the Aegean and offers a special blend of originality and elegance. Folegandros stands for the authentic, unadulterated Cycladic feeling – far away from the hustle and bustle, with plenty of space for tranquillity and intense impressions.

Your sailing trip - optimally planned

Your sailing trip - optimally planned

Still not sure which sailing trip suits you best? Our experts will take time for you, answer your questions and work with you to find the perfect route. Simply arrange your personal consultation – free of charge and without obligation.

RHEA 2017

Experience the Aegean with character

A sailing trip through the Cyclades is not a gentle glide, but an area with personality. Clear air, strong winds, wide horizons and striking coastlines characterize the experience. Between active stages, quiet anchorages and impressive shore excursions, the result is a journey that combines nature, culture and a genuine sailing experience.

What our guests say about their time on board

  • We enjoy our 5th trip

    High praise

    This is the fifth time we have enjoyed a trip with Sailing Classics, this time between the Greek islands. And in November we want to sail across the Atlantic with the Rhea. In Pieter we have met an outstanding captain who has given us a lot of pleasure. I would also like to praise the speaker Marc, who introduced us to Greek history with his immense knowledge and his engaging and humorous manner. I would also like to praise the entire team.
    Peter and Lore in October on the RHEA - Sailing & History in the southern Cyclades
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    Peter and Lore
  • We particularly enjoyed the sailing part of the trip

    An unforgettable experience

    We returned to the north of the republic very satisfied after our trip on the Rhea to Santorini. We particularly enjoyed the sailing part of the trip. The friendly and competent support from the crew under the Frisian skipper Leon and Marc's contributions about the history, country and people made the voyage an unforgettable experience.... Warm greetings from two satisfied land/water rats from the Flensburg Fjord.
    Read the full review
    Marlis and Burkhard
  • Real sailing and optimal seamanship

    A great sailing experience

    We are both delighted with this sailing trip. Captain Nico gave us a sailing experience with great competence and safety that we would not have expected from a "commercial" cruise. In strong winds and heavy seas, Captain Nico and Mate Angelo gave us real sailing and optimum seamanship. A great experience. ... Once again, we would like to thank the entire crew of the RHEA for the great sailing experience.
    Read the full review
    Cyclades
  • Cyclades cruise on the RHEA

    Everything just felt good...

    I am very happy to have accepted. It was a really great experience for me and a real adventure for a landlubber like me. I enjoyed these seven days on the Rhea. ... So a big thank you from me to this team that you gave us and that harmonized very well with each other and was able to transfer this atmosphere to us as guests. The crew simply did us good. (You weren't responsible for the guests, but we all did ourselves good too :-))) And the fact that the tour guide from Zeit-Reisen, Marc, ... was also able to tell wonderful and fascinating stories about the sailing area from the last 3000 years ... was simply good for our whole ship.
    Read the full review
    Monika

Experience the Mediterranean lifestyle on board the RHEA

Discover our sailing trips through the Aegean Sea

stylish, authentic, unforgettable

We have the answers for you

FAQs about sailing trips from Santorini

The Meltemi blows strongly, especially in midsummer, and can become very strong between mid-July and the end of August. In spring and fall, it is usually more moderate and pleasant.

The Cyclades are particularly suitable for guests who are looking for a windier, sportier area and enjoy longer stages.

The sailing trips usually start and end on Santorini. Mostly off the village of Vlichada.

Yes – in true Sailing Classics style, the wind determines the course. The route can be flexibly adapted to enjoy the best sailing conditions and most beautiful bays. Authentic sailing is our focus, not a rigid timetable.

Yes, the Cyclades offer secluded anchor bays for swimming as well as shore excursions on islands such as Amorgos with the Hozoviotissa monastery, Folegandros with its elevated Chora, and Ios or Paros with their lively harbour towns.

A lot is already prepared for you on board – towels, shampoo and usually also sun protection products are available. For your summer sailing vacation, we recommend light, comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes for shore excursions, swimwear, possibly a windbreaker and a sun hat. It is best to travel with soft travel bags, as they are easier to stow in the cabins and offer more space than suitcases.

Our cabins are comfortable and well-designed, with a wardrobe, shelves and storage space under the beds. There is plenty of space for the duration of the trip, and foldable travel bags are the best option instead of hard-shell suitcases.

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