The Cyclades Islands

General information

One of the many enchanting groups of islands surrounding Greece is the Cyclades group. Their name comes from the Greek word kyklos for rings or circles, because of the way they seem to surround the sacred island Delos, the birthplace of Apollo. Best known for ther history, art and civilization which date back to the Bronze Age, the islands offer a stunning variety of scenic shores, unpsoiled beaches, local handicrafts entertaiment, and diving. The Cyclades archipelago consists of 23 large islands and some 200 smaller ones. All the islands are hilly, and as a result of the prevailing sharp sea-winds (the meltemi in summer) are lacking in trees. Characteristic features of the landscape are the cubed whitewashed Cycladic houses and the thatch-roofed windmills, very romantic and ideal for a sailing holiday. The proximity of the islands to one another permits a relaxed sailing schedule, allowing more time for sightseeing and shopping.

History of the Cyclades

The first settlements on these islands date back to Mycenaean times, while their first emergence into the light of history was in 743 BC, when Corinth founded the city of Korkyra, later Kerkira. In the 5th century BC the islands came under Athenian influence, and in the 2nd century BC the Roman Empire took over. Later they came under Byzantine rule, and in 1085 were conquered by the Normans. In 1203-04, after the Fourth Crusade, the islands fell into the hands of Italian rulers, and came under Venetian rule which lasted until the fall of the Republic of St Mark in 1797. During this period the islands provided a refuge for many Greeks fleeing from the Turks, including artists from Crete who founded a school of their own here, and throughout these centuries they enjoyed a richer cultural life than the rest of Greece. After an interlude of French rule the young Republic of the Seven Islands became a British Protectorate in 1815. In 1864 Britain returned the islands to Greece.

Cyclades Islands

The Cyclades Islands consist of 3 main areas:
Northern Cyclades: Kea, Kithnos, Syros, Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos and Rinia.
Middle Cyclades: Serifos, Sifnos, Antiparos, Paros, Naxos, Donoussa, Iraklia, Schinousa, Koufonissia, Amorgos and Levitha.
Southern Cyclades: Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios, Thira (Santorini) and Anafi.

Wind and sailing conditions

IBecause of the strong wind in summer, this group of islands is recommended only for experienced sailors. The majority of charter yachts that go here are skippered or crewed charters. The prevailing wind in the summer is the meltemi, which blows from the N/NW. It begins in June, blows stronger in July and August at Force 5-6 and may occasionally reach Force 8-9. It may blow for 1-3 days, but sometimes it blows for 2 weeks without break. During spring and autumn, you may also have to deal with strong winds from the South. Anyone chartering a yacht is advised to take extreme care and check the weather reports regularly. The average temperature in the Cyclades during summer is 25 to 26 °C (79F) and very often 33 to 35 °C (95F).

Travel tips & itineraries

There are direct flights to El Venizelos Airport, Athens. There are several daily ferries and fast ferries from Piraeus to main islands. You can start your route from Athens Alimos Marina (Kalamaki) or Lavrion (Main Port). We definitely suggest the port of Lavrion as a starting point, since in many aspects it is a more convenient yacht charter base than the Alimos/Kalamaki marina in Athens. The distances from the International Athens Airport are roughly the same, yet you will spare yourself a sailing day along the dull outskirts of Athens and for instance the port of Kea is just 14 nm away. Other bases from which you can start your sailing holiday are Paroikia port in Paros, Syros and Athens, which makes it possible to sail a one way charter from for instance Athens or Lavrion to Paros.

 

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