The Cyclades

The Cyclades are an archipelago of over 200 islands in the central Aegean, arranged in a rough circle around the sacred island of Delos. The best-known islands draw crowds in summer, but much of the group remains relatively quiet. Sailing distances between islands are generally short, making the group well suited to island-hopping itineraries.

With whitewashed villages, archaeological sites, and distinctive volcanic landscapes throughout, the Cyclades offers many varied attractions:

Delos is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece, an uninhabited island in the centre of the Cyclades that was considered the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and served as a major religious and commercial centre in antiquity.

Santorini's clifftop villages of Fira and Oia look out over the flooded crater, and the ruins of the Minoan city at Akrotiri on the island's southern tip are one of the best-preserved Bronze Age sites in the Mediterranean.

On Naxos, the Temple of Apollo stands at the entrance to the main harbour, its monumental marble doorway the only remaining element of a temple begun in the 6th century BC and never completed. Entry is free.

On Amorgos, the old town of Chora sits high above the island's main port, a dense cluster of whitewashed buildings around a Venetian castle. Below the eastern cliffs, the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa is built into the rock face above the sea, founded in the 11th century and still active today.

On Milos, the volcanic landscape of Sarakiniko Beach has been shaped by wind and wave into formations unlike any typical beach in the Aegean. On the southwest coast, Kleftiko is a group of sea caves and rock formations accessible only by boat, with clear water and good snorkelling.

On Kea, the ancient city of Karthaia sits on a headland and is reachable by dinghy, with a theatre and temples to Apollo and Athena. A short walk from Kea Chora, the Lion of Kea is a large archaic sculpture carved from the rock, estimated to date from the 6th century BC. Kea Chora itself is a well-preserved traditional Cycladic village with pedestrian streets and wide views across the island.

On Kythnos, a natural hot spring at the waterfront is free to use and a short walk from the dock, with water temperature around 45 degrees Celsius.

The Meltemi blows strongly from the north throughout the summer season, with winds in excess of 30 knots common in July and August. Winds accelerate significantly in the channels between islands and around headlands, often arriving at anchorages with little warning. Katabatic winds can cause strong gusts at anchor.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Nikouria Beach ★ 5.0 Amorgos Anchoring at Nikouria Beach provides a scenic, quiet experience amid varying wind conditions. The anchorage is sandy with good holding observed despite challenging winds, particularly in the Meltemi season. Visitors have enjoyed the presence of goats nearby and local amenities.
	Ormos Panormos ★ 5.0 Tinos The anchorage offers good protection from strong winds. Visitors can find several tavernas and a mini-market in the nearby village. A hiking trail leads to Pyrgos, but appropriate footwear is necessary.
	Delos ★ 5.0 Delos Anchoring at Delos is feasible in sandy areas, with reports of good holding in around 3 to 5 meters of depth. Visitors appreciate the historic site, with notable walks around ruins and scenic views. The site allows sufficient time for exploration before returning to the boat.
	North Antiparos lagoon ★ 4.8 Antiparos Shallow anchorage with depths starting from 1.5m provides excellent holding on sand. Visitors note the clear water and tranquil environment, though some swell is present. Beaches on both Antiparos and Feira Island are easily accessible for swimming.
	Ormos Stephanou ★ 4.8 Kythnos Anchoring is feasible with good holding in sand, around depths of 6-10 meters. Visitors appreciated the beautiful surroundings and access to local tavernas offering traditional food. Caution is advised regarding anchoring techniques to avoid local issues.
	Ormos Kalotyri ★ 4.8 Amorgos Excellent shelter from strong winds and good holding conditions are reported. While 4G coverage is patchy, some visitors noted that safety increased significantly with proper anchoring practices. The beach offers interesting wildlife, enhancing the overall experience.
	Ormos Pyrgonoisi ★ 4.8 Milos Anchorage conditions are favorable with good holding in sandy bottoms, accommodating up to 3.5 meters in depth. Visitors appreciate the clear water and spacious layout of the bay. Nearby tavernas enhance the experience with local cuisine.
	Island of Despotiko ★ 4.6 Antiparos Protection from wind and spacious depths of 2-5 meters are noted by visitors. The anchorage has a firm sand bottom and offers swimming, snorkeling, and excursions to the Temple of Apollo, despite some reports of daytime boat traffic.
	Adamantas anchorage, Milos ★ 4.6 Milos This anchorage features good holding in sandy bottom and is well protected from northerly winds. Visitors can easily access the town by dinghy, which offers various shops and tavernas. Some noise and swell may be encountered from nearby ferries.
	Kleftiko anchorage ★ 4.5 Milos An anchorage with excellent scenic opportunities, users appreciate the caves and cliff formations. Day tripper congestion occurs, especially between mid-morning and mid-afternoon, causing rolliness in the anchorage. Conditions warrant anchoring during minimal wind, especially from the south.

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Marinas

	Paroika Marina ★ 4.2 Paros Mooring options include anchoring from the bow outside if no space is found inside the harbour, which is suitable for vessels with a 2.30 m draft. The harbourmaster provides effective communication regarding services like water and electricity, but heavy northerlies complicate docking. Restaurants and shops are within easy reach.
	New Marina Mykonos ★ 3.4 Mykonos Docking requires online booking confirmation. Strong surge from ferries affects comfort. Poor local service interactions reported alongside adequate shelter from winds, primarily during Meltemi conditions.
	Port Naxos ★ 3.4 Naxos Conditions can be challenging due to swell from ferry traffic, which some visitors found concerning. Despite this, the marina provides basic services and skilled assistance for maintenance issues. The town is lively with amenities, attracting many visitors.
	Siros Marina ★ 3.4 Syros Docking at this free marina can be challenging due to ferries creating swell and hard concrete rings that require chafe guards. Visitors found the marina well protected from northerly winds with easy access to Syros Town. Limited facilities are available, including no power or water.

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Moorings

	Captain John’s Thirasia ★ 4.0 Santorini Mooring at Captain John’s Thirasia offers a reliable and secure option. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained, strong buoys and the helpful service provided by Manolis. The mooring fee of €50 includes assistance with docking and access to local ferry services.
No image	Livadi Bouys ★ 3.7 Mooring buoys were noted to be operated with mixed experiences. One user reported a buoy line being frayed. Accessibility to nearby dinghy docks is highlighted as a benefit.

Harbours

	Ormos Georgios ★ 5.0 Koufonisia Anchoring appears manageable in sheltered conditions, although some visitors noted slight rolling. The presence of various mooring options, including a pier and anchoring spots, provides flexibility for visitors. Wind conditions may affect experience, though specific challenges with the Meltemi were not detailed.
	Kamares ★ 4.7 Sifnos Depths in the harbour accommodate vessels up to 2.4 m draft. Water and electricity are available for vessels, though port charges may apply. The conditions can lead to wind shifts due to the bay's layout, requiring careful anchoring.
	Batsi ★ 4.2 Andros Mooring is free with good holding reported in sand. The harbor offers space for several boats and the town features various eateries. Visitors commented on friendly locals and noted some challenges with wind gusts and minor swell from passing ferries.
	Ormos Loutra ★ 4.2 Kythnos Mooring is generally comfortable with helpful staff available for assistance. The harbor offers access to clean facilities, dining options, and unique geothermal features. Visitors should arrive early to secure a spot, especially during busy periods.
	Tinos Port ★ 4.1 Tinos Comfortable mooring with sufficient depths is reported for boats. Friendly assistance is available, especially for mooring lines, and utilities can be acquired affordably. The location offers access to a lively town with shops, restaurants, and public transport options.

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Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Chandlers

	Kounos Marine ★ 5.0 Milos Kounos Marine offers a chandlery service with friendly and helpful staff. It is operational and provides a supportive atmosphere for visitors seeking supplies.
	Maistrali Marine - Ermoupoli - Syros ★ 4.4 Syros The inventory is extensive, featuring a wide variety of marine supplies. The owner is noted for his knowledge and helpfulness. Service is available for orders and deliveries within 24 hours.
No image	Maistrali Marine Finikas ★ 4.3 Syros Currently, Maistrali Marine Finikas is reported closed. Last visit noted closure in early April 2025. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
No image	Afros yacht services ★ 3.6 Paros The service operates but has limited stock. Some visitors found help with specific repairs, while others reported poor customer service. The shop is currently located amid construction activities which may complicate access.
No image	Pixida - Marine and Fishing Store ★ 3.0 Paros The shop is organized but small, with a focus on fishing supplies. Visitors may need to order non-fishing items. Delays in service were reported, leading to inconvenience for some customers.

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Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Greece: