This is the central group of islands in the Aegean, so called because they surround the rocky Delos, (cycle means ring in Greek), the ancient trade, political and religious center of the world.
This group of islands consists of 21 bigger islands and 20 smaller ones, all of them a delight; each has its own special character and charm. The Cyclades are considered by most to be the typical part of Greece, with its charming white washed houses and windmills, its beautiful sunny beaches and the ancient ruins. Small taverns with high quality delicious food and wine are found everywhere.
You can enjoy the lively nightlife of Mykonos, the tourist heart of Greece, the cosmopolitan flavour of Paros, Naxos and los, the natural beauty and architectural style of Santorini and of course Tinos, the center of the orthodox faith. As a contrast to these islands, you will enjoy the simpler but no less important pleasures of the other islands, such as Kea, Sikinos, Kithnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Amorgos, Andros and many others.
Do not miss a chance to sail down to the small islands such as Dhonoussa, Skhinoussa, Iraklia and Koufonisia, where you can explore unspoiled small hamlets, fully protected small ports and anchorages, attractive places which are a delight to visit, you could not imagine that they still exist!
You may begin your sailing experience from our base in Mykonos or our base in Paros. You may also reach Cyclades islands easily from our base in Athens.
The prevailing wind in the summer is the Meltemi blowing from the North; it begins to blow in June, blows strongest in July/August and subsides from the middle of September.
In July and August the wind blows at force 5-6 and may reach force 7-8. It may blow for 1-3 days or sometimes blow for I week continuously. In the other months the wind strength is less, around force 3-4.
In the Northern Cyclades it blows from North East, in the middle Cyclades from the North, in the Southern Cyclades it blows from the North West.
In the South West islands it is less strong. During spring and autumn, you may be faced with winds coming from the South. In general, the sailing conditions are much more demanding than in other areas of Greece therefore, we advise the Cyclades route to be taken for a minimum of at least two weeks holiday.
