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 The anchorage features sandy bottoms that allow for secure anchoring, even during strong winds. Visitors reported variable winds and swell conditions. A beach bar is unavailable, and 4G internet connectivity was noted, though its speed decreases at night.
	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.
	Ormos Lagkeri ★ 4.7 Paros Shelter is provided during Meltemi winds, though waves can still penetrate. Visitors have noted the need for patience during anchorage due to initial dragging. An absence of amenities on land may encourage extended stays for those well-provisioned.
	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.
	Paroikia ★ 4.5 Paros Anchoring conditions are generally favorable, with good holding reported in depths of 4 to 10 meters. The area is busy with ferries and activities, but offers protection from Meltemi winds. A charming town nearby provides abundant food and services.

Show more

Marinas

	Paroika Marina ★ 4.2 Paros The marina offers mooring facilities with suitable depths but can be challenging due to ferry wash and wind conditions. The harbourmaster provides support for water and electricity, while nearby shops and restaurants are highly rated. Anchoring in the bay may be preferable during strong winds.
	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 ★ 3.3 Naxos Naxos marina provides shelter from strong winds but suffers from heavy ferry traffic and swell issues. Visitors reported varyingly good interactions with staff, with some finding the fees excessive. The overall experience can be busy and overcrowded, particularly during high season.
	Siros Marina ★ 3.3 Syros Parking is free, with a sheltered environment for boats. Visitors report some sway due to wind and ferries, and no marina facilities are provided. Nearby shopping options exist, but the surrounding area may feel uninviting.

Show more

Moorings

	Captain John’s Thirasia ★ 4.4 Santorini Mooring services are considered efficient and safe. Manolis assists with mooring and provides vital information about ferry schedules. Various dining options exist nearby, although some may be closed during the off-season.
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.
	Tinos Port ★ 4.2 Tinos Depths are sufficient for larger boats, with stern-to mooring facilitated by assistance from staff. Overnight fees are inexpensive, and the port is well-protected from prevailing winds. Visitors can access water and electricity via a card purchased from kiosks nearby.
	Koufonisia ★ 4.2 Koufonisia The harbour provides solid protection against weather conditions. Facilities include functioning water and electricity. The mooring environment is new and well-maintained, though access via VHF or WhatsApp is limited.
	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 This harbour is well-protected, providing stern-to mooring with sufficient depth. Facilities include water and electricity, and guests can enjoy local restaurants and a geothermal pool nearby. Be mindful of crowded conditions on weekends, particularly from charter boats.

Show more

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.

Show more

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: