Descriptif
A weekly bareboat charter departing from Alimos Marina places the best of the Aegean within reach, and this Cyclades loop is a perfect choice for sailors who want authentic island character with a touch of open-water adventure. Starting from Athens, you move quickly from the city’s coastline into the wider blue of the Aegean, combining offshore passages with welcoming ports, iconic beaches, hot springs, and cultural island towns. The route is rewarding without being overwhelming: enough sailing distance to feel like a true voyage, yet with safe options for sheltered anchorages and well-known harbors. With embarkation at 17:00 on Saturday and return at 09:00 the following Saturday, the week is structured for smooth start-up and an unhurried finale.
About Our Service in Alimos Marina, Athens and the Cyclades
Your charter begins with a detailed check-in at Alimos Marina, one of Greece’s most organized sailing bases and the natural gateway to both the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades. Before departure, you receive a full orientation including inventory verification, navigation and safety briefing, boat handling guidance, and onboard system instructions. Regional charts, pilot books, and guides are provided, helping you plan each day with clarity - from approach notes and marina tips to recommended bays and local points of interest. Our operational support remains available throughout the week, including technical assistance and 24/7 emergency support, so you can enjoy the independence of bareboat sailing with the reassurance of professional backup. Optional extras can also be arranged to match your style, such as early check-in to maximize the first day, skipper services if needed, SUP/kayak for bay exploration, Wi-Fi, and outboard engine options.
Day 1 - Saturday: Alimos to Kythnos (Merichas) (45 NM)
After settling aboard and completing final preparations, the first major passage takes you from Athens into open Aegean waters toward Kythnos. This offshore sail is an energizing start, giving your crew time to find a steady rhythm, set sail trim, and enjoy the feeling of crossing into the Cyclades. Arrival in Merichas brings you to a friendly port village with comfortable moorings and a welcoming waterfront. The evening is ideal for a first Cycladic dinner by the sea, a relaxed walk along the harbor, and a quiet night onboard after a rewarding first crossing.
Day 2 - Sunday: Kythnos (Merichas to Kolona to Loutra) (11 NM)
This day is about experiencing Kythnos properly rather than simply “passing through.” A short cruise takes you to Kolona Beach, famous for its remarkable double sandbar and exceptionally clear water. It’s the kind of anchorage that makes you want to stay longer: snorkeling in bright visibility, swimming straight off the boat, and lounging on deck with the unique coastline just meters away. Later, you continue to Loutra, a charming marina village known for natural hot springs that reach the sea. Ending the day with a warm, therapeutic dip at sunset is an experience that feels uniquely Cycladic - simple, memorable, and deeply relaxing. Overnight in Loutra keeps you close to the springs and the village’s calm evening atmosphere.
Day 3 - Monday: Kythnos to Syros (Finikas) (22 NM)
A scenic sail brings you to Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, where the vibe shifts toward culture and architecture. Finikas offers a sheltered marina environment and a practical base for exploring the southwest coastline, including beaches like Galissas and the picturesque village of Kini. Syros is known for its food scene and refined island character, making this an excellent evening for a long taverna dinner, local specialties, and a taste of Cycladic life that feels more “real Greece” than purely resort-focused islands. Overnight in Finikas provides comfort and easy access for shore exploration.
Day 4 - Tuesday: Syros to Kea (Koundouros) (34 NM)
This is another satisfying open-water leg, carrying you toward Kea, an island appreciated for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful bays. Arrival at Koundouros gives you turquoise water, calm anchorage conditions, and an easy-going setting ideal for swimming and paddle-based activities. It’s a perfect afternoon for a slow pace: long swims, sunbathing, and an unhurried onboard meal while the bay settles into evening calm. Overnight at Koundouros brings one of those peaceful “all we can hear is the sea” nights that define the best bareboat charters.
Day 5 - Wednesday: Explore Kea (Koundouros to Vourkari to Korressia to Ioulis)
Kea deserves a full exploration day, and this itinerary is planned to let you experience both its coastal charm and its inland identity. After a short repositioning to Vourkari, you’ll find one of the island’s liveliest yacht harbors, with seafood tavernas and a waterfront promenade that feels inviting without being crowded. Korressia adds a different texture with local shops and cafés near the main port. Later, you can reach Ioulis, the hilltop capital, by taxi or hike, wandering narrow streets, traditional houses, and viewpoints that reveal the island’s rugged beauty. The ancient Lion of Kea is a memorable landmark, and optional side trips such as Spathi Beach allow you to tailor the day to either culture or pure beach time. Overnight around Kea keeps you immersed in the island’s slower rhythm.
Day 6 - Thursday: Kea to Sounio (14 NM)
The sail to Cape Sounio is short but dramatic, leading you beneath one of Greece’s most iconic coastal monuments. Anchoring below the Temple of Poseidon is a highlight that feels almost cinematic: you swim in clear waters while ancient marble columns rise above the cliff, and the shoreline view is unforgettable from the deck. Sunset here is famous for good reason, and spending the evening onboard with that backdrop creates a powerful “this is Greece” moment. Overnight at Sounio turns a simple stop into a real experience rather than a quick photo.
Day 7 - Friday: Sounio to Alimos (22 NM)
A final morning swim and relaxed breakfast set you up for the return sail along the Attica coastline. The passage back to Alimos is a satisfying wrap-up, giving time to reflect on the week and enjoy the last hours under sail. Arrival in the late afternoon allows for check-out procedures without a rush, and the final evening can be enjoyed either onboard at the marina or in Athens’ coastal dining scene nearby.
About Our Boat - Beneteau Oceanis 38 (2014-2015)
This 38-foot sailing yacht is an excellent match for a Cyclades itinerary, offering the right blend of manageable handling, comfortable living space, and practical autonomy for a full week at sea. With three cabins and six berths, the accommodation is ideal for small families, couples traveling together, or groups of friends who want privacy at night and a sociable shared space by day. The saloon feels bright and open, creating a comfortable environment for dining, route planning, or simply escaping the midday sun. The galley is designed for real provisioning, supporting breakfasts, quick lunches between bays, and full dinners when you want to dine onboard rather than ashore.
Performance and maneuverability are supported by a reliable 30 HP engine, making docking and harbor approaches more comfortable, especially for bareboat crews. The cockpit is built for outdoor living, with seating that naturally becomes the center of social life - morning coffees, sunset drinks, and long dinners under the stars. Features such as bimini and sprayhood help manage Greece’s strong sun and occasional breeze, while solar panels support onboard power independence. An electric anchor winch is a particularly valuable advantage on a route with frequent bay stops, reducing effort and improving convenience. Optional extras allow you to tailor the experience further, whether that means adding SUP for exploring bays, Wi-Fi for connectivity, or early check-in to maximize your first day.
This charter stands out because it offers a genuine Cyclades experience without pushing you into a rushed, exhausting schedule. You get meaningful sailing passages, authentic island stops, and iconic highlights like Kolona Beach, Loutra’s hot springs, and Cape Sounio’s temple sunsets - all backed by professional organization and support from Alimos Marina. If you want a bareboat holiday that feels both adventurous and comfortably managed, this route delivers a week that is rich, flexible, and consistently memorable, making it a strong choice for sailors who want more than “just a short hop” between islands.
