From Lavrion to Santorini — A 10-Day Cyclades Catamaran Itinerary

The Cyclades is the Greek sailing experience most people picture: white-walled hilltop villages, Mediterranean blue water, and the Meltemi wind that humbles less-prepared crews. Sailing it on a Lagoon 50 gives you the best mix of speed, comfort and stability for a region that rewards both. Here is a real 10-day Cyclades itinerary we run multiple times each season, departing from Lavrion (the alternative Athens-area port to Alimos).

Why a Lagoon 50 for the Cyclades

• Stability — twin hulls handle the Meltemi (15–35 knot northerly summer wind) far better than a monohull of similar size.
• Fuel range — 1,040 L tank means you can cross open channels in light wind without worrying.
• A/C — Aegean afternoons hit 35–40°C in July/August. Generator-driven A/C runs all night in any anchorage.
• Six cabins — sleeps twelve guests; perfect for two families travelling together or a wedding party week.

Day 1 — Lavrion → Kea (Vourkari)

Departure from Lavrion at 11:00 after captain's briefing. Kea is the closest Cyclades island — 3 hours under sail in a moderate northerly. Anchor in Vourkari Bay, walk to Aristos Taverna (the place every captain recommends for fresh fish). Sleep at anchor.

Day 2 — Kea → Kythnos (Loutra)

A gentle 4-hour leg south. Loutra is the best harbour on Kythnos — small marina, hot springs (yes, geothermal hot springs flowing into the sea right next to the anchorage). Spend the afternoon swimming between hot and cold pools. Dinner at Sofrano.

Day 3 — Kythnos → Mykonos

The big leg. 8 hours, beam-reach if the Meltemi cooperates. Mykonos Old Port is full and over-priced; we anchor in Ornos Bay instead and water-taxi into town. Mykonos at sunset is mandatory. Dinner: book in advance at Kiki's Tavern (cash only, no reservations technically — captain's connection helps).

Day 4 — Mykonos → Delos → Naxos

Sail to Delos at first light (6:30 anchor up — the heat doesn't hit until 11:00). Delos is the UNESCO archaeological island; private mooring is permitted with a captain's contact at the heritage site. Two hours ashore among 3,000-year-old ruins, then continue south to Naxos.

Naxos Old Town has the best produce in the Cyclades — stop at the morning market for tomatoes, watermelon, fresh tuna, Naxos cheeses. Mama Mediterraneo for dinner; ask for a table on the rooftop.

Day 5 — Lazy Day, Apollonas (north Naxos)

Move 20 minutes north to Apollonas, a quiet fishing village. Anchor in 6 metres of crystal water. Hike to the unfinished Kouros statue (8th century BC, 10 metres tall, never moved from the quarry). Lunch on board, snorkel, paddleboard, nap.

Day 6 — Naxos → Paros (Naoussa)

Quick 3-hour hop. Naoussa is the prettier of the two main Paros ports (Parikia is the ferry hub). Med-mooring in the village quay is competitive — captain's morning radio call confirms the slot. Dinner at Mario (try the lobster pasta) or Siparos if you want a beach club.

Day 7 — Paros → Folegandros

Long leg, 6–7 hours. The ride south past Sikinos is one of the prettiest stretches of the Cyclades. Anchor in Karavostasis, the small ferry port, then taxi to the Chora for sunset (€10 each way, captain pre-arranges). The Chora of Folegandros is the postcard photo of the Cyclades, and quieter than Santorini.

Day 8 — Folegandros → Santorini

The big destination. 4 hours, often into stronger wind. Anchor in Ammoudi Bay below Oia for the iconic sunset, OR in Vlychada on the south coast for a calmer night. Both have tavernas; Ammoudi is wildly expensive but the view is unmatched.

Be warned: Santorini anchorages are deep (40–60 m) and exposed. The Lagoon 50's 80 m of chain handles it; smaller boats can struggle.

Day 9 — Santorini → Ios → Sikinos

The return begins. Ios for lunch — anchor in Maganari (untouched white-sand beach on the south coast, only reachable by boat). Sikinos for dinner — quietest island in the Cyclades, only one taverna at the port, locals will remember your captain's name.

Day 10 — Sikinos → Lavrion

The long return. Up at 04:00 if the wind allows; we're on autopilot under genoa for most of the day. Disembark at Lavrion around 17:00.

What it costs

For 10 guests that's €1,210 per person — competitive with a 4-star hotel week in Mykonos but with the catamaran included.

When to do it

June and September: Meltemi is gentler, anchorages are open, prices are 20% lower than peak. July–August is doable with the right boat (Lagoon 50 yes, smaller no) but the wind can pin you down for a day or two.

Ready to set this up? View the Lagoon 50 charter page for the boat or contact us to lock the dates.