Which are the best islands to visit by boat in the Cyclades?

Question

My wife and I are chartering a sail boat from Paros in September for 7 days, and we would like like to have a few recommendations on nice places to sail to. We don't like the crowded tourist beaches too much. In fact, here is what we're looking for:

"Good" List:
Small places with beautiful natural scenery
Quaint villages with friendly locals
Steeped in history
Great restaurants and wine
Protected anchorages with great holding

"Bad" List:
Popular and crowded
Tourist traps with lots of tacky shops
Loud discos full of partying, drunk tourists

Basically, we're looking for those sort of places that you actually need a boat to be able to see them.

Any recommendations? Thanks!

Answer 1

Oh my dear! It's the best choise! A sailboat !
I'm skipper and I know the area very good.
1. Antiparos a small island closed (w) to Paros (be carefull of the reefs near the port of Paros and the riffles)
2.Sailing to west there are two more islands (deserts) Despotiko (beaches) and Strogili.
3.Naxos is also very good. Sandy beaches and very good northeast winds (be carefull if you aren't experienced)
4. Sailing to south you can find Small Cyclades (or Koufonisia amazing , quite islands) nice beaches!!!Iraklia, Donousa, Schinousa are their names. Stay a night at Keros (a night full of mysteries!)
5 From there you have to choose : southeast is Amorgos (very quite island, nice beaches) south is Ios a very beautiful but crouded island and souther Santorini (you must know much about) and Anafi (small and quite)
Southwest are Sikinos, Folegandros and Milos (amazing island)

Sailing south-shouthwest the best destination is Milos island (visit Kleftiko, Glaronisia, Papafragas) and then go to Kimolos island
6. Sifnos is next and has very nice beaches
7. Sailing north (from Paros) you will find Delos (an unique island, all it's a museum!) and then Myconos (very crouded but very beautiful too)

I suggest first visit Naxos then Koufonisia, Amorgos, Anafi, Santorini, Sikinos, Folegandros, Milos, Kimolos, Sifnos, Antiparos, Delos and back to Paros
Or if you haven't enough time Naxos, Koufonisia, Santorini, Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Antiparos, Delos and back to Paros
You can find protected anchorages with great holding (usually sand, sometimes rocks ).
In Greece most sailboats have Bruce type anchors good for both (sand- rocks). If there is strong wind put two anchors or stay in the middle of the gulf. See sail map carefully, there are many riffles and reefs and be carefull if you sail close to the land(sometimes map don't mention reefs!).

I love Milos (see the links), Sifnos (if you visit this island go to the village Artemona, taste the sweet "amigdaloto" with almonds and visit also the church of Xrisopigi), Folegandros and Koufonisia.

Answer 2

You should visit Thrasia,Ikaria,Antiparos(for the history of the place),Parthenos:a very small island very near to Naxos,only one church on it,but a beautiful sea. And in Naxos you should visit Moutsouna or Appolonas, two very nice and with no a lot of people!!You will have a very nice time!!But be careful:in Cyclades in September-especially the night- the weather is a little bit colder!!

Answer 3

Stay away from the big islands, or at least the main villages. Naxos and Paros both did not really impress me. Don't go to Ios if you're not looking for nightlife. Santorini is nice and impressive, but also crowded.

I've heard nice things about Donoussa, Amorgos, Sikinos and Folegandros, but not been there yet. See for yourself: http://www.vacation-cyclades.com/

Answer 4

Hey there!!! Antiparos is very close to Paros so u definately have to visit.
I suggest Sifnos which is very beautiful, with excellent restaurants etc... but not so nice beaches.
For sea fun I suggest Milos and Serifos!!!
have a nice time!!!

Answer 5

Good site to check out all the island www.itsaboutgreece.com
I have been going to Greece for 40 years and found different islands all the time. my last best islands have to be Tinos if you go outside the cycladic go to Ikaria.

Answer 6

I think Ikaria would be the best choice
http://www.island-ikaria.com