Itinerary

Cyclades: 8 Days of Luxury Yachting

Athens to Athens

Sail the Cyclades with Ziyana Yachts on an eight-day journey from Athens through historic harbors, hidden coves, and cosmopolitan islands, experiencing the Aegean’s crystal waters and timeless charm.

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Cyclades: 8 Days of Luxury Yachting

The Cyclades — meaning “islands that form a circle” — are the Aegean’s most captivating archipelago, anchored by sacred Delos and made up of over 220 islands. From Athens, this eight-day journey unfolds across translucent waters under the sculpting meltemi winds, linking quiet coves, historic harbors, cosmopolitan isles, and hidden bays. With Ziyana’s signature attention to detail, the itinerary blends effortless comfort, authentic discovery, and the timeless poetry of Aegean sailing.

8 Days • 7 Nights

Summary
  • Day 1: Athens
  • Day 2: Kythnos
  • Day 3: Paros
  • Day 4: Naxos
  • Day 5: Mykonos
  • Day 6: Syros
  • Day 7: Kéa
  • Day 8: Athens

Day 1

Athens

Embarkation Point

Begin your journey in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, with its iconic Acropolis, ancient agora, and panoramic rooftop views. Board your Ziyana yacht at a marina in Athens, enjoy a welcome cocktail, and cruise briefly along the Athenian coast to soak in the city skyline at sunset.

Experience Highlights:

  • Explore the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Acropolis Museum
  • Enjoy panoramic views from Lycabettus Hill
  • Sunset cruise along the Athenian Riviera
  • Onboard Greek welcome dinner with local wines
  • Optional evening stroll in Plaka or Monastiraki



Day 2

Kythnos

25 NM

Sail to Kythnos, an island with deep history and low-key charm. Kythnos is home to Maroulas, a rare Mesolithic settlement dating back to ~8,800 BC — one of the oldest open-air sites in the Aegean, where circular stone homes, burials, and tools have been found. 


 Experience Highlights:

  • Anchor in Kolona Bay, a unique double-sided beach
  • Visit the Maroulas archaeological site and learn about prehistoric Aegean life
  • Hike to Katafyki Cave in Dryopida for dramatic rock formations
  • Swim in calm coves away from the crowds

Day 3

Paros

42 NM

Cruise roughly to Paros, an island of classic Cycladic beauty and deep spiritual resonance. The crown jewel is the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, or “Church of the Hundred Gates,” originally founded in the 4th century and associated with Saint Helen, mother of Constantine. 

Experience Highlights:

  • Wander the waterfront of Parikia 
  • Explore the Ekatontapiliani complex
  • Swim or paddleboard in tranquil bays around Paros
  • Dine at a seaside taverna
  • Capture the sunset from the terrace of the church

Day 4

Naxos

9 NM

Here stands the Portara, a monumental marble doorway from an unfinished temple of Apollo built in the 6th century BCE. This imposing lintel, perched on a small islet, has become a symbol of Naxos — a place of myth, stone, and endless sky.

Experience Highlights:

  • Visit the Portara at sunset
  • Hear the myth of Ariadne and Dionysus
  • Stroll through the cobbled alleys of Naxos Town
  • Swim on quiet beaches like Agios Prokopios or Plaka
  • Indulge in a private onboard dinner

Day 5

Mykonos

21 NM

Arrive at cosmopolitan Mykonos, famous for windmills, narrow alleyways, and Little Venice. Enjoy panoramic views of the Aegean from the deck, stroll historic streets, or relax at stylish beach clubs.

 Experience Highlights:

  • Stroll Mykonos Town’s labyrinthine streets
  • Visit windmills and Little Venice
  • Lounge at a luxury beach club
  • Sunset cocktails on deck with Aegean views

Day 6

Syros

20 NM

Cruise to Syros, the Cyclades’ administrative and cultural hub. Ermoupoli, the capital, is renowned for neoclassical architecture and the Apollo Theatre, built in the mid-19th century. The elevated Ano Syros neighborhood offers cobblestone lanes, traditional houses, and panoramic views.

 

Experience Highlights:

  • Explore Ermoupoli’s neoclassical mansions and town hall
  • Visit the Apollo Theater
  • Wander Ano Syros’ charming streets
  • Swim in calm bays like Kini
  • Taste local delicacies with onboard wine pairing

Day 7

Kéa

30 NM

Sail to Kéa, a Cycladic island less visited by tourists. Olive groves, granite cliffs, and ancient ruins define its landscape. Hike to the Karthea ruins, a Hellenistic agora, and explore the traditional village of Ioulis. Anchor in serene coves for swimming and relaxation.

 

Experience Highlights:

  • Anchor in quiet coves
  • Hike to Karthea ruins
  • Visit Ioulis village and local olive groves
  • Sunset dip in the Aegean
  • Farm-to-table dining at a local taverna

Day 8

Athens

14 NM

Return to Athens, cruising along the Athenian Riviera. Reflect on your journey through history and mythology, enjoy a final swim, and disembark for an optional farewell dinner overlooking the Acropolis.

 

Experience Highlights:

  • Morning swim or relaxing deck time
  • Scenic Aegean sail toward Athens
  • Disembark and optional rooftop dinner