Yacht charter in the Eastern Cyclades
A yacht charter in the Eastern Cyclades, the little cluster known to Greeks as the Small Cyclades, is sailing at its most unhurried. Between Naxos and Amorgos lie Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia, Keros and Donoussa: low, sun-bleached islands with barely any traffic, a handful of tavernas and some of the clearest water in the Aegean. For crews who want quiet coves over crowded harbours, this is one of the most rewarding corners of Greek waters.
None of these islands is a charter base, so almost every Small Cyclades itinerary is reached under sail. The closest embarkation point is Paros (Piso Livadi), roughly 32 km away, with Naxos an even shorter downwind hop; both put you within an easy day's sail of Iraklia and Koufonissia. From there you island-hop the group at a gentle pace, dropping anchor off empty beaches that larger boats and day-trippers rarely reach.
Why sail the Small Cyclades
- Genuine solitude: a barren, rugged beauty of sea-lashed rocks and tiny coves, well away from the crowds of Mykonos and Santorini.
- Crystal-clear anchorages, from the fine sandy beach at Finikas on Pano Koufonissi to the turquoise shallows around Kato Koufonissi.
- Deep history in a small space: prehistoric habitation, the Ai-Giannis cave on Iraklia, and Early Cycladic finds ranked among the most important anywhere.
- Short, sheltered hops between islands, ideal for relaxed days and long swim stops rather than hard passage-making.
- A working charter base at Paros or Naxos within a half-day's sail, so provisioning and crew changes stay simple.
The islands of the Eastern Cyclades
The Small Cyclades reward slow sailing. Each island is different in character, and most crews link three or four of them over a week, with side trips out to the uninhabited islets that lie between.
Iraklia
The westernmost and one of the quietest of the group, Iraklia is known for the Ai-Giannis cave and its superb stalactites, and for traces of Cycladic civilisation uncovered across the island. A few rooms are available for rent ashore, but the appeal here is the near-empty landscape and the calm bays that make good overnight anchorages.
Schinoussa
A small island of gentle hills and many beaches, Schinoussa centres on the pretty harbour of Mersini and the hilltop village above it. Ruins of medieval fortifications survive here, and the coastline is folded with coves that are easy to reach by tender when the Meltemi is light.
Koufonissia
The busiest and best-loved of the Small Cyclades, Koufonissia is really two islands. Pano Koufonissi has the fine sandy beach at Finikas, where the water is famously crystal-clear, while Kato Koufonissi opposite has beaches of coarser sand and the remains of Hellenistic and Roman buildings. The narrow channel between the two is a classic Small Cyclades anchorage.
Keros and Antikeros
Uninhabited and protected, Keros has yielded remains of Early Cycladic settlements together with archaeological finds considered among the finest in the Cyclades. With its neighbour Antikeros and the tiny islet of Daskalio, it forms a striking, off-limits archaeological landscape best appreciated from the deck as you sail past.
Donoussa
The most exposed of the group, lying to the northeast, Donoussa is ringed by incomparable beaches and carries traces of prehistoric habitation. It is the furthest hop and the one most affected by the Meltemi, so it is usually taken when the forecast is settled, and often as the turning point of a Small Cyclades loop.
Sail the Small Cyclades with a local crew
Tell us your dates and group size, and our charter team will match the right boat and a route that works with the winds.
When to sail the Eastern Cyclades
The Cyclades sailing season runs from late spring to early autumn. The defining factor is the Meltemi, the strong northerly summer wind that blows down through the Aegean from the north toward the south. In the exposed Small Cyclades it shapes every day's plan, so timing your charter to the season, and each day's route to the forecast, matters more here than in sheltered waters.
Warm, settled days and lighter winds before the Meltemi builds. Ideal for reaching the more exposed islands like Donoussa in comfort.
Hot and lively, with the strongest Meltemi. Wonderful sailing for confident crews, but route planning around the wind is essential.
The wind eases, the sea stays warm and the islands empty out. Some of the finest, most peaceful sailing of the year.
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See suggested Cyclades sailing routes
What are the Eastern or Small Cyclades?
The Eastern Cyclades, usually called the Small Cyclades, are a cluster of little islands between Naxos and Amorgos: Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia, Keros, Antikeros, Daskalio and Donoussa. Only Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Donoussa are inhabited; the rest are uninhabited islets. They are known for quiet coves, clear water and a rugged, off-the-beaten-track character.
Is there a charter base in the Small Cyclades?
No. None of the Small Cyclades is a charter base. Most itineraries start from Paros (Piso Livadi), roughly 32 km from the group, or from Naxos, which is a shorter downwind hop. From either you can reach Iraklia and Koufonissia within an easy day's sail.
Which islands should I include on a Small Cyclades charter?
Most crews link three or four islands over a week. Koufonissia is the most popular for its clear water and sandy beaches, Iraklia and Schinoussa are the quietest, and Donoussa is the most exposed and usually visited when the forecast is settled. Keros and Antikeros are uninhabited and protected, so they are enjoyed from the water rather than ashore.
When is the best time to sail the Eastern Cyclades?
The season runs from late spring to early autumn. May, June, September and October offer warm weather with lighter winds, which suits the exposed Small Cyclades well. July and August are hot and bring the strongest Meltemi, so daily routes need to be planned carefully around the wind.
How strong is the Meltemi in this area?
The Meltemi is a northerly summer wind that blows from the north toward the south through the Aegean, and it can be strong in July and August. The Small Cyclades are exposed and have limited shelter, so it is important to plan each day's passage and overnight anchorage around the forecast, sailing downwind where possible.
Can beginners charter a yacht in the Small Cyclades?
The exposed anchorages and Meltemi make this area better suited to crews with some experience, especially in high summer. Less experienced sailors can still enjoy it by chartering with a skipper, choosing the calmer shoulder months, and keeping to the more sheltered islands. Our team can advise on the right boat and route for your experience level.
