Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos
Experience Overview
Dreaming of crystal-clear waters, whitewashed villages, historical ruins, lively Greek culture and deliciously fresh cuisine straight off the land or from the sea? Then sailing from Greece's Santorini to Mykonos may just be what the doctor ordered! Spend eight blissed-out days under sun drenched skies enjoying the best the Greek Islands of Santorini, Ios, Amorgos, Small Cyclades, Naxos and Mykonos have to offer.
Highlights
- Spend your days island-hopping in the Cyclades, swimming in the clear waters of the Aegean and sleeping aboard a yacht.
- See Santorini, where the blue and white villages cling to the rim of an ancient volcano – don't worry, the only fire you’ll see is in the island’s magnificent sunsets.
- Break bread with locals in the sleepy fishing villages of the Small Cyclades islands, away from the typical tourist trail.
- Taste rural life on the large island of Naxos – a mix of historic neighbourhoods and Kitron liqueur.
- Explore a place where Europe’s chic and beautiful come to play – you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the beauty, charm and sunsets of Mykonos.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3304
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Boat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZSRR
Starts: Santorini – Ios, Greece
Finishes: Mykonos, Greece
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Accommodation: Overnight boat (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,125 ($266 /day)
Itinerary
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. You’ll meet your skipper at 1 pm at Cafe Spartakos, where your adventure will immediately begin. Take a private boat over to Thirasia, where you’ll board the yacht – your home for the next seven nights. If you arrive in Santorini early (and it’s recommended that you do), maybe check out the local restaurants, shops and bars in Fira or walk along the caldera's rim to Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia for sunset. Santorini's volcanic beaches are another must-see. Check out Red Beach or the black beaches of Perissa, Vlhada, Perivolos and Agios Georgios. After the meeting, set sail across the Aegean Sea to drop anchor at the island of Ios (the boat will stop at Manganari Beach along the way). Check out Hora's shops, restaurants and bars (a short walk from the harbour in Ios) which all come alive in the evening.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, cast off and sail to the Small Cyclades, where only Koufonisia, Iraklia, Schinousa and Donousa have permanent residents. Here, you'll discover clear waters, great beaches, friendly locals and sleepy tavernas all built around the fishing villages. Explore the town, maybe sampling some fresh seafood in a waterfront taverna – a great way to take in the magic of the Mediterranean. Over the next few days, you’ll head to Amorgos, Naxos and Syros, depending on the weather and the wishes of the group.
The rugged mountainous island of Amorgos is known as the location of Luc Bresson's film 'The Big Blue'. Amorgos has a history of colonisation and occupation with evidence of a functioning society back as far as 4000 BC. At Katapola, the island's main port, you'll see classic Cycladic architecture with windmills and an old Venetian castle. Stroll the waterfront, explore the ancient Minoan Settlement or visit the village of Hora (Amorgos town) which sits high on the rocky mountainside. Maybe drive up to the 11th-century monastery, Moni Hozoviotissis, built gripping the cliff-face with panoramic views across the Aegean Sea.
Continue to Naxos for more beaches, villages and the fragrant olive groves of Hora (the capital). This place has a colourful mythological history and the Old Town is perfect for a stroll. Follow a pathway up to the impressive Venetian Kastro where mansions, monuments and churches all retain their medieval spirit in a mass of winding laneways. Stop by the old Roman Catholic Cathedral in the square, and the nearby Archaeological Museum which is housed in the former Jesuit School of Commerce. Maybe head into the countryside to see the local rural life, visit one of the oldest temples in Greece and chill out in the hills with lunch at a family tavern. Get a taste of the heady local brew, Kitron (best described as a lemon liquor), and top it off with a walk along the beach.
Sail to the island of Syros, dropping by the Bay of Gaidharos along the way for a swim. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and neo-classical architecture, Syros’ neutral role during the Greek Revolution made it a safe haven for the persecuted. You can catch a bus up the hill to the fortress-like village of Ano Syros and explore the town’s stone archways and narrow alleyways (the views of the Aegean are stunning from up here). Sample authentic Greek food and culture in the capital of Syros and the Cyclades, Ermoupoli, and check out the town hall in the main square.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 5)
Lifting anchor, set off on a short sail to Mykonos, arriving in the late afternoon. This classic Mediterranean island boasts white-washed architecture that clings to the labyrinth of narrow streets and laneways. The hum of the nightlife, cafes, restaurants, galleries and boutiques give way to the island's best sandy beaches. Soak in the atmosphere by joining fellow sun-seekers and party-goers on the beach or take a daytrip to the sacred island of Delos – the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Little Venice has colourful wooden balconies that hang precariously over the sea and this is the perfect spot to sit back with a cocktail and enjoy an Aegean sunset.
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip ends today at around 10 am. There are no activities planned, but it’s recommended you book an extra night's accommodation so you have plenty of time to explore Mykonos.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Grace - Traveled, September 2023
A memorable, jam packed week of sailing! Can’t thank Fotis our trip leader enough for making the experience all it was.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
James - Traveled, September 2023
Absolutely amazing trip I would recommend to anyone, especially to do in September. Not too hot and not too busy. Fotis was an amazing captain and very knowledgeable. Loved it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Timothy - Traveled, September 2023
Four of us rented the entire boat. That coupled with our excellent skipper Lukas created an extraordinary experience in the Greek islands. We would definitely do this again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Gary - Traveled, September 2023
Captain Lukas was fantastic. He is polite, respectful, knowledgeable, and absolutely delightful to be around. We look forward to doing this again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
James - Traveled, September 2023
Orestis (Skipper) made this trip for me. True gentleman, knowledgable, humours and a pleasure to be around. Beautiful islands, great sailing experience. Only issue is the unappeasable guests you could potentially be sailing with.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Justine - Traveled, August 2023
Orestis made our trip unforgettable, an incredible close up view of the islands we would never have seen before. Great trip, albeit you need to remain open minded about living accommodation. One of those trips that get better every day .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2023
Caitlin - Traveled, August 2023
Intrepid, and Orestis the skipper, made this trip a beautifully memorable adventure! I've fallen in love with Greece and can't wait to come back :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2023
Philippa - Traveled, June 2023
The sailing experience around the Cyclades islands of Greece was amazing, the sea the locations the food, the sun and the Skipper George was exceptional everything was amazing, wish I was still there!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
Ashley - Traveled, August 2023
In summary we had a good trip, however it was below our expectations. Organisation of the trip leader and equipment on the boat needed improvement.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
James - Traveled, August 2023
Orestis (Skipper) made this trip for me. True gentleman, knowledgable, humours and a pleasure to be around. Beautiful islands, great sailing experience. Only issue is the unappeasable guests you could potentially be sailing with.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Christine - Traveled, July 2023
Such a wonderful trip where you can experience so much and have a relaxing holiday. Our skipper George was very knowledgeable and great fun, he ensured we got the best from each Island. We had some stunning swim stops and the Islands were wonderful. George took us to, and advised of, great places to visit on the Islands, including best Restaurants. It was a great experience, I highly recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2023
Adam - Traveled, September 2023
Fantastic itinerary with a great group of people from a variety of countries and age groups. Fotis, the skipper, was great, you'd be lucky to have him lead your Cyclades Island trip! What an adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2023
Karen - Traveled, September 2023
This was my first sailing trip ever, I essentially knew nothing about the Greek islands nor what was available on each island. Fotis was great at explaining everything about sailing and what the expectations were . He was an exceptional captain and had a great sense of humor and adaptable to everybody's needs. He gave great recommendations for places to eat and things to do on all the islands. Was a wonderful trip that will never be forgotten!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Charlotte - Traveled, July 2023
Female young solo traveler first intrepid trip: if you are nervous about going with this travel company please don't be. They are legitimate. Amazing trip, we saw 6 islands in 8 days. Was fast adventure, tiny bedrooms so it is like camping. You will be sleeping on the yacht every night. If you want to see the Greek islands I would recommend 10/10. Skipper Georgios FANTASTIC man. Felt so safe, he was beyond helpful and knowledgeable! 11 of us 3 couples, 3 single girls, 2 lady friends. We stopped off at swimming stops. Swam with biolumious plankton, saw dolphins, saw shooting stars, snorkeled, saw loads of Greek culture, couldn't of seen more in the space of 8 days, great trip!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/07/2023
Ashleigh - Traveled, June 2023
Attentiveness and dedication to ensuring our comfort and enjoyment were unparalleled. He effortlessly resolved any minor issues that arose, leaving us free to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. George proved to be a wealth of knowledge and provided excellent recommendations for dining, swimming spots, and must-see sights. Every suggestion he made turned out to be spot on, further enhancing our voyage. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, I highly recommend sailing with intrepid as the ideal way to explore Greece. Looking back, I am grateful for the fantastic trip I had and the lifelong memories it has left me with. Moreover, I was fortunate to have forged meaningful connections with my fellow adventurers, who are now cherished friends. This sailing excursion was nothing short of fantastic, and I can’t recommend it enough for those seeking both relaxation and exploration amidst the breathtaking Greek islands.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/02/2023
06/01/2023 - Traveled, June 2023
The sailing experience around the Cyclades islands of Greece was amazing, the sea the locations the food, the sun and the Skipper George was exceptional everything was amazing, wish I was still there!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
Jay Jay - Traveled, June 2023
Coming from Australia to see the Greek Cyclades by sail boat has always been a dream of mine this trip didn’t disappoint the local guide was charming , knowledgeable and looked after us so well with amazing recommendations and upbeat happy personality. Take my advice and book this !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/02/2023
Pamela - Traveled, June 2023
Do yourself a favour..if you've never experienced sailing before, book in this trip You'll be blown away by 7 days of absolute joy. The Greek Islands will capture a piece of your heart
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/11/2023
Alysha - Traveled, June 2023
It’s an amazing trip, although its close quarters, Fotis was an excellent captain, there were great people and Greece is an amazing country filled with culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2023
Sophie - Traveled, June 2023
This was a trip I will always remember!! Skipper George was super friendly, knowledgeable and made us laugh everyday. The boat quickly became our little home, and the group a little family. Highly recommend this trip!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/15/2023
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