• Santorini is essentially what remained after an enormous volcanic eruption. When looking at a map, or better said a chart (as we are sailors), a giant central rectangular lagoon can be seen. The size of it is about 12 by 7 km. Santorini is worldwide known for famous breathtaking views and sunsets. We’ll try to arrange the schedule in a manner which will allow you to visit Oia at sunset. It is said to be the most beautiful place in the world to enjoy the sunset.

Lucky us, the second half of August is the celebration of the volcano’s eruption. As a volcanic island, Santorini has many different beaches, red sanded ones like Akrotiri or black sanded ones on the east coast.

Santorini is a trendy island and will keep on being so, given the ease of access. Santorini is just the start or the end, depending on the week you book.

• Naxos is the largest among the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea. It is popular for it’s beautiful beaches and we are lucky that we can reach some of the ones which are accessible only by boat. If you are into windsurfing, there are some popular spots, like Mikri in Vila. Like many Greek islands, olive trees can be found and some local manufacturers will sell the olive oil they produce. It is funny how the taste of the oil can be so different than the one we find in a supermarket.

Mount Zeus is the highest one in the Cyclades and with rented scooters and cars we’ll be able to have fun driving up the curvy roads in pursuit of the perfect spot for an ideal landscape.

The capital hosts the citadel, the famous landmark which also helps us navigate as it is visible for miles.

• Ios Yes Ios and has nothing to do with iOS from Apple. It is a Greek island in the Cyclades and famous for wonderful beaches, picturesque village of Chora and just as well for nightlife. What we love about Ios is that beach parties start midday and last till early hours. It has great places to relax and you can choose what to do no matter your mood. If you feel like partying you’re in the right place and if you feel like exploring or relaxing, it can be done just as well. The village of Chora may be the most picturesque village in all the Cyclades offering unbelievable views from  its highest point.

• Amorgos, the home island of ‘The Big Blue’, is the most easterly point in our journey. The movie ‘The Big Blue’, starring Jean Reno and directed by Luc Besson is legendary and it was shot in Amorgos. Interesting enough, the scenery hasn’t changed that much since 1988.

Besides the experience of visiting the exact same places where the movie was shot, Amorgós is one of the most impressive Cycladic islands. It has a steep rocky terrain, marvellous beaches with azure waters, gorgeous caves, ideal spots for diving and scenic bays which are accessible for us, sailors 😉 Amorgos is definitely one of the highlights of the week.

• Small Cyclades

It is said that Greece has 6.000 islands and only a little over 200 are inhabited. It is clear why Greece is a major holiday destination and one of Europe’s favourites. Supposing you’ve partied in Mykonos and enjoyed famous sunsets in Oia, something different can be offered by the Small Cyclades. Even if not many know of these hiddens gems, The Small Cyclades are among Greece’s smallest inhabited islands. On our way to and from Mykonos, in the south of Naxos we’ll pass by them.

For me, islands which aren’t really accessible are ideal and this is because I have the sailing opportunity. I could say that Small Cyclades are as accessible as Kastos, in the Ionian Sea (also a lovely secluded island). It is less an insider secret than it used to be, but still, due to the difficulty in reaching these islands by the average tourist there is still an untouched beauty and charm. Everything is simple and calm and one could find a parallel with the italian ‘dolce far niente’.

• Mykonos or better said The Greek Ibiza or The Island of the Winds, is very well known for its cosmopolitan nightlife. Mykonos is really popular for everybody who is interested in summer party holidays.

Mykonos is a tiny island but its reputation is worldwide known for sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and peaceful surroundings. So, it is not only about party and nightlife. We’ll have a choice of our own for having a good time.

According to Lonely Planet, ‘the high-season mix of hedonistic holidaymakers, cruise-ship crowds (which can reach 15,000 a day) and posturing fashionistas throngs Mykonos Town (aka Hora), a traditional whitewashed Cycladic maze, delighting in its authentic cubist charms and its chichi cafe-bar-boutique scene’.