Cruises & Activities
Always-unique cruises through the Cyclades, and a wealth of activities
Santorini and the west
Paros -> Ios -> Santorin -> Folegandros -> Polyaigos -> Kimolos -> Syfnos -> Despotiko -> Antiparos
What is a cruise route?
On average 7 islands to discover and plenty to do on board.
Here are some example routes:
Activities at Sea
A route from island to island, from anchorage to anchorage…
The destinations of a cruise through the Cyclades
Our route is never fixed: it adapts to the weather, to the crew’s energy and to whatever wins their hearts. With more than 30 islands within sailing reach, the possibilities are endless. Sailing also means knowing how to let yourself be surprised: an archaeological site to explore, an encounter with dolphins or a turtle, a secret bay to discover… Each day invents itself according to what the sea and the Cyclades offer us. It’s often the wind and the mood of the moment that trace our course.
The main activity: sailing itself
No obligations, only possibilities: join in the manoeuvres or simply enjoy the journey, lulled by the wind and the waves. The skipper adapts his role to your wishes: instructor for beginners, captain for passengers who prefer to let themselves be carried along, or simply a shipmate for experienced sailors (more about the skipper).
With 3 headsails and a gaff mainsail, Venus is demanding, all the more so as everything is manual. She is a technical, responsive yacht, built for those who love to feel the boat come alive. Every leg between the islands can become a learning session or a sporting challenge (more about the boat).
But no pressure: the skipper can handle it all single-handed if you’d rather relax, watch the dolphins or simply take in the scenery. Venus adapts to your pace – whether you’re here to learn, to lend a hand or simply to let yourself be carried along. Learn the knots, the manoeuvres, and how to make a yacht move through the water.
Open-water swimming
In the Cyclades, swimming isn’t just a sport: it’s a sensory experience. The water, a deep and crystal-clear blue, invites you to trace lines between the rocks, and the Mediterranean’s high salinity keeps you wonderfully buoyant. Whether for an invigorating morning swim, a crossing between two coves or simply the pleasure of feeling the Aegean wrap around you, open-water swimming here takes on an almost meditative dimension. The crew keeps an eye on you and your loved ones, for swimming in complete safety.
Where to swim like a god (or a goddess)? ✔ Kolymbithres beach on Paros (shallow waters, sculpted rocks) ✔ The coves of Polyaigos (turquoise waters, all but deserted) ✔ Livadi bay on Serifos (fine sand, calm waters, ideal for lengths) ✔ The sea caves of Kimolos (swimming between the walls, an underwater play of light)
Tips for an unforgettable swim:
- Choose the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) and swim from the boat, away from the beaches and the crowds, to enjoy the turquoise water to the full.
- Minimal kit: fins, mask and snorkel to watch the seabed are all on board Venus.
Paddleboarding & Snorkelling
You don’t need to be a seasoned freediver to enjoy the seabeds of the Cyclades! Paddleboarding and snorkelling are the perfect ways to explore the turquoise coves, the underwater caves and the reefs.
Ideal spots for paddleboarding: ✔ The coves of Iraklia (an encounter with seals if you’re lucky) ✔ Kleftiko bay on Milos (paddle between cliffs sculpted by erosion)
Best snorkelling spots: ✔ The Amorgos wreck (shallow waters, the wreck of the Olympia, an icon of the film The Big Blue) ✔ The blue cave of Milos (a breathtaking underwater play of light) ✔ The reefs of Donoussa (corals, moray eels and sometimes even turtles!)
Freediving
Here, the sea isn’t just a backdrop: it’s a playground for adventure. With water at 25–28°C and visibility beyond 25 metres, the Cyclades are a paradise for freedivers… and thrill-seekers alike.
Legendary spots: ✔ The vertical drop-offs of Folegandros (constant weight at 50m+) ✔ The wrecks of Milos (free immersion through the thermoclines, 25–35m) ✔ The sea caves of Santorini (monofin exploration)
Activities Ashore
A cultural route, with island-visiting activities. On the programme: Greek civilisation & history, gastronomy and wild nature.
Wild nature
White marble cliffs, secret coves where time stands still, arid hills scented with thyme and capers… The Cyclades unfold a raw nature, sculpted by wind and salt. Here, no frills: just the essentials – rock, sea and sky.
Not to be missed: ✔ The lunar landscapes of Milos (extinct volcanoes, sulphur beaches) ✔ The gorges of Amorgos, where the blue of the sea contrasts with the ochre of the cliffs ✔ The nature reserves of Serifos, between Mediterranean scrub and deserted coves
Hiking
The Cyclades aren’t only about the sea: they’re also trails that wind between white villages, isolated chapels and breathtaking viewpoints. Perfect for stretching your legs before sunset.
Must-do routes: ✔ The ancient path of Amorgos (10 km, 360° views over the Aegean) ✔ The cliffs of Santorini (the Fira-to-Oia hike, between vineyards and caldera) ✔ The mountains of Naxos (the climb up Mount Zas, the highest in the Cyclades)
Archaeology
The Cyclades aren’t just a postcard backdrop: they tell 7,000 years of history. From the first Neolithic civilisations to Venetian remains, by way of the Greek temples, each island is an open book.
Sites to explore: ✔ Delos (the sacred island of Apollo, cradle of mythology) ✔ Akrotiri on Santorini (the “Greek Pompeii”, a Minoan town frozen in lava) ✔ The sanctuary of Apollo on Despotiko (one of the most important in Greece) ✔ The Venetian fortress of Naxos (a blend of Byzantine and Italian architecture)
Gastronomy
Between land and sea, the Cyclades are a treat: goat’s cheeses, grilled fish and mineral white wines, a cuisine where every mouthful tells a story. We know all the best addresses for diving into the local cooking.
Partenaires
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