Yacht charter Paros

  By Agathe LAMIGEON

April 28, 2022

Reading time: 10 minutes

Summary

 Practical information for your boat rental from the port of Paros

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from the port of Paros
2. What to do in the town of Parikiá during your yacht charter in Paros?
3. Where to sail during your yacht charter in Paros?
4. The most beautiful anchorages to see during your yacht charter in Paros
5. What activities can you do during your yacht charter in Paros?
6. What sailing itineraries are available with your yacht charter in Paros?
7. What are the weather conditions?

"We had a magical cruise in the Cyclades. The landscapes, the color of the water, the sailing experience, everything came together to make for an unforgettable vacation in the heart of a dream setting," says Étienne, who went on a cruise with Filovent in October on board a Bavaria 42 Cruiser.

According to Greek mythology, Poseidon, the god of the oceans and seas, turned the nymphs into islands after they angered him. This is said to be how the Cyclades were born, known for their white houses, fine sand and sublime turquoise water. The island of Paros is the ideal point of departure for an unforgettable cruise to the heart of this earthly paradise.

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from the port of Paros

What styles of yachts are available for charter?

Choose from among the 476 boats available from Paros. You will find a majority of monohulls (71%) and a selection of catamarans (26%).

"I recommend that you choose a monohull, you'll find it easier to find a berth in the ports!" advises George Kastanas, manager at our partner rental company, Kiriacoulis. Katerina, advisor at our partner rental company, Vernicos Yachts, agrees: "With a monohull, it's always easier to find a place in small ports and bays!"

You can choose to skipper your boat yourself or opt for a professional skipper. Both ways of sailing have their advantages, which I will summarize in the table below.

Average rates according to the season and the size of the boat

The table below gives you a dead reckoning of the prices of yachts for a week's charter. These prices may vary depending on the season, availability, model, age of the yacht, etc.

The port of Paros

Your departure marina is located in Parikiá, which is the main town, but also the cultural and commercial center. You will be well sheltered in the natural and protected bay, to spend the first night of your journey.

This marina, which can accommodate 70 boats, has all the amenities that boaters could want: water, electricity, fuel and toilets. For supplies, a supermarket called"ΕΛΟΜΑΣ"is located a few pitches from the marina. You will have a wider choice atthelarger"Market In", just 10 minutes from the port. Both are open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The most common way to get to the island is by plane. You won't be able to land on Paros directly from France, as it is a regional airport. You will therefore have to make a stopover in Athens. Once at Paros airport, you will be only about twenty minutes by taxi from the marina, for USD27.

Our main local partners

Our main partners on site, but also the most appreciated by our customers are:

• Kiriacoulis is a Greek charter company with a large number of bases in Greece, including Parikiá. This professional charter company has a fleet of 108 boats of all types departing from Paros. It obtained a good score of 14.84/20 from our 1,744 customers who have already set sail on one of their boats.

• Fyly Yachting is a Greek company based in the marina of Paros. Our customers give it an excellent rating of 16.35/20. For a unique experience, board one of their 90 boats departing from Paros, as 120 of our boaters have already done.

• Dynamic Sailing is a small Greek company with a fleet of 11 boats departing from Paros. Eight of our customers have tried the experience, and gave it a nice score of 13.11/20.

• Vernicos Yachts is a Greek rental company with a fleet of 13 boats at its base in Paros. The professionalism of its team earned it a score of 13.33/20, awarded by our 2 customers who have already sailed with them.

The attractive fleet of our rental partner Vernicos Yachts in the port of Paros (photo of Vernicos Yachts) 

 

2. What to do in the town of Parikiá during your yacht charter in Paros?

Paros is one of the largest islands in the Cyclades archipelago. Rich in history, its historical heritage dates back almost 7,000 years! Lovers of mythology will be amazed to discover the many monuments bearing witness to this era.

I recommend visiting the basilica of Panaghia ÉKatontapyliani, a few steps from the marina. This monument of immense splendor is the largest early Christian sanctuary in the Cyclades and the third largest in Greece. Not to be missed! "The town of Parikiá is very pretty and the very old church is superb!" says Etienne, who went on a cruise with Filovent in October. It is open every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and for USD2 you can visit the Byzantine museum. Just opposite, a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Paros is a must. Closed on Tuesdays, observing sarcophagi and old remains from ancient times will only cost you USD3. Enough to keep you busy on your first day of the cruise, before setting sail!

Visit Parikiá on the island of Paros! (YouTube video)

Then lose yourself in the city's sublime cobbled streets, taking a little shade under its beautiful, typical white houses. You will undoubtedly come across many churches, each more magnificent than the last. "The best thing to do is to explore the old town on foot, it's magnificent and very pleasant", advises George Kastanas, manager at Kiriacoulis.

Admire a magnificent sunset sitting on the beach of Santa Maria. Arrive early before nightfall to enjoy the spectacle of colors, between the corals and the golden sand. To end the evening, head tothe "Pirate Bar"for its original atmosphere and excellent cocktails at a reasonable price.

Before setting sail, I strongly recommend you have breakfast atthe Symposium Cafe. You will be surprised by the delicious full breakfast for only USD9! What's more, the manager is lovely and the setting is magnificent.

3. Where can you sail during your yacht charter in Paros?

The Cyclades are a real jewel of Greece. White houses, narrow cobbled streets, turquoise water and hidden coves: welcome to the paradise of the Aegean Sea. Unfortunately, it will be impossible for you to discover all the islands in one go, even over several visits, as there are more than 250 islands and islets! Of these, only 24 are inhabited.

For a week's sailing, I recommend you visit 5 islands, as the sailing trips are quite long: about 20 miles a day, or 4 hours. So I have made a top 5 of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades, based on the favorites of yachtsmen who have sailed in the region!

The Cyclades, a little Greek paradise! (YouTube video)

Paros and Antiparos

Before setting off in the open sea, take a tour of the magnificent island of Paros, in the center of the Cyclades archipelago. Originally known for its marble, which is said to have been used to sculpt the famous Venus de Milo, this island is perfect for a relaxing and peaceful vacation. You will find picturesque, typically Greek villages, with cobbled streets and white houses.

After touring your departure city, I recommend you go to the island's second largest city, Naoussa. "You'll find lots of places to have a drink and a bite to eat; it's a small, picturesque village. In general, we recommend Parikia for young people under 20, and Naoussa for those over 20," Katerina tells me. The best place to quench your thirst and have a good meal is theFotis All Day Bar.Facing the sea, you can sip cocktails and eat excellent food at a reasonable price.

A second unmissable town on the island is Lefkés. It is the highest village on the island, so you will have an incredible panorama of the surroundings that will take your breath away!

For swimming in an idyllic setting, I recommend the beaches of Monastiri and Kolymbithres!

Take the opportunity to stop off on the islandof Antiparos, right next to the previous one. There you can admire the oldest stalagmite in Europe in Katafygi Cave, open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy this unique experience for only USD5!

Mykonos

Is there any island better known for partying than Mykonos? Come and dance the night away in the"city that never stands still". Numerous renowned DJs and musicians, such as David Guetta, go there every year to get a crowd of tourists in search of entertainment dancing. You can enjoy good music at night in clubs, such asthe "Astra" in the town of Mykonos, but also during the day in beach clubs, such as"Super Paradise Beach".

Aside from its very festive atmosphere, the island is nonetheless full of charm, as it has retained its typical Cycladic appearance, with cobbled streets and white houses. The capital, Chora, is very picturesque with its colorful pulpits and the many bougainvillea that adorn its streets. Another place worth visiting is Alefkandra. Nicknamed "Little Venice", its houses overlooking the sea offer a magical setting. I recommend having a drink on the terrace at the side of the boat atthe "Rhapsody Bar".

Mykonos is also known for its 16 well-preserved white windmills. Try to find them all! If you are looking for peace and quiet, the tranquil beaches of Mykonos, Capari and Agios Sostis are ideal for a romantic getaway.

Santorini

The island of Santorini is the star of the Cyclades, and therefore a must-see during your cruise. It is known for being very touristy and therefore very crowded, but believe me, it is worth the detour!

The pretty white houses and blue-domed churches are perched on the heights shaped by the volcano. Very unusual! I recommend climbing to the top of the Caldeira bay, the view is magical. I also recommend visiting the villages of Fira, the capital, andOia, at the northern tip of the island. This is certainly the place from which you can see the most beautiful sunsets in the Cyclades.

For a little culture, head to the archaeological siteof Akrotiri, one of the most important in Greece. You can explore numerous ancient Greek ruins for USD5.

For a unique experience, far from the crowds, I recommend Red Beach, a magnificent beach of red sand surrounded by cliffs. Other beaches that are only accessible by sea and therefore less crowded are Black Beach and White Beach.

Delos

 According to Greek mythology, the island of Delos is the birthplace of Artemis and

According to Greek mythology, the island of Delos is the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Steeped in history, it will delight fans of antiquity with its famous archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have the honor of discovering intact and untouched ruins for the sum of USD12.

This historical treasure forbids anyone from spending the night there and therefore remains a very calm and peaceful destination. There is neither a hotel nor a tourist tax. You can just continue on your way to the sacred lake, the sanctuary of Apollo and the temple of Dionysus. The best way to observe its nature is to tour Delos by boat.

Milos

 The last island in this top 5 is the volcanic island of Milos. Known for

The last island in this top 5 is the volcanic island of Milos. It is known for its Roman theater in which a local found the Venus de Milo in 1820. Hence its name! Boaters looking for beautiful anchorages and tranquility will be in their element! Only half of the island is accessible by land, so it is mainly discovered by sea.

Everywhere you go, you will find extraordinary geological landscapes. "Milos offers beautiful views in a magnificent environment. It's my favorite!" George told me.

History buffs will love visiting pirate haunts like the iconic Kleftikos, a former pirate lair. I recommend you go to the sublime Firopotamos beach and climb to the top of the cliff to look out over it. You'll thank me for the tip!

Finally, Sarakiniko is an unmissable part of the island that you will have seen on many postcards. Take your best dive from the top of these strangely shaped white cliffs and swim in the turquoise waters. Be careful! Don't go there in flip-flops, it's very slippery.

The legendary Sarakiniko beach on Milos (YouTube video)

4. The most beautiful anchorages to see during your yacht charter in Paros

The bay of Caldeira

Bordered by the various islands of the Santorini archipelago, Caldeira Bay is a magnificent anchorage with splendid turquoise water and a breathtaking view of the cliffs. It was formed on a giant volcanic crater measuring several kilometers in diameter.

Vathi

The anchorage of Vathi on the island of Sifnos is Katerina's favorite. "It's a protected gulf, with taverns and of course a place where you can swim! The food in Sifnos is incredible. I'll tell you a story. Our greatest and most famous chef, Mr . Tselementes, was born in Sifnos!", Katerina tells me.

The charming anchorage of Vathi on Sifnos (YouTube video)

Otzias Bay

Located in the north of the island of Kea, Otzias Bay is a perfect anchorage for families looking for peace and quiet. You will be well protected from the wind, the beach is easily accessible, and the restaurant"Otzias Kouzina" offers good food at reasonable prices, facing the sea.

Irakleia

George's favorite is the anchorageat Irakleia on the islandof Iraklia: "It's a very calm and peaceful anchorage with beautiful turquoise water." It is also considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in Greece! You have to tie yourself to the rocks in this small anchorage where only one or two boats can be anchored. Tranquillity guaranteed!

5. What activities can you do during your yacht charter in Paros?

Hiking

The island of Sifnos is a hiker's paradise, with over 100 kilometers of trails. Don't worry, there's something for everyone, whatever your level! I can recommend two: theArtemonas trail, which passes by the monastery of Poulati, and the Apollonia trail, which crosses Mount Prophitis Ilias.

The island of Sifnos offers some great hiking opportunities (YouTube video)

"We rented a car for only USD40 a day on the island of Sifnos. We drove to the capital, Apollonia, in the middle of the island. We really enjoyed walking there, especially as we were in the middle of the national holiday celebrations! We watched a beautiful brass band, a children's parade, and even the mayor's speech. It was a great memory!", Etienne tells me.

"We really enjoyed walking around the towns, we were fascinated by the beautiful marble pavements. The terrain is quite hilly so it's quite a workout!" he adds. "We climbed the equivalent of 450 steps up to the church at the top of Syros, the capital of the Cyclades. It's worth the detour, the view is absolutely magnificent."

Kitesurfing and windsurfing

For thrill seekers, the Cyclades are known for kitesurfing and windsurfing. I recommend having fun with the wind on Corfos beach on the island of Mykonos.

Diving

The seabed of the Cyclades is of a supernatural beauty. There are many possibilities and places to observe the marine flora and fauna, so I am going to recommend 4 that I think are the most unmissable.

The Deep Blue Wall, on the island of Amorgos, is a unique experience. You will start the dive by descending along a wall until you come face to face with an ancient amphora that belonged to a ship that sank during the Battle of Amorgos. At a depth of 50 meters, you can even access a cave! Diving in the cave on the island of Santorini is done in a splendid setting. You will find a multitude of caves to explore. There is also Tripiti and its cavern on the island of Paros, and Paradise Reef in Mykonos for diving enthusiasts.

Short diving session in Amorgos (YouTube video)

6. What sailing itinerary should you follow when you go on your yacht charter in Paros?

One-week sailing itinerary in the Cyclades from Paros

Here is a pleasant sailing itinerary from Paros. I have taken particular care to include the places that are a must-see in the Cyclades. Night-time anchorages are in ports or on the lee side when coming from the north. This itinerary is perfect if you want a cultural vacation and have time to enjoy each anchorage!

Total distance traveled: 117 miles

• Day 1: Parikiá on Paros → Ornos Beach on Mykonos (23 miles - 4 hours)
• Day 2: Ornos Beach on Mykonos → Port of Delos (5 miles - 1 hour)
• Day 3: Port of Delos → Ermoupoli on Syros (15 miles - 3 hours)
• Day 4: Ermoúpoli on Syros → Livadi on Serifos (30 miles - 6 hours)
• Day 5: Livadi on Serifos → Marina Platis Gialos on Sifnos (19 miles - 4 hours)
• Day 6: Platis Gialos Marina on Sifnos → Parikiá on Paros (25 miles - 5 hours)

DAY 1: Let's start this cruise with a festive touch on Mykonos!

Parikiá on Paros → Megali Ammos Bay on Mykonos → Ornos Beach on Mykonos (23 miles - 4 hours)

We begin our beautiful cruise on magnificent turquoise water heading for the iconic Mykonos. We decide to anchor the boat for the day in Megali Ammos Bay, right next to the pretty"Little Venice". It gets its name from the houses overlooking the sea, similar to the charming Italian city. We also have a magnificent view of the island's famous white windmills. We decide to leave our dinghy on the small beach and set off to explore the city center, which is just a stone's throw away. Before leaving, we enjoy a nice swim and go to quench our thirst on the terrace of the"Rhapsody Bar", in a superb setting facing the sea. At the end of the afternoon, we head forOrnos Beach, a lively bay well protected from the wind at night. We didn't want to leave Mykonos without experiencing its famous nightlife, so we spent the evening at"Pasaji", a beachside bar with a great atmosphere serving excellent cocktails at a very good price.

DAY 2: After the party, a little culture on Delos

Ornos Beach on Mykonos → Port of Delos (5 miles - 1 hour)

We decide to go to bed not too late, so that we can get up early enough the next day to visit the archaeological site of Delos. We anchor our boat in the port of Delos, as close as possible to the site, and it's a good thing we arrived early, as there is only room for three or four boats! On the other hand, it's a good thing, as we have the place to ourselves for the day. The first tourist ferry arrives at 8:30 a.m., and the site opens at 8 a.m., so I advise you to arrive a little before opening to be able to enjoy the visit on your own for a while. It will cost you USD12 at full price, and tickets can be purchased on site. We spent the day visiting the island's historical sites. In the evening, we decide to stay and sleep on the quay because a long voyage awaits us the next day.

DAY 3: A stopover on Syros to discover the capital of the Cyclades

Port of Delos → Holy Triad → Ermoupoli on Syros (15 miles - 3 hours)

The next morning, we made a stopover on the island of Rineia in a very beautiful anchorage to the north, calledHoly Triad. We took the opportunity to swim and had lunch in the sun on the pontoon of our boat, we were alone in the world! At the end of the afternoon, we headed for the portof Ermoúpoli on Syros. This large city is nothing like other Greek cities and does not have the same charm. We strolled through the lower town, in the midst of its neoclassical architecture, then climbed one of the two twin hills, named after Saint George, to admire the sun setting on the horizon. We were pleasantly surprised to find Cycladic architecture up there! We decided to spend the night there to be well protected from the wind, but also to stock up on water and electricity as well as food atthe "Lidl"in the port.

DAY 4: Diving session at Finikas beach!

Ermoúpoli on Syros → Finikas on Syros → Livadi on Serifos (30 miles - 6 hours)

The next morning we set sail for Finikas beach fairly early. We came acrossthe "Syros Diving Center"next to the beach and wanted to go diving around the island. It was a great experience! In addition to offering organized excursions, you can also rent equipment from them if you are a diving enthusiast. After a good meal and a siesta on deck, we set off on a long sail towards Serifos. In the evening, we chose the sheltered cove of Livadi to spend the night. We walked to the magnificent town of Chora and its pretty white windmills, typical of the Cyclades. The view from up there is spectacular!

DAY 5: Gastronomic stopover on Sifnos

Livadi on Serifos → Vathi Beach on Sifnos → Marina Platis Gialos on Sifnos (19 miles - 4 hours)

The next day we set off for Sifnos! We choose to anchor boats for the day at Vathi Beach, a protected gulf with tavernas and of course a place to swim! I strongly recommend that you don't arrive too late so that you have time to take the well-beaconed hike, which offers extraordinary points of view. Small mini-markets are not far away for any last-minute purchases. Sifnos is known for its great cuisine, so we succumbed by going to dinner at"Okeanida", where we tasted incredible Greek dishes with our feet in the water. In the evening, we head to Platis Gialos marina for the night, but also to stock up on water and electricity, as well as food at the"Platis Gialos" supermarket, a stone's throw from the port. It's our last evening, so we decide to have a last drink together atthe "Lazarou Beach Restaurant-Bar". It is located on a small hidden beach at the end of the port. We drank a nice cocktail on the large terrace and took a dip before going to sleep from the small pontoon.

DAY 6: A final cultural stopover on Antiparos before returning to our starting point

Platis Gialos Marina on Sifnos → Despotiko on Antiparos → Parikia on Paros (25 miles - 5 hours)

It's time to return to our starting point! The crossing promises to be long, so we decide to leave fairly early in the morning, and to make a stopover in Despotiko on Antiparos. We visit the sanctuary of Apollo and Artemis and have lunch in the excellent tavern"Captain Pipinos", serving the best grilled octopus in Greece! At the end of the afternoon, we set off in the direction of Paros, our minds full of memories, in a hurry to return to the Cyclades!

7. What are the weather conditions?

Don't forget to bring your sunscreen! You can expect lots of sunshine, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C from June to September. You'll also have the pleasure of swimming in water that's over 20°C until October.

I recommend that you get your tickets for September or October. As it is the post-season, charters are less expensive, and the Cyclades are much less crowded! Similarly, the weather is still pleasant and you can enjoy a warm swim.

Beware of the winds, even for the most skilled sailors among you! The Meltemi wind, coming from the north, can be extremely strong in the Cyclades. It often blows at a speed of more than 30 knots, or 60 kilometers per hour! Boaters coming in the off-season will be protected from the very windy periods of July and August.

"For a better sailing experience, it's best to set off in either June or September. There is less wind than in July and August, when the Meltemi blows very strongly", George advises me. Katerina agrees with the Greek rental company: "We suggest sailing to Paros in June and after September 15th. There is no Meltemi wind at this time and there are fewer people everywhere."

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Etienne and Philippe for their testimonies, which have helped to give authenticity to the article. Many thanks also to George and Katerina for their valuable professional advice.