A seven-day loop from Athens (Alimos) to Mykonos and back usually runs through Kea and Syros on the way out, spends two days around Mykonos with a visit to Delos, and returns through Tinos, Kythnos and Cape Sounion. June and September are usually easier than July and August, when the meltemi wind is strongest. The captain sets the distances, timings and weather alternatives.
At a glance
| The idea | A loop from Athens (Alimos marina) out to Mykonos and back through the western Cyclades |
| The islands | Kea, Syros, Mykonos and Delos, Tinos, Kythnos, Cape Sounion |
| Best months | June and September, when the meltemi wind is usually gentler than in July and August |
| Who decides the plan | The captain: navigable distances, timings and weather alternatives |
| A published rate we read | A 19 m power catamaran, June: €40,500 a week, on a sheet labelled 2026 |
| The one thing to check | Whether the yacht can get a Mykonos berth on your dates, and the return deadline on the last day |
How to read this itinerary
This is an illustrative island sequence, not a sailing plan. The captain must set navigable distances, timings and weather alternatives for your yacht and your dates. The order below works in settled weather; in a strong meltemi it may change, and some days may be spent in harbour.
The meltemi is the strong northerly wind of the Aegean summer. Sailing Issues describes it as blowing hardest in July and August, often from early afternoon until sunset, and funnelling between some of the islands. Sheltered anchorages reduce the wind but do not guarantee a comfortable sea.
The island sequence
| Night | Where | What it is known for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kea (Vourkari) | The closest Cycladic island to Athens; waterfront tavernas, the hill town of Ioulida |
| 2 | Syros (Ermoupoli) | The Cyclades' capital: neoclassical mansions, a marble square, the Apollo Theatre |
| 3 | Mykonos | Little Venice and Chora |
| 4 | Mykonos, south coast | Delos by tour boat in the morning; an anchorage on the south side |
| 5 | Tinos | The Church of Panagia Evangelistria; the marble village of Pyrgos |
| 6 | Kythnos (Kolona) | A sandbar beach joining Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas |
| 7 | Back to Athens, via Cape Sounion | A swim below the Temple of Poseidon before the return |
Check your contract for the last night and the disembarkation deadline: many charters end the evening before disembarkation day, with guests ashore by a set time the next morning.
The islands, in order
Kea. Board at Alimos and cross past Cape Sounion to Kea. Vourkari bay has waterfront tavernas; Ioulida is a short taxi ride up the hill.
Syros. A morning swim off Kea, then on to Syros. Ermoupoli is a working town, a contrast with the resort islands.
Mykonos. Berths are booked through the Mykonos Port Fund, only for arrivals within the next 30 days, and are not guaranteed. Yachts under 25 m use the new port at Tourlos; motor yachts over 25 m use the old port in Chora, where sailing yachts are not allowed (Port Fund rules as reported in July 2026). The Port Fund also sets arrival times and movement controls. Your captain arranges all of this.
Delos. The sacred island of ancient Greece and a UNESCO site. Guests usually cross on the licensed tour boats from Mykonos, and overnight stays on the island are not allowed. In 2026 entry was €20 (reduced €10), with longer opening hours in early September than later in the season (Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades); check the opening times for 2027 before you go. A private landing from the yacht needs permission. Go early: there is little shade.
Tinos. The island of pilgrimage, quieter and cheaper ashore than Mykonos. Visit the Panagia Evangelistria above the harbour, then Pyrgos inland.
Kythnos. At Kolona a sandbar joins Kythnos to Agios Loukas, with a beach on each side. In strong wind the captain chooses where to stop.
Cape Sounion and Athens. Anchor below the Temple of Poseidon for a swim, then return to Alimos.
What a week costs
D2 is a 19 m Fountaine Pajot Power 67 power catamaran with 4 cabins and 4 crew, based in Greece. Its published June rate is €40,500 a week, on a rate sheet labelled 2026, with an APA of 30% stated in the listing (Goolets, read 29 October 2026).
Illustration: eight guests on D2 in June
| Line | Assumption | € |
|---|---|---|
| Charter fee | Published June rate (2026 sheet) | 40,500 |
| APA | 30% of the fee, as listed | 12,150 |
| Crew tip | 10% to 15% of the fee | 4,050–6,075 |
| Illustrative funding before VAT | 56,700–58,725 |
That is before VAT, Delos entry and the tour boat, and any delivery charge. The VAT rate for this yacht and itinerary is not shown in the listing, so ask for it in writing. The APA is reconciled with receipts: a power catamaran that moves every day uses more fuel than a sailing catamaran, so ask what similar weeks spent. See how much a crewed yacht charter costs in Greece and what APA covers.
What to ask your broker
- Can the yacht get a Mykonos berth on our dates, or will we anchor off?
- What will you do if the meltemi is strong on the open-water days?
- Is the last night aboard included, and by when must we be ashore?
- Would a one-way week starting or ending in Mykonos suit us better?
- Which VAT rate applies to this charter, and on what basis?
- How much fuel did similar weeks use?
When this is not the right choice
- You want short hops and calm water in August. The Saronic islands from Athens are usually an easier week.
- Your group only wants Mykonos. A one-way or Mykonos-based week avoids the long open-water days.
- Anyone gets seasick. Choose June or September; see the best time for a yacht charter in Greece.
Questions people ask
How far is Mykonos from Athens by yacht?
It is a crossing of the central Aegean that most crews split over two or three days via Kea and Syros. Your captain gives the navigable distance and the timings for your yacht and the conditions on the day.
Can a private yacht anchor at Delos?
Guests normally visit Delos on the licensed tour boats from Mykonos, and overnight stays on the island are not allowed. A private landing from the yacht needs permission. In 2026 entry was €20, reduced €10.
Is seven days enough for Athens to Mykonos and back?
Yes, in settled weather, but two of the days are long open-water passages. If you want more time on islands, a one-way week starting or ending in Mykonos cuts the longest crossings.
Which month is best for this route?
June or September. In July and August the meltemi is usually at its strongest in the afternoons, which makes the open crossings rougher and the Mykonos harbours busier.
Sources
- Sailing Issues, Meltemi winds explained, read 29 Oct 2026
- my-sea, Mykonos 2026 yacht berths: online reservation (Mykonos Port Fund rules, updated 17 July 2026), read 29 Oct 2026
- Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, opening hours and admission 2026 (Delos), read 29 Oct 2026
- Greek City Times, Visiting Delos (boat access, no overnight stays), read 29 Oct 2026
- Goolets, D2 (19 m Fountaine Pajot Power 67), rate sheet labelled 2026, APA 30%, read 29 Oct 2026
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