Small Cyclades Sailing Trip with Lunch from Naxos

Naxos Town Waterfront and the Portara

Your day begins on the waterfront of Naxos town, the lively harbour promenade known as Paralia. Before boarding, look north to the Portara, the giant marble doorway of an unfinished Temple of Apollo from the 6th century BC, standing on the islet of Palatia at the harbour entrance. Behind the port, the white houses of the old town climb to the Venetian Kastro, the castle quarter built in the 13th century.

As the yacht leaves the harbour, you get the classic view of Naxos from the sea: the Portara, the Kastro hill and the island's mountains rising behind. The meeting time is 08:30, and getting there is easy from most hotels in Naxos town, Agios Georgios and Agios Prokopios by taxi or a short walk. Arrive a few minutes early so the skipper can welcome you, explain the day's route and settle everyone on deck.

The Unspoilt South Coast of Naxos

South of the busy beaches, the coastline of Naxos turns wild and empty. The yacht sails past long sandy bays and the low dunes of the south-west, then towards remote rocky coves that are hard to reach by road, where the water shifts from deep blue to bright turquoise over pale sand. Mount Zas, the highest peak of the Cyclades at just over a thousand metres, watches over the island from inland.

This stretch is ideal for the first swim of the day. Your skipper chooses the most sheltered cove according to the wind, drops anchor, and you can jump in, snorkel along the rocks or simply relax on the cushioned deck. Many visitors ask whether a Small Cyclades sailing trip from Naxos is worth it: this quiet coast, with no crowds and no road noise, is a big part of the answer.

Iraklia, the Gateway to the Small Cyclades

Iraklia is the largest of the Small Cyclades, a hilly island with a tiny port at Agios Georgios, a few hamlets and paths across rocky slopes scented with thyme. Its best-known sight on land is a large cave with stalactites in the hills, while around its coast you find sheltered bays such as Alimia, with clear water and a sandy seabed perfect for snorkelling.

On this trip the yacht usually anchors in a peaceful bay of Iraklia for a long swim and lunch, depending on the wind. A freshly cooked meal is served on board with salads, snacks and seasonal fruit, and vegetarian preferences can be requested. Travellers who want a Small Cyclades day trip from Naxos without the busy ferries will love this rhythm: swim, eat, rest in the sun and swim again before sailing on.

Schoinoussa and the Quiet Islets

Close to Iraklia lies Schoinoussa, one of the smallest inhabited islands of the Cyclades, with a little harbour at Mersini, a hilltop village and beaches of fine sand reached by dirt tracks. Nearby are the islets of Koufonisia and the protected, uninhabited island of Keros, an important archaeological site of the early Cycladic civilisation that can only be admired from the water.

The afternoon is usually spent around these islets, with another swim stop and snorkelling over rocks where small fish gather. Then the yacht turns north and sails back to Naxos town, often with the sails up and the engine off when the breeze is right. The best time to visit the Small Cyclades is from June to September; in July and August the meltemi wind can be strong, so the skipper adapts the route for comfort and safety.

Life on Board: Semi-Private and Private Sailing

The yacht is a 49-foot sailing boat with a large cushioned deck and shaded corners, kept spotless and fully fuelled for the day. In the default semi-private option, you share it with a small group of no more than nine guests, so there is always space to lie in the sun or sit in the shade. The atmosphere is calm and the trip is designed for adults only.

If you prefer the whole yacht for your party, choose the private option: the skipper plans the route and the swim stops around your wishes, and lunch is served just for you. It is an excellent choice for couples celebrating a special occasion or for friends travelling together. In both options, snorkelling equipment, lunch, snacks, fruit, soft drinks and water are included; bring your own towel and sunscreen.