The route
Departed Alimos Marina, Athens, late Saturday afternoon; returned the following Friday evening. Six island stops, ~150 NM of sailing, the right mix of culture and coastline.
Day 1 · SatAlimos → Poros30 NM. Sunset sail across the Saronic Gulf. Cocktails by the clocktower.
Day 2 · SunPoros → Hydra15 NM. No-cars island, dramatic stone mansions. Anchored off, tender ashore.
Day 3 · MonHydra → Kythnos30 NM. First taste of the Cyclades. Kolona sandbar swim stop. Hot springs at night.
Day 4 · TueKythnos → Syros28 NM. Ermoupoli’s neoclassical squares. Live music. Rooftop bars.
Day 5 · WedSyros → Kea40 NM. Vourkari harbour. Fresh fish, white wine, locals not tourists.
Day 6 · ThuKea → Cape Sounion25 NM. Lunch + swim under the Temple of Poseidon. Sunset on anchor.
Day 7 · FriReturn to Alimos10 NM. Easy final leg. Big dinner at Kalamaki Marina tavernas.
The boat
An Oceanis 46.1, 4-cabin, twin helms, full-batten main, self-tacking jib. Comfortable at anchor, sociable underway. Up to 8 guests around a generous cockpit. Full air conditioning at the dock, a galley that took the abuse, indoor + outdoor spaces that earned their keep at sundowner hour.
What worked
- The route shape. Saronic for the gentle start, Cyclades for the drama, Cape Sounion for the postcard finale. We never sailed more than 40 NM in a day.
- Group of eight. Big enough for two dinner tables. Small enough to fit in one Hydra taverna.
- The hot springs at Loutra, Kythnos. Soaking under stars after a long day. Genuinely unforgettable.
- Cape Sounion under sail. The Temple of Poseidon on the headland, sails up, late afternoon light. Best moment of the week.
- Fancy dress night. Held the line. Will hold the line on every trip going forward.
Lessons we’re taking forward
- Pack lighter. The boat has stowage but eight bags compound quickly.
- Build in a quiet day. Day 4 should have been a half-day. Was not.
- Wine. More. Not less.
What’s next
Sicily ’26 is taking cabins now. The Kavala trip (Greece, all-genders-excluding-men) is gathering interest. BVI ’27 is on the slate. Anchor your boots on whichever fits.
