Celebrated as being the largest island in the sweet Cyclades, Naxos has the charm of being a little off-center of the tourist trail when compared to the likes of Santorini or Mykonos. But Naxos makes for an amazing anchorage with its atmospheric old town made up of minotaur maze-like streets lined with chic cafes and dreamy bohemian shops. Active charter guests can take the seven villages trail - hiking past donkeys and wildflowers and all the things that make you want to wax lyrical about the Greek countryside. There’s also the chance for wine tasting at local distilleries, admiring ancient temples, stacking up on history at the archeological museum, and blissing out on golden beaches.
Close to Mykonos and a dreamy peaceful spot for a retreat after visiting the party island, Ano Koufonisi is the only inhabited island out of the three Koufonisia islands in the Cyclades. The capital of Hora is a vision of low squat white houses with bright blue shutters, sleepy winding streets, and views of the fishing boats skirting the waters - this is Greece at its most glorious. Be sure to visit the Devil's Eye pool with its natural golden rock frame illuminating the depths of turquoise blue and a popular place for jumping. The beaches on Ano Koufonisi are some of the most mesmerizing you can see in Greece. Idyllic shades of clear blue and pale pink sand sets the scene for whimsical days between yacht and water. Sun seek at the sweetest beaches of Gala, Fanos, and Finikas and celebrate pink tinged sunsets at sky facing taverns.
Another paradise for lovely, fine-sand beaches is Paros, situated south of Mykonos. The quaint little harbour is full of fishermen's houses and Athenian retreats. Paros, much like Mykonos, is a windsurfing paradise and home to windsurfing championships. Travel inland to The Valley of the Butterflies, where you'll see thousands of Tiger Moth butterflies fluttering their wings in summer. Stay on the sister island of Antiparos for a peaceful anchorage, where there are several beaches and a spectacular Cave of Antiparos with its stalactites and stalagmites dating back 45 million years!
Wild, fragrant, and bursting with flavor, Sifnos is known for being one of the prettiest ports of call in the Cyclades. Sifnos is a postcard with its whitewashed buildings, impossibly blue sea, and the sparkle of sunlight hitting already golden-soaked rocks. Charter guests should be sure to explore the stone streets of Kastro and make the short hike to see the enigmatic Church of the Seven Martyrs. This white-washed, blue-top tiny church sitting precariously at the edge of a cliff has become a poster child for the ancient charm of Greece. The seafood and mezze here are spectacular, with fresh calamari and octopus bruschetta, which are a must while watching a sunset of dizzying color.
As one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades chain, you get all the best parts crammed into one charming corner when it comes to Syros. Pastel shades, blooming bougainvillea, and crystal clear waters set the scene for a pretty port of call that is quite cosmopolitan. Charter guests can explore Ermoupoli - known as the queen of the cycles, this bustling town is all architectural grace and gleaming marble. Above the town, the Agios Georgios Cathedral is well worth the walk to see the 13th-century citadel complete with sweeping views. Beach lovers will find their bliss in Galissas where a sheltered cove makes swimming without a ripple a summer dream.
The small, windswept island of Delos is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is also known as Apollo's birthplace and is a must-stop on any Cyclades charter. Home to only a handful of residents, this sacred island is one of Greece's most important mythological, archeological, and historical sites. Delos is famed for many things and was the epicenter of the Delian Festival for a thousand years. Be sure to see the sacred Temple of Apollo and the highly photogenic Terrace of the Lions. This sacred and historic island is blessed with shrines and impressive remains of its glory days.
Mykonos is one of the most luxurious Greek islands, with countless resorts and many great restaurants and bars. Mykonos is famous for the glamour of its nightlife, the island's main attraction after its plethora of beautiful beaches. Anchor off "Little Venice," the charming seaside neighborhood with its row of waterfront cafes overlooking the sea, and stop at the Folklore Museum and the Archeological Museum. Shop by day or enjoy a sunset cocktail in one of the glamorous Mykonos bars.