Sail & Hike Greece: Athens to Mykonos

Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins in the port town of Lavrio, about an hour from Athens. If you arrive early, you could grab a strong Greek coffee along the waterfront or take a taxi into Athens to explore the historic sites. Be ready at 3.30 pm for your welcome meeting at The Port restaurant in Lavrio Marina, where you’ll meet your skipper and fellow travellers and find out what to expect on your floating home over the next eight days! Then, head to a supermarket to stock up on food supplies before returning to the yacht to sail to Kea – a charming island known for its vineyards, olive groves and laidback villages. Moor up, then maybe go for dinner at a local taverna with your group and dig into some traditional Cycladic dishes.

Take a private transfer to the village of Ioulida this morning for a scenic hike to Otzias Beach. With plenty of shade from the surrounding oak trees and a mostly downhill trail, it’s a nice introduction to the hikes on your trip! Cool down with a swim in Otzias Bay, then jump back on yacht to sail to Kythnos – a relaxed island dotted with dry-stone walls and hundreds of white chapels. You’ll drop anchor in Apokrousi Bay, a peaceful cove perfect for swimming. When you’ve had your sea fix, climb back on board for dinner on deck while the sun dips below the horizon.

Rise and shine for an early morning swim in one of Kythnos’ many coves. Then, hoist the sails to Serifos – an offbeat island known for its rugged landscape. Drop anchor in the village of Livadi, then head ashore for a moderate hike to Chora, the island’s capital, which sits on a 230-m-tall hill. Walk past whitewashed houses, terraced fields and olive groves before arriving at Chora where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views across the countryside and the Aegean Sea. Before returning to Livadi, take some time to explore the medieval alleyways – and maybe treat yourself to a local pastry. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy at your own pace. How about kicking back with a cocktail on the beach or feasting on meze along the seafront?

Cruise north back to Kythnos this morning, stopping for a swim or snorkel in the clear waters of Agios Stefanos Bay. This time, you’ll dock at Loutra – named after the thermal springs (Loutra means ‘bath’ in Greek) that flow into the bay. These warm, mineral-rich waters have been used since ancient times for their healing properties – and your legs will appreciate a soak after your hike yesterday! Tonight, maybe tuck into a taverna dinner with your crew. Kythnos is known for its tangy kopanisti cheese, strapatsada (a local version of scrambled eggs) and fresh seafood.

Get your blood pumping this morning on a hike to the Castle of Oria – the former medieval capital of Kythnos. You'll wind past traditional stone houses and rocky outcrops before arriving at the castle which sits on an imposing 250 m-tall cliff. Soak in the views of the eastern Cyclades and learn about the castle’s history – it was once part of a fortified town that housed hundreds of people, including the powerful Gozzadini family from the 14th to the 17th century. Return to Loutra and climb aboard the yacht to sail to Syros, docking in the port town of Ermoupoli. Dinner tonight is a special one, as you’ll visit a local family in Finikas Bay and share a home-cooked meal in their home.

This morning you have free time in Syros – the capital of the Cyclades. Your skipper will give you recommendations for a self-guided walk around Ermoupoli and the fortified village of Ano Syros. Wander the narrow streets, pass handmade souvenir shops and keep an ear open for traditional rebetiko music floating out of family-run tavernas. Return to Ermoupoli port after lunch for a late afternoon sail to the uninhabited island of Rinia. This small island was the necropolis during the Peloponnesian War in the fifth century BC, and you'll stumble on remnants of temples and soldiers’ burial stones as you walk around. Eat dinner on deck under the stars tonight.

Enjoy a leisurely morning soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Rinia, then hit the water to Mykonos. Along the way, you’ll stop at Delos – the legendary birthplace of Apollo (god of the sun) and Artemis (goddess of the moon). The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage site with heaps of archaeological sites – including the Terrace of the Lions, Temple of Isis and Sanctuary of Apollo – and hiking trails into the hills. You’ll arrive in Mykonos in time for sunset. This cosmopolitan island is known for its beach bars, boutiques and nightlife. As it’s your last night as a group, you might like to share one last dinner and raise a toast to an unforgettable week in the Cyclades. Yiamas!