Skippered Sailing from the Saronic Islands to the Cyclades

Vessel: Zorba
Where: Saronics/Cyclades, Greece
Duration: 8 days

Embark: Aegina - 6 July 2024, 18:00
Disembark: Naxos - 13 July 2024, 09:00

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Sail from the Greek island of Aegina to Naxos as you experience the very best of the Cyclades under sail with Zorba.

Join the modern yacht Zorba in her home country of Greece as you get ready to enjoy an authentic Greek sailing holiday from the islands of Aegina to Naxos, enjoying the best of the Cyclades and Saronic islands.

This week is dedicated to more experienced sailors or newbies who are ready for an exhilarating sailing adventure. It is the perfect opportunity for those who wish to learn more about sailing and improve their skills with longer passengers at sea.

Fully crewed sailing yacht
Island hopping & historical exploration
Eat on board and shoreside Taverna’s
Suitable for beginners
Whole boat yacht charter available
Half Board
Swim, Snorkel & SUPs

Your Sailing Area

Aegina to Naxos

This one way sailing cruise give guests the chance to explore the Cyclades and Saronic islands on the way to Naxos.

From the island of Aegina, exactly where you will stop will depend entirely on the weather and wind forecasts for the week but could see you stopping at Aegina, Poros in the Saronic Islands before heading towards the Cycladic islands of Kea and Sifnos before reaching Naxos.

The local secret of Kea is a great weekend hangout and summer hideaway and has a different landscape and architecture than its Cycladic sisters. Other island stops along the way could also include Sifnos – the most delicious greek island and a beauty to behold. Serifos – with its rugged mining sites, ladened with history, has its own distinct Cycladic flair and Kythnos boasting a wild natural landscape, elegant architecture and a selection of stunning beaches and a lovely hot springs to swim at night.

As we set sails to the island of Naxos, the largest island in Cyclades with beautiful beaches and a gorgeous old town of meandering alleys. We might stop is Paros (with its quieter sister Antiparos) offering guests a chance to visit and feel the “real Greece” with its relaxed local atmosphere.

From afternoon anchorages on remote islands perfectly lined with crystal coves for swimming and snorkelling to the very best, tried and tested tavernas on the main islands, there won’t be time to see it all and you’ll be longing to return before you’ve even stepped foot off the boat. There really is something for everyone sailing with Zorba, from relaxing on the sun deck to learning the ropes, the experience really is yours to make.

LIFE AT SEA

Exactly where you’ll head will depend entirely on the wind and weather, but skippers Aga and Greg have been sailing here for over 15 years, so they certainly know all the best spots. Read more about your hosts for the week here. They will certainly make sure you have an unforgettable experience and are both dedicated to ensuring guests experience the very best of Greek hospitality.

During all our trips we try to stay far away from tourist crowds – in small harbours or on anchorages next to deserted islands, aside from the resident goats and birds. Each day, we stop to swim in beautiful bays – some of them completely wild, others with just one small taverna, serving fresh fish and seafood, often caught before our very eyes. For guests that are interested, there is the possibility of jogging or yoga in the morning, organic food on board and a healthy lifestyle close to wild nature.

From solo travellers to couples to groups of families or friends, there is something for everyone on this sailing adventure. Swim, snorkel and make use of the boats SUP’s in secluded bays with crystal-clear water and sandy beaches.

Life on board

Sailing with Zorba in Greece is one that will leave long-lasting memories and will more than likely see you longing to return. A modern Beneteau Cyclades 50.5, Zorba is owned and managed by couple Aga and Greg who share a real passion for Greece both from the water and on the land. Comfortable, relaxed and offering an abundance of sunshine sailing, Zorba is the perfect monohull sailing yacht to show guests a truly authentic sailing holiday in Greece.

A typical Day

After a relaxed breakfast, spend a few hours sailing before anchoring up in crystal clear waters to explore historical ruins ashore, sunbathe or snorkel away the afternoon. Hoist the sails again to find a new spot for the night before enjoying dinner ashore in a traditional Greek Taverna, specially hand-picked by your hosts.

Getting involved

Your sailing holiday in Greece is truly as you make it. Zorba is a fun and simple boat to sail and can be sailed by the skipper alone if guests prefer a more relaxing experience. That being said, the larger Saronic Gulf gives some great winds for sailing for those wanting to learn the ropes in a safe and supported environment. The skipper has many years of experience sailing here, so he loves to share his knowledge and skills with guests. From knot tying to basic navigation, taking the helm and reading the local charts, guests are welcome to get involved as much or as little as they’d like.

The price also reflects the half-board nature of this holiday, as explained in Zorba’s life on board section. Breakfast and lunch are included, but you will dine out in traditional tavernas for your evening meals. This is at the cost of the guest, but you’ll find a delicious local spread for as little as 15€ per person – including the wine! There is also a board cash payable upon arrival that covers fuel, marina fees and water per person. This is reflected in the ticket price advertised and is based purely on the economics of Greece, which is still such a cash-based society.

Zorba’s local skipper and crew prefer to show guests the quieter side of the Saronic Islands anchoring in small harbours or next to deserted islands with only resident goats and birds to entertain. Each day, they make sure there is an opportunity to swim in beautiful bays – some of them completely wild, others with just one small taverna, serving fresh fish and seafood, often caught before your very eyes! For interested guests, they can also offer the possibility of jogging or yoga in the morning, with organic food on board and a healthy lifestyle as their first port of call.

From solo travellers to couples to groups of families or friends, there is something for everyone on this sailing adventure. Take Zorba for a whole yacht charter in Greece with your friends and family, or join as a couple looking to make new memories and friends from all over the world. Swim, snorkel and make use of the boat SUP, which are all included in your ticket price!

FAQ

Are all meals included?
Breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks are included. Dinner is not included so guests can experience the delicious local cuisine and eat in traditional Taverna's!
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes - please specify at time of enquiry.
Are there any added extra's?
Each voyage requires taking board cash for fuel, water and marina fees. Please see each voyage/ticket for details. Evening meals are not included.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
4x double cabins, (1x twin bunk cabin for 2024 voyages only)
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, all cabins have deck hatches and portholes.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
3
Are bedding and towels included?
All bedding is included but please bring towels (wash and/swim). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Zorba does not have laundry on board.
Is there air conditioning onboard?
No, but each cabin has electric fans and opening hatches.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
What language is spoken onboard?
Aga and Greg are Polish but fluent in English - English is the common language aboard.
Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.
Can I charge my phone?
Yes, all cabins have 220v EU sockets and USB ports.
What is the currency on board?
Euro's.
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
How do I get on and off the boat?
Zorba is sometimes at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has a dropped transom with steps and swim ladder so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy. When she's docked, there's a simple gangplank.
Are Waterproofs provided?
No
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
There are fishing lines and some snorkel gear.
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Is there an age limit?
Please check with the office for under 5's for normal voyages. There is no limit for private charters but we recommend that children can swim. There is no maximum age limit as long as guests are fit and mobile.

Travel Planning

From: Aegina

To: Naxos

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There

Aegina

BY AIR

Flights go direct to Athens International airport from London Standsted with Ryanair, and London Gatwick with Wizz Air, British Airways and easyJet.

You’ll then need to take a taxi from the airport to Piraeus port and take a ferry to Aegina port, which takes about 40mins to 1 hour. There are many different ferry options which run throughout the day, please use Ferry Scanner to find timetables. You can prebook tickets, or it is easy to buy a passenger ferry ticket at the port on the day.

Zorba’s crew, can assist you in arranging an airport/hotel transfer to take you to the port and will arrange for a taxi at Aegina port to pick you up and take you to Perdika, where the boat will be moored. This is a lovely island with lots of places to swim and relax before you board for your charter.

Getting Home

Naxos

It is easy to reach Naxos from Athens, Mykonos and Santorini.

Naxos Airport has connecting flights to Athens International Airport only.

MYKONOS – to Naxos

Flights go direct to Mykonos International Airport with EasyJet from various UK airports. British Airways flights are from London Gatwick and London Heathrow.

The port of Mykonos is also known as Tourlos or the New Port. It is only 3km from Mykonos Town and 5km from the airport (15–20-minute taxi or bus ride). From the port there are ferry options to Naxos that take between 35 mins and 1 hour 20 mins.

ATHENS – Athens to Piraeus to Naxos

Flights go direct to Athens International airport from London Stansted with Ryanair, and London Gatwick with Wizz Air, British Airways and easyJet.

From here you can either catch a connecting flight internally to Naxos with Sky Express or get a Blue Star ferry from the port of Piraeus. Piraeus is approximately a 1-hour bus ride on the X96 (airport shuttle/express) from Athens International Airport. The ferry journey from Paraeus to Naxos varies between ferry operators and can take between 4-6 hours, depending on the type of ferry.

SANTORINI – to Naxos

Flights go direct to Santorini from London Stansted with Ryanair, from London Heathrow with British Airways and London Gatwick with easyJet. Tui fly from a few other UK airports.

All ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini, also known as the New Port or Thira Port. Travel time is usually between 1 hour 30 and 2 hour 50. The easiest way to the port is by taxi (there are no direct buses). There is a taxi rank outside the airport or you can pre-book a shuttle bus or private taxi in advance. The drive from the airport to the port is about 20 minutes.

FERRIES

Take a look at https://www.ferries.gr/en/ for the latest ferry timetables. We recommend booking your tickets in advance.

Guest Reviews

" What an absolutely amazing sailing Holiday around the Saronic islands, Greece on Zorba. Greg and Aga created for us both Both extremely experienced and capable. Greg an excellent sailor, Aga a fantastic cook creating beautiful and fresh food for us every day and taking us to lovely tavernas every night. They made us immediately very comfortable onboard. We were a mixed group of all ages and nationalities, but both Greg and Aga did so well getting us all together and finding out our individual needs from diet to activities, resulting in a very unique fun packed fabulous Holiday, We hope to do this again soon THANK YOU "Graham - 2023

" This has to be the best trip I have ever been on. I bought my daughter this holiday as her 21st birthday present as she had always wanted to go Greek Island hopping. We were slightly apprehensive going considering we’d be on board a yacht for 8 days with 8 total strangers. Aga and Greg were incredibly welcoming and we felt very much at home immediately. It really was a trip of a lifetime with memories made that will never be forgotten for both my daughter and I. So don’t look elsewhere as you won’t find anything better!!! Thanks Aga and Greg for a wonderful holiday, I hope to return again very soon 🤞🏼"Susan - 2023

It was the most amazing sailing trip. Aga is a gourmet chef (although she would never say she is), her meals were beyond amazing! She was so kind and accommodating to everyone’s dietary needs on the boat. Aga and Greg are a genuinely kind couple who are always willing to answer your questions and were extremely patient when teaching all us on board the art of sailing. Being a couple from the Canadian prairies- we had no sailing experience, therefore Greg’s knowledge, expertise and patience exceeded our expectations. In addition to this, we learned a lot about the docking etiquette in the various ports, the wine tour they chose was amazing, not to mention the food, wine and atmosphere in the nightly tavernas! We can not wait to bring our family sailing with Aga and Greg. Tanya & Toby - 2023

Our week on board Zorba was simply fantastic. Aga and Greg are the perfect hosts, extremely helpful and nothing is too much trouble. They are both highly competent, and we felt very welcome on board their excellent yacht Zorba. Aga’s cooking is out of this world, healthy, exciting and extremely tasty. The week was tailored to suit our (and our companions) needs and wants, it clearly was not a set agenda and their local knowledge enabled it to be varied to suit. Overall we would rate our week 10 out of 10 and would have no hesitation in recommending them to anybody whether they be experienced or novice sailors.Wayne & Beverly - 2023

We had a wonderful time in Greece, sailing on Zorba with Aga and Greg. We were so looked after and cared for. The scenery was stunning, the itinerary was spot on and we were so well looked after. Greg and Aga were so sensitive to the individual needs and so very caring. We both thoroughly recommend this holiday.Richard & Margaret, 2022