Skippered Sailing Holiday in Greece; Cyclades
- Vessel: Zorba Cat
- Where: The Cyclades, Greece
- Duration: 8 days
- Embark: Naxos - 12 July 2025, 18:00
- Disembark: Naxos - 19 July 2025, 09:00
Explore the Lesser Cyclades under sail with skippered yacht Zorba as you discover traditional Greek island charm.
Escape the crowds this summer and sail to explore the stunning Cyclades in Greece with the luxury catamaran Zorba Cat. With individual berths or whole boat charters available, this sailing holiday in Greece is one of pure relaxation and fun!
Dotted south of mainland Greece, sitting sheltered in the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades are made up of around 220 islands, with a mix of both inhabited and uninhabited islands. This skippered sailing holiday concentrates mainly on the Lesser Cyclades. A smaller cluster of islands circulates the island of Naxos, often called the pearl of the Cyclades and gives guests a traditional Greek holiday experience away from the tourist crowds.
- Fully crewed sailing catamaran yacht
- Island hopping & historical exploration
- Great for families & groups
- Eat on board and shoreside Taverna’s
- Suitable for beginners
- Snorkelling & Swimming
- SUP’s, Kayak & Water Skiing
- Half Board
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Kit list
- Sample menu
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
Your Sailing Area
Exploring the Lesser Cyclades under sail
The Lesser Cyclades, also known as the Small Cyclades, is considered one of the most favoured sailing areas in Greece by the skippers of Zorba Cat. The area offers a breathtaking experience, ranging from anchoring in deserted bays with crystal clear water to exploring ancient ruins and historical sites that showcase the very best of Greek culture. This trip is designed to explore the unspoiled side of the Cyclades, away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. The route is determined by the wind and weather, as well as the preferences of all the guests onboard.
For those who love islands and adventure, the Lesser Cyclades are a paradise. It’s all about disconnecting and adapting to the island’s pace of life. The combination of sailing, swimming, siestas, reading a good book, and enjoying generous taverna meals will make you forget about the days of the week. The flashy boutiques and selfie-stick-wielding crowds of Mykonos and Santorini are a million miles away.
You can spend your days with a mix of sailing and exploration. Snorkelling in bays and caves, discovering a WWII plane wreck, wandering local villages, and indulging in traditional Greek tavernas, which the skippers are familiar with and are happy to guide you every step of the way.
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Greek Island highlights
The sandy shores and crystal clear waters of Iraklia are a great choice for your first stop. Offering a historical walk to the Cave of the Sacred Icon of Agios Giannis – an initial scramble through the entrance leads to a sequence of caves full of stalactites and stalagmites.Â
The islands of Kufonissi (with its Caribbean-like turquoise water) and Schinoussa offer a truly unique and traditional Greek island experience. The dramatic mountain island of Amorgos is home to a breathtaking monastery carved into the rock, where the monks are waiting for you at the top with delicious psimeni (spiced “baked” raki) and loukoumi (Greek Delight you might say) after your stair climb.
If guests are interested in more sailing miles, Zorba may visit Ios and Folegandros offering one of the most scenic old towns (Choras) in the Cyclades. On the way back to Naxos, Paros (with its quieter sister Antiparos) offers guests a chance to visit and feel the “real Greece” with its relaxed local atmosphere. Near Antiparos, the islands of Despotico and Strongili, are known for their unspoilt nature and protected species under the Natura 2000.
All voyages for Zorba Cat
Zorba Cat
Guest berths: 10 Rig: Sloop
Sail in luxury aboard Zorba Cat through the stunning Greek islands. Enjoy her spacious comfort and style, as well as exceptional service, as you relax and indulge in the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape.
Zorba Cat is a large modern Fountaine Pajot Eleuthera 60ft catamaran. She has four private ensuite cabins for guests: two master aft ensuite cabins (that can be split into a twin if needed) and two double forward ensuite cabins. All cabins are complete with modern push-button toilets and wet room-style showers.
With a generous saloon and a well-equipped galley, Zorba Cat was built with charter and guest comfort at the forefront of her design. She has two dropped transoms with swim ladders making easy access into the water and cushioned nets to lay out and relax at the bow. There is a large lounging area under the boom and a comfortable dining area at the stern for alfresco eating. Zorba Cat gives guests the perfect access to that crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea!
A sailing holiday in Greece with a luxury catamaran is accessible to all ages and abilities. Her simple rig makes her a leisurely sail with winch systems and modern navigation equipment. Her considered design makes her a comfortable and fun boat to sail, whether you’re an experienced sailor looking for some sunshine or a novice wanting to try something new.
Her owners and skippers absolutely love what they do, and that’s evident for guests to see and, even better, experience first-hand. They are well-tuned to all abilities and ages, from family charters with young children to groups of friends or voyages for couples and solo travellers. They tailor every trip to suit their guests’ needs, so if you want to sit back, enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine, and enjoy the cuisine of the local tavernas – that’s fine, too!
A sailing holiday on Zorba Cat will certainly leave you with long-lasting memories. She is available to book by the cabin or as a private charter for your friends and family. Every sailing charter is fully crewed, and breakfast and lunch are included in your ticket price.
Read more about to what to expect from Life on Board here >
Deck plan
More about Zorba Cat
Life on Board
Catarman Zorba Cat is run by sailing couple Aga and Greg who strive to provide an authentic sailing experience in Greece, where you can discover hidden anchorages away from tourist-heavy areas and dine in traditional Greek seaside tavernas. Whether you’re a family, couple, or solo traveller, there’s something for everyone with Zorba Cat’s charters. Expect an unforgettable sailing holiday with her!
Authentic Greece
During all of Zorba Cat’s voyages, the main aim is to avoid tourist crowds and instead opt for small harbours or anchorages next to deserted islands. Each day, guests stop for a swim in beautiful bays, some of which are wild, while others have a small taverna serving fresh fish and seafood for lunch, often taken out of the water before their very eyes. Guests have the opportunity to jog or practice yoga in the morning, enjoy organic healthy food on board, and experience a healthy lifestyle close to nature. Friendly locals, as well as delicious food and wine, are common features on all the islands that Zorba Cat visits.
All Zorba Cat voyages offer a perfect balance of relaxation, sightseeing and sailing! Depending on the itinerary, Aga and Greg recommend and help to organise excursions to historical sites and other places worth visiting.
A Typical Day
After a peaceful night’s rest, you can start your day by indulging in a wholesome breakfast, take a leisurely stroll ashore and savour a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the scenic surroundings.
We usually sail for a few hours each day until we arrive at a stunning bay with a deserted beach. There we have plenty of time to enjoy activities such as snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, exploring the island or bay, and reading books. Together, we prepare a light lunch, and the Greek salad seems to be an ideal choice for a hot day. After lunch, we take some downtime, and maybe even a little siesta or a swim before setting sail again.
Zorba Cat has stand-up paddle boards, a double kayak, water skiing, inflatables and snorkel masks for guests to use included in the ticket price.
In the afternoon, we’ll set the sails again to a new location. If you’re interested, you can learn how to steer, tie knots, and pull ropes. Alternatively, you can simply relax and sunbathe on the deck. Before the evening arrives, we will arrive at a new island and dock in a charming little village. There, we will explore the area and enjoy the beautiful sunset, which is rumoured to be even more impressive than the one in Santorini!
In the evenings, our main focus is to unwind and take things slowly. We usually head to a traditional Taverna to sample some amazing local food and delicious Greek wine while enjoying live music and dancing some Zorba. “No hurry” is our motto for the night.
The menu
The ticket price includes breakfast and lunch, and Aga will be your host and main chef on board Zorba Cat. However, guests are welcome to participate in all aspects of life on board and often assist with food preparation and cooking. Aga plans to go shopping on the first day so that everyone’s preferences can be considered (if guests would like to join her, they are welcome) The evening meals will mainly consist of dishes from Aga & Greg’s favourite Greek tavernas. Local cuisine, fresh fish, and seafood can be purchased at a relatively low cost of about 30€ per person, which includes wine.
Aga and Greg have spent many years exploring this region of Greece, and they believe that to experience authentic Greece truly, guests should have the opportunity to dine in Greek tavernas. If spending a night on a remote anchorage is a priority, dinner will be prepared communally aboard.
Sleeping and Relaxation
Zorba Cat is a custom-built charter catamaran, so all her communal spaces and cabins have been well-considered and are generously proportioned.
There are two primary dining areas on the yacht – one in the spacious open saloon and the other on the stern of the deck, where you can enjoy alfresco dining under a canopy cover. You’ll find numerous spots to read a book or soak up the sun, both on the decks and across the bow nets (both areas are fully cushioned). The dropped transoms are perfect for easy access in and out of the water with swim ladders and fresh water hose showers.
Zorba Cat has two master ensuite cabins and two forward double ensuite cabins.
The Master cabins are at the rear and on either side of the catamaran with oversized standard double beds and plenty of storage and hanging space. In one of the cabins, the bed can be split into two single beds. The ensuite is a modern push-button flush toilet with a wet room-style shower.
On each bow of the boat, there is a double ensuite cabin complete with a double bed. The ensuite is a modern push-button flush toilet with a wet room-style shower.
Kit list
Zorba Cat has lots of space for possessions but please be considerate and travel with rigid cases, only in a soft bags or wheelie cases that are only hard on one side.
We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!
- Light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
- Flip flips, sandals OR Crocs
- Swimsuits and a swim towel
- Wash towel – micro fibres are great for lightweight and quick drying
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothesÂ
It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!
- Warm, windproof and waterproof coat
- Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)Â
- Sunglasses and a sun hat/cap
- Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
- Camera/binocularsÂ
- Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
- Swim shoes to ensure you dodge those pesky Greek sea urchins…!
- Cash – EUROS. Greece is still a heavily cash-based society
- Charging cables for personal devices and EU 2pin adaptor for use in cabins (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices during the day by the chart table if needed)
- A good book to read!
- Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
What’s included
- Half board (breakfast, lunch and snacks)
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
- Full crew plus tuition
- All tender trips to and fro the boat
- Lifejacket
- Fishing lines
- SUPs, double kayak, snorkel gear, inflatables
- Water-skiing (you must have some experience to ride)
What’s not included
- Evening meals
- Swim Towels
- Waterproofs
- €350 cash per person on arrival for fuel, water, marina fees and air-conditioning
- Excursions ashore (vineyard etc)
- Any flights
- Transit hotels
- Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
- Travel Insurance
- Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
- Crew tips
- Personal expenses
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will be not more than 12 miles offshore.
FAQ
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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!
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes - please specify at time of enquiry.
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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.
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
2 x master ensuite cabins (one of which can be split into a twin), 2 x double ensuite cabins
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Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, all cabins have openable deck hatches and portholes with mosquito nets and privacy screens.
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How many toilet/showers does she have?
4
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Are bedding and towels included?
All bedding and shower towels are included but please bring swimming/beach towels Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
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Is there a hairdryer on board?
Yes, hairdryers are provided on board for guests to use.
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Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Zorba Cat does not have laundry on board.
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Is there air conditioning onboard?
Yes via thermostat in the evenings, in all cabins and living spaces.
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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
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What language is spoken onboard?
English/Polish
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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.
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Can I charge my phone?
Yes, all cabins have 220v EU sockets - please bring a 2-pin adaptor if needed.
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What is the currency on board?
Euro's.
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Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
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How do I get on and off the boat?
ZorbaCat is sometimes at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has dropped transoms with steps and swim ladder so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy. When she's docked, there's a simple gangplank.
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Are Waterproofs provided?
No.
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Do I need sailing experience?
No experience needed to join this boat.
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Does the boat have any water toys?
Some snorkel gear, 2 x SUPs and 1 x Kayaks, water-ski and inflatables. (Please note, prior experience of water-skiing is needed)
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Will I be sea sick?
Catamarans are generally very stable so it is rare that guests get seasick. Everyone reacts differently, but we recommend ginger tea or ginger biscuits and peppermints on board. It will pass in 24 hours.
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Is there an age limit?
Please check with the office for under 4, but we do require a 1:1 ratio with children. There is no limit for private charters but we recommend that children can swim. No maximum age limit exists as long as guests are fit and mobile.
Travel Planning
From: Naxos
To: Naxos
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.
GETTING THERE
Naxos
Naxos is in easy reach from Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. Naxos Airport has connecting flights to Athens International Airport only.
MYKONOS – to NaxosÂ
Flights go directly 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. Â
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.
You can 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 Piraeus to Naxos varies between ferry operators and can take between 4-6 hours, depending on the type of ferry.Â
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 flies from a few other UK airports.Â
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 hours 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.
FERRIESÂ Â
Look at https://www.ferries.gr/en/ for the latest ferry timetables and we recommend booking your tickets in advance.
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