Is Antiparos good for sailing? Are you planning a Cyclades sailing tour from Antiparos? The small island of Antiparos is in the centre of the Cyclades archipelago. It is a very peaceful island with lots of sandy beaches. Many Hollywood stars have holiday homes here. With a little luck, you can meet some well-known actors! The island of Antiparos is the perfect starting point for exploring Naxos, Paros and the Small Cyclades! This article will be the most useful read for those who want a comprehensive but friendly guide to the weather, routes, ports and attractions in Antparos.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Where to sail in Antiparos? – ports and islands
- What is the best month to sail in Antiparos?
- Sail in Antiparos island! Antiparos sailing itineraries
- Sailing in Antiparos: 1-week sailing plan
- 7 Days Antiparos sailing tour
- Marine gas near Antiparos, boat gas stations around Cyclades
Where to sail in Antiparos? – ports and islands
Antiparos Marina, Antiparos
This is a small marina with a maximum draft of 2.5 meters, suitable for yachts up to 60 meters in length. It offers basic services, including water supply, and there are bars and restaurants nearby. Sailors should check availability in advance, especially during peak season, and enjoy the calm, romantic environment of the marina. Rent a boat in Antparos and explore the island’s hidden coves at your own pace.
Naxos Marina, Naxos
This marina can accommodate 70 vessels, up to 20 meters in length, with a maximum draft of 5 meters. Basic marina services and boat maintenance are available, making it an ideal starting point to explore Naxos and nearby islands. Sailors should plan their daily routes and check wind conditions for safe docking. Naxos sailing, boat rental Naxos 
Apollonia Marina, Naxos
Located on the northeastern coast of Naxos in the town of the same name, Apollonia Marina can accommodate yachts up to 60 meters long, with a draft of 4 meters. Basic boating services are available, along with a few restaurants and bars nearby. The marina is ideal for short walks ashore or exploring nearby beaches.
Paroikia Marina, Paros
Paros’ most popular marina can host yachts up to 60 meters. It offers water, electricity, boat maintenance, and refueling facilities. The marina is within walking distance of the town’s attractions, top hotels, apartments, taverns, and bars. With a depth of 3.5 meters, it is recommended to use two lines for secure mooring. Paros sailing, boat rental Paros, catamaran charter Paros, rent a motorboat Paros, rent a luxury yacht Paros, sailing charter Paros
Karavostasi Marina, Ios
This medium-sized marina on Ios can accommodate yachts up to 60 meters in 4-meter-deep water. It offers useful services, water supply, and excellent nearby restaurants. The marina is a great starting point for short coastal walks and exploring the island’s interior.
Athinios Port
Athinios is Santorini’s largest port, located on the west side of the island. Also known as “New Port” or “Thira Port,” it can accommodate several hundred yachts. The port is well-equipped with water, electricity, refueling stations, and restaurants. Sailors should check berth availability in advance, especially during the summer high season, and be mindful of busy traffic and wind conditions while maneuvering.
Skala Port
This old port lies below Fira, Santorini’s tourist center. Due to its small size, larger yachts cannot dock here; their passengers are transferred ashore by water taxi. From the port, the town can be reached via 600 steps, a cable car, or riding donkeys. Restaurants, taverns, and small shops are available, making it ideal for short stops, but less suitable for overnight stays due to waves.
Ammoudi Port (Santorini)
The picturesque Ammoudi is located on Santorini’s northwest coast, near Oia, about 13 km from Fira. The small marina can host yachts up to 20 meters long. Traditional fish taverns line the waterfront, offering fresh seafood and local dishes. It’s perfect for short stops or romantic sunset dinners. 
Vlychada Port
Opened in 2008, Vlychada is Santorini’s most sheltered port, suitable for yachts up to 25 meters. With a depth of 4 meters, it offers electricity, water, and a refueling station, while bars and restaurants line the waterfront. It’s an excellent location for short stops and overnight stays before exploring the island’s southern beaches. Santorini sailing, yacht rental Santorini, rent a luxury yacht Santorini, catamaran rental Santorini, Santorini sailboat charters
The island of Naxos has many attractions, lots of gorgeous beaches and natural beauties! It is a perfect starting point to explore the region. From here, you can quickly reach all Cycladic islands. Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, Milos and many other islands are waiting for you to discover!
What is the best month to sail in Antiparos?
Antiparos offers excellent sailing conditions all year round. The Meltemi wind – a strong north-northwesterly wind – dominates the summer months, making sailing challenging but exciting.
Spring (March to May) :
Air temperature 15-25°C, water temperature 15-19°C. Winds are moderate northwesterly (10-20 knots), occasionally southerly sirocco. The light breeze is ideal for relaxed sailing, with fewer tourists and calmer seas than in summer.
Summer (June to August) : Air temperature 25-35°C, water temperature 22-26°C. The wind is a strong meltemi wind of 20-35 knots, but can reach 40 knots, mainly from the north-northwest. The meltemi creates challenging sailing conditions, especially in July and August, which is recommended for experienced sailors. The southern and back bays provide good shelter from the strong winds.
Autumn (September to November):
Air temperatures are 18-30°C in September, cooling to 12-20°C by November, water temperatures are 20-24°C in early autumn, then gradually decreasing. The meltemi weakens, turns to a light northerly (10-20 knots), and is replaced by the occasional southerly sirocco wind. September is one of the best months for sailing, with warm waters, lighter winds and less crowds. By November, conditions become more unpredictable, with occasional storms.
Winter (December to February):
Temperature: 10-15°C, water 14-16°C with strong northerly winds, including the Meltemi and occasionally gusty Sirocco winds (15-40 knots). Rough seas and strong gusts make winter sailing in Antiparos a challenge, best suited to experienced sailors or those looking for adventure. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Antiparos.
Sail in Antiparos island! Antiparos sailing itineraries
HELP ME TO CHOOSESailing in Antiparos: 1-week sailing plan
In this 1-week itinerary, starting from Antiparos, you take a smaller lap. You visit Paros, Naxos, the island of Amorgos and the Small Cyclades. Finally, you return to the marina of Antiparos.
Day 1. Antiparos– Parikia (Paros)
7, 79 km (4, 84 nm)
Your first stop is the big brother, Paros. The bay of Parikia is very well protected against both Meltemi and Sirocco; its disadvantage is its difficult accessibility. Even as an experienced sailor, it is not easy to moor here: in the west, some cliffs make it difficult to set in. The island itself is famous for its beautiful snow-white marble architecture. You should see the Frankish castle built-in 1260, which has now become part of the city of Parikia. If you are curious about the origins of the abundance of marbles, be sure to check out the marble quarries that have been in operation for thousands of years.
As a sailor, the Skorpios Museum in Aliki is a must-see, where you can visit Benetos Skiadas ’wonderful collection of ship models. Be sure to check out the Valley of Butterflies, where you can see plenty of butterflies worthy of its name in a beautiful natural environment. Read more about what to do in Paros or Paros sailing. Paros yacht charter
Day 2. Parikia (Paros) – Naxos
31, 22 km (19, 40 nm)
Sailing northeast of the island of Paros, you can moor at the neighbouring island of Naxos. Before arriving, you should look north: the sight of a door frame left from the ancient temple of Apollo welcomes visitors to the island. The port is also very cosy, and the scenery is beautiful wherever you go on the island. You will also find romantic mountain villages, the ruins of various ancient temples, and the cave where, according to the legend, Zeus grew up. If you want to look around the island, it is worth renting a car. Read more about what to do in Naxos
Day 3. Naxos – Donoussa
44, 95 km (27, 93 nm)
The island of Donoussa is east of Naxos. It is part of the Small Cyclades. In addition to the port town, you can visit three small villages here. An afternoon is enough to discover the island, but you should sail around it because there are many wonderful beaches and sea caves here!
Day 4. Donoussa – Katapola (Amorgos)
31, 85 km (19, 79 nm)
Your next stop should be the elongated island of Amorgos to the south. The island has two main marinas. We recommend Katapola. There are many shops and bars in the streets near the marina. A walking path leads to the ruins of the ancient Minoan settlement at the nearby hill. From here, you will have a wonderful view of the bay.
Day 5. Katapola (Amorgos) – Koufonisia (Koufonisi)
25, 70 km (15, 97 nm)
Sailing northwest, pass the island of Keros and drop anchor at Koufonisi. The small archipelago of two islands consists of Ano Koufonissi and Kato Koufonisi. Kato is uninhabited, so moor in Ano. You can find every important service in the only village of the island. Leaving the marina, you can admire the gorgeous natural surroundings of Ano. Sail around the island and discover the beautiful beaches and sea caves! Visit the island of Kato where you can go swimming in a perfectly peaceful environment, with basically no tourists around.
Day 6. Koufonisia – Schoinousa – Iraklia
17, 43 km (10, 83 nm)
Sail southwest and drop anchor at the island of Schoinousa. There are three small villages on the island that you can discover on foot. They were built-in Cycladic style, so you will see many white houses and narrow little alleyways. The life of locals is very quiet, they only organise religious celebrations and smaller festivals over the year. Thus, Schoinousa is an ideal choice if you are looking for a peaceful holiday.
West of Schoinousa you will find the calm little island, Iraklia. Enjoy the natural beauty of this place! You can see monk seals and sea turtles on the shores! There are two villages on the island. One of them is Agios Georgios, moor your boat here. The capital of the island is Irakleia, located in the heart of the island.
Day 7. Iraklia – Despotiko – Antiparos
64, 26 km (39, 93 nm)
On the last day, sail back towards Antiparos across the high seas. Pass by the south side of the island then drop anchor at the island of Despotika. Here, you can see some sandy beaches, and the ancient temples of the gods Artemis and Apollo.
Then, it is time to go back to where you started your journey a week ago. Return to the marina of the island sailing along the west side of Antiparos. When you arrive, you still have time to discover the island. If you return early in the afternoon, the dripstone cave will still be open. If you like great parties, do not go to bed too early! The capital’s nightlife is an unforgettable experience! It really comes alive after midnight. You can dance to the music of the 80s in La Luna disco.
7 Days Antiparos island sailing tour (longer)
This route is almost the same as the one described above, but you do not turn back towards Antiparos after visiting Iraklia. Instead, you sail south. The island of Santorini will be your final destination.
Day 1. Antiparos – Parikia (Paros) 7, 79 km (4, 84 nm), Day 2. Parikia (Paros) – Naxos 31, 22 km (19, 40 nm), Day 3. Naxos – Donoussa 44, 95 km (27, 93 nm), Day 4. Donoussa – Koufonisia (Koufonisi) 26, 02 km (16, 17 nm), Day 5. Koufonisia – Schoinousa – Iraklia 17, 43 km (10, 83 nm), Day 6. Iraklia – Ios 33, 26 km (20, 67 nm), Day 7. Ios – Agia Eirini, Therasia – Thira port (Santorini) 41, 96 km (26, 07 nm)
Marine gas near Antiparos, boat gas stations around Cyclades
- Parikia, Paros: Depth: 3.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.087424, 25.151587
- Naxos, Naxos: Depth: 5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.106213, 25.372575
- Riva Tirasia, Santorini: Depth: 5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.452705, 25.344247
- Thira New Port, Santorini: Depth: 4.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 36.386354, 25.428268
Many Hollywood stars have holiday homes on the tiny island of Antiparos. Moreover, the island is in the centre of the Cyclades archipelago, so starting from here, you can easily visit every nearby island! Cyclades sailing destinations, boat rental Cyclades islandsr
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