Are you planning to sail from Athens to Mykonos? When to sail, and what is the best sailing route? If you want to explore the beautiful Greek archipelago, you should sail from Athens to Mykonos. During the flexibly organized trip, you can discover the islands of the Cyclades and then arrive on the island of Mykonos, where you can spend several days. This article describes the typical weather, the ports available along the way, and the interesting attractions. We help with itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Important information if you would like to sail from Athens to Mykonos
- Ports in route between Athens and Mykonos
- Sailing itineraries to private boat from Athens to Mykonos. What is the best way?
- One way catamaran sailing from Athens to Mykonos
- 7 days sailing from Athens to Mykonos
- Marine gas, boat gas stations, between Athens and Mykonos
Important information if you would like to sail
from Athens to Mykonos
When are the winds and weather like from Athens to Mykonos?
In summer (May to September), the Meltemi is the dominant wind in the Aegean Sea. Dry, northerly winds that can be quite strong, especially in July and August when they can reach 6-7 Beaufort (25-38 knots).. The Meltemi can create choppy seas, especially in open water passages. During your journey, the main wind will probably be the Meltemi, which blows from the north or northwest. Outside of the Meltemi season in May-June and September-October, the wind can be more variable, the south winds (Sirocco) bring warmer temperatures and occasionally rain. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Saronic gulf, or sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Cyclades. Read about sailing in Greece September, or sailing in Greece in October.
How far is it,and how long does it take to sail from Athens to Mykonos on a private yacht?
The distance between Athens and Mykonos is approximately 100 nautical miles from the port of Alimos. This means that approx. 14 – 17 hours of non-stop sailing on an average sailing yacht, in average weather conditions, sailing at 6-7 knots per hour. The entire Athens – Mykonos – Athens route is approx. 28-34 hours of non-stop sailing.
An average motor yacht, under average weather conditions, travels at 15-25 knots per hour, so with a motor yacht the journey there can take around 5-8 hours, and the entire Athens – Mykonos – Athens route takes approx. 10-16 hours of travel. A motorboat comes with a lot more extra costs, the most important difference being fuel consumption.
Extra costs
The official currency of the country is the euro. If you are coming from a country where the euro is not the official currency, be sure to visit a currency exchange before you leave. Also, be prepared that the pricing of marinas is not uniform. You can moor for free in some places, but typically you will expect prices of around € 30-50 per port, depending on the length of your yacht. In the Cycladic islands, food is usually 1-2 euros more expensive than, for example, in the Attica Peninsula.
The vast majority of our customers request a captain and crew for shorter trips as well. These costs must always be paid in addition to the boat rental, and the crew also needs a cabin for the night. The cost of the captain and the hostess in Greece is 200-230 €/night + meals. Whatever private boat charter you are planning, we will find the best solution.
One-way or round trip?
It also depends a lot on your sailing experience and destination, whether you are heading to the island of Mykonos on a one-way route or a roundtrip. When should you have a roundtrip? If you are not deterred by the longer sections or the constant headwind in half of the route and only one of your stops is Mykonos. If you deliberately want Mykonos as your destination, choose the one-way route with shorter sections. In the latter case, set off in the summer, so you don’t have to sail in headwinds.
For a one-way trip, after having fun in Mykonos, you can leave the island by ferry or plane. Not all countries have direct flights from here. You may need to fly to Athens. In this case, it is more economical to choose a ferry between Athens and Mykonos if you have time.
What to do in Athens before sailing?
If you arrive in Athens early enough, you should take a look around the city, you can even admire the Acropolis if you have time. And if you’re a nature lover, don’t miss the National Garden of Athens! When organizing your programs, it is worth considering the time of arrival at the port. From the airport, you can reach the Alimos Marina by taxi or direct bus, so it is about an hour and a half. If you pick up the yacht at Cape Sounion or Lavrion marina, you should expect a trip of one and a half to 2 hours. In Greece, GMT +3 is the time zone, as in other EU countries, it switches between winter and summertime.
Ports in route between Athens and Mykonos
Kalamaki-Alimos Marina
Most hired yachts depart from here; this port is in the Paleon Faliron district of Athens It is easily accessible by public transport and taxi even if you are arriving from the airport. You can pre-fill your yacht’s food and beverage set if you want to be ready to go right on arrival. Up to 1, 080 yachts can anchor in the bay, and 600 ships can be placed on dry docks. The port can accommodate yachts up to 40 metres long. The depth of the water is 6.5 metres. sailing in Athens
Olympic Marina, Cape Sounion
Located at Cape Sounion with beautiful views, the Olympic Marina can accommodate 680 yachts up to 40 metres long. The maximum water depth here is 10 metres. It offers a wide range of services, including free Wi-Fi, power supply, boat service, and refuelling. yacht charter Athens, bareboat charter Athens, catamaran charter Athens, sailing yacht charter Athens, luxury yacht charter Athens, motor yacht charter Athens
Glyfada marinas
Marina Glyfada A
Situated on the northern end of Glyfada Beach. Primarily accommodates smaller vessels and fishing boats.
Marina Glyfada B
Located further south and is slightly larger. Caters to recreational vessels and smaller yachts.
Marina Glyfada C
The biggest of the Glyfada marinas, capable of handling larger yachts.
Marina Glyfada E
The southernmost Glyfada marina offers modern facilities for boats and yachts. boat rental Glyfada
Lavrion Marina
Many sailors start at the marina of Lavrion in the eastern part of the Attica Peninsula, to the Cyclades. The port can accommodate up to 680 yachts. The maximum depth of the port built-in bay is 7 metres, and incoming yachts can be up to 30 metres long. yacht charter Lavrion, Lavrion sailing
Ayios Nikólaos Marina, Kea
It is an important port on the island of Kea, close to beautiful golden beaches and excellent fishing spots. It can accommodate 255 yachts at the same time, with a maximum length of 50 metres. The water depth of the port is up to 8 metres.
Mérikha Marina, Kithnos
This tiny marina can accommodate about 30 yachts up to 60 meters long and has a water depth of 8 meters. Local hotels, restaurants, and lively nightlife areas are in the immediate vicinity.
Ermoupolis Marina, Siros
Yachts up to 60 metres long can moor in the main marina of the tiny island of Siros. The water depth here is 9 metres. There are plenty of services available, including boat service and refuelling. Syros sailing, Syros yacht charter
Naxos Marina, Naxos
Yachts up to 20 metres in length and several 70 may berth in this marina. The maximum dive is 5 metres. In addition to the boat service, you can find the usual basic services in the marinas here. Naxos sailing, boat rental Naxos
Paroikia Marina, Paros
The most popular marina is in Paros. It can accommodate yachts up to 60 metres. They also offer refuelling, boat service and electricity. The city’s sights, the best hotels and apartments, as well as great taverns and bars, await visitors near the marina. The depth of the marina is 3.5 metres. Paros sailing, boat rental Paros, catamaran charter Paros, rent a motorboat Paros, rent a luxury yacht Paros, sailing charter Paros
Tinos Marina, Tinos
This medium-sized marina is located in Tinos, a city of the same name as the island. The marina, which is 5.5 metres deep, can be moored by yachts up to 60 metres long, for which it offers many services. From here you can easily reach all the sights and beaches of the island.
Mykonos Marina, Mykonos
On the island of Mykonos, in the marina of the city with the same name as the island yachts up to 40 metres long can berth. Here 30 yachts can anchor at the same time. The water depth is 4.5 metres. In addition to restaurants, hotels, car rentals, and other services, there is also a boat service. Mykonos sailing, rent a boat Mykonos, bareboat charter Mykonos, luxury yacht charter Mykonos, catamaran rental Mykonos, sailboat rental Mykonos
Sailing itineraries to private boat from Athens to Mykonos. What is the best way?
One-way catamaran sailing from Athens to Mykonos
This time, you drop off your hired yacht in Athens on one of the Cyclades Islands, in this case, Mykonos. Below is a 7-day itinerary that will take you to Mykonos at the end. Most of the Cycladic islands are far enough from the centre of Athens, so you should start from the Olympic Marina in Lavrion.
Day 1. Athens (Olympic Marina of Lavrion) – Kea
27, 68 km (17, 20 nm)
Sailing around the island of Makronisos from the south and from there a little northeast, you will arrive at the island of Kea. In addition to its sandy beaches, this place glories in many attractions. You will also find a medieval castle, churches, and watermills here. Fans of Greek mythologies and legends will also amaze this island. The ancient temples of Athens and Apollo, the holy sites of Demeter and Askiplios, and the famous Holy Theatre are also here.
Day 2. Kea – Kithnos
37, 99 km (23, 60 nm)
Kithnos is a typical Cycladic island, known to many tourists for its healing springs. If you love caves, you should check out the Katafiki, which operated as an iron mine until 1939. You can see beautiful stalactites and stalagmites as well as interesting rock formations here. If you are interested in the island’s past, you will also find a museum of local folklore and the Byzantine church museum in Dryopida. There are also many Cycladic-style churches on the island, the most popular of which is Panagia Kanala, the patron saint of the island.
Day 3. Kithnos – Sifnos
61, 77 km (38, 38 nm)
With the help of the Meltemi, you can get to the island of Sifnos in the southeast direction relatively quickly. On the way, you will pass west of the island of Serifos and then you will arrive in Sifnos. Here you can admire beautiful olive trees and almond fields. The symbol of the island is the Church of the Seven Martyrs, seen on a tiny peninsula-like extension of the east coast. Its beautiful whitewashed walls, sky-blue dome, and Cycladic architectural style are worth a look. In addition to the iconic church, the island hides many monasteries and museums. The most significant of these is the monastery of Chrissopighi.
Day 4. Sifnos – Paros
55, 59 km (34, 54 nm)
Sailing around the island of Sifnos from the north and heading slightly northeast, you can reach the port of 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 marble, 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, Paros sailing, or Paros yacht charter
Day 5. 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 6. Paros – Siros
54, 28 km (33, 72 nm)
Although we will almost certainly sail in headwinds all the way through, the island of Siros is a must-see, from here Mykonos will be very close the next day. Mooring in Ermoupolis, you are already lost in the hustle and bustle of a relatively densely populated city. You can admire kaleidoscopic cottages, narrow alleys, and beautiful Orthodox churches during your stay. Read about what to do in Syros, Syros sailing or Syros yacht charter
Day 7. Siros – Tinos – Mykonos
41, 77 km (25, 95 nm)
Everywhere on the island of Tinos, you can see pigeonholes with a beautiful design similar to fortifications, a significant part of which is still in use today. In some small villages, even when houses were built, pigeonholes were patterned. You should visit the museum opened in his birthplace in memory of the sculptor Yannoulis Chalepas. Another important attraction is the Holy Trinity Monastery in Tinos.
Eventually, you will arrive in Mykonos, your destination. If you feel like it, you can even spend several days here after dropping the yacht off – you will definitely not be bored. Do you want a real outdoor sea party? Don’t miss Super Paradise Beach, where guests are invited to party with loud music. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a quiet, peaceful stretch of beach, we recommend the lesser-known Panormos beach on the north side of the island. The family-friendly Platys Gialos beach with lots of hotels can be another excellent choice. Must-see attractions are the windmills found in several places on the island. Also be sure to visit the Little Venice district, where the buildings are located right next to the sea. Read more about what to do in Mykonos
7 days sailing from Athens to Mykonos
You will definitely spend half of the trip in headwinds, whether you do it during the spring-fall period or the summer high season. You have to prepare for long sections, there are shorter distances only in the middle, and it is worth relaxing and preparing for your next trip. If you are unsure, you may want to hire a professional captain.
Day 1. Athens (Kalamaki-Alimos Marina) – Egina 24, 37 km (15, 15 nm), Day 2. Egina – Kea 70, 85 km (44, 02 nm), Day 3. Kea – Tinos 80, 13 km (49, 79 nm), Day 4. Tinos – Mykonos 18, 57 km (11, 54 nm), Day 5. Mykonos – Siros 34, 52 km (21, 45 nm), Day 6. Siros – Kithnos 76, 09 km (47, 28 nm), Day 7. Kithnos – Sounion – Athens (Kalamaki-Alimos Marina) 86, 06 km (53, 47 nm).
More Athens sailing tours or Mykonos sailing tours
Marine gas, boat gas stations, between Athens and Mykonos
- Olympic Marina, Athens: Depth: 10m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.6958441, 24.0583429
- Merihas, Kithnos: Depth: 8m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.389860, 24.397059
- Mykonos Marina, Mykonos: Depth: 4.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.4475266, 25.3275272
- Tinos, Tinos: Depth: 5.5m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 37.537555, 25.161119
- 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
The island of Mykonos is a real tourist paradise. Whether you are looking for fun or a relaxing time, you are sure to find your desires here. Discover this beautiful island and visit its neighbourhood while you are on an unforgettable yacht holiday! Find more Saronic gulf sailing destinations, or Cyclades sailing routes.
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