A Comprehensive Guide to Yacht Charter in the Central Cyclades: Navigating Aegean Waters
The Central Cyclades, a captivating group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, promises a remarkable yacht charter experience with its enchanting landscapes, antiquated towns, and warm hospitality. In this intricate journey, understanding the local sailing conditions, area's climatic patterns, and key attractions of each island are paramount.
The Art of Weather Navigation: Embrace the Meltemi
An ancient Greek sailor's proverb cautions, "beware the Meltemi." This notorious wind, emerging from a N-NW direction, is an inescapable part of the Greek summer, commencing its sensation in June and continuously strengthening its prowess throughout July, August, and September where it can intensify to a force 8. Like an old warrior, it retreats in October. Spring and autumn, on the other hand, are characterized by frequent gales blowing from the N and SE. It is important to remember that during summer, the temperatures can escalate up to an average of 35 degrees Celsius, whilst regularly hovering around a balmy 25 degrees Celsius.
Setting Course: Treasure Islands of the Aegean
Milos: The Volcanic Marvel
Milos, the most south-westerly of these Cyclades islands, epitomizes the raw beauty of Mother Nature. A large bay known as Ormos Milou, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption, offers a unique anchorage with an intriguing backdrop to match — hot sulphur springs that still bubble today.
The island's port, Adhamas, provides an option to secure boats parallel (bow or stern) to the eastern side of the ferry pier or the smaller pier towards the East. Another anchor spot lies SE of the short pier, but be wary, the seabed is a composition of mud, rocks and weed which can lead to poor holding in places. Although well-sheltered from the Meltemi, southern winds can exaggerate the wave conditions, maintaining cognizance of the weather is thus vital. Adhamas, complete with water and fuel facilities, and a village supplying most provisions, makes it an ideal location before setting off to explore other regions of Milos. Make sure to scale the Chora hill; the vistas across the bay are undeniably breathtaking.
Venture NE to Apollonia, another anchorage offering good holding on a sandy bottom attached with tavernas and a mini-market ashore. A mile south reveals Ormos Voudhia, a safe refuge from the Meltemi but less pleasing to the eye due to the sight of open-cast mines and a wharf.
Kimilos: The Tranquil Sibling
Kimilos, NE of Milos, harbours two anchorages in Ormos Sikia, located in the SW of the island. However, these are exposed to the N-NW, making them inappropriate when the Meltemi decides to show its strength. Yachts can anchor comfortably along the long sandy beach of Pirgonisi, basking in its serene beauty. Psathi, accompanied by a couple of tavernas and limited provisions, lies further east offering another anchorage, albeit with little shelter from the Meltemi.
Poliagos: The Secluded Paradise
Poliagos, towards the NW, houses a secluded anchorage just south of the tiny island, Moanolsi. This sanctuary provides shelter from the Meltemi with a good hold on the sandy bottom. In quieter weather conditions, yachts could explore several coves on the southern side of the island.
Folegandros: The Rocky Enigma
In stark contrast, Folegandros is a rugged island, save for the green enclave that houses Chora in the NE. Karavostasi, the island's ferry port, provides an anchorage with middling hold and reasonable shelter from the Meltemi. Tavernas are aplenty, but obtaining provisions could prove a challenge as the island depends on ferry deliveries. The W side of Folegandros reveals Ormos Vathi, a large bay usable in calm weather conditions.
Sikinos and Ios: The Auberge and the Poet's Rest
Sikinos, situated E of Folegandros, is home to Ormos Skala, the island's only harbour. This picturesque setting offers anchorage along the quay or off-shore, and is popular with Greek tourists. Sail 3.5 miles eastward to Ios, where Homer, the legendary Greek poet, is said to be buried. It offers excellent hold in its harbour, Port Ios, a robust product of silt, and is famed for its lively nightlife.
Thira, Thirasia and Anafi: From Volcanic Simplicity to Bounteous Shelters
Thira, like Milos, a product of volcanic calamity, is one of the most popular destinations in Greece. It unveils a variety of anchorages, offering good holds in sand and with various levels of shelter from the Meltemi. Similarly, the less-travelled islands of Thirasia and Anafi carry their charm - from reserved piers to exposed anchorages.
My dear sailors, as we venture into this deep blue adventure through the Central Cyclades, let's remember our primal connection to the sea. Let the winds guide us, let the landmarks inspire us and let's discover the secrets lying in the domain of Poseidon. The story of the Central Cyclades is one of diversity, grandeur and authenticity, wait no more, let's set sail!
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Boating