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Sail & Hike Greece: Athens to Mykonos





Sail, hike, swim, repeat on this Aegean adventure from Athens to Mykonos
Spend eight sun-kissed days island-hopping, swimming and hiking your way through the Cyclades. Kick things off in the port town of Lavrio near Athens, then set sail across the Aegean on a private yacht. Dropping anchor at some of Greece's lesser-known islands, you’ll hike through sleepy villages and along craggy cliffs, share a homemade dinner with a local family in Syros and uncover the stories of ancient civilisations on the UNESCO-listed Delos. With an experienced skipper leading the way, daily sea dips and plenty of free time to soak up the slower rhythm of island life, this is the Cyclades at their best.
5.0
10 reviewsStart: Lavrio, Greece
End: Mykonos, Greece
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- 1 to 11
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Sailing, Walking & trekking
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Where you’ll stay
The Ocean Star 56 is a classic sailboat, combining timeless design, exceptional seaworthiness and unmatched comfort. Fashioned with a traditional wood interior, the Ocean Star 56 has an impressive saloon and offers spacious [for a sailing boat] cabins. Equipped with 2 double cabins, 2 twin cabins and 1 triple cabin, the Ocean Star 56 is the perfect yacht for novices to learn the ‘ropes’.
The Ocean Star 56 is a classic sailboat, combining timeless design, exceptional seaworthiness and unmatched comfort. Fashioned with a traditional wood interior, the Ocean Star 56 has an impressive saloon and offers spacious [for a sailing boat] cabins. Equipped with 2 double cabins, 2 twin cabins and 1 triple cabin, the Ocean Star 56 is the perfect yacht for novices to learn the ‘ropes’.
Why you'll love this trip
- Experience life at sea with a local skipper and a crew of adventure-keen travellers aboard a private yacht. Wake up to ocean views, sunbathe on deck and snorkel in quiet bays far from the crowds.
- Hike trails that take you into the heart of the Cyclades. Walk past grazing goats and whitewashed chapels, say kalimera (hello) to farmers and climb to the medieval Castle of Oria for amazing Aegean views.
- Join a local family for a home-cooked dinner at their home in Syros to get an authentic taste of Greek hospitality.
- Watch the Cyclades’ famous tangerine sunsets from the deck of your yacht, cold drink in hand, while the waves lap against the hull.
- Step back in time on Delos – one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites. Wander the Avenue of Lions, visit the House of Cleopatra and imagine ancient crowds at a 5000-seat theatre.
Itinerary
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins in the port town of Lavrio, about an hour from Athens. If you arrive early, you could grab a strong Greek coffee along the waterfront or take a taxi into Athens to explore the historic sites. Be ready at 3.30 pm for your welcome meeting at The Port restaurant in Lavrio Marina, where you’ll meet your skipper and fellow travellers and find out what to expect on your floating home over the next eight days! Then, head to a supermarket to stock up on food supplies before returning to the yacht to sail to Kea – a charming island known for its vineyards, olive groves and laidback villages. Moor up, then maybe go for dinner at a local taverna with your group and dig into some traditional Cycladic dishes.
- Overnight boat (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your sailing time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Lavrio is 34 km (30 mins by taxi) from Athens airport and 60 km (1 hour by taxi) from Downtown Athens. Public transport is also available – see the joining point instructions in the Essential Trip Information for more details.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we’ll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you’re going to be late, please let us know.
As most meals are not included on this trip, you may want to opt into a group kitty to buy supplies and prepare meals as a group on the yacht. If you’re staying overnight in a port/marina, you can also eat at local tavernas at your own expense. Please make sure you notify us about any dietary requirements when booking so we can accommodate you.
Take a private transfer to the village of Ioulida this morning for a scenic hike to Otzias Beach. With plenty of shade from the surrounding oak trees and a mostly downhill trail, it’s a nice introduction to the hikes on your trip! Cool down with a swim in Otzias Bay, then jump back on yacht to sail to Kythnos – a relaxed island dotted with dry-stone walls and hundreds of white chapels. You’ll drop anchor in Apokrousi Bay, a peaceful cove perfect for swimming. When you’ve had your sea fix, climb back on board for dinner on deck while the sun dips below the horizon.
- Overnight boat (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Kea - Ioulida Village to Otzias Beach guided walk
Your sailing time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Your hike today will be approximately 6 km or 2.5 hours.
Rise and shine for an early morning swim in one of Kythnos’ many coves. Then, hoist the sails to Serifos – an offbeat island known for its rugged landscape. Drop anchor in the village of Livadi, then head ashore for a moderate hike to Chora, the island’s capital, which sits on a 230-m-tall hill. Walk past whitewashed houses, terraced fields and olive groves before arriving at Chora where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views across the countryside and the Aegean Sea. Before returning to Livadi, take some time to explore the medieval alleyways – and maybe treat yourself to a local pastry. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy at your own pace. How about kicking back with a cocktail on the beach or feasting on meze along the seafront?
- Overnight boat (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Serifos – Chora Village hilltop guided walk
Your sailing time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Your hike today will be approximately 6 km or 3 hours.
Cruise north back to Kythnos this morning, stopping for a swim or snorkel in the clear waters of Agios Stefanos Bay. This time, you’ll dock at Loutra – named after the thermal springs (Loutra means ‘bath’ in Greek) that flow into the bay. These warm, mineral-rich waters have been used since ancient times for their healing properties – and your legs will appreciate a soak after your hike yesterday! Tonight, maybe tuck into a taverna dinner with your crew. Kythnos is known for its tangy kopanisti cheese, strapatsada (a local version of scrambled eggs) and fresh seafood.
- Overnight boat (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your sailing time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Get your blood pumping this morning on a hike to the Castle of Oria – the former medieval capital of Kythnos. You'll wind past traditional stone houses and rocky outcrops before arriving at the castle which sits on an imposing 250 m-tall cliff. Soak in the views of the eastern Cyclades and learn about the castle’s history – it was once part of a fortified town that housed hundreds of people, including the powerful Gozzadini family from the 14th to the 17th century. Return to Loutra and climb aboard the yacht to sail to Syros, docking in the port town of Ermoupoli. Dinner tonight is a special one, as you’ll visit a local family in Finikas Bay and share a home-cooked meal in their home.
- Overnight boat (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Kythnos – Castle of Oria guided walk
- Syros – Traditional Greek dinner in family home
Your sailing time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Your hike today is moderate and will be approximately 6.5 km or 3 hours. The first half involves many stairs and the terrain is rocky and uneven in parts, so a sturdy pair of walking shoes is essential.
This morning you have free time in Syros – the capital of the Cyclades. Your skipper will give you recommendations for a self-guided walk around Ermoupoli and the fortified village of Ano Syros. Wander the narrow streets, pass handmade souvenir shops and keep an ear open for traditional rebetiko music floating out of family-run tavernas. Return to Ermoupoli port after lunch for a late afternoon sail to the uninhabited island of Rinia. This small island was the necropolis during the Peloponnesian War in the fifth century BC, and you'll stumble on remnants of temples and soldiers’ burial stones as you walk around. Eat dinner on deck under the stars tonight.
- Overnight boat (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Syros – Ermoupoli & Ano Syros self-guided walk - Free
Your sailing time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Enjoy a leisurely morning soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Rinia, then hit the water to Mykonos. Along the way, you’ll stop at Delos – the legendary birthplace of Apollo (god of the sun) and Artemis (goddess of the moon). The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage site with heaps of archaeological sites – including the Terrace of the Lions, Temple of Isis and Sanctuary of Apollo – and hiking trails into the hills. You’ll arrive in Mykonos in time for sunset. This cosmopolitan island is known for its beach bars, boutiques and nightlife. As it’s your last night as a group, you might like to share one last dinner and raise a toast to an unforgettable week in the Cyclades. Yiamas!
- Overnight boat (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Delos - Archaeological Site
Your sailing time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Your sailing adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to spend more time in Mykonos, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
There are no meals included on this day.
Inclusions and activities
Included activities
- Kea - Ioulida Village to Otzias Beach guided walk
- Serifos – Chora Village hilltop guided walk
- Kythnos – Castle of Oria guided walk
- Syros – Traditional Greek dinner in family home
- Delos - Archaeological Site
Optional activities
- Syros – Ermoupoli & Ano Syros self-guided walk - Free
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Before you book you should know
- As the majority of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including the use of stairs. With that said, sea legs come naturally to some but not so much for others. Your friendly skipper will be able to help with the effects of sea sickness if needed.
- Our yachts have a small Zodiac on board, which is used to transport travellers to shore if we need to anchor in the bay. Zodiacs can sometimes be awkward to climb in and out of, but a sense of humour and a can-do attitude are all you need.
- This trip includes walks on most days between 2-3 hours duration. You need to be in good health to complete the walks. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
- This is an adventure on board a real yacht, which means living spaces, cabins, bathrooms and showers need to be shared with other passengers. Sleeping quarters can be quite compact, but you will be spending the majority of your time above board in the open air.
- On your trip, the skipper will move the boat using the sails and motor; occasionally, they will need to use the motor for the whole trip. This choice is weather-dependent, so is unpredictable, but our expert skippers will keep you updated on any necessary itinerary changes. They love to sail and will raise the sails at every opportunity.
START TIME
This trip starts on day 1 at 3.30pm at the Lavrio Marina, Athens and finishes on day 8 in Mykonos
ACCOMMODATION ON BOARD THE YACHT
This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of between 54ft to 56ft. The yacht can accommodate up to 11 traveller’s in the following cabin types:
double bed cabins (x2)
twin bunk bed cabins (x2)
triple bunk bed cabin (x1)
There are 5 shared bathrooms. Our boats are real yachts, and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board.
Solo customers can choose to book either a twin bunk bed cabin or a triple bunk bed cabin and will be matched up with other solo customers of the same gender. If you’d prefer not to share a cabin, a single cabin supplement is available at an additional charge when booking either a twin or double cabin.
Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth. If you are booking a bunk bed cabin you must be willing to sleep on the top bunk.
Double bed cabins can only be booked by 2 people travelling together or a solo customer who pays for a single supplement.
While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.
PASSPORT DETAILS:
Please provide full passport details at time of booking including exact name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, issue and expiry dates as these are essential for booking services on this trip.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:
Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. If you have pre-booked any additional accommodation through us, you will need to make your own way to the joining point on day 1 and from the finish point on the final day. We do not provide transfers between hotels and the port/marina. Please check the Essential Trip Information for joining and finishing points.
TRIP KITTY:
This trip has a compulsory group kitty of EUR100 per person. The kitty is an on-ground payment put into a central fund managed by travellers. It helps fund for breakfast and lunch on the boat and other small items such as ice, water, snacks and drinks. Travellers are responsible for the preparation of these meals onboard and to shop at port where supermarkets are often very close to the mooring. Kitty amounts are subject to change to reflect local price increases. On day 1, the skipper will talk through the kitty and how it will be managed by the group. The kitty will be collected when you arrive at the welcome meeting or in stages throughout your trip. The kitty amount should be used as a guide. More than likely, you will not spend the full amount recommended however it's advisable to budget for this amount.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
ACCOMMODATION ON BOARD THE YACHT
This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of between 54ft to 56ft. The yacht can accommodate up to 11 traveller’s in the following cabin types:
double bed cabins (x2)
twin bunk bed cabins (x2)
triple bunk bed cabin (x1)
There are 5 shared bathrooms. Our boats are real yachts, and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board.
Solo customers can choose to book either a twin bunk bed cabin or a triple bunk bed cabin and will be matched up with other solo customers of the same gender. If you’d prefer not to share a cabin, a single cabin supplement is available at an additional charge when booking either a twin or double cabin.
Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth. If you are booking a bunk bed cabin you must be willing to sleep on the top bunk.
Double bed cabins can only be booked by 2 people travelling together or a solo customer who pays for a single supplement.
While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:
Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. For most of our destinations, we can provide transfers between the airport/hotel and the port/marina. Please check the joining and finish point information in the trip notes for details.
ELECTRICITY:
While there should be electricity on board throughout your trip the voltage is likely to vary widely, from 12V to 220V, and when in port or moored we are dependent on the supply available. Please be aware that the supply may not be sufficient to power some electronic devices all the time and that you may need a voltage adapter or similar (such as portable inverter used in cars). On some trips it may be possible to charge devices ashore at restaurants or resorts, however this is not guaranteed.
WI-FI:
Please note that our sailing boats do not have Wi-Fi. You will be getting off the boat and visiting towns regularly so you will be able to connect with the outside world then.
Limani Restaurant (The Port restaurant in English)
Lavrio
19500
GREECE
Phone: +30 2292069311
Description
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 3:30 pm at restaurant called To Limani (The Port restaurant in English) at Lavrio port area. Located right beside the sea - you’ll even be able to see the masts of the sailing boats from the meeting point.
Your skipper will meet you in front of (or inside) the restaurant. If you’re planning to have lunch in Lavrio, To Limani is a good spot for meze and we recommend you arrive at least one hour in advance of the meeting time to enjoy your meal.
Kindly note that our meeting-point cafés and restaurants do not provide luggage storage facilities. Guests arriving early are welcome to enjoy a beverage or meal before the meeting time.
Instructions
If you have prebooked an airport arrival transfer from Athens Airport (ATH) driver will be waiting for guests at the arrival point in the Airport Arrival Hall (Section A or B), holding an Intrepid sign. In the unlikely event that a guest does not meet their driver at Arrival Hall A or B, they should proceed to the designated area at EXIT 4 (directly opposite the pharmacy), where an assistant will be available to help locate their driver. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +30 694 561 3427 .
Alternatively, taxis are available from Athens Airport to Lavrio port (cost is appx 40 euro during daytime and more for after midnight) and duration is appx 30 mins. If you would like to use a public bus from Athen’s airport to Lavrio there are no direct buses. You must change buses at Markopoulo. Bus station is at arrival level between Exists 2 and 3 , just opposite the Sofitel Hotel and buses run every 60 mins. In Markopoulo station you change buses to Lavrio . Duration of trip is approximately 2 hours, and overall cost of both buses is approx.9 euro. For more info, please visit http://ktelattikis.gr/en/ . The meeting point is 4 mins walk from Lavrio bus station.
If you have arrived in Athen’s city earlier and would you like to get to Lavrio by public bus, cost of ticket is 5 euro please visit http://ktelattikis.gr/en/ for more info . Alternative taxi service could be appx 75 euro and duration could be appx 1 hour.
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July 2026
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