The single question that determines whether your Greek charter feels like a vacation or a delivery run: how far is each island from the next?
Most brochures show you photos. Few show you the math. This guide gives you the actual distances in nautical miles and kilometers, the time it takes to cover them at typical charter speeds, the comfortable daily cruising limit for guests, and the anchorage character at the destinations you actually want to reach.
Written by a working broker who plans these routes weekly. Updated for the 2026 season.
How to read this guide (60 seconds)
When clients ask me "can we do Mykonos to Milos in a day?", the honest answer involves four variables:
1. Distance — measured in nautical miles (NM). One NM = 1.852 km = 1.151 land miles.
2. Yacht speed — a sailing catamaran cruises 7–9 knots, a motor yacht 12–22 knots, a superyacht 14–18 knots at comfortable consumption.
3. Sea conditions — the meltemi (north wind, July–August) can add 30–50% to your time on certain southbound legs.
4. Guest comfort — UHNW clients on holiday don't want to spend six hours underway. The civilized maximum is roughly 4 hours of cruising per day.
One knot equals one nautical mile per hour. So a 40 NM passage at 10 knots = 4 hours. Add 30 minutes for departure prep and 30 minutes for anchoring, and you have a 5-hour "travel day" — the upper limit of what feels relaxed.
That's the framework. Now the numbers.
Cyclades distance table — the most-requested routes
The Cyclades sit in the central Aegean, southeast of Athens. Most charters start from Athens (Lavrion or Alimos) or Mykonos. Distances below are direct line-of-sight, the way captains actually plot them, not driving distance.
From Athens (Lavrion Marina) to Cyclades
Kea (Tzia): 18 NM (33 km) — 2h 15m at 8 kn, 1h 48m at 10 kn, 1h 17m at 14 kn.
Kythnos: 27 NM (50 km) — 3h 22m at 8 kn, 2h 42m at 10 kn, 1h 56m at 14 kn.
Syros: 55 NM (102 km) — 6h 53m at 8 kn, 5h 30m at 10 kn, 3h 56m at 14 kn.
Mykonos: 70 NM (130 km) — 8h 45m at 8 kn, 7h 00m at 10 kn, 5h 00m at 14 kn.
Paros: 70 NM (130 km) — 8h 45m at 8 kn, 7h 00m at 10 kn, 5h 00m at 14 kn.
Santorini: 115 NM (213 km) — 14h 23m at 8 kn, 11h 30m at 10 kn, 8h 13m at 14 kn.
Milos: 65 NM (120 km) — 8h 07m at 8 kn, 6h 30m at 10 kn, 4h 38m at 14 kn.
Reality check: Athens to Santorini in one day is theoretically possible on a fast motor yacht (8–9 hours), but no client should do this. We always overnight in Kythnos, Folegandros, or Ios on the way south.
Intra-Cyclades — island hopping distances
Mykonos → Delos: 4 NM (7 km) — 24 min at 10 knots.
Mykonos → Paros: 25 NM (46 km) — 2h 30m at 10 knots.
Mykonos → Naxos: 20 NM (37 km) — 2h 00m at 10 knots.
Paros → Naxos: 6 NM (11 km) — 36 min at 10 knots.
Paros → Antiparos: 3 NM (6 km) — 18 min at 10 knots.
Naxos → Koufonisia: 18 NM (33 km) — 1h 48m at 10 knots.
Koufonisia → Amorgos: 14 NM (26 km) — 1h 24m at 10 knots.
Naxos → Ios: 24 NM (44 km) — 2h 24m at 10 knots.
Ios → Santorini: 18 NM (33 km) — 1h 48m at 10 knots.
Santorini → Folegandros: 27 NM (50 km) — 2h 42m at 10 knots.
Folegandros → Milos: 24 NM (44 km) — 2h 24m at 10 knots.
Milos → Sifnos: 14 NM (26 km) — 1h 24m at 10 knots.
Sifnos → Serifos: 13 NM (24 km) — 1h 18m at 10 knots.
Serifos → Kythnos: 16 NM (30 km) — 1h 36m at 10 knots.
Mykonos → Syros: 22 NM (41 km) — 2h 12m at 10 knots.
Syros → Tinos: 12 NM (22 km) — 1h 12m at 10 knots.
Tinos → Andros: 27 NM (50 km) — 2h 42m at 10 knots.
Insider note: The Paros–Naxos–Koufonisia–Amorgos chain is the most comfortable Cyclades route for guests who want movement without exhaustion. Short hops, protected anchorages, real island culture between Mykonos energy and Santorini tourism.
Saronic Gulf distance table — the easy charter
The Saronic is Athens's home gulf. Calm waters, short distances, ideal for first-time charterers, families with young children, or short 3–5 day itineraries. The whole gulf can be cruised at relaxed pace in a week.
From Athens (Alimos Marina) to Saronic islands
Aegina: 17 NM (31 km) — 2h 08m at 8 kn, 1h 42m at 10 kn.
Agistri: 19 NM (35 km) — 2h 23m at 8 kn, 1h 54m at 10 kn.
Poros: 28 NM (52 km) — 3h 30m at 8 kn, 2h 48m at 10 kn.
Hydra: 36 NM (67 km) — 4h 30m at 8 kn, 3h 36m at 10 kn.
Spetses: 48 NM (89 km) — 6h 00m at 8 kn, 4h 48m at 10 kn.
Porto Cheli: 52 NM (96 km) — 6h 30m at 8 kn, 5h 12m at 10 kn.
Nafplio: 64 NM (119 km) — 8h 00m at 8 kn, 6h 24m at 10 kn.
Monemvasia: ~110 NM (~204 km) — a long delivery passage rather than a typical charter leg. Verify exact distance and routing with your captain.
Intra-Saronic distances
Aegina → Agistri: 3 NM (6 km) — 18 min at 10 knots.
Aegina → Poros: 14 NM (26 km) — 1h 24m at 10 knots.
Poros → Hydra: 12 NM (22 km) — 1h 12m at 10 knots.
Hydra → Spetses: 16 NM (30 km) — 1h 36m at 10 knots.
Spetses → Porto Cheli: 4 NM (7 km) — 24 min at 10 knots.
Hydra → Ermioni: 11 NM (20 km) — 1h 06m at 10 knots.
Poros → Methana: 5 NM (9 km) — 30 min at 10 knots.
Why brokers love the Saronic for short charters: You can spend three nights in three different islands, never sail more than 90 minutes at a stretch, and still feel like you've done a real voyage. Hydra alone justifies a Saronic charter — no cars, mules in the harbour, and the most cinematic stone amphitheatre in the Aegean.
Ionian Sea distance table — the green archipelago
The Ionian sits west of mainland Greece, accessed from Corfu or the Lefkas/Preveza/Gouvia marinas. Different sea, different feel — protected channels, green pine-covered islands, reliable afternoon thermal winds rather than the meltemi. Mile-for-mile, Ionian distances feel shorter because the water is calmer.
Major Ionian routes
Corfu (Gouvia) → Paxos: 32 NM (59 km) — 4h 00m at 8 kn, 3h 12m at 10 kn.
Paxos → Antipaxos: 3 NM (6 km) — 23 min at 8 kn, 18 min at 10 kn.
Paxos → Lefkas: 45 NM (83 km) — 5h 38m at 8 kn, 4h 30m at 10 kn.
Lefkas → Meganisi: 4 NM (7 km) — 30 min at 8 kn, 24 min at 10 kn.
Meganisi → Ithaca: 18 NM (33 km) — 2h 15m at 8 kn, 1h 48m at 10 kn.
Ithaca → Kefalonia (Fiscardo): 6 NM (11 km) — 45 min at 8 kn, 36 min at 10 kn.
Kefalonia → Zakynthos: 30 NM (56 km) — 3h 45m at 8 kn, 3h 00m at 10 kn.
Lefkas → Kefalonia (Fiscardo): 22 NM (41 km) — 2h 45m at 8 kn, 2h 12m at 10 kn.
Corfu → Lefkas (direct): 60 NM (111 km) — 7h 30m at 8 kn, 6h 00m at 10 kn.
From Athens to Ionian (the question we get asked but discourage)
The Corinth Canal has been closed for landslide and slope stabilisation works since late 2025. As of May 2026, official notices from the Corinth Canal authority and the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs point to a phased reopening from late June / early July 2026 for light shipping. Verify the canal's status the week before any plan — the initial reopening is expected to be restricted to certain vessel sizes and operating hours.
While the canal is closed, the alternative route around the Peloponnese is a multi-day delivery, typically planned by yacht management rather than scheduled as part of a vacation charter. We strongly recommend flying your guests to Preveza or Kefalonia airport and embarking there, or doing a one-way charter with the yacht repositioning separately.
The Ionian's quiet truth: Less famous than the Cyclades, more comfortable for actual sailing, dramatically cheaper provisioning, and the only place in Greece where you can swim every afternoon in glass-flat water even in August.
Recommended day-cruise distances by yacht type
The most common mistake in itinerary planning: clients want to see eight islands in seven days. The yacht can do it. The guests will hate it. Here's what actually feels good.
Sailing monohull (40–50 ft): cruising speed 6–8 knots, comfortable daily 25 NM, maximum daily 40 NM (one transit day).
Sailing catamaran (45–60 ft): cruising speed 7–9 knots, comfortable daily 30 NM, maximum daily 50 NM (one transit day).
Motor catamaran (50–70 ft): cruising speed 10–14 knots, comfortable daily 35 NM, maximum daily 60 NM.
Motor yacht (60–100 ft): cruising speed 12–18 knots, comfortable daily 40 NM, maximum daily 80 NM.
Superyacht (100 ft+): cruising speed 14–20 knots, comfortable daily 50 NM, maximum daily 120 NM.
The 4-hour rule: No matter how fast your yacht is, more than 4 hours underway in a single day stops feeling like vacation. We build itineraries around morning swim stops, lunch at anchor, afternoon cruise, sunset arrival. If a leg requires more than 4 hours, we either split it or position the yacht overnight.
The 12-pax math: On any yacht hosting more than 8 guests, the social cost of long passages compounds. Cabins feel smaller, deck space feels crowded, and the energy on board drops. We always recommend conservative legs for full charters.
Anchorage character by destination
The data most planning guides skip. Anchorage character matters because in high season (mid-July to late August), the most popular bays fill by noon. If your yacht arrives at 4 PM, you're either rafted three deep, anchored exposed to the meltemi, or moving to plan B.
Where organised marinas publish berth counts or where a mooring field is the only option, hard numbers are stated. Elsewhere the description reflects how the bay actually behaves in August, when capacity is functional rather than theoretical.
Cyclades anchorages
Mykonos Old Port (Ornos Bay): fills by late morning in August; crowded by 11 AM, westerly chop in afternoon.
Super Paradise Beach: limited capacity, day anchorage only, exposed at night.
Delos: very limited, restricted hours, archaeology site rules, no overnight.
Naoussa Bay (Paros): marina holds approximately 75 berths, bay holds more at anchor. Sheltered, party scene late evening, rafting common.
Naxos (Apollonas): modest capacity, calm, family-friendly.
Koufonisia (Pori beach): fills fast in August, turquoise water, day anchorage.
Amorgos (Aegiali): deep anchorage with good holding, suits larger yachts.
Ios (Mylopotas): long bay with room for variety, multiple anchoring spots.
Santorini (caldera): approximately 40+ mooring buoys, anchoring impractical due to depth exceeding 200 metres.
Folegandros (Vathy): small but spectacular, fills quickly.
Milos (Kleftiko): day anchorage only, not for overnight, the famous white cliffs.
Milos (Adamas, main port): sheltered town quay, best overnight on Milos.
Sifnos (Vathi): south coast shelter, good holding, meltemi protection.
Serifos (Livadi): main port, easy provisioning.
Kythnos (Kolona): the iconic double-beach anchorage, fills early, arrive before noon.
Kea (Vourkari): sailing club energy, good tavernas, stern-to inner harbour.
Syros (Hermoupolis): town harbour stern-to mooring, substantial capacity.
Saronic anchorages
Aegina (Perdika): charming with fish tavernas, modest capacity, busy evening.
Agistri (Skala): pine-covered, swim-friendly, fills in afternoon.
Poros (town harbour): stern-to busy quay, substantial capacity.
Poros (Russian Bay): sheltered anchorage, good overnight.
Hydra (main harbour): stern-to mooring, no cars, iconic, limited capacity — arrive early.
Hydra (Mandraki): quieter alternative with more space.
Spetses (Old Harbour): best evening atmosphere, stern-to busy.
Spetses (Zogeria Bay): pine-covered swim stop, good day anchorage.
Porto Cheli: sheltered all-weather bay, one of the most protected in the Saronic.
Ermioni: underrated, real Greek village, modest, fills less than Hydra.
Ionian anchorages
Corfu (Gouvia Marina): 100+ berths, full-service marina.
Paxos (Gaios): stern-to in the channel, limited, rafting common.
Paxos (Lakka): northern bay, pine forests, modest with good holding.
Antipaxos (Voutoumi): day stop only, no overnight.
Lefkas (Vasiliki): windsurfing hub, lively, busy with charter fleet.
Meganisi (Spartochori): sheltered with family-run tavernas, stern-to or anchor.
Meganisi (Port Athene): hidden, accessed by small craft, limited and intimate.
Ithaca (Vathy): town quay, modest stern-to.
Ithaca (Kioni): picture-postcard village, limited, fills early.
Kefalonia (Fiscardo): the Ionian's most photographed port, substantial but fills fast.
Kefalonia (Assos): small but stunning, very limited.
Zakynthos (Navagio area): day stop only, no overnight anchorage.
Zakynthos (Porto Vromi): day anchorage for shipwreck visit, small, calm-only.
How to use this data to plan your charter
Three principles I share with every client:
First, design backwards from the experience. Don't ask "how many islands can we hit?" Ask "what do I want to remember?" One swim in Kleftiko, one sunset in Santorini, one dinner in Hydra — three memories worth more than fifteen ports glimpsed from the rail.
Second, build in flex days. A 7-day charter is not 7 cruising days. It's 5 cruising days, 1 weather day, and 1 day where you stay an extra night because the place is magic. Captains who don't build in flex are running deliveries, not charters.
Third, the captain decides the route — you decide the priorities. Tell us "we want Mykonos energy one night, Cyclades wilderness three nights, calm anchorage for the kids one afternoon, sunset somewhere unforgettable on the last night." The captain will translate that into a route that respects the wind, the sea, and the math above. That translation is the broker's job too — match the right yacht to the right route, with the right captain who knows these waters.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to sail from Athens to Mykonos?
From Lavrion Marina to Mykonos is approximately 70 nautical miles (130 km). Cruising time depends on the yacht: a sailing catamaran at 8 knots needs about 8 hours 45 minutes, a motor yacht at 14 knots covers it in 5 hours, and a superyacht at 18 knots in roughly 3 hours 50 minutes. Most charters split this passage with an overnight in Kea (Tzia) or Kythnos to keep the first day comfortable for guests.
What is the comfortable daily cruising distance for a yacht charter in Greece?
For most charter guests, the comfortable daily cruising distance is between 25 and 50 nautical miles, equating to 3 to 5 hours underway. Sailing catamarans handle 25–30 NM per day comfortably, motor yachts 35–50 NM, and superyachts up to 80 NM. Crossing the 4-hour-underway threshold significantly reduces guest enjoyment, regardless of yacht size.
How fast does a charter yacht sail in Greek waters?
Cruising speeds vary by yacht type. A sailing catamaran cruises at 7–9 knots, a sailing monohull at 6–8 knots, a motor catamaran at 10–14 knots, a motor yacht at 12–18 knots, and a superyacht at 14–20 knots at efficient consumption. Top speeds are higher but fuel cost and guest comfort drop sharply above 70% throttle.
Can I sail from Mykonos to Santorini in one day?
Yes, but it requires planning. Direct distance is approximately 64 nautical miles (119 km). At 10 knots that is 6 hours 24 minutes of continuous cruising, which exceeds the comfort threshold for most guests. We recommend splitting the journey with an overnight in Ios or Naxos, turning it into two relaxed days of around 30 NM each with swim stops in between.
What is the largest anchorage in the Cyclades?
The Santorini caldera offers the largest organized mooring capacity, with over 40 mooring buoys available — anchoring is impractical due to depth. Hermoupolis Port on Syros and Naoussa Marina on Paros are among the largest organised stern-to facilities, each accommodating substantial numbers of yachts. For wild anchoring, Kythnos Kolona and Ios Mylopotas are among the most-used in season.
When is the meltemi wind strongest and how does it affect sailing?
The meltemi blows from the north across the Aegean from mid-July through late August, typically peaking from late July to mid-August. It typically reaches Force 5–7 in the central Cyclades (around 17–33 knots), with gusts that can exceed 30 knots on exposed legs. Northbound passages (returning to Athens) become slow and uncomfortable; southbound passages (toward Santorini) can be fast but require careful sea-state assessment. Experienced charter captains adjust itineraries day-by-day during meltemi season, prioritizing protected anchorages on the south side of islands.
How many nautical miles can a yacht cover in a 7-day charter?
A typical 7-day Greek yacht charter covers 150 to 250 nautical miles, depending on yacht type and itinerary intensity. Saronic Gulf charters average 120 NM (relaxed pace), Cyclades charters 200–250 NM, and one-way Cyclades-to-Ionian repositioning runs can reach 300+ NM but are not recommended for vacation charters. Most experienced brokers design routes that cover 25–35 NM per cruising day, leaving time for swimming, lunch at anchor, and shore excursions.
What is the closest Cyclades island to Athens?
Kea (also called Tzia) is the closest Cyclades island to Athens, around 15–18 nautical miles (28–33 km) from Lavrion Marina depending on the exact ports used. At 10 knots, the crossing takes under 2 hours. Kea is increasingly chosen by charter clients seeking a quiet, authentic Cycladic atmosphere without the crowds of Mykonos, while remaining within easy reach for arrivals or departures.
Plan your route with a working broker
Distance tables tell you the math. They don't tell you which anchorage is empty on a Tuesday in August, which captain knows the unmarked cove north of Sifnos, or which yacht handles the meltemi like she's standing still.
I plan these routes weekly for clients flying in from New York, London, Dubai, and Athens. The brief is always the same — we want it to feel effortless — and effortless is the output of someone doing math like this in the background.
If you have dates in mind for the 2026 season, send me a note. I will respond within 24 hours with three yacht options matched to your route, your guest count, and your budget — no obligation, no pressure, no contract until you're certain.
George P. Biniaris — Managing Broker, George Yachts Brokerage House LLC. IYBA Charter Active Member · Licensed skipper · Athens, Greece. Book a 30-minute consultation →
