The central Cyclades islands offer a quintessential Greek yachting experience. During summer, the Meltemi, a strong north-northwesterly wind, prevails, typically arriving in June and peaking in strength (up to force 8) from July to September, before subsiding in October. Spring and autumn can bring gales from the north and southeast. Summer temperatures are hot, averaging 25°C but frequently reaching 35°C.
Milos, the southwesternmost island, features the expansive Ormos Milou bay, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, which also left behind hot sulphur springs. Adhamas, the island’s port, offers mooring options on the east side of the ferry pier or at a smaller pier to the east. Anchoring is also possible southeast of the short pier, though the mud, rock, and weed bottom provides variable holding. While sheltered from the Meltemi, southerly winds can create hazardous conditions. Water is available on the ferry pier, fuel can be delivered, and provisions and tavernas can be found in the village. A climb to the Chora offers panoramic bay views. Several other anchorages within the bay are exposed to the north. Apollonia, in northeast Milos, allows mooring to the pier or anchoring off the beach, with good holding on a sandy bottom, tavernas, and a mini-market ashore. Ormos Voudhia, south of Apollonia, offers Meltemi shelter but is less appealing due to nearby mining operations.
Kimolos, northeast of Milos, offers two anchorages in Ormos Sikia on its southwest coast, but these are exposed to north-northwesterly winds. Pirgonisi, a long sandy beach on the south coast, provides attractive anchoring almost anywhere, with good holding on sand and weed. Psathi, further east, has a quay for mooring or anchoring, but offers little Meltemi shelter and is best suited for calm weather. Tavernas and limited provisions are available. Semina Creek, just north of Psathi, offers similar calm-weather anchorage.
Poliagos, northwest of Kimolos, features a secluded anchorage south of Moanolsi island, providing Meltemi shelter and good holding on a sandy bottom. The south side of Poliagos has several coves suitable for calm-weather anchoring.
Folegandros, a rocky island, boasts a charming Chora with greenery. Karavostasi serves as the ferry port. Mooring is possible at the mole on the south side of the westward extending arm, though holding can be poor. Reasonable Meltemi shelter is available. Several tavernas are present, but provisions can be scarce, relying heavily on ferry deliveries. Ormos Vathi, a large bay on the west side of Folegandros, is only suitable in calm weather due to poor holding.
Sikinos, east of Folegandros, has Ormos Skala as its sole harbor. Mooring alongside the quay or anchoring off is possible. Tavernas and some provisions are available in this attractive and popular destination for Greek tourists.
Ios, 3.5 miles east of Sikinos, is said to be the burial place of Homer. Port Ios offers excellent mud holding. Fuel can be delivered by mini-tanker, and water is accessible from a public fountain. Numerous tavernas and provisions are available. This resort is popular with younger crowds, with lively nightlife. Ormos Milopotamou, south of Port Ios, has four coves in its northern part suitable for anchoring, with the eastern two providing better shelter. Holding is good on sand. Tavernas and hotels are located on the beach. Ormos Manganari, a large bay on the south coast of Ios, offers anchoring throughout, with good holding on sand and tavernas ashore.
Thira (Santorini), similar to Milos, is a volcanic island, its bay formed by a major eruption around 1440-1450 BC. The nearby islands of Thirasia, Nea Kammeni, and Palaia Kammeni are also part of this volcanic structure. The iconic white Cycladic houses with blue windows perched on black volcanic cliffs create one of Greece’s most stunning and popular destinations.
Finikia, in northern Thira, allows anchoring west of the mole with a trip line due to the rocky bottom. It offers limited Meltemi shelter and is completely open to the south. Skala Thira serves as the harbor for the island’s capital, situated on steep slopes above. Mooring bow or stern-to the quay with a line to the mooring buoy is possible but can be challenging upon departure due to tangled lines. Water is available on the quay, and several tavernas are located in the harbor.
South of Ak Akrotiri, several anchorages provide good Meltemi shelter with sandy bottoms. However, ground swell can cause rolling. Monolithos, a small harbor on the east coast, allows mooring bows-to the breakwater. A taverna and showers are available ashore.
Thirasia, the westernmost island, has Ayios Nikolaos as its only anchorage. Anchoring off is possible, but the pier is reserved for local boats. Tavernas and some provisions are available in the cliffside village.
Nea Kammeni offers small inlets for anchoring, requiring a trip line due to the rocky bottom. The island is known for rat problems, with reports of them boarding yachts.
Anafi, the southernmost of the Cyclades, has one exposed anchorage on its south coast. The barren landscape might make it skippable.