Sailing through the Greek islands has always been a bucket list experience for me, and the G Adventures Sailing Greece: Mykonos to Santorini tour did not disappoint. If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, delicious food, and sunsets that look straight out of a postcard, this is the trip for you.
Here’s my review of the itinerary, my personal experiences, and a few tips to help you make the most of this adventure.
Starting in Mykonos
I arrived in Mykonos a week before the tour to celebrate my birthday and soak up some extra island vibes. I stayed at Cocoon Hostel, which is the only hostel in the main area and honestly a great spot. The location was perfect, and it had such a fun atmosphere. However, Mykonos is definitely on the pricey side—expect to pay around $18 AUD for a gyro here compared to $4 AUD on other islands.
The day the tour started, we met our group at a local restaurant before boarding our yacht. It felt so surreal to know this was going to be our home for the next week. We did a group grocery shop for the first couple of days, we all contributed to a meal kitty and planned meals together. Which was a fun way to bond right off the bat.
On our first night, a few of us went out to experience Mykonos’ legendary nightlife before setting sail the next morning. If you love a party, Mykonos delivers.
The Itinerary
One thing to know about this trip: the itinerary is super flexible and depends on the weather. Our skipper made all the calls about where we went, ensuring we got the best conditions. So each trip can be different.
Here’s where we ended up:
Naxos (2 Nights)
Our first stop was Naxos, a charming island with a great mix of daytime exploring and nighttime fun. We wandered through cute little streets, enjoyed delicious local food, and hit up some bars in the evening. Naxos felt like the perfect introduction to island life.
Irakleia (1 Night)
Next up was Irakleia, a tiny island that felt like a hidden gem. It’s quiet, peaceful, and not touristy at all—the kind of place you’d probably miss if you weren’t on a sailing trip. On the way there, we even spotted dolphins swimming alongside our boat, which was such a magical moment!
Ios (2 Nights)
Ios was a blast. During the day, we relaxed on the beach, and by night, it was full-on party mode. We hit up the famous FarOut Beach Club and joined a bar crawl that was a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a mix of chill and wild, Ios has you covered.
Santorini (1 Night)
Our final stop was Santorini, but instead of staying on the main island, we anchored near a quieter, nearby spot. This gave us a chance to enjoy a calm evening before heading to the main island the next morning. After disembarking, we took a small boat to Fira, Santorini, where the tour officially ended.
I stayed in Fira, which is the main hub of the island. While it’s convenient, it’s not the picturesque spot you see on Instagram—that’s Oia. I took a cheap and easy bus ride to Oia one day, wandered the beautiful streets, and settled in at a bar to watch the famous Santorini sunset. It was stunning and totally worth the hype.
Life on the Boat
Living on the yacht was one of the best parts of the trip. Every morning, I’d have my coffee while watching the ocean stretch out endlessly around us. We swam off the back of the boat every day, which was such a dream.
This trip is truly what you make of it. You can have a super chill time, just swimming and relaxing, or go all out exploring and experiencing everything each island has to offer. There’s something for everyone.
Food and Drinks
If you’re a foodie, you’re going to love Greece. From gyros to fresh seafood, every meal was a delight. On the islands, there are plenty of options to suit every budget, though Mykonos and Santorini are definitely the most expensive.
Tip! – Stocking up on groceries for the boat is a great way to save money, and it’s fun to cook and eat together as a group.
Tips for the Trip
- Pack light: There’s limited space on the boat, so stick to essentials. Backpack is the way to go here. There’s not a lot of room for a suitcase and it is very hard to get into the boat in the first place.
- Bring snacks and drinks: A bottle of wine or some snacks goes a long way during those evenings on the yacht.
- Be flexible: The itinerary can change depending on the weather, so go with the flow and trust the skipper.
- Budget for extras: While the tour covers the basics, you’ll want extra cash for meals out, drinks, and activities on the islands.
- Embrace the group dynamic: Group tours like this are such a great way to meet people. By the end of the trip, we felt like a little family.
Is This Tour for You?
If you love the idea of sailing, swimming, and soaking up the Greek island lifestyle, this tour is perfect. It’s ideal for solo travellers, couples, or even small groups of friends looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re chilling on the boat, exploring quiet islands, or dancing the night away, this trip has it all.
So, are you ready to set sail? Trust me, the Greek islands are calling your name!
View tour here: Sailing Greece – Mykonos to Santorini
Planning a trip to Greece? If you would like to read more about my trip for more tips, you can see all my Europe blogs here.
