Superyacht itinerary
Island-hopping the Cyclades
Captain Michael Atkinson curates the ultimate superyacht charter itinerary on board 70-metre Alfa that showcases the Greek Cyclades in all their glory.
ALFA
70m | 2020 | Benetti
Top speed 17 kn | 1,442 GT
12 guests | 18 crew
Benetti’s 70-metre Alfa captured the industry’s attention upon her delivery, earning top honours in her category at the World Superyacht Awards 2021. Making her debut on the charter market this year, she has already received outstanding reviews, with special praise for her remarkable crew. The master suite is a standout area on board, offering an exclusive private foredeck, a personal gym, skylounge and office. Other remarkable features include a fold-down terrace in the formal dining room, ideal for aperitifs or sunset cocktails, a main deck aft swimming pool, an impressive 2.2-metre ceiling height in the main saloon, and a dedicated massage room.
THE ITINERARY
Kea and Kythnos
A gateway to the Greek mainland, Kea stands out from the crowd: steep mountains, olive groves, hiking trails and off-the-beaten-track beaches characterise this unspoiled isle. Wave hello to its 2,500 residents on an eBike ride through organic vineyards, and walk through the main gates in the pedestrianised Ioulida town, where the famous smiling lion statue and local museum are worth a visit.
The relaxed paradise of Kythnos fully embraces beach life, offering countless sandy stretches only accessible by yacht and clear waters to intrigue divers. Added value is found at the Castle of Oria, Katafigi Cave and stone-enclosed thermal springs at Loutra.
Andros and Tinos
Northernmost Andros boasts lush hillsides, meandering rivers and golden sands. Nestled on a peninsula between two long swathes of beach, the pedestrianised chora bustles with delightful cafés and shops, while a diverse collection of art museums, monasteries and ancient sites are found island wide. A top spot for activity-lovers is Ormos Beach, renowned for windsurfing.
Nearby, and comparatively unknown, charming Tinos is teeming with old-style villages and secluded beaches. Enjoy unspoiled architecture, traditional culture and provincial gastronomic feasts. Tinos hosts the holiest shrines in Greece, which have been attracting pilgrims for centuries. Make your own pilgrimage to Rochari Beach
Syros and Serifos
For a slice of away-from-it-all tranquillity, make your way to the culturally significant Syros. The capital town, Ermoupolis, exudes the romance of a bygone era amongst pasted-hued neoclassical architecture, narrow streets and café-dotted squares, but don't miss the famous casino, if you are feeling lucky. Boasting several pristine beaches, the sheltered cove at Galissas is a must. Why not take a horseback ride between the historic villages before trotting to a deserted Aegean beach for a swim.
The beautifully relaxed Serifos is a yachting haven packed with infinite charm, thanks to sheltered bays and swathes of beaches. Head hillside to wander the main chora and soak up the panoramic views at the top whilst enjoying a Tsipouro from an al fresco café.
Alfa's expansive decks offer several lounge areas for relaxation and socialising
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Mykonos
Popular for stylish boutiques, chic beach clubs and lively nightlife, the whitewashed paradise of Mykonos packs a scenic punch. Visitors can enjoy sheltered anchorages, picturesque bays and fantastic beaches.
Whimsical Little Venice enchants with pendulous mediaeval buildings, while the warren of narrow streets in chic Mykonos Town radiates charm. Whether you seek relaxed seclusion or a cosmopolitan vibe, countless beaches deliver the required mood; whilst heading inland the leafy hillsides are dotted with quaint villages. The nightlife caters to all tastes, as the beach super-clubs, Champagne bars and cabaret shows keep the action going until dawn.
Paros and Anti-Paros
Sugar-cube towns, ancient ruins and lively tavernas nestling in the natural landscape make Paros a quintessentially Greek island. Countless opportunities present to anchor and snorkel at secluded crescent-shaped bays enveloped by swathes of velvet sand, whereas active water sports enthusiasts flock to Golden Beach.
Ashore in Parikia, the labyrinth of narrow whitewashed alleyways is a huge daytime draw with northerly Naousa celebrated as a nightlife hub. Charming mediaeval towns hug the hills - visit characterful Lefkes for handmade pottery, soak up exquisite countryside views and enjoy the intoxicating fragrance of jasmine in the air.
Explore the nearby isle of Anti-Paros, with its traditional village, deserted beaches and an impressive cave system on the southern side.
Naxos
The largest, tallest and greenest in the island group, Naxos lays claim to the highest Cycladic peak of Mount Zas, set amidst meandering hiking trails and fertile valleys strewn with vineyards. The coast is fringed with exotic beaches, exciting wreck dives and friendly seaside tavernas, not forgetting the windsurfing haven on the western shore.
Compared to its bustling counterparts, relaxed Naxos remains relatively undiscovered: step back in time to mountain villages where self-sufficient locals still wear traditional clothing, woven with ancient looms. Enjoy summer entertainment at Bazeos Castle with performances and exhibitions and the August Panigiri festival celebrations are particularly significant in Filoti.
Sifnos and Milos
Cycladic chic is prevalent in Sifnos: whitewashed terraces, terracotta chimneys and vibrant bougainvillea mirror the refined yet relaxed ambience. At Panagia Chryssopigi, thrill-seekers dive from rocky ledges, whereas isolated Fykiada Bay is mainly accessed by yacht. Foodies take note: in September the annual gastronomy festival in Sifnos further promotes the island's rich culinary tradition.
Unique Milos, birthplace of Aphrodite and original home of the Venus de Milo, radiates natural beauty. From volcanic Plaka's sunsets and Kleftiko's pirate caves to the charming fishermen’s boat houses at Klima, this island is a treasure chest of hidden gems.
Santorini
Best approached by sea across the immense volcanic caldera, Santorini is undeniably spectacular. Whitewashed cubiform houses perch hillside that are intricately linked by cobblestone alleys, while below, the coastal beaches are hued with red, white and black sand.
Cruise past uninhabited Aspronisi and Strogili, take a therapeutic swim in the Nea Kameni thermal springs and admire the Akrotiri clifftop lighthouse and 'Indian rock' formation. Be sure to head to scenic Oia village - the top spot to watch Santorini's famed sunset.
OCEAN INDEPENDENCE
OCEAN INDEPENDENCE
OCEAN INDEPENDENCE
OCEAN INDEPENDENCE
OCEAN INDEPENDENCE
OCEAN INDEPENDENCE
Alfa is available to charter through Ocean Independence from €700,000 per week. To find out more information or to secure your charter, visit the Ocean Independence website.
SPONSORED CONTENT CREATED FOR OCEAN INDEPENDENCE
