Exploring the Greek islands aboard a gulet is a wonderful way to discover the Aegean Sea, enjoy crystal-clear beaches and visit some of the Mediterranean's most iconic destinations. Mykonos and Santorini are two of the best-known Cycladic islands, offering a unique combination of traditional villages, volcanic landscapes, excellent food and Mediterranean charm.

Planning a gulet itinerary in Mykonos and Santorini allows you to combine these two destinations with other nearby islands, tailoring your journey to the length of your holiday, your preferences and sailing conditions. But how many days do you need, which route can you follow and how much does this experience cost?

What Is the Best Gulet Route in Mykonos and Santorini?

The best route depends on how much time you have and the type of holiday you want. You can focus on Mykonos and Santorini or use your cruise to discover other Cycladic islands, combining sailing, beaches, cultural visits and peaceful anchorages.

3-4-Day Route: Mykonos and the Surrounding Islands

If you only have a few days, you can focus your cruise on Mykonos and some of the nearby islands. Alongside exploring Chora, its famous windmills and its beaches, you can enjoy sailing days and discover quieter places from the water.

Depending on your departure port, weather conditions and vessel, the itinerary may include a visit to Delos, the archaeological island next to Mykonos, or a trip towards other nearby islands.

This option is ideal for a short escape, although visiting Santorini as well may be too ambitious in such a short time, particularly if you want to enjoy each destination without rushing.

7-Day Route: From Mykonos to Santorini

One week is an interesting timeframe for a gulet cruise in Mykonos and Santorini, especially if you want to combine both islands with a few stops along the way.

A possible seven-day itinerary could look like this:

Day 1 – Mykonos: embarkation, settling into your cabin and exploring Chora, with time to enjoy its streets and restaurants.

Day 2 – Delos and Rinia: visit the archaeological site of Delos, weather permitting, followed by sailing towards the peaceful waters around Rinia.

Day 3 – Paros: discover its beaches, traditional villages and charming harbours.

Day 4 – Naxos: explore the largest island in the Cyclades, with time for its beaches and historical sights.

Day 5 – Ios: enjoy a sailing day, swim in secluded bays and visit Chora.

Day 6 – Santorini: arrive at the island, famous for its volcanic cliffs, whitewashed villages and caldera views.

Day 7 – Santorini: enjoy a final day on the island before disembarkation, according to the agreed schedule and port arrangements.

This itinerary is a suggestion rather than a guaranteed route. Distances between islands, Aegean winds, sea conditions and sailing times may require changes to the planned stops. In particular, the summer meltemi winds can affect travel between the Cycladic islands.

10–14-Day Route: A More Extensive Cyclades Cruise

If you have ten days or two weeks, you can enjoy a more relaxed cruise and spend more time exploring the islands. In addition to Mykonos and Santorini, you could consider stops in Paros, Naxos, Ios, Milos or Folegandros, depending on the route and departure port.

Milos is known for its volcanic scenery and distinctive beaches, while Folegandros offers traditional villages and a quieter atmosphere. These islands reveal a different side of the Cyclades, away from some of the busiest destinations.

A longer holiday also means less time spent rushing between islands and more opportunities to anchor, enjoy meals on board, swim in the sea and explore ashore.

How Much Does a Gulet in Mykonos and Santorini Cost?

The price of a private gulet cruise in Mykonos and Santorini depends on the vessel's category, size, number of cabins, travel dates and included services.

As an initial budgeting guide, weekly gulet charter prices may fall within the following ranges:

Standard gulets: from around €15,000 per week.

Higher-category gulets: approximately €25,000–€63,000 per week.

These figures are indicative and must be confirmed for the chosen vessel and dates. Not every gulet available in Greece necessarily offers itineraries departing from and returning to Mykonos or Santorini.

In addition to the charter fee, check which expenses are included. Depending on the contract, fuel, provisions, meals, drinks, port fees and other services may incur additional charges. Some costs are calculated separately.

When comparing quotes, it is best to request a detailed proposal specifying the proposed itinerary, included services and any additional expenses.

When Is the Best Time to Sail in Mykonos and Santorini?

The main sailing season in the Cyclades generally runs from late spring to early autumn.

May and June: These months can be appealing for pleasant temperatures, spring scenery and a quieter atmosphere than the height of summer. Wind conditions can vary.

July and August: These are the busiest tourist months, with a lively atmosphere in Mykonos and Santorini. Summer meltemi winds can also blow strongly, which is an important consideration when planning a gulet itinerary.

September and early October: These months can offer a good balance of pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors, although weather conditions and vessel availability vary.

Your travel dates should reflect both your holiday preferences and the actual sailing conditions. The captain will assess the wind and sea state to determine the most suitable itinerary.

Is a Private Gulet Charter Better Than a Conventional Cruise?

A conventional cruise follows a set itinerary and allows you to visit several destinations according to a predefined schedule. A private gulet charter, on the other hand, gives your group exclusive use of the vessel and greater flexibility when organising your holiday.

On a private gulet, you can enjoy onboard spaces with your own companions, meals on board and sailing days adapted to your preferences, within the limits of safety and weather conditions.

This option is particularly appealing to families, groups of friends and travellers looking for luxury gulet holidays in Mykonos and Santorini with a more personal experience.

Before booking, check the vessel's guest capacity, cabin layout, crew services and charter conditions.

Where Should Your Cruise Start and Finish?

Choosing the departure and arrival ports is an important part of planning a gulet cruise in Mykonos and Santorini. Although both islands are popular destinations, not every vessel is based there or offers the same embarkation and disembarkation options.

Depending on availability, you may need to plan a round-trip itinerary from the same port or explore a route that starts on one island and finishes on another. The latter may involve special arrangements and additional costs.

Remember that the distance between islands is not the only factor determining the length of your journey. The gulet's speed, wind conditions, planned stops and the amount of time you want to spend at each destination are equally important.

Plan Your Gulet Holiday in Mykonos and Santorini

A gulet cruise in Mykonos and Santorini offers a wonderful way to discover the Cyclades, combining spectacular scenery, traditional villages and sailing days across the Aegean Sea. Whether you prefer a short escape or a full one- or two-week itinerary, choosing the right vessel and route is essential to making the most of your experience.

At BestGulet, you can explore private and luxury gulet charter options for your Greek island holiday. Share your travel dates, group size and preferred trip duration to find a vessel that suits your plans and budget.