A day on a catamaran to Paros and Mikri Vigla

What it involves

It is a whole day under sail on a catamaran, in a small group, from the harbour of the Chora. It is run by Naxos Catamaran, a local company based in the port of Naxos. The boat crosses to the south of Paros, stops at a beach best reached by sea and heads back to the west coast of Naxos to anchor off Mikri Vigla, known for its turquoise water and golden sand. In all there are two or three swimming stops.

The crew prepare a traditional Greek lunch on board and serve coffee, aperitifs and snacks during the day, with local wine or beer with the meal (in limited quantity). There are diving masks for looking at the seabed at the stops, and wifi on board.

Timetable and duration

• Meeting: at 9:30 at the Chora marina.
• Departure: at 10:00.
• Duration: about 6 h 30. You return in the early afternoon, with time to rest before dinner.

The website presents it as a daily departure, but doesn't publish the dates when the season starts and ends. Check the calendar in its booking system, especially if you travel in spring or autumn.

Price and booking

The company's website doesn't show the price on its pages: you see it when you choose a date in its online booking system, on the Book Today buttons on the trip page. You can also book by phone or WhatsApp (+30 698 373 8419) or by email. The company has an office at the port of Naxos, open in the mornings from 8:00 to 12:00 every day, where you can ask in person.

In July and August the small groups fill up: book a few days ahead.

Other departures from the same company

• Private boat: a day tailored for your group, to Paros and Antiparos, Mykonos or the Small Cyclades (Koufonisi, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Donousa or Keros). Price on request.
• Private sunset: an evening sail with cold wine and fruit.
• Multi-day charter, with crew, from two to seven days around the Cyclades.

The wind

In July and August the meltemi blows, the Aegean's north wind, sometimes very hard. A catamaran is stable, but the channel between Naxos and Paros can get choppy. In strong wind the skipper decides whether to sail, change the route to more sheltered waters or postpone. The website doesn't publish its bad-weather cancellation policy: ask when you book and confirm the departure the day before.

If you get seasick easily, take a tablet before boarding and stay on deck, in the air.

Who it suits

It is an outing for families, couples and groups of friends. Children enjoy the swimming stops, but they have to cope with six hours on a boat. With children who can't swim, ask for life jackets in their size when you book.

What to bring

The company warns that it doesn't provide towels. Bring a towel, swimwear, sun cream, hat, sunglasses, a light layer for the wind and a dry bag for your phone. If you have your own diving mask that fits you well, bring it.

How to get to the harbour

The marina is on the Chora waterfront, a few minutes' walk from the KTEL bus station and the ferry quay. If you sleep in the Chora, walk; if you are staying on the southern beaches, the first bus gets you there in time. On the way back, the Portara is ten minutes' walk away to watch the sunset.