The Aegean takes its name from Aegeas, the father of Theseas, who flung himself into the sea when he believed his son to have been killed in Crete. The Cyclades is the central group of islands in the Aegean so named because they more or less surround Delos, the ancient center of trade and worship (kykloi - rings).
The Aegean geographically divided Europe from Asia although the islands in the sea form a bridge between the two continents.

Between the islands, without compass or sextant, the merchants of ancient times could cross the Aegean and be out of sight of land for only a few hours.

The prevailing wind in the summer is the famous meltemi blowing from the N-NW. The meltemi begins to blow fitfully at first in June, blows strongest in July, August and September, and dies during October. In July and August the meltemi blows at Force 5-6 and may reach Force 7-8 on occasions. It may blow for 1-3 days or it may sometimes blow for 2 weeks at a time. There is no way of knowing for just how long it will blow. It has a thermal component in that it loses some strength at night and increases again in the day.

---

Marinas & starting points
Alimos (Athens)
Alimos Marina on the NE shore of the Saronikos Bay, is the largest Marina in the Balkans, with a dominating position in the Attica Basin. The Alimos Marina has 1,100 mooring berths. Located 45 minutes from the Athens International Airport. The Marina can be accessed by taxi or by a bus which departs every 15 minutes. You will find in the marina many facilities : water, electricity, fuel, toilets, showers on the pier. And also telephone, banks, restaurants, hotels …
Starting point to : Kea island, Syros Island, Tinos Island, Mykonos Island, Paros Island, Ios Island, Santorini Island, Folegandros Island, Milos Island, Sifnos Island, Serifos Island, Kithnos Island.
Itineraries
One week cruise in Cyclades islands starting Athens.
Two weeks cruise in Cyclades islands starting Athens.

Lavrion
The Marina is situed an hour away from the Athens International Airport. The marina can be accessed by bus or taxi. Many facilities in the harbour : water, electricity and fuel. There are also two supermarkets nearby the marina for your provisioning and many quality taverns, restaurants, cafes and bars are located within walking distance of the port.
Starting point to : Kea island, Syros Island, Tinos Island, Mykonos Island, Paros Island, Ios Island, Santorini Island, Folegandros Island, Milos Island, Sifnos Island, Serifos Island, Kithnos Island.
One way possible to Ionian sea, Dodecanese and Sporades.
Distance Athens / Corfu : 240 NM - Athens / Kos : 190NM- Athens / Skiathos : 152NM.

Syros
The marina is situated in the bay of Foinikas on the southwest coast of Syros island .The taxi ride from the airport to the marina takes about 20 minutes. Water and electricity on the quay. Fuel is delivered on the quay by a mini tanker, public shower and toilet available. Most provisions can be found at near by mini markets. There are several tavernas at the harbour and around the waterfront
Starting point to : Tinos Island, Mykonos Island, Paros Island, Los Island, Santorini Island, Folegandros Island, Milos Island, Sifnos Island, Serifos Island, Kithnos Island.

Paros
The marina is located in Paroikia bay. The taxi ride from the airport to the marina takes about 20 minutes. The ferry terminal from the marina is within walking distance. There are two supermarkets nearby the marina.
Many quality tavernas, restaurants, cafes and bars are located within walking distance of the marina.
Starting point to : Los Island, Santorini Island, Folegandros Island, Milos Island, Sifnos Island, Serifos Island.

Airport
Athens International Airport, daily flights from Europe.
Syros and Paros National airport daily flights from Athens with Olympic airways and Aegean airlines.

Ferry
Click here for more informations :http://www.ferries.gr/.