Paros: Iraklia, Schinoussa, & Naxos Sailing Tour with Lunch

The best part of this Paros sailing day is the chance to reach quiet coves that are hard to visit on your own. You sail to Iraklia and Schinoussa, swim from the boat, and finish near southern Naxos, with the Aegean doing most of the scenery work.

I like the small-boat feel and the crew’s hands-on care, especially captains such as Kostas and Lido, who are praised for handling rougher water and helping less confident swimmers. I also like the mix of swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and fresh food prepared aboard.

The trade-off is simple: this is a long day on the water, with up to several hours spent sailing between stops. Strong wind can reduce sailing time, and the lunch is best viewed as a welcome meal rather than the main reason to book.

Key points to know before booking

• A sunken WW2 hydroplane at Alimia: Snorkel near the wreck at Iraklia, then swim in the clear water around it.
• Three island areas in one day: The route links Paros, Iraklia, Schinoussa, and southern Naxos.
• A full nine-hour outing: Expect a full day, roughly from morning until early evening.
• Food and drinks included: Lunch, local wine, beer, snacks, welcome refreshments, and fruit dessert are part of the day.
• Piso Livadi departure: You meet at Lady K Sailing Cruises in the port on Paros’s eastern coast.
• Weather controls the route: The skipper may change the plan for safety, and strong wind can affect sailing.

A full day from Piso Livadi to the Small Cyclades

This outing begins at Piso Livadi, a small port on Paros’s eastern coast. You meet at the Lady K Sailing Cruises point, then board the boat for a safety briefing before heading out into the Aegean.

You should plan on a nine-hour commitment. The boat leaves in the morning and returns around early evening, so this is not a quick half-day swim trip. That extra time lets the crew reach Iraklia, Schinoussa, and Naxos, but it also means you need to be comfortable spending most of the day at sea.

The boat is described as spacious, though the exact feel depends on the group size. Shared and private options are available, and smaller groups give you more room to spread out and make requests. The crew has included people such as Kostas, Lido, Harry, Manos, Nicos, Yani, and Chris, with English and Greek used during the trip.

I would arrive ready for sun, wind, and salt water. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, a towel, and clothing suited to changing weather. Water shoes are also a smart extra, based on the rocky entry points and cliff areas some passengers have enjoyed.

The long sail toward Iraklia

The first sailing leg takes about two and a half hours. That is a substantial stretch, so you should not book this day expecting constant swimming. The payoff is the open-water setting, changing views of the islands, and the chance to spend the day moving under sail when wind conditions allow.

The skipper may use the motor when the wind is weak or sail around rougher areas when conditions permit. Strong wind can also limit the amount of actual sailing. That flexibility matters because the route is built around safety, not a rigid promise to visit every stop at any cost.

If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before boarding. One passenger with a tendency toward motion sickness appreciated the captain’s careful handling, but another described a few upset stomachs on board. The sea can be calm in one stretch and uncomfortable in another, particularly on a full day with several crossings.

Alimia Beach and the sunken hydroplane

The first main stop is Alimia, a secluded beach on Iraklia. Here you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and look for marine life in the clear water.

The unusual feature is a sunken hydroplane from World War II. This gives the stop more character than a standard beach swim. You do not need to be a serious snorkeler to enjoy the setting, but the wreck is the reason to bring a mask and spend some time looking below the surface.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from packing your own equipment. Still, comfort in the water varies from person to person. Some people may prefer to float near the boat or beach, while stronger swimmers can spend more time exploring the wreck and nearby sea life.

This stop also shows the limits of a sailing itinerary. You get a pleasant swim in a secluded cove, but the boat must continue on, and the total time in the water is shorter than the time spent crossing between islands. I would treat the swimming stops as carefully chosen breaks in a sailing trip, not as a beach-hopping tour.

Schinoussa, lunch, and a quieter hour

From Iraklia, the boat continues for about an hour toward Schinoussa. The next stop is listed around Ofidoussa, where you have time to swim, snorkel, relax, and eat lunch on board.

This is likely the most restful part of the day. The small island setting feels quiet, and the boat gives you a calm base for swimming without the need to find a beach chair or restaurant. You can take a dip, dry off in the sun, and return to the boat for food and a drink.

Lunch includes fresh local food prepared on board, along with local wine and beer. Snacks and welcome refreshments are also included, followed by fruit dessert later in the day. The food has been a strong part of the experience for many people, though expectations should stay sensible. Some diners found the meal generous and excellent, while others considered it fairly basic.

That difference is useful to know. I would book this for the setting and day on the water, with lunch as a generous bonus. If you are choosing a sailing trip mainly for a gourmet meal, this may not be the right standard. If you want a fresh meal served between swims, it fits the day well.

Southern Naxos and the final swim

After Schinoussa, the boat sails for about an hour and a half toward Naxos. The final stop is near Mikri Vigla Beach on the island’s south side, where you get another swim, snorkeling time, drinks, and fruit dessert.

This last stop breaks up the return journey nicely. By then, you have spent hours in the sun and may prefer a slower swim or a short rest on board rather than a strenuous snorkel. The water and views make a good final pause before the last hour of sailing back to Paros.

The Naxos stop also adds variety. Iraklia offers the WW2 aircraft, Schinoussa provides the quiet lunch break, and southern Naxos gives you one more chance to swim before turning home. You are not simply repeating the same cove three times.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is one of the clearest strengths of this outing. Captains including Kostas, Lido, and Nicos have been singled out for safe boat handling, local knowledge, and a friendly manner. Deck crew such as Harry, Manos, Yani, and Chris have also been praised for keeping drinks and snacks moving and helping people feel comfortable.

That matters on a sailing boat. You may need help with snorkeling gear, boarding from the water, finding a place to sit, or deciding how much time to spend swimming. A crew that pays attention can turn a basic boat transfer into a much better day.

The crew also adjusts to conditions. When wind is strong, the skipper can change the route for safety. When wind is weak, the boat may motor for part of the trip and sail where practical. You should see this as good seamanship, even if it means less sailing than you imagined.

Price, group size, and overall value

At $200 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Paros. The price makes more sense when you count the nine-hour duration, skipper and crew, several island stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, wine, beer, snacks, and dessert.

You are also paying for access to places that would be awkward to combine independently. Reaching Iraklia, Schinoussa, and southern Naxos in one day would require arranging several separate boat or ferry connections, and those would not give you the same swimming access.

The value is strongest if you want a complete boat day rather than a short cruise. Couples, groups of friends, and families with older children can make good use of the long schedule. A private option may suit a group that wants more control over the pace, while a shared trip can keep the price more manageable.

Children under two, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments should not book this activity. Boarding, swimming stops, boat movement, and the lack of hotel pickup make it less suitable for anyone who needs easy access or frequent assistance.

Getting to Piso Livadi

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Piso Livadi on your own, usually by car or taxi from the main Paros resorts. The drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your starting point and traffic.

Give yourself time to find the meeting point at the port. Piso Livadi is also useful after the cruise, with local shops, restaurants, bus connections, and taxis. You could plan to eat dinner there after returning, though you may be ready for a quiet evening after nine hours in the sun.

The location is a practical advantage for anyone staying on the eastern side of Paros. If you are based elsewhere, include the extra drive when judging the total length of your day.

Who should book this sailing tour?

I would choose this tour if you want to combine sailing and swimming, rather than spend the whole day on one beach. It suits people who enjoy being outdoors, do not mind a long ride between stops, and want a taste of several Small Cyclades islands without changing hotels.

It is especially good for a group of friends or a private party that will enjoy chatting with the crew and sharing lunch on board. The crew’s friendly approach also helps if you are new to sailing or uncertain about snorkeling.

I would think twice if you dislike boat motion, need a firm schedule, or want long hours on land. The route depends on weather, and a large part of the day is spent getting from one island to the next. The food is pleasant and fresh, but it should not be the deciding factor.

Should you book it?

Book this sailing day if your ideal Paros outing includes clear water, secluded coves, a curious underwater wreck, local food, and a relaxed crew. The strongest reasons are the varied route, the careful handling by captains such as Kostas and Lido, and the chance to swim in places you would not easily reach from shore.

Skip it if you want a short cruise, a guaranteed sailing itinerary, or a substantial restaurant-style lunch. For most active visitors who can handle a full day at sea, $200 is fair value for the time, food, drinks, equipment, and island access included.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour depart from?

The tour departs from Lady K Sailing Cruises at the port of Piso Livadi on the eastern coast of Paros.

How long does the tour last?

The sailing day lasts about nine hours, with a morning departure and an early evening return.

Which islands are included?

The route travels from Paros to Iraklia, Schinoussa, and southern Naxos before returning to Piso Livadi.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A full lunch served on board is included, along with local wine, beer, snacks, welcome refreshments, and fruit dessert.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and the tour makes swimming and snorkeling stops at secluded bays.

Can I see a sunken plane?

At Alimia beach on Iraklia, you can snorkel near a sunken World War II hydroplane.

Is the tour shared or private?

You can choose between a shared small-group experience and a private tour, subject to availability.

What languages are spoken?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Greek.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Piso Livadi by car, taxi, or another arranged form of transport.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The skipper may change the itinerary for safety. Strong wind can also limit sailing time or affect the planned route.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, a towel, and weather-appropriate clothing. Water shoes may also be useful for rocky swimming areas.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.