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No trip to the Greek islands would be complete without an island hopping tour or a boat trip. After all, who doesn’t dream of being sailed away on the blue waters of the Aegean Sea? Letting the wind carry you away to unknown islands only a handful of people call home. Places where time has stood still for ages and left the beauty of the land untouched. This is the dream-come-true day we had with Xanemo Sailing in Naxos. It’s one of the best Naxos sailing day trips you can find!

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Higher standards for Naxos sailing day trips

When we started looking for an island hopping tour in Naxos, we knew what we wanted, and what we wanted to avoid. We’ve had too many experiences being crammed into boats that are too small to carry everyone. We know (and hate) being rushed off from one place to the next with barely enough time to take in the beauty of the place. Worse of all, we never again want to be taken to a place that is so crowded with tourists, you can barely move (Hello Maya Bay, we’re talking about you!). We wanted a tour that fit into our way of doing things.

We looked for a boat tour in Naxos with a personalized approach, working with the conditions of the day to make the best route. We looked for a small group on the boat, where everyone could be comfy and get to talk to each other. We wanted to go to secluded places that were still pristine and uncrowded. We wanted to feel like we were the masters of our destiny, sailing the seas, free to explore as we wanted.

Luckily, we found Xanemo Sailing. They checked off every single item on our Naxos boat tour wish list. This became our favorite day of our trip to Greece. How could it not? We had a great captain, an amazing skipper, and a small and cool crew to hang out with for a day. Could you ask more from a boat day trip in Naxos?

Our perfect Naxos sailing day trip

We met Jerome, Depy, the friendly owners of Xanemo Sailing, and the rest of the group early in the morning, at 8:30, at the Naxos Marina. The day was sunny, without a single cloud in the sky. The perfect day to set out and explore the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. We left the port and headed out to our first destination.

The first stop on our Greek island hopping tour: Iraklia

Usually, the sailing day trips in Naxos will take you to Koufonisia. It’s supposed to be a really cute island right off Naxos. Let the masses head there if they want. We had better plans with Xanemo Sailing!

We’re off to Iraklia. This is what Naxos used to be like, before tourists, both foreign and domestic, discovered its beauty. We’re so ready for our trip back in time!

Iraklia is a tiny island of the Small Cyclades, right between Naxos and Ios. It’s the smallest of the Cyclades, only 120 people live here, mainly fishermen and their families.

Once we get here, we set the anchor down, and jump into clear turquoise waters. Is there anything more perfect than this?

We are the only sailing boat here. Just the 10 of us, and some locals free to swim as we wish. Talk about the perfect way to jump into this trip. With our snorkel masks on, we swim around the bay. Clear, crisp and calm waves, a few tiny fish, and above all, refreshing waters to cool us down after our sunny journey here.

We hear someone ask Depy how long we have to swim here. Clearly, they are used to being rushed around on these sailing boat tours too. Our hostess just smiles and says “As long as you want”. There is no set time-frame for our boat day trip from Naxos! We can all decide how long we stay in each location. Talk about a major win!

The second stop of our Naxos sailing tour: Schoinousa

Yeah…  We have no idea how to say the name of this island. It’s teeny-tiny as well. About 200 people live here, and yes, they are mainly fishermen too. What we can tell you about Schoinousa is that it’s absolutely beautiful.

The Xanemo sailboat anchors just inside the little bay of the island. Depy points out to the beach. There to the right, we can find a natural “swimming pool” – clear waters that go up to your belly, and a sandy floor perfect for walking around. To the left, we have a flat rock platform where we can spot tons of fish, clams and snails. The water there is shallow but floating is easy.

The more our sailing day trip progresses, the more we realize the advantages of hitting the waters with locals who know Naxos’ surrounding islands. Not to mention the advantage of being on a small boat tour!

Here, we have about 40 minutes to float around, sunbathe on the deck, chill under the shade of the trees on the shore, or walk up the hill. Once we get back on board, lunch is served. 

Copious amounts of homemade tzatziki, grilled pita, Greek salad, pork souvlaki (for Derek), and spanakopita (spinach pie), just for me and the other vegetarians on the boat! All we can say is yum!

An added bonus, all drinks are part of the price you pay to do the sailing tour. Which is really great because there’s no surprise at the end of the day. No hidden additional charges. Cheers to that!

The final stop on our Naxos sailing tour: Aliko Beach

Once we’ve all had our fill, we head to the last beach of the day. Aliko beach is located on Naxos island, but it’s quite hard to get to. Mainly, locals go here to enjoy the calm waters and sweet views.

This beach is surrounded by the Mediterranean’s only protected cedar forest. On one side of the beach, you can see an old hotel, abandoned mid-construction, that has been standing there for 50 years. The hotel looks like an ancient structure with its many arches. On the other side, you have these impressive hills jutting out of the island. Paradise views all around.

We jump in one last time and swim around the beach. Clear blue waters as far as the eyes can see. A perfect way to cap off the day. Goodbye fishies, goodbye cedar trees, goodbye epic mountains. This was a perfect Naxos sailing day trip.

Sailing back to Naxos port

Back on the boat, we’re offered more refreshments – fresh fruits, some more delicious cookies and we’re off to the port in Naxos. Sitting back on deck, Derek and I talk about our sailing day trip.

The dolphin we saw in the morning (did we forget to mention that?), the turtle we didn’t see (Derek has bad luck with this) but everyone else did, the epic waters we sailed in, the kindness of our hosts, the sweet new friends we made, and these memories we will cherish forever.

Staring out at the beauty around us, we are constantly reminded how lucky we are to be on this journey, and how we are not alone in this crazy dream we’re living. In fact, early in the day, we sat with Jerome and Depy to chat about life on the boat. In talking with them, we realize why we’re so drawn to them from the beginning.

The Xanemo Sailing team: Jerome and Depy

Jerome and Depy founded Xanemo Sailing 4 years ago, and have been operating it since then. They set sail every day. Yup, 7 days a week, for 6 months out of the year. This 30-something couple met here on the island in a happenstance meeting. He’s French, she’s Greek and they are one awesome team.

They started this as a way to make their dreams of finding balance and happiness come true. To sail every day, to meet new and exciting people, to share with them the beauty of their home.

This what drives them every day. Best of all, they don’t forget to give back – they worked with the Make a Wish Foundation to take some kids out on this epic sailing day trip as well.

Not only do they offer day cruises around the islands, but they can also organize private charters. Needless to say, next time we’re in Greece, this is what we’ll be going for. We only spent the day with this awesome couple on their beautiful boat, but we can only imagine what a few days or even a week would be like.

If you’re looking for a Naxos boat tour to go island hopping in Greece, we can’t say enough good things about Xanemo Sailing. You’ll avoid the crowds, you’ll see beautiful bays, beaches and islands, meet a few new friends, and best of all, you will get to spend time with an awe-inspiring couple.

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