IYC Inspiration: A Family Adventure In The Cyclades Onboard ABILITY
The perfect charter yacht for the guests makes all the difference, and when it comes to family-friendly yachts, IYC has many options in the fleet for all ages and group sizes. Space, service, and flexibility are all key factors when choosing your charter yacht this summer, and IYC charter consultants specialize in matching these requirements. This IYC Inspiration combines the best of the Greek Cyclades Islands onboard the 137’ (42m) Codecasa luxury yacht ABILITY.
This trip, taken last summer, was arranged for a family of four with children in tow for a week-long island-hopping adventure in the sought-after island chain. Built for speed and having undergone multiple recent refits, the refreshed yacht is guest-focused and perfect for Mediterranean vacations this summer. And, for those in the market to buy a yacht and considering ownership, ABILITY is also for sale, presenting the ideal opportunity to charter and try before you buy this summer.
Here is the story of their week-long summer luxury yacht charter in the Cyclades Islands of Greece:
Day 1: Mykonos
Settling Into Island Life
Arriving on the iconic Greek island of Mykonos, the family was warmly welcomed by ABILITY’s eight crew and the warm Cyclades weather. Settling into life onboard, they enjoyed delicious snacks and afternoon signature cocktails and child-friendly mocktails on deck while the Captain outlined itinerary options for the week.
Not being able to wait to dive into the crystal-clear waters, the family, at anchor, enjoyed a late afternoon swim and snorkel. As the sun began to set, they refreshed and gathered for their first onboard dinner. Onboard chef Rene, with his extensive background in gourmet cuisine, set the tone for the week ahead with thoughtfully-tailored menus.
Day 2: Mykonos To Paros
Traditional Villages And Beach Afternoons
With a shallow draft and strong cruising capabilities, ABILITY opens up access to quieter anchorages and lesser-visited corners of the Cyclades. After an alfresco breakfast, the family arrived in Paros and anchored off the coast before heading ashore.
In Naoussa, the postcard-perfect fishing village and one of the prettiest in the Cyclades, they stretched their legs and wandered around, taking in the scenes - whitewashed alleyways filled with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. After some browsing, ice cream, and soaking up the charm, they returned to the yacht.
The afternoon called for a stop at Kolymbithres beach, where natural rock formations create sheltered coves, perfect for shallow swimming and snorkeling. The kayaks were also brought out to explore this idyllic spot further. For the evening, after some downtime, the family enjoyed a casual buffet-style meal and then played games together under a star-studded Greek sky.
Day 3: Paros To Naxos
Postcard-Perfect Scenes
Onwards, the third day took the family to one of the most family-friendly islands in the Cyclades: Naxos. Authentic and less crowded than other islands in this chain, after breakfast, the family headed ashore to explore traditional villages where they witnessed true Greek island life.
As the heat of the day continued and a fresh fish lunch, they then experienced one of the island’s most family-friendly beaches: Agios Prokopios. With its shallow, calm waters, it was ideal for a relaxed afternoon and to cool off. Some swam, some sunbathed, and others enjoyed ABILITY’s open-air, yet shaded living spaces for reading and relaxation.
Day 4: Naxos To Koufonisia
A Day For Play
Waking up to another day in Greek paradise, ABILITY headed from Naxos to Koufonisia. The small island is renowned for its turquoise waters and laid-back atmosphere. The crew organized a morning beach setup on the white sands in their anchorages, and then the water toys came into their own.
Seabobs, towables, and Jet Skis were enjoyed, with the crew balancing the children’s excitement with safety, ensuring all ages could safely explore these ideal waters. In the afternoon, the family enjoyed a gentle bike ride ashore. That evening, the crew transformed the yacht into a playful pirate-themed dinner, rounding off a day in paradise perfectly with treasure hunts, signature drinks, and a food menu to match.
Day 5: Koufonisia, Small Cyclades, To Santorini
Island-Hopping In Style
With a cruising speed of up to 21 knots, ABILITY makes island-hopping extremely easy, connecting locations without compromising on comfort or timings across a week-long charter. Next up on this yacht charter itinerary was to experience the lesser-visited Small Cyclades before heading onwards to Santorini.
They visited the tiny island Schoinousa, an unspoiled, peaceful retreat where they swam by the sandy beaches of Livadi and enjoyed tender rides around the secluded coves. By late afternoon, they reached Santorini and cruised into the island’s caldera between the volcanic islets of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. A dramatic entrance where the family was mesmerized by the towering cliffs, whitewashed villages, and blue-domed churches from the yacht’s decks.
With time to explore, they headed ashore and set out for Oia in the early evening, to experience the scenic village and popular sunset spot and a Greek feast at one of the family-run restaurants on the waterfront.
Day 6: Santorini To Ios
Secluded Swims, Volcanoes, And Iconic Sunsets
Rising early after breakfast, the family enjoyed a swim before ABILITY made the short hop onwards to Ios. Enjoying the yacht’s deck before the midday heat arrived, the exceptionally clear waters between the islands were picture-perfect, and they even spotted a pod of dolphins in the yacht’s wake en route.
Ios’ beaches, particularly Manganari, are known for their calm waters and soft sand, perfect for children to play and unwind. Rene served up the final delicious dinner of the evening, again spotlighting the local Greek produce from the islands.
Day 7: Ios To Mykonos
A Farewell To The Cyclades
The family enjoyed a leisurely final morning with another alfresco breakfast featuring local Greek honey, fruits, and pastries before the yacht pulled up anchor and headed back to Mykonos. The family said goodbye to the Captain and crew and headed to the airport for their flights home.
If you and your family are looking for the ultimate family-friendly vacation this summer, a luxury yacht charter cruising Greece exceeds expectations onboard ABILITY. Contact IYC’s expert consultants today to learn more about ABILITY’s summer 2026 availability and opportunity to buy.
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