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Island hopping on a boat under sail is probably the smartest way you can choose to explore the raw beauty of the Greek islands! Each day you wake up in a different place; there is no fixed itinerary, it's 100% your trip!

Windfinders sailing cruises

We run both private and individual skippered sailing cruises in the Cyclades archipelago.

The Yacht

The Skipper

The Cyclades

Cruises 2026

What's new in 2026?

We are excited to announce you that from April to November 2026, we will once more be operating both private and shared skippered sailing cruises from our base on the beautiful island of Paros, which is located in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago. 

Island hopping on a boat under sail is probably the smartest way you can choose to explore the raw beauty of the Greek islands! Each day you wake up in a different place; there is no fixed itinerary, it's 100% your trip!

What is your style? Private cruise... or by the cabin?

When joining a Windfinders cruise you have 2 options: You can hire the entire yacht for yourself or you can decide to join a cabin charter where you will rent only one cabin on a shared cruise with other travellers. Cabin charters are a really nice way for solo travellers, couples or small groups willing to meet new travellers and share a week’s sailing together. A cabin charter is confirmed when a certain number of participants is reached.

How much does it cost and what is included in the price?

Depending on the period, a week’s sailing on board Cinderella costs between 800 and 1200 euros per person for a private booking. Booking a cabin only in a shared cruise costs  2600 euros for 2 persons sharing the same cabin or 2200 euros for a single occupancy of the cabin. Further information is available on the Booking page.

What is always included when booking with Windfinders

Accomodation on board Windfinder's beautiful sailing yacht "CINDERELLA"

Just a little over 50ft in length, Cinderella can accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 double cabins with attending bathroom.

The service of a professional skipper

Istvan is both the skipper and the owner of the sailing yacht Cinderella; he will be your skipper, interlocutor and also your guide throughout your sailing cruise.

Fuel is included

Fuel consumption of the main engine and the engine of the dinghy are included. This is for a reasonable utilisation of 2 – 3 hours per day.

No security deposit

Most charter companies require the charterers to leave a security deposit even in the event of a skippered charter. At Windfinders’ the skipper takes full responsibility of the yacht and its equipment.

benefits of sailing with us

Starting in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago

The island of Paros is the second largest island of the Cyclades Archipelago. Exactly in the center of the Cyclades archipelago, Paros is the ideal starting point for your holiday! It is easily accessible

Kitesurfing, Windsurfing and Wingfoiling are allowed from the boat

At Windfinders we are Kitesurfer, Windsurfer and Wingfoiler friendly! So you are welcome to bring your equipment on board and we will take you to those hidden secret spots which are only accessible by boat.

Important note: Windfinders does not provide any equipment, you have to bring your own. You have to be an independent to advanced rider able to ride upwind and familiar with all the safety procedures involved! Riding from the boat is at your own risk.

From June to September, the Cyclades are home to the sailing summer wind Meltemi, which turns the archipelago into Mediterranean's #1 sailing playground!

Check out our shared cruises for 2026...

May to October

Paros, Ios, Amorgos
and the small Cyclades

7 days and 6 nights​

March to May

One way Athens to Santorini
via Milos and Folegandros

10 days, 10 nights

May to October

Kitesurfing cruise in
the home of the Meltemi,
the Cyclades

Private booking
upon request

What people say...

Windfinders Sailing Cruises Cyclades place picture
4.9
Based on 42 reviews
powered by Google
lydie fernandes profile picture
lydie fernandes
12:56 25 May 25
I just spent a dream week aboard the Cinderella! I want to express my sincere gratitude to Istvan for showing us the Cyclades from a completely new perspective. My heart was heavy leaving the sailboat, as you quickly become attached to life at sea and to our incredible skipper. I recommend this experience 4000%! Thank you, Istvan, for this magical cruise that will remain forever etched in my memory. You are an exceptional skipper and a wonderful person. I have unforgettable memories of this adventure with you and Sanna 😊
Thank you for everything, istvannnnnnnnn 🤭
Catherine Bouchard profile picture
Catherine Bouchard
20:45 18 Nov 24
Exceptional week last October where all the elements were aligned for our greatest happiness; ideal temperature, professionalism from Istvan, little attention from Sana. All this against a blue background of the Aegean Sea. We were only 3 passengers and it was perfect!
Bill Wolpert profile picture
Bill Wolpert
13:33 23 Oct 24
If sailing is what you love, then spending time on Cinderella makes for some quality time. The boat is well equipped and comfortable at sea. Captain Istvan is very experienced and knowledgeable of the Aegean and Cyclades Islands, especially for lesser known destinations. 1st mate, Sanna, greeted us each morning with coffee and and a smile and took good care of us. Our week was everything we had hoped for...a dream vacation.
Fellay-Nguyen Thilan profile picture
Fellay-Nguyen Thilan
15:58 21 Sep 24
A week with family and friends (5 adults) at the end of August. The boat is spacious, very clean, well equipped with all the details to relax. Istvan is professional, calm, allows you to participate in maneuvers if you wish, flexible, enthusiastic, full of humor. He will share his love of the Cyclades with you. Total disconnection guaranteed. THANKS !
Camille profile picture
Camille
12:30 16 Sep 24
We had planned a week on a sailboat with our two-year-old children, after being reassured by the skipper about the feasibility of the project. The sailboat is not suitable for small children. We had to stop the cruise after a day of sailing.

Otherwise, for teenagers/adults, the boat is very beautiful, and the proposed itinerary looked very good.
Cezar Neagu profile picture
Cezar Neagu
19:00 28 Aug 24
For the past four years, I've had the privilege of knowing a truly remarkable skipper in Greece, whose stories and experience have turned every trip into an unforgettable adventure. He showed us hidden gems only a seasoned sailor would know and he's always made sure we experience the best of what these islands have to offer. Here’s to many more years of finding the best secret spots and you graciously pretending we’re getting better at this sailing thing!

Cheers, Istvan!!

Your one and only,
Cezar
Paloma Aparicio profile picture
Paloma Aparicio
12:59 13 Aug 24
Amazing experience sailing with Istvan. I think what I liked the most out of the week we spent sailing across the Cyclades was Istvan’s passion for the sea as well as his knowledge on the different islands we visited. We were a group of 6 girls with different needs and Istvan was able to make a taylor-made route for us catering for all of our needs. I would highly recommend this experience with Istvan as it was fun and adventurous as well as chilled and relaxed which was exactly what we were looking for. We did different cool things like fishing and cooking together to setting ground on a secluded island and watching the shooting stars at night. Istvan even let us help him out on the boat which was super cool and got some of us interested in learning more things on sailing ⛵️!
Hans Schendstok profile picture
Hans Schendstok
12:25 04 Aug 24
Windfinders with our skipper Istvan made our dream come true. We had a fantastic sailing experience with our family. Beautiful islands and secret bays he knows everything. Proper sailing on the Cinderella with nice crossings to the other islands.
We will definitely come back.
Family Schendstok
Jean-François HICTER profile picture
Jean-François HICTER
23:03 26 Jul 24
1 semaine à bord du Cinderella en juillet, en famille: 5 étoiles comme tout le monde.
Un skipper, Istvan: il s'adapte aux envies, tout en éclairant sur ce qu'implique les choix, en terme de timing, confort, sécurité, découverte. Les cyclades, le vent et la navigation, les spots sauvages et les ports, le tourisme à la voile, c'est son univers. Il est polyglotte (dont le grec) et connait du monde un peu partout. Et finalement, comme il est très sensible aux désirs de son équipage , autant se laisser guider après avoir fait part de ses préférences. On ne ressent pas les contraintes tant il maitrise son environnement: tout parait simple.
Le bateau, le Cinderella: 4 cabines, chacune équipée de sanitaires. On est indépendant. Il est incroyablement propre, et cela ajoute énormément au confort, et à la confiance. Nous n'avions pas d'hôte(sse), nous avons fait la cuisine. Tout est pratique, il y a tout le matériel . Avec quelques conseils pour faciliter la cuisine et le repas, nous avons pu manger ce que nous voulions, Istvan mange en décalé, nous mangions entre nous, tout en partageant avec lui des cafés, grignotages, ... Le parcours est adapté pour pouvoir prendre le temps de se poser. Et LA NAVIGATION A LA VOILE EST LA REGLE: le moteur, c'est pour rentrer au port ou au mouillage, ou très transitoirement pour ne pas stagner dans une zone sans vent.
On pourrait s'étendre longtemps sur la personnalité d'Istvan, plein d'humour, de gentillesse, passionné, simple, mais aussi très professionnel, rigoureux, compétent, rassurant.......
On s'est senti bien, tout le temps. C'était notre 3ème voyage voile avec skipper, tout s'est toujours très bien passé. Mais celui la restera unique, c'était parfait. Merci. J'espère juste qu'on se reverra, dans les cyclades ou ailleurs.
Claire HICTER profile picture
Claire HICTER
22:04 26 Jul 24
Une semaine en famille, en juillet sur le cinderella avec Istvan.
Que de souvenirs intenses sur tous les plans!
le skipper, passionné de voile et des cyclades, a un très bon contact avec son équipage, et aime partager avec sincérité, authenticité, et humanité.
On sent chez Istvan le professionnalisme, l'entrain, l'enthousiasme ,le positivisme, la joie, la passion, le goût de l'aventure et des coins sauvages, l'envie de faire découvrir .
Istvan personnalise ses propositions de parcours, en fonction de nos attentes et de la météo. Il connait par coeur l'archipel, le vent, son bateau ... tout!
Les navigations se passent dans une absolue confiance et un sentiment d'entière sécurité.... tout cela dans la bonne humeur, l'humour et la détente! Chacun trouve sa place! ça winch, ça borde, ça barre si on le souhaite, on prend le vent et on aime ça!
Le voilier est magnifique, confortable et remarquablement bien entretenu. Un trésor de bateau.
La croisière en elle-même permet de découvrir des endroits paradisiaques loin de la foule: baies, criques, petites plages, îlots.. et bien sûr , l'univers grec.
Le rythme sur le bateau est totalement à notre convenance (baignades, horaires des repas, soirée restau si on en a envie, etc...)
la communication avec Istvan est facile, il est à l'écoute et sait cerner les envies de son équipage; on est à l'aise avec lui.
Des vacances inédites pour nous, tout a été PARFAIT. inoubliable.
Ce sont pour nous plus que des souvenirs, ce sont des ambiances uniques gravées.
On n'a qu'une envie, c'est de REVENIR.
Alors...espérons que le sens du vent sera favorable à une nouvelle aventure avec Istvan et le Cinderella!
Keegan Dum profile picture
Keegan Dum
16:47 29 Jun 24
We spent 6 days with Istvan and Sanna with our family (me, wife, and three kids from 7 to 14 years old) and this trip was a dream come true. Istvan listened to our desires and curated a trip that far surpassed our expectations. We stopped in amazing places only available to those that are sailing, with crystal clear azure water and remote beaches, cliff jumping, and amazing little villages. We enjoyed nights in quaint port towns but also nights with only the stars above us. We were worried we might get seasick but never did, with Istvan carefully plotting the course and navigating any high winds or choppy waters. We will absolutely be coming back and sailing again with Windfinders, and it’s hard to put into words just how wonderful this experience was for our family. Thank you Istvan and Sanna!
Émilie Giezendanner-Martina profile picture
Émilie Giezendanner-Martina
17:38 03 Jan 24
Nous avons passé une semaine à 2 extraordinaire en compagnie d'Istvan et de sa compagne. Plus qu'une croisière, nous avons eu la chance de pouvoir partager la passion d'Istvan pour la voile, pour son bateau et pour la Grèce. Nous avons découvert des paysages magnifiques, dîné dans des endroits charmants, visité des lieux typiques, dormi dans des criques sauvages ou des ports au calme et nous nous sommes baignés dans des lieux loin de la foule touristique. Le Cinderella est un très beau bateau, entretenu avec soin, très bien équipé et aménagé, et il permet à chacun de préserver son intimité. Istvan a toujours le sourire et connaît parfaitement la navigation, la région et rend toute logistique facile. Nous recommandons Istvan comme skipper à 200% et nous reviendrons avec plaisir avec nos enfants pour nos prochaines vacances.
Rachel Bennett profile picture
Rachel Bennett
03:07 09 Aug 23
Nous avons passé un moment vraiment fantastique avec Windfinders. Je le recommande vivement à ceux qui souhaitent vivre une expérience de navigation sur mesure dans les Cyclades - célibataires, couples et familles - tout va bien. Itsvan et Sana étaient propres, sympathiques, aimables et nous ont fait sentir extrêmement à l'aise et en sécurité à tout moment. Il y avait un bon équilibre entre le portage dans de belles communes et villages, ainsi que l'exploration des coins et recoins de petites îles plus isolées, que ce soit en plongée avec tuba, en bateau ou en canot. Itsvan est extrêmement fier de son bateau, et ça se voit !

Nous ne pouvons pas arrêter de raconter cette expérience géniale à nos amis. J'y retournerais absolument.

Merci Istvan et Sana !
meagan kelly profile picture
meagan kelly
12:44 22 Jul 23
I was unsure when our friends suggested we try a new way of sailing this year. But boy was i proved wrong. From the very moment we set foot on Istvan's boat Cinderlla, we knew we were in for an extraordinary adventure. With a beaming smile and an infectious enthusiasm, Istvan welcomed us aboard and instantly made us feel at home. His boat was not just a vessel; it was a floating wonderland of memories waiting to be created.

Istvan's knack for curating mind-blowing and magical experiences day and night was nothing short of enchanting. Whether it was chasing sunsets over the horizon, witnessing the stars dance in the night sky, or adventuring to find bioluminescent, Istvan made sure each moment was infused with wonder and joy.

What impressed us most was Istvan's ability to strike a perfect balance between being our charismatic guide and giving us the freedom to revel in the company of our friends.

Sailing from island to island, Istvan offered us a unique proposition. He encouraged us to be as involved as we wanted in the sailing element. For the adventurous in our groip of four, there was ample opportunity to learn the ropes and feel the thrill of navigating the Aegean waves whilst those wanting to take a back peddle and enjoy the ride could do just that!

The pinnacle of our voyage had to be the beach BBQ that unfolded on the untouched shores of Kero's. This uninhabited island became our private sanctuary for the afternoon leading into night, and Istvan's culinary prowess shone brightly as he cooked up a feast right on the shore line. Grilled delicacies, heavenly aromas, the sun setting anf the sound of goats echoing against the cliffs made it an experience straight out of a fairy tale.

Having sailed Greece a few times before, we can confidently say that entrusting our journey to Istvan and Sanna was a game-changer. Unlike a third-party company, Istvan brought a personal touch, a genuine love for sailing, and a flair for entertaining that elevated the entire voyage. His passion for the sea was infectious.

The decision to sail with Istavan was a no-brainer.

To all sea-loving souls out there, we wholeheartedly recommend this dynamic duo for an unparalleled journey that will leave you yearning for more. Trust us; you won't be disappointed!
Bec profile picture
Bec
08:23 20 Jul 23
We had an incredible week onboard Cinderella. Istvan is very passionate and loves sailing, exactly what we wanted for our week in the Cyclades. From secluded bays to secret caves, Istvan knew all the spots to blow our socks off.

The boat—owned by Istvan—is beautiful and well maintained. You can immediately tell the difference with a chartered yacht.

Istvan is also passionate about photography and took some great shots for us during the week.

Our best sailing experience to date and we will definitely be back!
Louis Steyert profile picture
Louis Steyert
10:33 02 Aug 22
Des vacances exceptionnelles ! Istvan est un excellent skyper, qui s'adapte parfaitement aux envies et aux souhaits de l'équipage. Il nous a fait voir des endroits paradisiaques, la meilleure façon de découvrir les Cyclades. A l'année prochaine
Ema Sammartin profile picture
Ema Sammartin
10:29 02 Aug 22
Merci à Isvan pour ce beau voyage.
Nous avons passés une semaine magnifique entre navigation, visite des Cyclades et soirées entre amis !
Je recommande vivement cette expérience !
Margot Fassolette profile picture
Margot Fassolette
10:46 22 Jul 22
Super semaine à bord de Cinderella avec Istvan qui est passionné des Cyclades. Il nous a fait découvrir des endroits merveilleux !
frederique sauvez profile picture
frederique sauvez
07:37 01 Sep 20
Merveilleuses vacances à bord de Cinderella... Toutes les conditions réunies pour une croisière inoubliable.. Les Cyclades, un magnifique terrain d'aventure à la voile et merci surtout, Istvan pour ta gentillesse et ta bonne humeur... La famille au grand complet te donne rendez-vous l'annéee prochaine.
Frédérique
More reviews

Our family of 6 spent a week on board the Cinderella from 1-8 August as part of a longer multi island trip in the Cyclades. The week exploring the small Cyclades, hidden coves and quiet beaches, as well as decent sailing hours, with skipper Istvan turned out to be the highlight of our summer vacation. As we were advised by someone, the skipper and his/her knowledge of the area and the ability to get along with the guests can make or break the trip. With Istvan we hit bingo as he turned out a fantastic host for us and the kids, always willing to embark on an activity, on sea or on land. He knows his ship and the Aegean sea and that gives a very comfortable and safe feeling. Equally important, Istvan is really a nice guy, very relaxed about almost everything. Many thanks Istvan for a great week on board the Cinderella. 5/5 stars for sure.

Hoes family from Netherlands

We went on our first sailing trip ever five years ago and decided to choose Istvan Ferrare as a skipper. It was said that he is one of the most trustful skippers in the agean sea. After one week of sailing with him we got very good friends, got the sense of sailing and we NEVER felt unsafe!! Istvan has a great sense of humour and he is really sensitiv,he is an entertainer and skipper in one person . He would never risk something without thinking or do something unsafe. Istvan is an expert in finding the best places for you in the Agean. We really enjoyed every sailing week with him.

– Spreizer family from Austria

Just had the most amazing sailing holiday with Istvan and his boat Cinderella. We felt completely safe and secure on the boat, Istvan’s knowledge and experience is incredible and he took us to fabulous beauty spots that are not on the commercial path. We would recommend Windfinders to everyone with confidence…..Istvan is not intrusive and gives you space and privacy so if you are thinking of booking a sailing holiday then book Windfinders. Thanks Istvan

Susan from UK

Just back from a week of sailing on Cinderella with Istvan.
Cinderella is beautiful with everything you need and plenty of space. Istvan is just perfect! He knows the best places and is extremely competent which makes you feel totally safe. Istvan is very knowledgeable and an excellent host.
I will definitely book again and will be recommending without any hesitation whatsoever.

Josephine from UK

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