SAILING IN ARGO-SARONIC GULF
The islands of the Argo-Saronic Gulf (Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses) and the Methana peninsula, located near Athens, are hidden gems in Greece, often overlooked by international visitors despite their beauty and historical significance.
These destinations boast sandy and pebble beaches surrounded by fragrant pine forests. Due to their small size, these islands have minimal car traffic; in fact, cars are entirely prohibited on Hydra and Spetses, where horse carriages and donkeys are common sights. The Argo-Saronic Gulf islands are conveniently close to the Peloponnesian Coast, allowing easy access to places like Nafplio, Porto Cheli, and Epidavros during your trip.
Sailing in this area is ideal and safe, even for beginners, as the cruising area is well-protected and sheltered from the strong Meltemi wind that affects other Greek island groups. The winds here are mild, typically blowing from the north to northeast with an average force of 3-4 Beaufort. Its sheltered location and proximity to Athens make it an excellent sailing destination throughout the year.
You may start your sailing vacations in the Saronic Islands from different marinas, according to yacht availability, flight schedules, charter duration and desired itineraries:
Marina Alimos (Athens)
Marina Zeas (Athens)
Marina Agios Kosmas (Athens)
Marina Vouliagmeni (Athens)
POPULAR SAILING DESTINATIONS
Spetses is one of the most picturesque islands in the Saronic Gulf and one of the most aristocratic resorts in Greece. Its town sprawls along the north east cost of the island and features beautiful Venetian buildings and aristocratic mansions. Cars are prohibited and people get around using motorbikes, bicycles and traditional horse carriages.
The coastline in speckled with small beaches that are lined with pine trees that often reach right up to the water.
Hydra is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Its city is built in the shape of an amphitheater on a slope overlooking the Argosaronic gulf. Traditional stone mansions, narrow cobble-stoned streets, secluded squares, numerous little churches and 6 monasteries create a romantic mosaic.
Hydra is a yachting paradise, and every summer sensational yachts decorate its harbor.
Poros was once two islands, Kalavria and Sferia. Today, both islands are connected by a slender isthmus and a road bridge. Poros town is located on the small volcanic island of Sferia. It features pretty white houses with terracotta-tiled roofs, picturesque cobbled streets, and a lively waterfront adorned with shops, cosy cafes & restaurants. Beautiful beaches and bays with crystal clear waters can be found on Kalavaria, which is a large well-forested island with a lush pine tree vegetation.
SPETSES
HYDRA
POROS
Aegina island is one of the most popular tourist destinations as it is the closest island to Athens. Its city features impressive neoclassical mansions that were build in the beginning of the 19th century, when Aegina town was the temporary capital of the newly found Greek state. Even though the island is quite small, it boasts a great number of sights and natural beauties, such as the famous Aphea Temple.
Nafplio is a considered to be one of the most romantic and aristocratic towns of modern Greece. It lies on the northern shores of the Argolic Gulf and was the capital of Greece between 1823 and 1834. The city is famous for its Venetian fortress Palamadi and the little fortified islet Bourtzi. Venetian or neoclassical buildings mesmerize visitors with their unique architectural beauty.
Ancient Epidavros is a beautiful ancient city right by the Saronic Gulf. It's harbor is very idyllic with a lush green forest climbing down from the mountain up to the water. Located just 30 minutes drive away from the port, is the ancient's world most famous Epidavros theater. Being acclaimed for its excellent acoustic it has served as a stage for legends such as Maria Callas. Nowadays, the theater is still regularly used for drama performances.
AEGINA
NAFPLIO
ANCIENT EPIDAVROS
SAILING ITINERARIES IN THE SARONIC GULF
The Argo-Saronic Gulf is one of the most popular sailing destinations in Greece. Its' proximity to Athens make it easily accessible from Marina Alimos, which is Athens' biggest yacht charter base. There are numerous beautiful destinations in the Saronic Gulf, the Argolic Gulf and the mainland in Peloponnese that can be easily combined during a one-week charter. Distances between those destinations are rather short and relatively stable wind conditions of 3-4 BFT make sailing time on sea usually less than 4-5h.
Popular sailing routes might include the following stops: Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Galatas, Epidavros, Hydra, Spetses, Ermioni, Porto Cheli, Nafplio, and Monemvasia (Monemvasia lies quite south and is usually reachable during a two-week trip). Be aware that the ports of the islands are quite small, especially in Hydra. Therefore, we advise you to make mooring arrangements in advance.
If you are an experienced sailor, you may also combine the Argo Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades in a one-week trip. However, distances on such an itinerary are considerably greater.
Discover below a couple of one-week route options, staring from Athens.
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
ARGO SARONIC GULF
Aegina | Poros | Hydra | Spetses | Agistri | Ermoini
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
ARGO SARONIC GULF & CYCLADES
Poros | Hydra | Kythnos | Milos | Serifos | Kea | Sounio
Spetses is one of the most picturesque islands in the Saronic Gulf and one of the most aristocratic resorts in Greece. Its town sprawls along the north east cost of the island and features beautiful Venetian buildings and aristocratic mansions. Cars are prohibited and people get around using motorbikes, bicycles and traditional horse carriages.
The coastline in speckled with small beaches that are lined with pine trees that often reach right up to the water.
Aegina island is one of the most popular tourist destination as it is the closest island to Athens. Its city features impressive neoclassical mansions that were build in the beginning of the 19th century, when Aegina town was the temporary capital of the newly found Greek state. Even though the island is quite small, it boasts a great number of sights and natural beauties, such as the famous Aphea Temple.
Hydra is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Its city is built in the shape of an amphitheater on a slope overlooking the Argosaronic gulf. Traditional stone mansions, narrow cobble-stoned streets, secluded squares, numerous little churches and 6 monasteries create a romantic mosaic. Hydra is a yachting paradise, and every summer sensational yachts decorate its harbor.
Nafplio is a considered to be one of the most romantic and aristocratic towns of modern Greece. It lies on the northern shores of the Argolic Gulf and was the capital of Greece between 1823 and 1834. The city is famous for its Venetian fortress Palamadi and the little fortified islet Bourtzi. Venetian or neoclassical buildings mesmerize visitors with their unique architectural beauty.
Poros was once two islands, Kalavria and Sferia. Today, both islands are connected by a slender isthmus and a road bridge. Poros town is located on the small volcanic island of Sferia. It features pretty white houses with terracotta-tiled roof, picturesque cobbled streets, and a lively waterfront adorned with shops, cosy cafes & restaurants. Beautiful beaches and bays with crystal clear waters can be found on Kalavaria, which is a large well-forested island with a lush pine tree vegetation.
Ancient Epidavros is a beautiful ancient city right by the Saronic Gulf. It's harbor is very idyllic with a lush green forest climbing down from the mountain up to the water. Located just 30 minutes drive away from the port (you might hire a taxi), is the ancient's world most famous Epidavros theater. Being acclaimed for its excellent acoustic it has served as a stage for legends such as Maria Callas and many others. Nowadays, the theater is still regularly used for drama performances.
CHARTER A YACHT TO SAIL IN THE SARONIC GULF
Monohull sailing yacht or Catamaran? Bareboat, Skippered or Crewed Charter? No matter what is your preferred sailing yacht and charter type, we can offer plenty of options, so that you can tailor your sailing vacations in the Saronic Islands to your needs.
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
MONOHULL SAILING YACHTS
Monohull Sailing Yachts are beautiful classic sailing yachts that are characterized by their one hull. Since they are smaller in width than catamarans, it is easy to find them a room to moor in Greek ports, even in the peak months July and August. All our monohull sailing yachts can be chartered bareboat and with a professional skipper.
You will sail on a new and luxuriously equipped yacht. A professional skipper will take you to a different island every day and stop in the most breathtaking beaches and little bays, many of which are untouched and only reachable by boat. Sailing time on board will be between 2-3h per day. At night you will anchor in idyllic ports, explore the vibrant island life, taste delicious locally produced food, and stroll around sheer endless little villages and alleys.
CATAMARANS
Catamarans are characterized by their two hulls, which provide significantly more pace than classic monohull sailing boats. They are an ideal choice if you are planning a cruise with a group of friends or family. Our catamarans can be chartered either bareboat or with a professional skipper.
