Saronic Gulf Sailing Itinerary
Get Amongst the Historical and Cultural Highlights of This Impressive Region.
Saronic Gulf Sailing Itinerary
A Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary is the ideal itinerary for any level of sailor due to the relatively short distances involved and mild winds. On a Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary, you can holiday like a local does with a mixture of popular resort towns and quieter off-the-beaten-path retreats. Our Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary offers seven full days of beautiful beaches, local flavour, cultural gems, and ancient history ready to be discovered.
-
Getting There
Athens is the start of your Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary, specifically the Kalamaki Marina in Alimos about 10km from the city centre and 33km from the airport.
Athens International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe with direct flights from many airports in the UK, Canada, and New York. You can get from the airport by taxi, or we can arrange a transfer for you.
-
Mooring
We suggest contacting the local port authorities to book a berth in advance as a few of the marinas in this Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary can get congested. For the most part, mooring in Greece is fairly straightforward, fees are usually minimal and you might have to pay some small taxes on occasion.
-
Weather
On your Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary, you can expect pleasant weather year-round. While winters and summers are both mild, spring and autumn are our favorite time to sail as temperatures are warm, humidity is low and winds are moderate. A comfortable 25ºC is the average day time temperature that gets slightly cooler while at sea.
If you’ve been sailing in Greece before, you’ll be pleased to know there are no Meltemi Winds (aka North Winds) in the Saronic Islands. These strong northern winds usually impact sailing charters in the Cyclades and Dodecanese.
Saronic Gulf Sailing Itinerary
Explore the Saronic Gulf with our 7-day Saronic Gulf Sailing Itinerary
Day 1
Athens to Aegina 14NM
With seven days of sailing ahead of you, you won’t want to waste another minute on land so once you’ve checked in (usually around 5 pm), make your way to the nearby island of Aegina. You can spend the night at its harbor and explore the town. Look out for the beautiful neoclassical buildings, the local tavernas dishing up freshly grilled fish, and the pristine beaches.
We’ve included Aegina in this Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary not just for its convenient location but also because it’s got some of the best-tasting pistachios in the world. Fill up on salted pistachios, pistachio ice cream, and pistachio butter before moving on.
Recommended Activities:
Day 2
Aegina to Poros 16NM
Spend the morning seeing the rest of Aegina and then head to idyllic Poros, sailing past Methana Island where a dormant volcano can be spotted. Pick one of the many pretty anchorages for a lunch break or swim in the crystal-clear waters.
You’ll find a little of everything here: mountains ready to be climbed, picture-perfect beaches, ancient Greek temples, heart-pounding watersports and a nightlife that will keep you dancing until the early hours. Make sure you take an evening walk up the hill, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic sunset.
Recommended Activities:
- Kalaureia Monastery
- Citronne Gallery
- Poros Clock Tower
- Snorkelling at Vagionia Bay
Day 3
Poros to Dokos 18NM to Porto Heli 12NM
Dokos
Pull away from Poros early so you can enjoy breakfast and coffee bobbing along in solitude at the next stop on our Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary. Dokos is the perfect antidote to the last two days of busy sightseeing with a small island that is barely populated. Take the opportunity to swim in the little gulf or snorkel at the final resting place of the oldest known shipwreck (1,500 B.C.).
Porto Heli
This popular summer resort is well known for its active nightlife, eye-catching beaches, and high-quality restaurants and boutiques and is a prime place to stop on your Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary.
Wander through the quaint villages, swim in the calm waters, and indulge in a long lunch as the locals do. If you’re feeling particularly active, explore the old footpaths that cross the region which lead to small settlements, secluded beaches, and tiny chapels with breathtaking views to the sea.
Day 4
Porto Heli to Zogeria (Spetses Island) 7NM
Hit the beach in the early morning to have some of the best in the region all to yourself. Once you’ve had your fill of calm and solitude, make your way over to Spetses, an island of rich history and naval tradition.
Often touted as a destination for high society, Spetses actually has a lot to offer any sailor on their Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary. White-sand beaches, centuries-old vineyards, and a ton of historic mansions and buildings to discover.
Recommended activities:
- Explore the island on a scooter or ATV
- Bouboulina Museum
Day 5
Zogeria to Spetses Old Port 4NM to Hydra 15NM
Spetses Old Port
Spetses’s Old Port cranks up the charm meter all the way to 100 starting with its picturesque old harbor. The island gets two stops on our Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary because a short sail takes you to a whole different world filled with horse-drawn carriages, white-washed buildings, and a slew of restaurants with ocean views.
Recommended activities: Spetses Old Port Lighthouse
Hydra
If the cobblestone alleys, idyllic tavernas, and troves of local artisan shops don’t capture your heart, then the peaceful car-free streets surely will. Did we mention that locals get around by donkey? This haven with a crescent-shaped harbor has only 1,900 residents and you’ll appreciate the lack of high-rises, cars, and motor-bikes on this Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary.
As you explore the island (by foot or donkey, your choice), you’ll spot historic remains from the Venetian, Roman, and Ancient Grecian periods. Make sure you check out the local cliff divers showing off their impressive skills on the road to Kamini.
Recommended Activities: Cathedral of Hydra
Day 6
Hydra to Methana 16 NM
Brave the wildly exaggerated smell and stop in at Methana and its therapeutic sulphur springs on your Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary. You’ll mostly be surrounded by Greek tourists for a genuinely local experience. Methana is also an exciting area for lovers of geology, archaeology, nature, and folk history.
If you’re looking for adventure, hike to the rim of the largest crater in Kameni Chora. This beautiful village is found on the northwest side of the peninsula with a surrounding area of volcanic stones, olive groves, and pine tree forests. The path that leads to the crater carves through the landscape and offers a picturesque hiking experience.
Recommended activities:
- Kameni Chora
- Baths of Pausanias
- Chapel of Krasopanagia
Day 7
Methana to Alimos 25NM
Head back to Alimos with a stop at Moni islet in Aegina, home to wild deer, goats, and peacocks. Moni has been declared a game-breeding natural park since 1962 and the animals feel so accustomed to being around people it is possible to be photographed with them or even to give them a gentle pat.
Moni has excellent scuba diving and snorkelling as well and is a perfect last stopover for a swim and wonder before finishing off your Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary.
Recommended Activities: Snorkelling, hiking, and swimming.
Amazing Sailing Experiences
Our Amazing Customers
-
Great family vacation.
I didn't think sailing with my family would be so much fun...
Sailing for the first time.
USA
-
USA
I recommendate them !Everything went smooth, the paper processing, special requests and the specs of tht check-in procedure. Boat was also in good shape, so no complaints and a worry free holiday...
We had a great experience with booking through sailchecker.
<read more> -
United Kingdom
Great service from Kate.Informative and looked for the best value for our family. Very good customer service on this side and in Greece. Great boat and skipper...
Fantastic holiday from start to finish.
<read more> -
Very professional outfit!
They were very responsive and very quick to answer questions via email and instant chat. They had extensive knowledge of the area...
We will most definitely use their services for our next bareboat sailing vacation.
<read more>
USA
-
Sail checker were professional from start to finish - we wouldn’t book through anyone else!Sailchecker were professional from start to finish - and were awesome dealing with a problem! Our first Yacht had serious issues and sail checker helped us to resolve it...
They are easy to deal with, straightforward and honest and I would recommend them to anyone planning a charter holiday.
<read more>
UK
-
Coronavirus pandemic support has been brilliant!During the Coronavirus pandemic, Kate and her colleagues at Sailchecker have performed brilliantly. They have been considerate and highly efficient in re-organising our Turkey charter and also provided lots of assistance in getting our Yacht Security Deposit insurance policy transferred to match our revised charter dates.
Truly worthy of a 5 star rating!
<read more>UK
-
Sailing is the perfect family holiday.Would I go sailing again? OMG yes! Sailing is the perfect family holiday. Boys loved the activities, I enjoy relaxing as well...
Sailchecker.com arranged a sailing cruise her family of 2 sons, daughter & hubby in the BVI with their own.
USA
-
Thank you sooo much!Arranged for 6 friends to sail Spring Break in the British Virgin Islands for under $500 each.
USA
-
We had an absolute blast !!All bookings and confirmations was always accurate with no delays. Our boat was also fabulously maintained and the Skipper new the area extremely well...
Everything was down to the tee.
<read more>
Netherlands
Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 215 reviews on Trustpilot
Got a Burning Question About Saronic Gulf Sailing Itinerary?
We’re Happy to Answer Any Yacht Charter & Sailing Question
Leave us a quick question here, or call your local office, the numbers are located in the footer below. When not arrange a call back?
