The Most Popular Saronic Sailing Itinerary
Saronic Sailing Itinerary
Sail Past Athens and Onto the Ocean of Heroes
A Saronic sailing itinerary is the perfect itinerary for intermediate sailors with medium winds (Force 2-5) and hidden coves excellent for taking an afternoon off. On a Saronic sailing itinerary, you can enjoying the Greek way of life. Our Saronic sailing itinerary offers seven days of history and delightful beaches ready for exploration.
Our Guide to the Saronic Sailing Itinerary
The Saronic Gulf is formed by two of the most prominent peninsulas in the Aegean Sea. In between the areas of Attica and Argolis, the gulf offers several islands worth visiting and the steadily-blowing Meltemi winds, (especially during July and August, however, not forbiddingly strong as they can get in the Cyclades). The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including friendly short-beaked common dolphins and fin whales. History and relaxation meld together in this land of the Greek gods.
Our Saronic sailing itinerary begins in the hustle and bustle of Athens at the Kalamaki Marina before a short sail to quieter islands. We recommend sailing during the temperate season from May to October for the best weather.
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Getting There
Kalamaki Marina is the start of our Saronic sailing itinerary and it is easy to access from Athens International Airport, which offers incoming and departing flights worldwide. It is easy to get from the airport to anywhere in downtown Athens by taxi. We can arrange a transfer from the airport for an additional price at around 50 EUR per ride (4 pax), as well.
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Weather
The weather on a Saronic sailing itinerary is typically pleasant, with mild winters and summers alike. Spring and autumn tend to be the best time to sail since there tend to be moderate winds and warm temperatures. At a 25° C average during the day and only slightly cooler at sea, it’s unlikely you’ll run into rain or dark clouds covering up the photo-worthy sunrises and sunsets. While some of the locations on this itinerary are popular tourist destinations, others are devoid of crowds.
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Mooring
Some of the marinas listed on our Saronic sailing itinerary can be more congested than others, as in Aigina, though mooring in Greece is typically fairly simple. We recommend contacting the local port authorities in order to book a berth in advance and to guarantee access to various activities on the islands. Fees are usually minimal and at most, you’ll have to pay some small taxes.
Day 1
Athens - Kalamaki Marina
Kalamaki is the start of our Saronic sailing itinerary and all sailing adventures to the Saronic Gulf. Kalamaki Marina serves as a location where you can do some sightseeing before you even leave port. Use the day to check-in to our Saronic sailing itinerary and get your bearing before starting your adventure.
Climb up to the world-famous ancient Acropolis and visit the new museum there, before reaching the harbour or visit the variety of temples and ancient ruins preserved for thousands of years. Located 30 minutes from the international airport and 9 km from the city centre, it’s the perfect beginning to an epic Saronic sailing itinerary.
Day 2
Kalamaki Marina → Aigina (Agina Marina) 14NM → Poros 16NM
Aigina (Agina Marina)
Day two of our Saronic sailing itinerary begins with a 2-hour sail, to reach Agia Marina. Located off the typical tourist path, the island of Aegina offers spectacular, untouched views and beaches. You’re also likely to find several traditional restaurants and shops simply by wandering the narrow streets. Take some time to relax and enjoy the island lifestyle away from the bustling crowds of Athens.
Recommended Activities:
- The Church of Agios Nektarios
- The Temple of Aphaia
- Relaxing on the pristine beaches.
Poros
After a quiet afternoon on your Saronic sailing itinerary, our recommended next stop is the equally-idyllic Poros. Known for its historic past and being the home of some Ancient Greek myths, Poros gives guests two options for restaurants, shopping, and beaches with two islands: Sphairia and Kalavria. These choices are very different from one another and offer either a volcanic escape on Sphairia or a chance to hike within tall pine trees in Kalavria.
Recommended Activities:
- The Clock Tower of Poros
- The Monastery of Poros.
Day 3
Poros → Tselevania 7NM → Dokos 11NM
Tselevinia
Pulling away from Poros, the next stop on our Saronic sailing itinerary is the lovely stopover of Tselevinia. It’s the perfect anchorage location after several days of a busy first day of island hopping. With a rugged coastline, the spot is empty of tourists and serves as an ideal place to enjoy breakfast and coffee bobbing in the calm, ocean waves on our Sarnoic sailing itinerary.
Dokos
Dokos has very few residents and even fewer visitors – making it a good place to get out and explore some of the untouched nature the island provides. With cliffs that measure 308 meters high and monks wandering the island along with sheep, it represents the beauty that the lesser-known Greek islands have to offer. While there isn’t much in terms of commercialism, it is a chance to see how the Greek people have lived for centuries. It’s also the site of potentially the oldest-known shipwreck in the world at 6000 years old.
Recommended Activities:
- Explore the island
- Speak with the local monksn>
- Visit the cliffs for gorgeous views.
Day 4
Dokos → Porto Heli Beach 12NM → Spetses Island (Zogeria) 3NM
Porto Heli Beach
The stunning Porto Heli is home to some of the most eye-catching beaches on our Saronic sailing itinerary. It’s quite a change from previous stops with plenty of high-quality restaurants, boutiques, and white-washed buildings to make visitors feel like they’re on vacation. The early morning is just the right time to get to the beaches before they are filled with both locals and tourists. Sit down with a frappe–a Greek coffee drink famous for its taste and kick.
Wandering through the quaint villages is another recommended way to pass the time. Before a second voyage of the day, having a long lunch is not only encouraged, but almost mandatory at this location.
Proposed beaches and restaurants:
- Porto Heli Beach
- Salt & Pepper, Porto cheli
Spetses Island (Zogeria)
Once a local Medieval power, Spetses Island has plenty of history. Now the site of some beautifully-constructed mansions and past military coups, the town has several open walkways that allow for strolling and people-watching. Guests often take a motor-scooter around the island to get a glimpse of the centuries-old vineyards and white-sand beaches. Sailing is also a popular pastime for the locals here, and visitors are likely to run into other enthusiasts who know where the best beaches and coves are located.
Recommended Activities:
- Hiking in the countryside
- The Museum of Bouboulina
Day 5
Spetses (Zogeria) → Spetses Old Port 4NM → Hydra 15NM
Spetses Old Port
For even more charm, the Spetses Old Port offers a short sail on our Saronic sailing itinerary to a larger village with horse-drawn carriages, delicious restaurants, and chances to try some of the region’s wines. Guests can partake in the local cuisine and sample some of the seafood that the Saronic is famous for. It’s the perfect way to start another day of our Saronic sailing itinerary on azure waters. Along with white-washed buildings and dozens of restaurants with ocean views, there’s a lot to enjoy in the island’s old town.
Recommended Activities: Spetses Old Port lighthouse.
Hydra
Hydra has captured the minds and souls of visitors since ancient times–and it’s the only Greek island that prohibits the use of cars on its streets. Instead, you might opt to use a donkey as your mode of transportation. With a crescent-shaped harbour and numerous galleries, shops, and places to eat, it’s the right place to take a moment and rest. With a population of only 1,900, Hydra offers visitors a chance to hike up its steep paths and to look over the harbour. The island also has a strong fishing community and historic remains from the Venetian, Roman, and Ancient Grecian periods. There’s a reason this spot continues to become more and more popular every year.
Recommended Activities: Donkey riding, hiking, and yoga classes.
Day 6
Hydra → Aigina (Moni) 21NM → Aigina 7NM
Aigina (Moni)
After enjoying some filling meals and a cocktail or two in Hydra, our Saronic sailing itinerary moves onto another island and it’s time to relax on one of the Saronic Gulf’s best and most secluded beaches. It’s unlikely you’ll find a number of tourists crowding the area, and the location is known as a popular swimming hole and spot for snagging a lounge chair. Sailors are encouraged to get off their boats and to anchor for a few hours in this lovely region. You might also want to make friends with the nearby wildlife. Local residents will happily give you some bread to feed the wild deer roaming the island.
Recommended Activities: Snorkeling, hiking, and swimming.
Day 7
Aigina → Salamina (Kanakia) 7NM → Kalamaki Marina 14NM
Salamina (Kanakia)
Before finishing the Saronic sailing itinerary, Salamina offers a final chance to immerse visitors in Greek history and culture. As the largest island in the Saronic Gulf, Salamina is an easy way to transition back to a more hectic city. Located close to Athens, Salamina has a number of sightseeing options worth checking out, including archaeological sites, forests that beg to be explored, and clean beaches worth taking a look at. It’s a nice location to finish off a week of sailing before heading back to port near the busy city of Athens.
Recommended Activities: Hiking, cycling, and packing a picnic for the beach.
Proposed Restaurant:
Ouzeri o Kakias, 38 Akti Karaiskaki
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