A sailing cruise in the Saronic Gulf can be an awesome and unforgettable experience! The beautiful coves, the crystal waters, the picturesque ports, all comprise the elements of a relaxing trip, with beautiful destinations, selected one by one.
The weather conditions and the distances from one island to the other, overall allow for an easy sailing trip: Winds are usually calm, certainly calmer compared to the open Aegean Sea. The Saronic islands are protected by the fierce winds and tall waves of the Aegean, while there is still wind to enjoy happy sailing in most of the days.
The area has been the cradle of Greek Ancient Civilization. There are many ancient monuments and sights to visit, if one wants to combine sailing holidays with cultural sight seeing: The ancient temple of Athena in Aegina and Poseidon in Sounion, the Epidavros ancient theater, as well as the palace of Argos (located farther in the mainland); these are some of the important sights to visit during your cruise in the Saronic Gulf. Furthermore, the historic ports of Spetses and Hydra compose a monument as well, where guests appreciate the aristocratic side of Greece, with casual time of relaxing on the islands! Please follow the route in detail, as it is depicted in the Chart below:
The cruise starts from Alimos marina, sailing south to Poros island.
Poros port is one of the largest in the region, so it’s possible to find a berthing spot even later in the evening. If you prefer, you can spend the first night on free anchor, at the safest coast at the southwestern part of the island.
Alternatively, you can cut your route shorter, sailing to Aegina (half way), but the ports there are full. A solution is the bay of Agia Marina (northeastern coast of Aegina), but this cove is exposed to southern / eastern winds. According to wind direction, more options are available for the first night, but most ports near Athens are already full.
Hydra is the most spectacular port in the Saronic Gulf, and one of the nicest sailing destinations in Greece. The whole town comprises a historic monument, comprising so many beauties: the picturesque port, the historic building, the amphitheatric town surrounding the port.
On the way to Hydra, you can make a stop near the rocks Tselevinia for a swim, or even the south eastern cost of Poros, with crystal waters and beautiful nature.
As an alternative to Hydra, one can visit the port of Ermioni, especially when looking for a safe shelter from the strong north winds. The port of Hydra is tiny, so it’s not easy to berth safely if the winds are strong.
The port of Spetses is equally impressive in terms of historic value. Actually, both islands concentrated the wealth, arising from the commercial power of the Greek fleet in previous centuries. Rich ship owners of previous era constructed the towns with style and elegance.
Berthing in Spetses ports is rather tricky. One option is the Old Port, at the northwestern side of the island. Only few spots allow berthing at the dock; most yachts anchor inside the port and possibly get a line to the shore for stability. The alternative is to dock at the southern side of the dock near Dapia port, but the spots there are very limited, and are also exposed to the south winds. In either case, after berthing you can enjoy a wonderful day in the picturesque port. Nightlife is vivid, with busy restaurants and bars that stay open till late night.
Day 4: Free anchor in Spetses bays or Hinitsa islet
The next day you can enjoy a night on free anchor in nearby spots: Spetses is gifted with beautiful coves at the southern – eastern coast. Spend the day sailing from one cove to the other, enjoying the natural beauty of the island. Depending on wind conditions, you can select a safe spot to spend the night. You can visit also the neighboring islet of Hinitsa, just 1-2 miles from Spetses port, and relax in a serene natural environment, so close to the mainland, and yet so unique!
Note that like every night on free anchor, weather forecast must be investigated and the anchor point must be selected according to the forecast...
Day 5: Free anchor in Dokos islet (15 nautical miles)
Getting the way back to Athens, the next stop can be the islet of Dokos. This is an uninhabited spot, near Hydra, composed of a large bay with space for many yachts to anchor away from each other. The natural environment stimulates a relaxing feeling, where you can appreciate nature without any obstruction from “human civilization”. Keep in mind with the winds, as the bay is exposed to the north winds, although the island offers a very safe anchorage.
There are some alternatives to this destination. The southern coast of Hydra island also offers beautiful spots for free anchorage, lost in a beautiful natural landscape.
On the other hand, if you wish to berth in a port and visit a town, instead of free anchor, the port of Ermioni is located next to Dokos and offers safe berth and cozy tavernas for a relaxing afternoon.
Poros offers many options to spend your day, while offering safe anchorage, so you can visit the island for a second time. Depending on how you spent the first night, you can now visit the protected bays in the southwestern coast or the port. The bays are ideal for anchorage, possibly using also a line ashore, ideally toward the wind direction.
Alternatively, you can also visit the port of Epidavros and the ancient theater or the island of Aegina (bay of Agia Marina, port of Perdika, etc.).
The last day make a relaxing plan: If you start from Poros, there is a good 5-hour route, so you might wish to start the day early, so that there is adequate time for a swim in mid-day in Aegina island. If you spent the night in Aegina, there are different bays to visit, for a swim in amazing waters.Return to the home port is expected at 17:00 pm. After checking the yacht, you have plenty of time to organize a visit to Athens city center or the South Coast and close the week in an exciting way!
It is my second trip with Kostas. The first was from Lefkada in June with a 450F Lagoon catamaran - 2 families all together 8 people and it was wonderful.This trip was to the Saronice bay and included: POROS, HIDRA, SPETSES,VATHEY in the island METHANA, and 2 free ancor sleeping in the Russian Baynear POROS and in the island of DOCOS. All went very well, the weather in middle October was warm and the sea water was warm for our kids. Kostas adviced us about ports and bays where to go and was very helpful throuout the week. The boat was great and very roomy. I like to be the skipper since I have a license but with Kostas who is a real professional all went smooth. He managed to make everybody participate in the handeling of the boat and it was a great week. Already dreaming about my next trip with Kostas next June 2020.Zvika, Saronic Gulf October 2019
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Sailing Holidays in the Cyclades islands: Explore magnificent destinations, lonely beaches, romantic coves!</span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Sail from the Port of Lavrion!</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">Lavrion is at the ideal spot to start and finish your sailing holidays around the Cyclades islands! Located close to Athens International Airport (30 minutes drive), you can sail easily from Lavrion to Kea island (2-3 hours), Kythnos (4 hours) and just next to fabulous cape of Sounion (1 hour).</p>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Refundable Security Deposit: 2,500 EUR (fully refundable in case of no damage to the yacht)</span></li>
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="/el/sailgreece/poros-hydra-spetses.html?amp;view=item&layout=item&id=754&Itemid=2783" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read more about the yacht ></a></span>
<li>22 June - 27 July: <strong>4,100 EUR</strong></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">27 July - 17 August: </span><strong>5,000 EUR</strong></li>
<li>24 August - 14 September: <strong>4,100 EUR</strong></li>
<li>28 September - 12 October:<strong> 3,700 EUR</strong></li>
<li>Any week after 12 October:<strong> 2,000 EUR</strong></li>
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<p><strong>Extras: </strong></p>
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<li>End Cleaning: 180 EUR</li>
<li>Refundable Security Deposit: 3,000 EUR (fully refundable in case of no damage to the yacht)</li>
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<li>Any week after 26 October:<strong> 2,100 EUR</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Extras: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>End Cleaning: 180 EUR</li>
<li>Refundable Security Deposit: 3,000 EUR (fully refundable in case of no damage to the yacht)</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/el/sailgreece/poros-hydra-spetses.html?amp;view=item&layout=item&id=697&Itemid=2704" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read more about the yacht ></a>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Refundable Security Deposit: 2,000 EUR (fully refundable in case of no damage to the yacht)</span></li>
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<h3><em style="font-size: 1em;"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Elan Impression 444: One of the fastest yachts in her category - mostly hand made yacht!</span></em></h3>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Refundable Security Deposit: 2,000 EUR (fully refundable in case of no damage to the yacht)</span></li>
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<p>Engine, rudder service 2019, anchor motor 2018, bowthruster 2018, solar panels 2018, fans and USB sockects in all cabins and saloon (2018) - Sails 2016</p>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Refundable Security Deposit: 2,000 EUR (fully refundable in case of no damage to the yacht)</span></li>
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More Information
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<p>Additional Discount 5% for multiple weeks (2 or more)</p>
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<p><a href="/el/?amp;view=article&id=357&Itemid=1659&lang=en" title="All about sailing the Cyclades islands | Sail in Greek Waters" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">More Information about sailing holidays in the Cyclades islands ></a></p>
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<h3><span style="color: #3366ff;">Videos from our sailing trips in the stunning Cyclades islands!</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;">Personalized Services throughout your Cruise and Staying in Greece</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">We focus on personalized services that make your experience truly special. From the moment you set foot in Greece till your departure, our team is always available to cover any of your wishes and needs. Transport services, provisioning, supplementary services from scuba diving, historic tours on the islands to wellness activities and local gastronomy, your sailing trip turns into a unique experience through the Greek culture and tradition.</p>