SAILING TO THE MONUMENTS OF THE ANCIENT CIVILIZATION

Day 1: Alimos marina - Cape Sounion, Temple of Poseidon (23 nautical miles)

Our trip started in Alimos, the nearest marina to Athens City Centre. Distance from airport is 40-60min. by mini van, not much longer by bus service. Provisions was also easy, as everything was arranged online by the company. We left the marina early in the afternoon and arrived after 3-4 hours of calm seas in Cape Sounion. The bay is big enough for many yachts to anchor in a modest distance from the shore and indeed is a busy destination. It offers good shelter to north winds (but not to southern or eastern winds) and you can enjoy your swim and relaxation right. The spectacle of the Poseidon Temple is equally unique and impressive at night, when it is lit - shining its glory on the bay.  Dinner is possible either onboard, or at the restaurants on the shore.

Next morning we hiked up to the ancient Temple, 15 minutes from the beach. Getting to the beach by our dinghy was our morning adventure! There is a unique feeling viewing the endless Aegean Sea under the ancient columns of the Temple. According to the myth, the ancient king of Athens, Aegeus ended his life in cape Sounion when he saw the boat of his son Theseus returning from Crete with black sails, false sign that his son was dead.

Day 2: Cape Sounion - Aegina island, bay of Agia Marina (23 nautical miles)

After returning to the yacht, we lifted the anchor and sailed West, to the island of Aegina and the bay of Agia Marina. We had a northern wind of 15-20 knots so we enjoyed quite intense sailing route, with moderate waves. The monument to visit is the Temple of Afaia, constructed in the 5th century BC. Distance from the shore is 45 minutes walking.

It tooks us close to 3 hours to reach Aegina. Upon our arrival to the bay of Agia Marina, we anchored near the northern shore of the bay, close to some spectacular rocks, and enjoyed a dive in the crystal sea. In the evening we got to the shore by the dinghy, and had dinner on the restaurants nearby.

The bay of Agia Marina is protected from North-NW winds but it is wide, so there is swell inside, if the wind is over 15-20 knots. The bay is exposed to winds with east or southern direction, and is affected with rather large waves.

Day 3: The Old Port of Epidavrus and the Ancient Theater

We arrived in Epidavrus port at noon, and were happy to find a spot on the small dock. Soon after, we took a taxi and visited the Ancient Theatre. It is a rare monument and the oldest theater in the world where plays still take place. It operates as a theater venue on Fridays and Saturdays only, July and early August, so one should enquire for custom dates for their sailing trip, in order to actually watch a play. However, visiting off-hours is also a wonderful experience, as there are main interesting tales and facts associated with the area and the monument. 

Overall, there are plenty of options regarding the remaining of the day, after returning from the tour to the Ancient Theater. Additionally to the castle of Mycenae and Moni island, sailing to Aegina (main port of Perdika) compose a satisfactory option.

Another beautiful port is in Methana peninsula, named Vathi. It is a small and cozy bay, full with trees. In the small port you can find family taverns, preparing local food. Methana is a volcanic mountaine, with fascinating hiking routes. Even watching the rock formations by the sea, at its western coast, is interesting, as the marks of the volcano are so obvious. As Methana are not tormended by the massive tourist waves, it comprises a wondeful destination for your trip.

In the evening, we visited the tavern by the cove for dinner in a natural and unspoiled landscape. A table reservation was necessary, as the restaurant was full, same almost every night. 

Please note that despite the overall calmness, the western coast of Agkistri can be affected by northern winds, and also by westernlies, which actually might get quite strong. Due to the depth of the bay, this could create uncertainty for the anchor holding. Hence, this place is strongly recommended, assuming that forecast is clear of any strong winds. 

Salamis has some signifant ancient monuments and important history, expanding over 4.000. There are remains of ancient settlements starting on the 2nd millenia BC, reaching their peak on the 13th century BC! The remains of the Ancient Palace of Mycenean Age travels us back to the glory of Ancient Greece, as it is attributed to the Homer's hero, Aias. 

Last but not least, in Salamis you can find the monument of the Salamis Sea Battle, that took place on 480 BC. The victory of the Athenians over the Persian forces had a vital role in the survival and development of the Greek Civilzation, that fueled the modern Western culture.