SPETSES, HYDRA, POROS: THE SARONIC ISLANDS IN ONE WEEK

Day 1: Alimos – Bay of Agia Marina, Aigina (12 nautical miles)

Our sailing adventure kicked off at Alimos Marina, the largest in Athens. We sailed away later in the afternoon (5pm), heading south toward the west coast Aegina island and the bay of Agia Marina. This is the closest bay to Alimos marina, and a beautiful place, with crystal, turqoiuse waters and pinetrees on the hills around the bay. 

In general, Agia Marina offers good shelter to Northern / NW winds, but there is swell when the winds get strong. Docking in the new pier smoothens the condition, but the 20-30 spots may get easily full on busy evenings (Saturdays and Thursdays for example). Once anchored, the shoreline restaurants offer a wonderful choice for a relaxing dinner with beautiful view to the Aegean Sea.

Day 2: Poros to Hydra island (10 nautical miles)

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 buildings, 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 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.

If the winds are calm, then it might be a good idea to make a stop for swim at the southwestern edge of the island, at the bay of Bisti. There are wonderful swimming spots in the wider area, with amazing sea brightness and natural colors.

When arriving to Spetses, you can consider alternative areas to visit or even spend the night. The bay of Agia Paraskevi, at the southern coast of Spetses is one such option. It is a very beautiful place, more quite than Hinitsa, which is affected by the non-stopping come-and-go sea taxis, as well as the lighs of the big hotel. However, Hinitsa is protected from most wind directions, so choosing anchorage depends also from weather conditions. In either case, you will enjoy the nature and the wonderful sea

Day 5: Sail to Dokos island (10 nm)

Next day is an easy one, considering the small distance to Dokos. You may wish to have another walk in the town of Spetses, or even move the boat to the western dock (by the large hotel "Poseidonio", in order to refill the yacht with fresh water. Usually the area until Dokos is calm, but the cove is exposed to the northern winds, if they reach 20 knots at gust. Dokos islet is lovely. It generates a feeling of tranquility as there is only welcoming nature all around the cove, and the sea is wonderful.

If the northern winds are strong, and the cove is not safe, there are other alternatives, the closest is the town of Ermioni. 

Day 6: Sail to Poros island (16 nm)

Next destination is the picturesque port of Poros, 2-3 hours from Dokos. On your way to the port, you can enjoy a swim either in Tselevinia, at the edge of Peloponnese, or near the bay of Monastiri, at the southeastern coast of Poros island. It is a good idea though to enter early to the port, not later than 3 pm, since many yachts will head there, since Poros is popular in the last day of the week. Choose your spot according to the wind direction while keeping in mind that there are spots that the anchor may easily cross with other yachts. Try to predict harder situations and keep away, as much as possible.

In the evening you can walk in the beautiful pier along the port or wander in the alleys higher in the hill. There are plenty of delicious restaurants in the port, most probably you will be satisfied by the food quality in Poros. If you enter later in the port and there are no spots available, it will be easy to anchor in a protected bay at the southern coast of the island, either at the western or the eastern side of the port