ONE WEEK SAILING IN THE SARONIC ISLANDS: START FROM LAVRION, VISIT SPETSES, POROS AND MORE ISLANDS

The Saronic Gulf is a wonderful sailing area in Greece. It is accessible from Athens, the easiest entry point to Greece from overseas. It is gifted with wonderful swimming spots, turqouise waters, small, cozy bays and uninhabited islands, while the ports of most islands are steeped in the history of the Greek people. 

Regarding the sailing conditions, the Saronic islands are protected from the Northern Winds that prevail in the summer months, especially July and early August. While the Cyclades islands are tormended by the winds, the Saronic offers a more comfortable solution, away from the gusts and big waves of the open Aegean Sea. Hence, sailing holidays become more safe and relaxing, with better anchorage conditions, as well as smoother sailing and better chances to avoid discomfort, overall. In most cases islands are located close to each other (especially compared to the longer distances of the Cyclades islands), hence shorter sailing time is required during the trip. If someone wants, farther destinations are also suggested, to increase the miles that can be covered within a week.

Since this Trip starts from Lavrion, it can be used as an alternative option, in case the initial plan was sailing to the Cyclades islands, but the meltemi does not allow. Considering that this route is followed in a week with strong winds in the Saronic Gulf, particular advice is provided according to our experience, of where to anchor safely and at which points to be more careful, following from our experience.

The yacht was ready on time and all details were completed early (yacht cleaning, paperwork, provisions, etc.), so we had plenty of time to sail before the dark falls. Considering the strong winds, our choice for the night was the bay of Anavissos. Lavrion is far to head to another port (5 hours to Poros, 4 to Agia Marina in Aegina), so we opted for spending the first night on anchor. The closest bays that protect from the northerlies is Sounion (or even Punta Zeza, a bay southern of Lavrion port), but in both places the winds were forecasted to blow strong through out the night. Anavissos is nearly a couple of hours sailing from Lavrion, but the winds drop considerably compared to other options. The bay is wide enough for many yachts, adding to the safety of this option.

We sailed to Anavissos, using the head sail only from time to time. Despite the heavy winds we approached the bay safely, anchored in low depth (around 4 meters) using a lot of anchor chain, and enjoyed safely our first night on the yacht.

Upon our arrival to Poros island, we docked immediately at one of the few available spots. Since the winds were fierce, all yachts were looking for a safe shelter for the evening, and the port of Poros is one of the largest and safest in the area near Athens marinas. Due to the popularity of the port, ensuring a berthing spot for our yacht was quite important. We took some rest after the exciting trip and enjoyed dinner in one of the local restaurants by the port.

East of Hinitsa, there are the bays of Costa and Agios Aimilianos. Without offering a spectacular landscape, these coves offer a safe solution for anchorage and a relaxing swim. 

The Argolic Gulf lies at the west of Spetses. Should you decide to sail longer, Nafplion port is an interesting option to the North, and a historic monument, hence sailing upwind, while usually the winds drop considerably in the Argolic Gulf. However, the additional miles (another 26 nautical miles from Spetses) prevented us from going farther. Astros and Kiparissi offer more alternative options, but berthing could be problematic with strong winds. 

We spent most of the day wandering in the alleys of the town and the shore by the port. Everything is well maintained, and the aristocrautic atmosphere of the old ages is preserved. Buildings are impressive, reminding the past glory of the island, as the shipping center of the 19th century. Ship owners of both Spetses and Hydra dominated the commercial activity in previous centuries across a large part of the Mediterranean Sea. The historic importance is illuminated by the fact that these shipowners sacrificed their ships and wealth, putting everything they had in the service of their country, during the Independence War (1821-1831 AD).

We returned in the evening to Ermioni port, full with the impressive pictures of Hydra island.

We anchored in the bay of Askeli, eastern side of the port. We are always fond of the western coast of Poros island, with the numerous bays and beautiful, greenery landscape. However, the strong winds could put our anchor at risk, considering the big depths (15-20 meters) and muddy sea bed. It is safer in the western coast to secure the yacht by holding it with ropes to the rocks, but we preferred the easier solution of Askeli, with more shallow sea bed and safer anchorage overall.