Sailing the Saronic Islands
Aegina, Agistri, Spetses, Hydra, Poros, Salamina and the peninsula of Methana form the island complex of the Saronic Gulf in southern Greece. Sprinkled over the Saronic Gulf and steeped in ancient mythology, these islands are small havens in close proximity to Athens and perfect area for relaxed and trouble free sailing.
Visitors here will enjoy natural beauty, historical treasures, unique architecture, and glamorous, yet romantic atmosphere. Sail to the islands of Aegina with the famous pistachio nuts, Poros with the grand traditional mansions and picturesque cobbled streets, Hydra which is built in the shape of an amphitheatre on a slope overlooking the Saronic gulf, is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece and Spetses an island boasting a long naval tradition famous for its significant contribution to the 1821 War of Independence as it was here that the revolution flag was raised on 3rd April 1821.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Athens – Aegina
Set sail from Athens Alimos Marina to the picturesque fishing village of Perdika on the island of Aegina. On the way stop in Agia Marina bay for your first swim in the Greek waters.
Day 2: Aegina – Hydra
Hydra, the island with no roads and cars!! Get to the port as early as possible so that you find a spot to moore and walk around the stone houses and walls
Day 3: Hydra – Spetses
Spetses the island of the Greek Revolution and the oldest nautical heritage in Greece.
Day 4: Spetses – Ermioni
The beautiful town of Ermioni built on a peninsular with the two ports. Stop and anchor at Dokos island for a swim.
Day 5: Ermioni – Poros
Picturesque island of Poros with the busy waterway.
Day 5: Poros – Epidavros
The town of Epidavros, with the ancient theatre of Epidavros which is one of the most important ancient sites in Greece. If possible try to find a ticket for one of the theatre plays that take place in the ancient theatre grounds.
Day 7: Epidravros – Athens
Return to Athens and Alimos marina, Stop and anchor in Aponissos bay at Agkistri for a swim.
Aegina
The island of Aegina is one of the most popular tourist destinations as it is the closest island to Athens (only 16.5 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus). According to the myth, the island took its name from a nymph, daughter of the river god Asopos, whom Zeus fell in love with and took with him to the island! Aegina is ideal for family vacations, thanks to its nice, smooth beaches. It is the perfect getaway from Athens, and still an original island experience.
*Sailing Tips* a very nice spot for a quick swim is in Ag. Marina Bay on the east side of the island, which should be though avoided when south winds are blowing. Try to leave early on a Saturday from Athens so that you can get a berth in the beautiful fishing village of Perdika.
Poros
Lush pine trees vegetation, crystal clear beaches, a lively waterfront adorned with shops, cosy cafes and restaurants, a picturesque capital (it has been declared protected settlement) with grand traditional mansions and picturesque cobbled streets, as well as a wide selection of entertainment venues are the ingredients of this quiet, yet cosmopolitan, destination that attracts visitors from all age groups.
*Sailing tips* at the Poros you will find many berths to spend the night and this is also a good place to fill up water, diesel and charge your batteries. A good place for a swim is just before the port at the Russian Bay, where an old Russian naval station lied until 1900.
Hydra
Hydra, built in the shape of an amphitheatre on a slope overlooking the Argosaronic gulf, is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Traditional stone mansions, narrow cobblestoned streets, secluded squares and above all the banning of cars and the use of around 500 donkeys as means of public transportation, explain the reason why Hydra preserved its distinctive atmosphere through the passage of time.
*Sailing tips* Hydra port is very small and gets very crowded so you should be there early in the day to find a berth otherwise you can anchor in one the neighbouring bay and take a water taxi to the main settlement.
Ermioni
It’s a seaside town built on a cape, surrounded by pine trees, that strongly resembles an island. You will enjoy the lovely beaches, and the picturesque little harbour lined with popular fish tavernas and clubs for a crazy night out.
*Sailing tips* try to find a berth in the North port as there are less restaurants and bars on the quay, so you avoid the noise during the night. Just opposite Ermioni you will find the uninhabited island of Dokos which is a perfect stop to anchor, swim and maybe spend the night under the stars.
Spetses
Spetses, an island boasting a long naval tradition, is famous for its significant contribution to the 1821 War of Independence. It was here that the revolution flag was raised on 3rd April 1821. The island has managed to retain its individual traditional character thanks to its well-preserved grand captain mansions, still bearing eloquent witness to the island’s glorious past. The picturesque old harbour and Dapia, a tourist and commercial centre where the heart of the island’s entertainment beats, are the trademarks of the town of Spetses.
*Sailing tips* the old port is very picturesque but you might find it difficult to find a berth, a good alternative solution is to anchor in Porto Heli bay which is very protected and take a water taxi over to Spetses. Chinitsa Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in the Saronic Gulf with the clearest blue waters and can be found just opposite the island of Spetses.
Epidavros
The theatre of Epidavros appears, as you walk uphill coming from the entrance, like huge arms ready to embrace you and introduce you into the mysteries of tragedy or the gaiety of comedy.Famous for its acoustics, this theatre can offer you moments of great emotion, either you go there as a visitor or as a spectator. Is it more beautiful when packed with the audience impatiently waiting for the performance to begin (it can be an ancient tragedy or a shakespearian drama) or absolutely empty on a sunny morning when you can hear, “see” and feel your voice vibrate the air and reach to the 55th row of seats.
*Sailing tips* anchor during the day in the bay next to Epidavros port where there is a sunken village which is a perfect spot for snorkelling
