The Saronic Islands
The pleasant weather, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful bays, charming villages, and easy accessibility – all these make an excellent case for embarking on a tranquil week-long yacht vacation in the Saronic Gulf in Greece.
Sailing in the bay is conducted along a captivating route, navigating between the islands of Aegina, Moni, Agistri, Methana, Poros, Hydra, Dokos, Spetses, and incorporating points in the eastern Peloponnese such as Epidavros, Porto Cheli, and Ermione. Moreover, it is also possible to reach Nafplio within a week-long sailing adventure. The distances between the islands are short, making it easy to plan sailing routes that connect them. Sailing in the Saronic Gulf is suitable for both experienced skippers and beginners alike, whether it’s a family vacation with kids or a trip with friends and companions – any format that works for you.
Weather and Wind Conditions
The relatively enclosed structure of the gulf creates particularly comfortable sailing conditions.
The winds around the Seronian Islands are generally excellent for sailing throughout the summer, but it’s important to consider the Meltemi wind. Strong, seasonal northerly winds prevail during the summer months, picking up from midday into the night and can quickly escalate to very powerful forces. The Meltemi wind blows throughout the entire summer, and it’s important to consider that the wind picks up during the afternoons. Its peak months, during which it can reach speeds of 30-40 knots, are July and August. During these months, and possibly even before, it is advisable to be moored in the marina starting from noon unless you want to face winds of 30 knots or more.
During the summer months, the temperature ranges from 20°C at night to 35°C during the day. In the transitional seasons (April-May, October-November), temperatures range from 12°C at night to 25°C during the day. July and August see temperatures climbing above 30°C and up, but fear not, if you’re on a yacht, that won’t stop you! You can jump into the water anytime to cool off (just remember to use sunscreen).
Our recommended months for sailing are the shoulder seasons. This way, you’ll avoid the busiest times, enjoy more favorable prices, and the Meltemi wind is not at its peak. Early June and late September are our top picks for sailing adventures.
Designing Your Ideal Sailing Itinerary
Crafting the perfect sailing itinerary involves numerous considerations, and that’s why we’ve chosen not to offer a specific route but rather a diverse array of points of interest. The best itinerary is the one that suits you, and it might not be suitable for another crew entirely. Some people love sailing long distances, while others prefer shorter voyages. Some enjoy anchoring in bays and coves, while some seek a different dock with good taverns every night. There are many factors to consider when choosing the route and destinations. Adding to these considerations, the actual weather conditions play a significant role during each day of sailing. We believe that in sailing, it is more accurate to make daily decisions based on up-to-date forecasts rather than rigidly sticking to a pre-planned itinerary. This approach allows you to adapt to changing conditions and avoid sailing against logic or navigating in weather conditions beyond your team’s capabilities.
We have carefully selected and curated recommended points of interest in each area, allowing you the freedom to craft your own sailing itinerary based on your preferred style of sailing. As you progress through your voyage, you can also modify and make decisions during your week of sailing.
The links you’ll find below are for the NAVILY app, which we consider one of the most useful tools for preparing your route and making decisions during your sailing journey, especially when approaching unfamiliar marinas. If you haven’t yet discovered and utilized it, be sure to take a glimpse. This fantastic tool is a must-have for every skipper navigating in unfamiliar waters!
Our offered points are flexible options We don’t solely focus on the quality of anchoring or the specific marina’s characteristics, nor do we dictate its level of protection from different weather conditions. In order to familiarize yourself with various anchoring spots, you can visit the links to the NAVILY website or any other relevant source to deepen your knowledge about the location.
The popular marinas for setting sail at the Saronic are located in different spots, all within a half-hour drive from Athens International Airport.
- Alimos Marina in Athens – Most sailing trips depart from this marina due to its convenient location and size – the majority of rental boats anchor here.
- Zea Marina in Piraeus – located slightly north in the bay, yet its position remains highly convenient for setting sail in the Saronic Gulf.
- Lavario Marinas – Located outside the Saronic Gulf, to the east of the southern part of the gulf. You can set sail towards the Saronic from the south, but it’s less practical to plan a route starting there. It makes more sense to depart from Lavrio towards the Cyclades or even towards the Sporades.
Wishing you enjoyable voyage planning! This is all part of the fun and excitement of a successful and amazing sailing trip!
Ronen & SAILING AROUND team
Recommended Key Highlights in Saronic Gulf to Design Your Sailing Adventure
Aegina is a charming island, relatively large, located close to Athens. The island offers numerous options for land excursions, with car/tractor rentals, beautiful beaches, and many coves to explore, not to mention charming villages and taverns. Aegina is known as the “Pistachio Island” – a place where pistachio trees flourish, and it is the island’s main produce. You can buy these delicious pistachios from one of the numerous stalls scattered around the island.
Consider that due to its proximity to Athens, Aegina is a destination that attracts quite a few tourists from Athens through ferries.
A highly recommended anchorage option is the charming fishing village of Perdika, a small harbor – finding a spot to anchor may be challenging during peak season. At the harbor, you’ll find waterfront taverns and cafes, creating a picturesque setting in this quaint and beautiful fishing village, located 9 km south of the town of Aegina. Perched on a hilltop, it offers breathtaking views.
- Recommended Restaurants:
Giovita
Saronis fish restaurant
Another recommended activity is visiting one of the beautiful coves of the neighboring island of Moni, just off Aegina’s coast (weather permitting). This small and stunning island boasts several breathtaking turquoise coves and abundant wildlife. It’s definitely worth taking at least a lunch break to jump into the water.
Marina:
- 37° 41.45′ N, 23° 27.18′ E Perdika Marina
- 37° 44.67′ N, 23° 25.68′ E Aegina marina
Anchorage:
- 37° 41.92′ N, 23° 28.03′ E Perdika Egina Nord
- 37° 41.25′ N, 23° 30.67′ E Klipos
- 37° 40.58′ N, 23° 28.67′ E Cape Pirgos
- 37° 44.67′ N, 23° 32.63′ E Agia Marina North
2. Moni
Anchorage:
37° 41.65′ N, 23° 25.88′ E Moni
A small, secluded island with turquoise bays and plenty of natural beauty to explore. While finding anchor spots might be a bit challenging, the enchanting bays make for perfect anchor drops.
We highly recommend savoring a delicious meal of fresh seafood and a glass of ouzo, overlooking the stunning Aponisos Bay. To get around the island, it’s advisable to rent regular bikes or electric bicycles.
Marina:
- 37° 42.83’ N, 23° 20.83’ E Port de Megalochori
- 37° 42.47’ N, 23° 22.07’ E Skala
Anchorage:
- 37° 40.73’ N, 23° 19.53’ E Skilomango West
- 37° 41.13’ N, 23° 21.03’ E Megali Bali
- 37° 41.30’ N, 23° 19.55’ E Agistri West
- 37° 40.78’ N, 23° 20.67’ E Mariza Beach North
A picturesque Greek village located in the eastern Peloponnese (part of the continent) amidst a stunning landscape, adorned with charming taverns and a small bakery that serves fresh bread and morning pastries. The ancient ruins of Epidaurus have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is highly recommended to visit the Ancient Theatre and other archaeological sites.
Another suggestion is to explore the beautiful beach of Kalamaki Bay.
Marina:
37° 38.27’ N, 23° 9.48’ E Epidavros
Anchorage:
- 37° 38.38’ N, 23° 9.65’ E Kalamaki Beach
- 37° 37.78’ N, 23° 9.63’ E Sunken City of Epidaurus
- 37° 37.90’ N, 23° 9.68’ E Epidhavros South Bay
Methana is connected to the Peloponnese mainland and – in our opinion – offers slightly less appeal than more attractive places like Agistri or Poros. We would include it in the itinerary only as an alternative option in case it becomes very convenient or necessary to stop there.
Marina:
- 37° 34.63′ N, 23° 23.32′ E Methana not recommended for night stay
- 37° 34.83′ N, 23° 23.55′ E Methana ferry quay not recommended for night stay
- 37° 35.62′ N, 23° 20.33′ E Vathy nice little docking place. Electricity, water. To Vathi Taverna, Makis +302298092559 can tell you if there is docking space
Anchorage:
Visit Radon thermal spring near Anchorage place 37° 35.40′ N, 23° 24.20′ E Methana – Limnionas
A magical and highly recommended place to spend the night. The town is packed, with numerous stairways and white walls adorned with plants and vines. Surrounding the town, along the water’s edge, there are restaurants and shops. You’ll also find more exclusive restaurants atop the hill overlooking the sea. It’s highly recommended to climb the clock tower and take a stroll along the city’s upper part; the view is especially delightful at sunset.
Marina:
37° 30.10′ N, 23° 27.22′ E Porus
Anchorage:
- 37° 29.88′ N, 23° 27.27′ E Poros South Quay
- 37° 30.67′ N, 23° 26.58′ ENeoriou – Poros
A beautiful and picturesque island, adorned with charming stone mansions and quaint cottages. Hydra has been a source of inspiration for many artists, including Leonard Cohen and Sophia Loren. Cars are entirely absent from the island, and its harbor serves as the heart of the town. Donkeys are used for transporting both cargo and people. Highly sought-after location for yachts with limited anchoring spots. From noon until afternoon during the season, it gets extremely busy. Yachts are tightly packed in rows, and in the morning, it can be a long and chaotic process to depart slowly. However, if you haven’t yet spent a night in Hydra, it is highly recommended! In the evenings at the port, there is a grand celebration of lights, music, and an authentic Greek experience.
If you wish to enjoy Hydra but avoid the hassle of mooring and releasing in the morning, you can anchor for the night in the bay or a nearby marina and come to visit during the evening hours. Recommended options: You can reach the city from Mandraki Bay with a pleasant 30-minute walk, or take a boat taxi at +30977676189. Alternatively, you can arrive from Dokos with a boat taxi, or from Poros or Ermioni with ferry crossings.
Recommended Restaurants:
- Giasemy
- Plako Stroto
- Omilos
- And onion
- Veranda
Marina:
37° 21.03’ N, 23° 27.95’ ELimin Idhras
Anchorage:
- 37° 20.45′ N, 23° 20.32′ E Ormos Skindos
- 37° 26.05′ N, 23° 31.22′ E Cape Skyli South
- 37° 21.30’ N, 23° 28.98’ E Mandraki
- 37° 18.03’ N, 23° 23.70’ E St. Nikolaos
Scenic island, uninhabited with a beautiful and sheltered bay, serving as a charming overnight anchorage and a destination for capturing breathtaking nature shots. Highly recommended.
Anchorage:
- 37° 20.45’ N, 23° 20.32’ E Ormos Skindos
- 37° 20.67’ N, 23° 19.53’ E Dokos North
- 37° 20.95’ N, 23° 20.68’ E Ayios Ioannis Dokos
Ancient Greek city, now a charming seaside town in the Peloponnese East. The harbor is convenient but small. In case there’s no space, there are anchoring options in the nearby bay. You can find delightful excursions in the area and great swimming beaches all around.
Recommended restaurants:
- Tzieris
Marina:
37° 23.20′ N, 23° 14.92′ E Ermionis
Anchorage:
- 37° 23.27′ N, 23° 15.05′ E Ermioni
- 37° 23.02′ N, 23° 14.83′ EErmioni South dock
- 37° 24.13′ N, 23° 16.83′ E Ormos Dartiza
Popular vacation town in the Peloponnese Southeastern. Crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches. Convenient and modern marina with amenities and showers. Keep in mind that it’s a bustling urban hub, not a picturesque fishing village.
Recommended restaurants:
- Ostria
Marina:
37° 19.63′ N, 23° 8.72′ E Porto Heli
Anchorage:
- 37° 19.53′ N, 23° 8.67′ E Porto Cheli
- 37° 19.38′ N, 23° 9.07′ E Limin Chelieu
Picturesque car-free island with unique architecture, maritime history, and culture. The island flourished in the early 18th century and evolved into a significant maritime power, dominating the main sea routes of the Mediterranean. The Royal Museum of Spetses houses art pieces representing over 4000 years of history.
There are several marinas and numerous stunning coves available for anchoring overnight for your choice.
Recommended restaurants:
- Liotrivi
- Mouyaro
- Thea
Marina:
- 37° 16.18’ N, 23° 9.28’ E Spetses
- 37° 15.60’ N, 23° 9.97’ E Mpaltizas marina
Anchorage:
- 37° 16.62′ N, 23° 6.48′ E baie de Zogiormia
- 37° 15.97′ N, 23° 6.28′ E Nice bay anchorage
- 37° 15.10’ N, 23° 9.83’ E Agia Marina
A picturesque harbor town located in the Peloponnese, in the northern Argolic Gulf, boasting a wealth of impressive antiquities. Once the capital of Greece during the early years of modern Greece, it now serves as a thriving destination for domestic Greek tourism. Though a bit of a sailing journey from Athens, if you’re ready to sail a bit further, whether on a weekly voyage or somehow in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit!
