Saronic Gulf sailing itinerary

Day 7: Methana - Athens (25 NM)

Day 1: Athens to Aegina (19 NM)

Let's start by saying that, if you've never been to Athens before, we strongly suggest landing in the city at least one day before your sailing departure and visiting at least the main attractions.

Athens has a wealth of history and culture, with its ancient architecture taking visitors on a journey through time. From museums to charming streets, and the iconic Acropolis, there is something for everyone to explore. Athens is also a great starting point due to its many charter companies.

After embarking on your yacht, we set sail to the first stop of our itinerary, Aegina. The island is located right in the middle of the Saronic Gulf and the homonym main city is its core, full of charming streets and nice tavernas serving fresh fish.

You can moor at Agia Marina and plan your day according to your needs: you can either stay on the water and do plenty of activity such as snorkeling, swimming, diving, and water skiing or explore the town, getting lost in the streets and visiting the archeological sites (e.g. the Temple of Apollo).

Spend the night at Agia Marina and get ready to leave the following morning.

Agia Marina - credits www.marinas.com

Agia Marina, Aegina. Credits www.marinas.com

Day 2: Aegina - Poros (16 NM)

While heading toward Poros from Agia Marina, you will sail past the volcanic island of Methana, which we'll visit later during the week, before returning to Athens.

Before heading to Poros town, which is located on the eastern coast and only distances 300 meters from the mainland, we stop at Vagionia Beach, on the northern coast of the island. This secluded and wild bay has beautiful crystal clear waters and it's perfect for a day of relaxation before immersing again in the lively flavors of the town.

The island of Poros is a beautiful town full of nice restaurants and shops; walk up the hill located by the town to admire the nice view of the surrounding areas, perhaps at sunset.

You can sleep at Poros Marina or at anchor, according to your preference and the weather conditions.

Vagionia Beach, Poros. Credits www.vresnow.com

Day 3: Poros - Porto (31 NM)

Today we have a long journey ahead of us. It will take about 4 and a half hours and cover 31 nautical miles, but the good news is that the view will be stunning. After rounding the south of the Peloponnese, we'll sail past various islands, some of which we'll visit in the upcoming days. Once we reach the furthest point of our itinerary, we can enjoy a leisurely return in the following days.

Before heading to Porto, we suggest making a stop at Skintos Bay on Dokos Island, to swim in the turquoise waters of this beautiful cove. This is a real paradise for snorkelers and divers, as on the floor bed lays the largest collections of Early Helladic pottery known, part of a shipwreck dated 2200 BC. Definitely worth a swim!

We finally reach Porto, a lively town on the Peloponnese peninsula famous for its nightlife, and spend the night at Porto Heli marina or at anchor.

Porto Heli, Porto. Credits: www.greeka.com

Day 4: Porto - Spetses (7 NM)

We head to the next stop of the itinerary, Spetses, which distances only 1-hour sail from Porto.

Spetses is a stunning green island with pine forests and peaceful beaches. Cars are not allowed, and visitors usually explore the island by bike or on foot. It is a popular luxury destination in the Saronic Gulf, with a marina full of yachts and a vibrant nightlife. We recommend trying the fresh fish dishes in the taverns of the capital, Dapia.

Zogeria Beach is most certainly a must when visiting Spetses; this beautiful bay is located on the northern-west side of the island, with crystal clear waters and pristine vegetation all around. Perfect for a day of pure relaxation!

Zogeria Beach, Spetses.

Day 5: Spetses - Hydra (15 NM)

We finally set sail to one of the prettiest islands of the Gulf, Hydra. The picturesque architecture has the typical Italian style, as most of the buildings here were created by Italian architects during the period of the Republic of Venice when the island became an important trading point.

Hydra Port is the main city and vants beautiful historical buildings such as the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary; you can also visit the Historical Archives Museum located in an elegant stone mansion belonging to a local shipowner.

We suggest trying the Spilia Beach Bar for a nice cocktail-with-a-view experience!

Avlaki Beach is a lovely cove located on the eastern side of the island. The turquoise waters invite you for a swim and the pebbled beach is perfect for soaking up under the sun.

Avlaki Beach, Hydra. Credits: www.reddit.com

Day 6: Hydra - Methana (16 NM)

After reaching the furthest point of our itinerary, it's time to begin our return to Athens by heading back to Methana, the stunning volcanic island we sailed past when reaching Poros. The truth is this island is actually a peninsula emerging from the sea, hence its proximity to the Peloponnese.

Methana offers a variety of things to do especially for hiking lovers, who will be able to hike through the hills to reach the crater and enjoy the amazing view.

The volcanic island features sulfuric springs as one of its main attractions. While the island's Spa closed in 2017, visitors can still enjoy the free Sfagia Natural Springs at the entrance of Methana. The hot seawater temperature allows for a pleasant swim almost all year.

Aerial view of Methana. Credits: www.feelgreece.com

Day 7: Methana - Athens (25 NM)

From Methana, the journey back to Athens takes about 3 to 4 hours. We suggest leaving early in the morning and making a couple of stops in between to make the trip more pleasant.

One of the stops we strongly suggest is Moni island, located between Aegina and Athens, and home to wild deer, pigs, and peacocks. Alternatively, you can head south of Aegina and visit the fishing town of Perdika, with its picturesque whitewashed houses and narrow streets.