Sailing Saronic Gulf

Description

Sailing the Saronic Gulf: A Guide for Non-Greek Visitors

The Saronic Gulf is a popular destination for sailors and offers a unique experience for those interested in exploring the Greek islands.

Located off the east coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, the Saronic Gulf is a sheltered waterway surrounded by a cluster of small, beautiful islands.

With a 40-foot boat, you can easily explore the best the Saronic has to offer.

Why Choose to Sail in the Saronic Gulf?

The Saronic Gulf is home to some of the most picturesque islands in Greece, including Aegina, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses.

Each island has its own unique character, making it an ideal destination for sailors looking to explore new and exciting places.

Here are some key reasons why you might want to choose to sail in the Saronic Gulf:

Convenient location
The Saronic Gulf is located close to Athens, which means that it's easy to get to and from the marina where you will be renting out your boats. This can save your clients time and money on transportation.

Beautiful scenery
The Saronic Gulf is home to some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Greece, with picturesque villages, rocky coves, and crystal-clear waters. Your clients will be able to enjoy a variety of different landscapes and seascapes as they sail through the region.

Calm seas
The Saronic Gulf is sheltered from strong winds, which means that the seas are usually calm and gentle. This can make for a more pleasant and relaxing sailing experience, especially for families with young children or inexperienced sailors.

Variety of destinations
The Saronic Gulf is home to several different islands and coastal towns, each with its own unique character and attractions. Your clients can customize their itinerary to visit the places that interest them most, whether they want to explore historic sites, sample local cuisine, or simply relax on a secluded beach.

Affordable Cost of Living

The average cost of living in the Saronic Gulf is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for sailors on a budget.

A meal at a local taverna can cost around €15-20, while a night at a local port is around €5 (average)

Saronic Delicacies and Treats

Seafood: The Saronic Gulf is famous for its seafood, with local tavernas serving up fresh and flavorful fish and seafood dishes.

Dolmadakia: This traditional Greek dish consists of vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices.

Baklava: This sweet pastry made with phyllo dough, honey, and nuts is a must-try when visiting the Saronic Gulf.

Popular Saronic Islands to Visit

The closest islands to the Attica peninsula are Salamis (1.3 NM), commemorated in Greek history for the victorious naval battle against Xerxes, and Aegina (20 NM).

The island of Aegina, known for its tasty peanuts, offers Athenians precious weekend geataway destinations at any time of the year, such as the isalnd’s white-washed capital of the same name, or the nearby fishing villages of Perdika and Aghia Marina.

Sailors that have booked a bareboat charter, would get great help by reading our Ultimate Yacht Charter Greece Guide!

Agistri

Agistri island - Saronic

Another gem of the Saronic, can be found at the center of the gulf, on your way to Epidavros in the Peloponnese.

Although the island’s population declines sharply after the summer, it hardly loses any of its charm.

The view is always at hand, the seafood always fresh, and the ouzo 100% Greek!

Poros

Poros island Canal - Saronic

Moving southwest, you will pass through Poros, where you can enjoy the Greek cuisine, an overnight stay under the Mediterranean stars, or just a refreshing swim.

Hydra

Hydra island - Saronic

Along the same path, you will find the cosmopolitan island of Hydra, a "car-free island", probably the most visited of the Saronic Gulf. In the distance of the beautiful harbor, you will find yourself strolling around the narrow and winding alleys, where you will discover many traditional taverns with great food and wine, a lot of bars, as well as an impeccable view of the harbor to admire.

Next to Hydra, Dokos, a small, uninhabited island famous for what is probably the most ancient shipwreck, can offer ideal mooring for an overnight stay.

Spetses

Spetses island - Saronic

A little further down the path, at the entrance of the Argolic Gulf of the Peloponnese, you will find the historical island of Spetses that played a decisive role in the revolution during the 19th century Grecoturkish war.

Spetses is undoubtedly a beautiful island that can offer quality vacations especially to those traveling with family.

All the islands of the Saronic gulf are connected by small taxi-boats which you can easily spot carrying a dozen passengers to and from nearby islands or the mainland of the Peloponnese.

History

The five major islands of the Saronic, Salamis, Aegina, Hydra and Spetses, were first inhabited around 3500 BC as archaeological evidence shows.

The centuries that followed were hardly peaceful for these islands, as continental city-states like Athens, were constantly trying to claim them from rival cities to which they belonged. Like the rest of Greece, the Saronic islands bowed to the Romans upon their arrival as conquerors.

They were then followed by the Franks, the Catalans and the Venetians, while pirates ransacked the site, and even used Aegina as their base in 1100 AD. The Ottoman conquerors remained on the Saronic islands from 1540 until 1821, and in 1827 Aegina was designated as the first capital of the liberated and autonomous Greek state.

See more info in Wikipedia

Attractions

Aegina Fistiki Fest

A fistiki (pistachio) traid fair which takes place in the Aegina island every autumn, attracting around 22000 visitors. The next Fistiki Fest 2019 is arranged for the Sep. 13th to Sep. 16th 2018

Armata Spetses' Festival

Spetses Island has become popular for the "Armata" Festival that is celebrated every September. It marks the battle that took place in these straits between the islanders and Kosta during the 1821 revolution. Local boat builders start their work early in August every year and construct a huge wooden boat that is used in the form of an effigy of an ancient Turkish boat.

Sailing Information

Mooring Conditions in Saronic Ports

Please note that mooring in the ports of Aegina, Hydra, and Spetses can be quite challenging due to the high volume of boats.

If you are interested in mooring in Hydra or Spetses, we recommend that you approach the ports in the morning hours to increase your chances of finding a spot.

Alternatively, you may wish to consider overnighting at anchor in a nearby location and then visiting the ports early the next day.

Mooring Charges: Mooring charges in Saronic ports is typically less than €10 per night.

We will be happy to provide you with information on suitable anchorages and help you plan your itinerary accordingly.

 

Island hopping

What could be more fun than island hopping at your own pace?

While you are not restricted to the ferries itineraries and public transport, you can freely manage your own schedule.

The trip between the various Saronic gulf's destinations might be a few hours long, but being able to set sail at your own leisure is priceless.

Island hopping around the Saronic gulf is one of the best ways visitors choose to spend a week in Greece, as the tour can cover every taste: Aegina for its laid-back atmosphere, Agistri for the camping, Hydra for its night-life, Poros for the delicious seafood, Spetses for the history & culture, and a dozen more islets to explore and to swim among, under the Mediterranean sun!

Sailing Itinerary

We offer carefully curated itineraries that are guaranteed to make your sailing vacation unforgettable.
Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-timer, we have the perfect route for you.

Before you set sail, make sure to familiarize yourself with the 50 rules of safe sailing, that will ensure the success of your holiday.

★ SARONIC - ONE WEEK

With 130 ΝΜ in this itinerary, we cater to crews who don't consider 18 ΝΜ per day too much, in order to visit Seven Greek islands.

CAUTION: For those with enough experience and favorable weather conditions, there will be opportunities for overnight stays away from the shore. Otherwise, we will have to seek refuge in a nearby port for overnight stays

Saronic, One Week Itinerary

Sailing Saronic Gulf Places

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Hydra

Hydra Sailing Holidays

Although the marina is relatively small, there is always a way to tether your boat. Cars, bikes are not allowed so the area can be as quiet and as eco-friendly as possible.

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Spetses

Spetses Sailing Holidays

The island will charm you from the very start as it will take you back to a different era. The beaches of Spetses are very spectacular even if their beauty is quite similar.

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Agistri

Agistri Sailing Holidays

This small and vividly green island neighboring Athens, is the prefect escape for sailors who wish to swim in crystal blue waters, enjoy a plate of seafood and some ouzo by the sea.

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Palaia Epidavros

Palaia Epidavros Sailing Holidays

A fantastic and quite famous destination for the weekend getaway of Athens sailors and beyond! Various theatrical and musical events, take place every summer at its small theater.

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Poros

Poros Sailing Holidays

This island, that seems like a well kept secret of the Greek seas, is a stop you must absolutely make during your Saronic Gulf yachting charter expedition!

ATHENS ALIMOS BASE

Starting Area

kavas marina alimos

Here in Alimos marina you'll find our head-quarter office. It is only a 20 minutes taxi ride away from the Athens International Airport, which makes it very easily accessible for international travellers. At the Athens base, you will find the greatest variety of (owned) yacht types and sizes, Kavas Yachting can offer you.

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