The Saronic Gulf
The classical heart of Greek sailing. Five islands within one compact cruising area, each with its own character, and Athens itself only an hour away.
A cruising overview
The Saronic Gulf is the easiest entry into Greek yacht charter. Boarding takes place at Alimos Marina just south of Athens, and the first anchorage is reached in under three hours. Distances between Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses are short, which makes the Saronic ideal for a relaxed week or a first family charter.
Hydra — vehicle-free, with marble paths climbing from the old harbour — is the architectural jewel. Spetses adds elegance and dining; Poros and Aegina add quiet anchorages and short crossings to the Peloponnese coast.
May – October
Lighter winds than the Cyclades. June and September are ideal; July and August are warm and busy in Hydra.
7 days
Minimum: 5 days
Recommended: 7 days covering all five islands
- Alimos Marina, Athens — primary charter base, near Athens airport
- Flisvos Marina — luxury superyacht marina
- Lavrio — alternative base, gateway to Cyclades
The right yacht for these waters
Sailing Yachts 38–55ft
The natural choice — Bavaria, Jeanneau, Beneteau bareboat or skippered from Alimos. From €2,200/week.
Catamarans 40–52ft
Stable and family-friendly — Lagoon 46, Bali 4.6, Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42. From €5,000/week.
Motor Yachts 42–70ft
Princess, Azimut, Sanlorenzo — for speed and comfort between the five islands. From €10,000/week.
Luxury Crewed Yachts 75–140ft
Sanlorenzo, Benetti and Princess superyachts from Flisvos with full crew. From €50,000/week.
What you'll remember
Hydra at sunset
Tie up in the old harbour and walk the marble paths to Sunset Bar.
Spetses Old Harbour
Dinner at Patralis or Orloff, then aperitivo at Bar Spetsa.
Poros narrow strait
Sail between Poros town and the Peloponnese — a postcard passage.
Aegina pistachio orchards
Stop for the famous local pistachios on the way south.
Cape Sounion
Anchor below the Temple of Poseidon — sunset over 2,500 years of stone.
Epidaurus
A morning excursion to the ancient amphitheatre from Poros.
Good questions, good answers
- Is the Saronic suitable for first-time charterers?
- Yes — it is among the easiest Greek cruising grounds. Distances are short, winds are moderate, and infrastructure is excellent.
- Can we combine Saronic with the Cyclades?
- Yes — with 10–14 days you can sail east via Kéa to the western Cyclades (Kythnos, Sérifos, Sífnos).
- Is Hydra always crowded?
- Hydra is busy in July and August. Arrive early for the harbour, or anchor at Mandraki bay next door and tender in.
A bespoke yacht charter, personally arranged.
Tell us your dates and preferences. We'll return with a tailored selection of yachts and a proposed itinerary within 24 hours.