Exploring the Saronic Gulf: A Skipper’s Sailing Itinerary
- roneni96
- Sep 24
- 6 min read
The Saronic Islands is The Perfect Gateway to Greek Sailing and one of my favorite sailing ground in Greece, and one of the best places for new skippers to gain experience. Their biggest advantage? They’re right next to Athens, with easy, affordable flights available year-round.
When people talk about the Saronic Islands, they usually mean Agistri, Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Salamina, and Spetses. But the gulf is full of hidden gems worth exploring—like the Methana Peninsula or the charming town of Ermioni. You could sail here three times or more and still not cover it all.
More and more sailors ask me how to plan the perfect route in the Saronic Gulf. That’s why I’ve written this guide: to share insights, tips, and some of my favorite itineraries.
Why sail the Saronic Gulf?
Close to Athens: Easy access with low-cost flights, no need for long transfers.
Short distances: Island-hopping without long hours at sea, yet the area feels spacious and never overcrowded like the Ionian or Croatia.
Variety and charm: Each island is unique—mix dreamy anchorages, hikes, authentic villages, and wild landscapes.
Mild weather: Protected waters make it one of the calmest, most beginner-friendly sailing areas in Greece.
Affordable marinas: Each island offers municipal marinas at low cost (though in peak season, arrive early to secure a berth).
From practical tips—like how to check your yacht before departure, where to find water and supplies, or how to handle Mediterranean mooring—to route ideas for both “samplers” and “deep divers,” this guide is designed to make your first (or next) Saronic adventure smooth and unforgettable.
Whether you’re drawn to Hydra’s legendary charm, Poros’ stunning bays, Aegina’s lively town, or the volcanic landscapes of Methana, the Saronic Gulf is a sailing playground that delivers every time.
What to Keep in Mind When Planning a Sailing Route in the Saronic Gulf?
planning your own route:
Yacht CheckNever rush out of the marina without thoroughly inspecting your yacht—even if it’s already late in the day. Send part of the crew for provisioning while you carefully check and photograph the boat. A proper inspection can save you a lot of frustration when returning it. SEA4SOUL guests receive a detailed pre-departure checklist to make this process smooth.
Crowds in the Saronic GulfMost charters start on Saturdays from Athens or Piraeus, which means yachts compete for space in nearby marinas (Agistri, Aegina, Perdika, or Agia Marina). If you get your boat early, consider heading straight to Poros and visit those spots on your way back, or spend the first night at anchor in Moni Island (your yacht will already be stocked with fuel, water, and supplies).If your check-in is late, it’s smarter to stay in the marina for the first night—get to know the yacht, prepare your crew, and enjoy Athens or Piraeus in the evening. Most companies don’t allow departures after sunset, and unless you’re highly experienced in night sailing, it’s better to wait.
Water, Power & SuppliesMost monohulls don’t have a water maker or generator. Check the capacity of your tanks and plan to refill as needed. Supplies can be purchased on every island, so there’s no need to overload the yacht on day one. Buy bread, cheese, and fresh produce every day or two—it’s fresher and easier.
WeatherDon’t rely on a single app or website for weather forecasts. Always cross-check at least two sources, especially if rough weather is expected. From my experience, no app gets Greek weather exactly right—a storm predicted for Tuesday might arrive Friday. Always check forecasts morning and evening, and stay alert for Navtex warnings if your yacht is equipped.
MooringIf you’ve never done Mediterranean mooring, I strongly recommend practicing with an instructor at home before your trip. It’s not difficult, but poor anchoring can leave your anchor tangled under another yacht’s chain by morning. A good instructor will also teach you how to free a stuck anchor—an essential skill.Plan to arrive at your destination marina by 11:00 if possible. That way you’ll secure a good spot and still have the afternoon to explore the island—on foot or even with quad bikes.
The CrewOften, some crew members are inexperienced or unfamiliar with life at sea. Start with a shorter first day to see how everyone adapts. Seasickness can happen, so bring medication and take it in advance, not after departure.
Must-See Destinations in the Saronic Gulf
The Saronic Gulf is dotted with charming islands and hidden gems. Here are my personal favorites—though many of my clients and family would agree with me.
Aegina
The closest island to Athens, Aegina offers several public marinas. On the eastern side, Agia Marina is quieter and recently expanded, while the western side hosts the busier harbors of Aegina Town and Perdika. During high season, berths fill quickly after noon.
Agia Marina: A delightful village where you can rent quad bikes, explore the untouched eastern landscapes, or hike up to the remarkably preserved Temple of Aphaia, with breathtaking island views.
Aegina Town: The island’s bustling capital, full of charm with its lively fish market, narrow lanes, and tavernas reminiscent of Athens’ Psiri neighborhood. If the marina is full, anchor outside (watch for seagrass meadows and aim for sandy patches) or try nearby Perdika.
Perdika: A small, picturesque fishing village with cozy beaches by day and inviting tavernas by night.
Moni Island
Just off Aegina, Moni is uninhabited but offers a serviced beach by day and two secluded bays where you can “hide away.” Busy in high season, blissfully quiet off-season.
Agistri
A small, laid-back island where beaches are the main attraction. Don’t expect “all inclusive” resorts—this is a place for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying local charm. The jewel is the bay between Agistri and Aponisos Island, a natural swimming pool of turquoise waters.
Methana Peninsula
Connected to the Peloponnese by a narrow strip of land, Methana is an off-the-beaten-path gem. This dormant volcano is a paradise for nature lovers, with hot sulfur springs right by the sea. You can hike or take quads up the volcanic trails, and even spend a night in its authentic villages. Continue west to discover the lagoon and the pretty village of Vathi, and don’t miss nearby Epidaurus.
Epidaurus
An ancient village on the Peloponnese, famed for its UNESCO-listed ancient theater, still in use today. Known as the birthplace of Asclepius, god of healing, Epidaurus was once a sacred healing sanctuary. The bay is also home to a sunken Roman villa, a snorkeler’s delight.
Poros
My absolute favorite of all Greek islands. Just 300 meters from the mainland, it’s separated by a striking channel. Poros combines stunning bays, hiking trails, vibrant tavernas, and a charming town. For me, it’s a must on any itinerary—even if it means skipping Hydra.
Hydra
One of Greece’s most iconic islands, made famous by Leonard Cohen, who lived here and wrote the song “So Long, Marianne.” Hydra is car-free, with transport by foot, donkey, or bicycle. Its small harbor fills up quickly, so anchoring in nearby Mandraki Bay with a tender ride is often the best option. For a shorter visit, I suggest mooring in Ermioni and taking a passenger ferry for a day trip.
Ermioni
Though technically on the Peloponnese, Ermioni feels like an island town. It sits on a peninsula with a stunning natural bay and authentic charm. With easy walks and plenty of mooring spots, it’s one of my hidden favorites.
Spetses & Porto Heli
Beautiful but further away—ideal for a second charter once you’ve already explored the closer islands. Their distance means you’ll need to sacrifice other gems on a one-week itinerary, so save them for next time.
Distance Table in the Saronic Islands
To help you design your own route according to your personal preferences, here’s a table of sailing distances (in nautical miles) between the main islands of the Saronic Gulf:
Sailing Routes in the Saronic Gulf
There’s no single “best” route—the perfect itinerary depends on when you receive your yacht, the crew’s experience, and how much sailing they’re comfortable with. But in every trip, I recommend at least one night at anchor—an unforgettable experience under the stars.
Here are a few possible sailing itineraries:
The Sampler Route
For those visiting once and wanting to see it all:
Athens → Perdika/Agia Marina → Poros → Hydra → Methana/Aegina → Athens.
The Deep Diver Route
For travelers who prefer fewer miles and more time to explore on land:
Athens → Agia Marina (hike to Aphaia Temple) → Epidaurus (ancient theater & sunken villa) → Methana (volcano & hot springs) → Poros (island trails & town) → Aegina → Athens.
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