Sailing the Saronic islands of Greece

Between Athens (where our yachts are based) and the Peloponnesian peninsula lays the Saronic Gulf. Dotted with islands, this area offers wonderful cruising routes with ideal sailing conditions, clean, calm waters and spectacular coasts and islands to explore. A region famous for fishing, look out for local fishing boats and their nets – but feel free to cast out your own line and try your luck!

Many of the islands in this region you may have heard of before, with such well known names as Poros, Hydra, Spetses and Aegina. South of the Saronic Gulf is the Argolic Gulf, which is also a very special sailing destination. It is readily accessible even on a one week holiday as much of the sailing in this area can be either gentle 'short-hop' or  longer more intensive sailing if you wish.

With numerous bays to explore, secluded beaches to enjoy, historical towns to sweep you back in time and enough wind to fill your sails, sailing the Saronic Islands will delight all those that cruise its waters. Here are a few places we’ve enjoyed in the Saronic region but this is by no means a definitive list. Go and explore – and let us know the new places you discover!

Aegina
 Just 13 miles from Athens, in the middle of the Saronic Gulf, lies the island of Aegina. Its strategic position has made the island an important site throughout Greek history. The very first Greek coins were produced here, giving Aegina great financial leverage throughout the ancient world. Many famous artists and intellectuals have lived on the island, inspired by its beauty.

While Aegina is famous for its pistachio nuts and local fish, the island is most well-known for the magnificent Temple of Aphaia, dating back to 490BC. Walk up to the temple and you will be rewarded by spectacular views out across the island. Aegina town lies in a well protected harbour and from here you can explore the winding alleys past terraced hillsides of olive trees and marvel at the horses clothed in brightly coloured tassels pulling carriages through the streets.

Poros
Poros is a little gem in the Saronics, remaining unspoilt by tourism and retaining its old charm. The perfect place to come and relax away from it all, wander the back streets of the old town and admire the neoclassical and Venetian architecture. Crystal clear waters lap at sandy and pebbly beaches alike and pine trees along the coastline offer welcome shade in the heat of summer.

Hydra
Lying southeast off the Peloponnesian mainland is the island of Hydra. With its spectacular cliffs rising out of the sea and red-tiled houses dotted along the coastline, it really is a stunning place to visit. Hydra town is a colourful place, hidden in a small, natural harbour. Tradition remains important here and the locals have made a real effort to preserve the town’s character, ensuring that all buildings are in keeping with the local style. You will feel as though you have stepped back in time - transportation here comes not in the form of cars but donkeys! Wander the whitewashed alleyways and sit with the locals in tavernas and cafes tucked away in the backstreets.

Spetses
Spetses is a small island off the Peloponnesian coast of Ermionida. Covered in rich vegetation and pine trees, the island features gorgeous sandy beaches and secluded bays. Like Hydra, there are no cars here; horse-drawn carriages are the transport of choice, although there are the typical European scooters and mopeds to whiz you around the island. The picturesque villages are worth exploring – admire the neoclassical houses with wooden balconies, coloured walls and narrow stone-paved alleys.

Nafplion
Nafplion was the first capital of Greece after independence. Today it is a lovely seaside town featuring elegant Venetian homes and towering fortresses over the harbour. Located close to many ancient archaeological sites such as Myceneae and Corinth, you can tie up in the harbour here and then go exploring ashore. The town itself is charming, full of restaurants, shops, cafes and beautiful old buildings. Those feeling energetic can climb the 857 steps to the Venetian Fortress of Palamidi that overlooks the city, or you can simply enjoy the waterfront tavernas, open-air cinemas and the beaches. This colourful town, with its culture, history and vibrance is a must when cruising the Saronic Islands.

Methana
Methana is a beautiful volcanic peninsula situated on the eastern side of the Peloponnese. It is not hard to see why this is such a popular destination with natural hot springs and gorgeous beaches with crystal clear waters. Visit the charming capital of Methana, Hora, or head out to Dritsaika, where you can enjoy breathtaking views out across the Saronic Gulf. The most famous beach of Methana is Almyra where visitors and locals alike enjoy the cool waters in the hot sun. Despite being one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive spas around a hundred years ago, Methana has kept its rich cultural and natural heritage, making it one of Greece’s best kept secrets.

Weather and Winds

While the predominant wind in the Saronic comes from the northeast, the Meltemi – the strong, dry north wind from the Aegean Sea – is present in the Saronic Islands. The Meltemi can pick up to 5-6 Beaufort, particularly later in the season around July and August, but the winds usually calm down later in September. In the Argolic Gulf around Hydra and Spetses the wind blows mainly from the southeast, though the Meltemi also affects this area, bringing some fantastic afternoon sailing breezes.

The Beauty of the Saronic area is that it is a comfortable compromise between the sometimes benign sailing in the Ionian and the challenging sailing  in the Cyclades Islands.

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