~ Saronic Islands 14 Day Sailing Itinerary 1 Sailing The Saronic Islands


Anchors represent Ports of Interest. Logo for our Bases. Click on yachts for distances.

From

To

Nautical Miles

Marina Alimos

Methana

25nm

Methana

Poros

7nm

Poros

Hydra

13nm

Hydra

Kiparissi

35nm

Kiparissi

Leonidio

13nm

Leonidio

Astros

18nm

Astros

Nafplion

10nm

Nafplion

Drepano

11nm

Drepano

Spetses

21nm

Spetses

Poros

32nm

Poros

Aegina

17nm

Aegina

Marina Alimos

13nm


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

In the harbour there is water available on the quay for you to fill up your tanks.  You’ll also find supermarkets, restaurants, a cash machine and a post office.  If you need a taxi, these can be organised from the harbour as well.

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.

When visiting Poros you’ll have options where you can moor for the night, depending on what you’re doing with your evening…..  If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and want to enjoy a few beers before bedtime while the sun goes down then head to the south side where there are lively bars with music playing into the night.  However if you’re looking for something more peaceful and maybe have had a bucketful the night before, head to the north side where it’s serene and you can enjoy the unspoilt beauty of Poros.

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.

Kiparissi

On the west coast of the Argolic Gulf you’ll find Kiparissi.  Away from the tourists and the furthest south that you’ll travel, you can’t fail to enjoy the little town of Kiparissi.  The rolling hills greet you on your way into to the bay, a spectacular sight indeed.

Leonidio

Tradition remains alive and well in Leonidio and this lovely little town away from the tourists is a good place to stop and relax. Set at the mouth of the Badron river gorge, the town is surrounded by high cliffs, where you will find the Elona Monastery clinging to the cliffs above the town.

Renowned for its natural beauty, don’t be surprised to see swans floating about in the harbour. The capital of the Tsakonia region, Leonidio is noted for its striking and picturesque architecture which has been maintained by regulations of this protected architectural site. Old mansions with courtyards and high walled gardens, painted shutters, decorated doorways and stately houses abound in this seaside town.

Astros

The port of Astros is a favourite with the locals, many Greeks come here for a relaxing break in the summer months.  With narrow streets, shuttered neo classical houses and the bright bougainvillea overhead it adds up to an intoxicating experience.  Over looking the town is an impressive castle that’s built on the remains of an old Venetian fortress, which is great for those seeking out some history.  A great sandy bay, blue skies and a charming port where you can moor it really does have a lot to offer for any discerning sailor.

After you’re moored up head to the waterfront cafes and tavernas where you can’t help but relax….don’t blame us if you never want to leave.

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.

Drepano

Drepano is a tranquil town on the west side of the Argolic Gulf. Drepano has lovely views across the Argolic Gulf, where you can take in the vast landscape in front of you.  A popular place to rent a villa as it’s a nice stopover when cruising.

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.

In Spetses Old harbour you can take a line to shore, or if there is no room you can moor stern to or bows to in the inner harbour.  There is water and fuel available on the quay if you need it.

If you’re all provisioned up and want a night under the stars you’ll find a fantastic large cove called Ormos Zoyioryia on the north west corner of Spetses.  Ormos Zoyioryia is an ideal place for a swim and you can drop anchor for the night  You can choose to dine out under the stars or if you don’t feel like cooking (you’re on holiday afterall) then there is also a taverna ashore!

If visiting Spetses in September its worth noting that there is a week long festival peaking on the 8th of September to celebrate ‘Armata’, which is the fierce naval battle that took place in the 1821 revolution.  Thousands of spectators and locals gather to watch the re-enactment.

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.

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