Saronic Gulf
Just a short sail from Athens, the Saronic Gulf offers one of the most relaxed and accessible cruising grounds in Greece. With calm seas, gentle winds, and short distances between islands, it’s the perfect destination for first-time sailors, families, and anyone seeking a smooth, scenic adventure without the stronger winds of the Aegean.
From the pine-scented coves of Poros and the neoclassical charm of Hydra to the historic treasures of Aegina, the Saronic Gulf blends natural beauty, culture, and convenience into a seamless sailing experience.
Why Sail the Saronic Gulf
Calm, Protected Waters
Sheltered from the Meltemi, the Saronic Gulf offers some of the calmest sailing conditions in Greece. Predictable breezes and gentle seas make it ideal for relaxed cruising.
Easy Island-Hopping
With islands only a short sail apart, you can enjoy leisurely days on the water and still have plenty of time to explore on land. No long passages, no demanding crossings—just smooth, enjoyable sailing.
Close to Athens
Begin your charter just minutes from the capital. Within a few hours, you’ll be anchored in turquoise bays, exploring ancient temples, or dining at a seaside taverna.
What Awaits You in the Saronic Gulf
Charming, Distinctive Islands
- Aegina – Pistachio groves, ancient temples, vibrant harbor life
- Hydra – Car-free elegance, stone mansions, and artistic flair
- Poros – Pine forests, calm coves, and a lovely town built amphitheatrically
- Spetses – Stylish marinas, boutique nightlife, and historic charm
Stunning Anchorages & Clear Waters
The Saronic is known for serene bays, easy mooring, and warm, inviting waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
Culture, History & Local Flavor
Explore ancient sites like the Temple of Aphaia, wander historic promenades, or enjoy authentic Greek cuisine right at the water’s edge. Each island combines history, hospitality, and a relaxed island pace.
Best Time to Sail the Saronic Gulf
Travel Season at a Glance
- May–June – Warm days, pleasant breezes, quieter islands
- July–August – Peak season; lively harbors; still protected from strong winds
- September–October – Warm water, ideal weather, relaxed atmosphere
Weather & Sailing Conditions
Visibility: Excellent—perfect for sightseeing and navigation
Air Temperature: 26–33°C (79–91°F) in summer
Water Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)
Winds: Light to moderate northerlies and sea breezes
Sea State: Generally calm and protected
Suggested Sailing Itineraries
Explore Saronic Gulf from Alimos Marina. Choose from the suggested sailing routes below. Routes may be adjusted according to weather conditions, sea state, mooring availability and guest preferences.
Route 1 — Classic Saronic Islands Experience
≈105–120 NMDiscover the highlights of the Saronic Gulf on a relaxed 7-day sailing itinerary combining historic islands, beautiful swimming bays, traditional waterfront villages and some of the most attractive anchorages close to Athens. This route allows plenty of time for swimming, exploring ashore and enjoying relaxed evenings by the sea.
Day 1: Alimos → Aegina
Distance: 18–22 NM
Overnight: Aegina
Highlights:
- Swimming: Perdika / Moni area, conditions permitting
- After completing the check-in formalities and yacht briefing, the yacht can depart Alimos in the late afternoon, weather and daylight permitting.
Day 2: Aegina → Agistri
Distance: 8–10 NM
Overnight: Agistri
Highlights:
- Swimming: Aponissos / Dragonera / Skala
- A short morning passage takes you to the nearby island of Agistri.
Day 3: Agistri → Poros
Distance: 12–15 NM
Overnight: Poros
Highlights:
- Swimming: Love Bay / Russian Bay
- Sail south-west towards Poros.
Day 4: Poros → Hydra
Distance: 12–15 NM
Overnight: Hydra
Highlights:
- Swimming: Limnioniza / Bisti, conditions permitting
- Continue east towards Hydra.
Day 5: Hydra → Agios Georgios Bay
Distance: 8–10 NM
Overnight: Agios Georgios Bay
Highlights:
- Swimming: Agios Georgios Bay / nearby coves
- A short sailing day with plenty of time for swimming.
Day 6: Agios Georgios → Aegina / Perdika
Distance: 25–30 NM
Overnight: Aegina / Perdika
Highlights:
- Swimming: Perdika / Moni Island
- Begin the return journey towards Athens.
Day 7: Aegina → Alimos
Distance: 18–22 NM
Overnight: Alimos Marina
Highlights:
- Depart Aegina in the morning and sail north towards Alimos.
- Final sailing day
Route 2 — Hidden Bays & Authentic Saronic Experience
≈115–130 NMThis itinerary focuses on quieter destinations, beautiful anchorages and some of the less-developed corners of the Saronic Gulf. The route combines Aegina and Agistri with the volcanic landscape of Methana, the picturesque island of Poros, the secluded island of Dokos and the iconic harbour of Hydra.
Day 1: Alimos → Aegina
Distance: 18–22 NM
Overnight: Aegina
Highlights:
- Swimming: Perdika / Aegina coastline
- Following check-in and the yacht briefing, depart Alimos in the late afternoon, weather and daylight permitting.
Day 2: Aegina → Agistri
Distance: 8–10 NM
Overnight: Agistri
Highlights:
- Swimming: Aponissos / Dragonera
- Enjoy a short passage towards Agistri.
Day 3: Agistri → Methana
Distance: 15–18 NM
Overnight: Methana
Highlights:
- Swimming: Vathi / nearby sheltered bays
- Sail south towards the volcanic peninsula of Methana.
Day 4: Methana → Poros
Distance: 10–12 NM
Overnight: Poros
Highlights:
- Swimming: Love Bay / Russian Bay
- A short passage takes you to Poros.
Day 5: Poros → Dokos
Distance: 15–18 NM
Overnight: Dokos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Secluded bays around Dokos
- Leave Poros and sail towards the remote island of Dokos.
Day 6: Dokos → Hydra
Distance: 8–10 NM
Overnight: Hydra
Highlights:
- Swimming: Bisti / Limnioniza
- A short morning passage brings you to Hydra.
Day 7: Hydra → Alimos
Distance: 45–50 NM
Overnight: Alimos Marina
Highlights:
- Depart Hydra early and set course north-west towards Alimos.
- Final sailing day
Route 3 — Sailing, Islands & Classic Greek Harbours
≈125–145 NMFor guests looking for a slightly more adventurous Saronic itinerary, this route combines the islands of Aegina, Poros, Spetses and Hydra with some of the region's most beautiful swimming destinations. It offers a good balance between sailing, island exploration, secluded bays and evenings in some of the Saronic Gulf's most elegant harbour towns.
Day 1: Alimos → Aegina
Distance: 18–22 NM
Overnight: Aegina
Highlights:
- Swimming: Perdika
- After check-in and the yacht briefing, depart Alimos in the late afternoon, weather and daylight permitting.
Day 2: Aegina → Moni Island → Poros
Distance: 15–20 NM
Overnight: Poros
Highlights:
- Swimming: Moni Island
- Sail south towards Moni Island before continuing to Poros.
Day 3: Poros → Spetses
Distance: 18–22 NM
Overnight: Spetses
Highlights:
- Swimming: Zogeria Bay / Agioi Anargiri
- Set course south-east towards Spetses.
Day 4: Spetses → Hydra
Distance: 12–15 NM
Overnight: Hydra
Highlights:
- Swimming: Agios Nikolaos / Bisti
- Sail north-west towards Hydra.
Day 5: Hydra → Agios Georgios Bay
Distance: 8–10 NM
Overnight: Agios Georgios Bay
Highlights:
- Swimming: Agios Georgios Bay
- Enjoy a short sailing day.
Day 6: Agios Georgios → Aegina / Perdika
Distance: 30–35 NM
Overnight: Perdika, Aegina
Highlights:
- Swimming: Moni Island / Perdika
- Begin the return towards Athens.
Day 7: Perdika → Alimos
Distance: 25–30 NM
Overnight: Alimos Marina
Highlights:
- Depart Perdika in the morning and sail north towards Alimos.
- Final sailing day
These are suggested itineraries, not fixed schedules. The final route, daily sailing distances and overnight locations may be adjusted according to weather conditions, sea state, mooring availability and guest preferences, always in consultation with the designated skipper. Our priority is to provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience while making the most of the prevailing conditions and the destinations along the way.
Yachts sailing in Saronic Gulf
PRINCE JOHN
BAVARIA CRUISER 51
Sailing yacht- Length
- 15.57 m
- Beam
- 4.67 m
- Cabins
- 5
- Guests
- 10
- Year
- 2019
PRINCE NIKOLAOS
BAVARIA CRUISER 51
Sailing yacht- Length
- 15.57 m
- Beam
- 4.67 m
- Cabins
- 5
- Guests
- 10
- Year
- 2019
SEA WONDER I
BAVARIA CRUISER 51
Sailing yacht- Length
- 15.57 m
- Beam
- 4.67 m
- Cabins
- 5
- Guests
- 10
- Year
- 2018
