7-Day Athens Sailing Route in the Saronic Gulf: Hidden Bays, Historic Ports and Authentic Greek Islands
Athens, GR
7 days cruise, 11 dates available
Catamaran
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A one week sailing holiday from Athens through the Saronic Gulf, exploring the islands of Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra and Ermioni alongside the ancient coastline of Epidaurus.
The Saronic Gulf sits just south of Athens, making it one of the few sailing grounds in the Mediterranean where a genuine week of island hopping can begin within hours of landing in the capital. The route covers a compact but varied stretch of water, moving between islands that feel distinct from one another despite the short crossings between them.
Navigation here is sheltered and manageable throughout the week, with the protected waters of the gulf keeping conditions predictable and passages short enough to leave most of each day free for the destination rather than the crossing. For sailors new to Greece, it is a natural starting point. For those who know the country well, the Saronic offers a quieter and more personal experience than the more exposed Cyclades.
The landscapes shift gradually as the week progresses, from the pine forests and turquoise coves of Agistri to the neoclassical waterfront of Poros, the remote coastal scenery around Epidaurus and the elegant, car-free harbor of Hydra. Each island adds something different, and none of them feel interchangeable.
History surfaces throughout the route without dominating it. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, known for its acoustics and preservation, sits within easy reach of the anchorage, while Aegina's Temple of Aphaia and Hydra's legacy as a center of Greek artistic life add further layers to what might otherwise be simply a sailing holiday.
Days settle into a natural rhythm fairly quickly, a morning departure after breakfast, a swim stop during the crossing, an afternoon moored in a harbor with time to walk the town, and an evening in a waterfront taverna or on deck, depending on the island and the mood.
Itinerary
Day1
Athens to Aegina
Boarding takes place in Athens, at Alimos Marina, in the afternoon. After settling into the cabins and a welcome briefing with the skipper, the boat heads southwest toward Aegina, crossing the lower Saronic Gulf with views of the Attica coast gradually receding astern. There is often time for a first swim stop along the way before reaching the island. Aegina is known for its pistachio groves, a lively working harbor and a long maritime history that predates most of its neighbors. The evening is free to explore the waterfront, eat at one of the fish tavernas close to the port or simply watch the harbor from the deck as the light fades.
Day2
Aegina to Agistri
After breakfast, a short sail leads to Agistri, one of the smallest islands in the region and among the most immediately appealing for its combination of dense pine forest, clear water and a pace of life that has stayed largely unchanged. The crossing is brief enough to allow a stop at anchor before arriving in one of the island's small harbors. Agistri can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by scooter, with quiet beaches and a handful of village lanes that reward slow movement rather than a planned itinerary. The evening is spent in a relaxed island setting, with the pine trees coming down close to the water's edge.
Day3
Agistri to Poros
The route continues south toward Poros, passing through coastal scenery with easy opportunities for a swim stop before reaching the island. Poros is separated from the Peloponnese mainland by a narrow channel barely two hundred meters wide at its tightest point, which gives the harbor a sheltered, almost enclosed feel unlike any other stop on the route. The waterfront promenade, the neoclassical buildings climbing the hillside and the panoramic viewpoints above the town make it an easy place to spend an afternoon and an evening ashore.
Day4
Poros to Epidaurus
A short sail along the northeastern Peloponnese coast leads to the area around Ancient Epidaurus, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece. The anchorage is quiet and the landscape around it calm and largely undeveloped, in contrast to the busier ports visited earlier in the week. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is reachable from the anchorage and remains one of the best preserved examples of classical Greek architecture, known above all for the exceptional acoustic quality that allows sound to carry from the stage to the highest tier without amplification. The evening is spent at anchor in a peaceful bay.
Day5
Epidaurus to Ermioni
Sailing continues south toward Ermioni, a small town built across a narrow peninsula in the Argolic Gulf. The coastal views during the crossing are among the most varied of the week, with the Peloponnese hills rising steeply above the water. Ermioni itself is relaxed and unhurried, with a harbor promenade, waterfront restaurants and a pace of life that reflects the character of a Greek coastal town rather than an island destination built around tourism. It makes for a quieter overnight stop before the final two ports of the week.
Day6
Ermioni to Hydra
The route turns toward Hydra, approaching the harbor from the south after a few hours of sailing that allow time for a swim stop in one of the sheltered bays along the way. Hydra is one of the most distinctive islands in Greece, partly for its architecture, a ring of stone mansions rising above a natural harbor, and partly for the absence of cars and motorbikes, which gives it a silence unusual for a busy and well-known destination. Galleries, small restaurants and narrow lanes running up from the waterfront make for an afternoon and evening that reward walking slowly rather than following any particular route.
Day7
Hydra to Athens and disembarkation
The final day begins with the return crossing to Athens, with the possibility of one last swim stop before re-entering the lower Saronic Gulf. The sail back to Alimos Marina covers some of the same water as the first day, though the direction of travel and the light at different hours give it a different feel. Arrival at the marina takes place in the afternoon, with the final night spent on board. Disembarkation takes place the following morning after breakfast.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, sea state and operational requirements. The captain may adjust the route, anchorages and overnight stops to ensure safety, comfort and the best possible sailing experience.
Life on board unfolds across wide, open-plan spaces where the saloon flows naturally into the cockpit, keeping everyone connected whether meals are being shared or the crew is simply relaxing after a day on the water.
Below deck, four comfortable double cabins each come with their own private bathroom, giving every guest a quiet, private corner to retreat to at the end of the day. The layout balances sociable areas with private ones, so a family or group of friends can share meals and evenings together while still having space to unwind alone when they want to. On deck, the shaded cockpit and generous outdoor seating extend the living space into the open air, keeping the rig easy to handle so sailing stays relaxed and approachable rather than demanding, whether the day is spent under sail or motoring gently between anchorages.
Yacht
Model
2018 Lagoon 40
Length
12.1 m
Yacht services
Air conditioning
Yes
Accommodations
Max guests
8
Double cabins
4
Bathrooms
4
Private Bathrooms
Yes
Crew
0
Chef on board
No
Other facilities
Refrigerator
Air condition
Bimini
Teak Cockpit
Cockpit speakers
Electric toilet: 4
Electric winches
Dinghy
Autopilot
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What’s a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What’s a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you’ll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what’s included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues, but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
