Saronic Gulf Sailing Guide: All You Need to Know
Sailing guide · Saronic Gulf
Just a stone’s throw from Athens lies the Saronic Gulf, where calm waters meet ancient landmarks and lively island harbours. This guide covers the islands worth sailing to, a 7-day route from our Poros base, how our flotilla sails the area, and what to know before you go.
In short
The Saronic Gulf is the sheltered stretch of sea south-west of Athens, dotted with islands such as Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses. Short hops, consistent winds, and plenty of harbours make it a relaxed place to sail at any level. With Seafarer, you can take a yacht charter from Poros, about an hour from Piraeus by hydrofoil, or join our Saronic and Corinth flotilla through the Corinth Canal.
1 hour
by hydrofoil from Piraeus to our Poros base
4
classic islands: Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses
Apr–Nov
our Saronic and Corinth flotilla season
£1,539
flotilla weeks from
On this page
Why go
Why sail the Saronic Gulf?
The Saronic Gulf suits sailors of every level. Its calm waters and short distances between islands make for relaxed passages, and the consistent winds give smooth, predictable sailing away from the busy shipping lanes.
You can enjoy the independence of a yacht charter, bareboat or with a skipper, or sail in company on a flotilla, with a lead crew on hand all week. Either way, you can stroll Hydra’s car-free streets one day and relax in Poros the next.
Islands and route
Iconic islands and a 7-day route from Poros
Each island in the Saronic Gulf has its own character, from Hydra’s artists’ harbour to Aegina’s ancient temple. Our Poros base puts them all within easy reach: head north for Aegina and Epidavros, or south for Hydra and Spetses. Tap a day to see where you’ll stop.
Heading north: Aegina and Epidavros
Day 1Arrive at Poros
Poros: a peaceful harbour town
Poros was the site of Greece’s first naval base, established in 1827. Today its town quay, lined with tavernas and bars, is home to our Poros yacht charter base, and the climb to the clock tower rewards you with views across the harbour.
Fly to Athens and take the hydrofoil to Poros for embarkation.
Day 2Perdika, Aegina
A beach and a great choice of seafront bars and tavernas on Aegina’s southern tip. Don’t miss the sunset.
Day 3Epidavros
Visit the spectacular ancient theatre, or enjoy the beach.
Day 4Aegina Town
Aegina: ancient history and floating markets
Aegina’s Temple of Aphaia is a short taxi ride from Aegina Town, where colourful floating stalls in the harbour sell fresh fruit and vegetables. At the island’s southern tip, Perdika has a beach, seafront tavernas, and sunsets not to miss.
Take a taxi to the Temple of Aphaia, or buy fresh produce from the floating stalls in the harbour.
Day 5Vathi
A charming, timeless little harbour.
Day 6Your choice
Choose from Agistri, Methana, Monastery Bay, or Hydra.
Day 7Back to Poros
Sail back to Poros for your last evening.
Day 8Disembark
Disembark and take the hydrofoil back towards Athens airport.
Heading south: Hydra and Spetses
SouthHydra
Hydra: artistic charm and coastal beauty
Hydra is car-free, so its bougainvillaea-lined lanes are made for leisurely walks between art galleries and historic mansions.
On the southern route, Hydra follows Ermioni.
SouthPlaka for Leonidio
Plaka is the stop for the cliff-top town of Leonidio.
SouthSpetses
Spetses: naval history and elegant mansions
Spetses combines naval history with a relaxed, elegant feel, with seaside mansions, museums, and harbour cafés. It’s the furthest south of the four.
From Spetses, choose Porto Heli, Baltiza Creek, or Hydra on the way back to Poros.
Sample routes only: you’re free to plan your own, and the base team will help you choose. Full details on our Poros yacht charter page.
Flotilla
Sailing the Saronic Gulf on a flotilla
Our Saronic and Corinth flotilla runs one-way routes from April to November, starting alternately in Kiato on the Gulf of Corinth and Korfos in the Saronic Gulf. The Saronic week explores the best of the gulf, with stops including Aegina, Poros, and Epidavros, before a voyage through the Corinth Canal.
Through the Corinth Canal
Transiting the canal is a highlight of the week. Our guide to Corinth Canal sailing explains what it’s really like.
You have your own yacht, with the lead crew on hand to help with routes, moorings, and a sociable evening or two. Flotilla weeks start from £1,539.
Before you go
Plan ahead for smooth sailing
When to go: late spring and early autumn bring sunny weather with fewer crowds. Our April to November flotilla season covers the whole sailing year, and our guide to sailing the Saronic Gulf in April explains why spring is a favourite.
Pack
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Sailing gloves
- Non-slip shoes
- Swimwear
Sail lightly
- Reuse water bottles
- Avoid single-use plastics
- Respect marine life at anchor
Our packing list for a Greek sailing holiday has the full checklist.
Common questions
Saronic Gulf sailing: your questions answered
Are the Saronic Islands worth visiting?
Yes. They combine ancient sites, such as the Temple of Aphaia and the theatre at Epidavros, with lively harbours and quiet bays, all within easy reach of Athens.
How many Saronic Islands are there?
There are five main islands, Salamis, Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses, plus smaller ones such as Agistri.
How do I get to Poros?
Fly to Athens, then take the hydrofoil from Piraeus to Poros, which takes about an hour. Our yacht charter base is on the town quay.
Can I sail the Saronic Gulf on a flotilla?
Yes. Our Saronic and Corinth flotilla runs from April to November, with a Saronic week that visits Aegina, Poros, and Epidavros and sails through the Corinth Canal.
Where does the name Saronic Gulf come from?
It is named after Saron, a mythical king of Troezen, on the mainland opposite Poros.
Ready to sail the Saronic Gulf?
Talk to us about the Saronic Gulf
Our team can help you choose between a yacht charter from Poros and our Saronic and Corinth flotilla.
Call or email us
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 19:00 · Saturday 09:30 to 17:00
Book with confidence. Seafarer has run sailing holidays since 1995, and every payment you make to us is financially protected: ATOL licence 9511 for holidays with flights, ABTOT member 5660 for holidays without.