Cruising the Saronic Gulf: A Perfect Week of Sailing

The Saronic Gulf is a lovely area, easily accessible from Athens and featuring a variety of islands, lively ports, sophisticated towns, quiet anchorages, and iconic views of the Peloponnesus. It’s easy to plan a great week of varied cruising here.

Day 1: Departure from Alimos Marina

You’ll leave Alimos Marina (or any other in Athens). When sailing west, you’ll cross the Traffic Separation Scheme for big ships. Be vigilant and give way. In calm weather, you can anchor for lunch at Agia Marina—be careful not to get too close to shore as there are rocks in the inner part of the bay. The depth of the platform is shallow. In northerly wind, you can anchor in one of the southern bays. After dinner, you’ll sail about 4 miles to Perdika. Moor Mediterranean style in this classic Greek town. Care is needed to avoid rocks in the inner part of the pier.

First sailing day: 20 miles

Day 2: Sailing South

Sail south, passing Poros Island from the east side. Choose a spot to relax and have lunch in these magnificent bays. Anchor in 5-7m on sand. After refreshments, sail west to Marina Ermioni (37° 23.20′ N, 23° 14.92′ E), a calm town in the Peloponnese. The most protected docks are within the bay. Keep clear of the ferry dock. If there is no space, you can anchor in the bay.

Day 3: Swim and Breakfast at Dokos

Start your amazing day swimming and having breakfast in Dokos. This is a short sailing day. First stop: Skindos Dokos (37° 20′ 27″ N, 23° 20′ 19″ E) for breakfast, then continue another 8 miles to Hydra, the most outstanding town in the Saronic (in my opinion). Mooring is problematic, so arrive early (before noon). Moor Mediterranean style to the northern or southern platform. If there is no space, anchor in Mandraki Bay, open to the north, one mile west of Hydra, and take a shuttle (in season) or walk. Alternatively, you can head to Spetses or Porto Cheli.

Day 4: Exploring Nisos Gali and Poros

Leave Hydra and sail 6 miles to anchor at Nisos Gali (37° 26.070′ N, 23° 31.251′ E) or any other anchorages around. The bottom is sand, and the waters are crystal clear. Continue north for about 5 miles and enter the passage between Poros and the mainland. Beware of shallow areas. In strong northerly wind, moor to the long town quay. In calm weather, moor along the north dock or on the floating dock. Plenty of space allows you to release a lot of chain and anchor safely. Most docks have electricity and water. The large anchorage makes it very convenient to maneuver. If you prefer a bay, try the Russian Bay (37° 31′ 6″ N, 23° 26′ 1″ E). There are also magnificent anchorages around the northern part of Poros.

Day 5: Sailing from Poros to Agistri

Leave Poros from the east side. Sail north, pass Methana, and then head east to Agistri. Skilomango West (37° 40′ 44″ N, 23° 19′ 32″ E) is a lovely bay to enjoy some peaceful time. Continue to Aegina port and go stern-to at the town quay.

Day 6: Moni Bay and Return

Moni Bay is your last stop for the week. After enjoying the bay, return to the marina. This video is a recommendation only. Thanks for watching, and I hope you enjoyed it. Please share in the comments below which bays, marinas, or islands you loved and highly recommend. Enjoy Greece!