Greece - Sailing Destination
Athens Riviera
Sail from the shadow of the Acropolis into the Saronic Gulf. Ancient temples, car-free islands, and the most accessible sailing in Greece - all within reach of Europe biggest city.
Apr - Nov
Best Season
Beginner
Difficulty
8 - 20 kn
Avg. Wind
30 min
From Athens
Why Sail Athens Riviera
Fly In, Sail Out
Athens International Airport is 45 minutes from Alimos Marina - the largest marina in Greece with 1.100 berths. You land, check in, and within hours you are sailing in the Saronic Gulf with the Acropolis behind you.
The Athens Riviera is the most beginner-friendly sailing destination in Greece. Distances are short - most passages under 25 NM - winds are gentle, and there is always a sheltered anchorage nearby. Aegina, Hydra, Poros and Spetses are all within easy reach.
This is also the most historically rich sailing in Greece. Ancient temples on Aegina, Byzantine fortresses at Monemvasia, and the eternal Acropolis at your departure point - culture and sailing combined perfectly.
When to Go
Best Months to Visit
April - June
Longest season in Greece. Mild temperatures, calm winds, green landscapes. Perfect introduction to sailing.
July - August
Hottest and busiest. Meltemi 15-25 kn. Athens flights cheapest June-August. Book marinas in advance.
September - November
Warm sea well into October. Crowds gone, prices down. Best season for relaxed exploration.
Top Stops
Athens Riviera Highlights
Aegina
30 NM from Athens - the closest island getaway. Ancient Temple of Aphaia, pistachio orchards, and a charming neoclassical harbour.
Hydra
No cars, no scooters - only donkeys and boats. One of the most beautiful harbour towns in Greece. A permanent artists colony since the 1960s.
Poros
Separated from the Peloponnese by a 200-metre channel. Lively harbour, clocktower hill, and the lush Lemon Forest of Galatas opposite.
Spetses
The furthest Saronic island - pine-covered, car-free in the old town, with the best beaches in the gulf and a rich maritime history.
Alimos Marina
One of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean - 1.100 berths, full services, 30 minutes from Athens city centre and the Acropolis.
Sailing Routes
Athens Riviera Itineraries
Two perfect loops from Alimos Marina - the largest marina in Greece, 30 minutes from Athens city centre.
- Day 1 - Sat
Alimos Marina
Check-in from 17:00. Alimos Marina is 30 minutes by taxi from Athens city centre. Board, safety briefing, provision. Pre-departure dinner in Athens - visit the Acropolis area or Monastiraki square.
- Day 2 - Sun
Aegina Town
22 NM22 NM, ~3.5 hours. First sail across the Saronic Gulf to Aegina - the closest island to Athens. Moor at the busy town quay or anchor south of the harbour. Visit the Temple of Aphaia - best-preserved ancient temple in the Saronic. Fresh fish and famous Aegina pistachios.
- Day 3 - Mon
Poros
25 NM25 NM, ~4 hours. Sail southwest to Poros. The narrow channel separating Poros from the Peloponnese mainland is one of the most spectacular harbour entrances in Greece - only 200 metres wide. Moor stern-to on the lively quay. Swim at Russian Bay.
- Day 4 - Tue
Hydra
18 NM18 NM, ~3 hours. The highlight of the Saronic. No cars, no motorised transport - total tranquility. Moor on the town quay, surrounded by elegant stone mansions. One of the most beautiful harbours in the Mediterranean. Swim at Vlichos or Bisti bay.
- Day 5 - Wed
Spetses
20 NM20 NM, ~3 hours. Sail to the furthest Saronic island. Anchor in Dapia harbour or the beautiful Agia Paraskevi bay. Pine forests, crystal water, no cars in the old town. The best beaches in the gulf - Agia Anargiri and Agioi Anargyri.
- Day 6 - Thu
Porto Heli
12 NM12 NM, ~2 hours. Short hop to the mainland Peloponnese coast. Porto Heli is a sheltered bay with excellent holding and full marina services. Last full day - explore the coast by dinghy, final sunset swim.
- Day 7 - Fri
Return Alimos
62 NM62 NM, ~9 hours. Early start for the return to Athens. Long but comfortable passage with the Saronic Gulf at its best in the morning. Alternatively: sail to Aegina (40 NM) and finish with a final evening in Athens. Arrive Alimos Marina by 17:00. Total route: ~159 NM.
Open in Navionics Boating
Compatible with Navionics, iSailor, OpenCPN, any chart plotter
Navionics: Menu - Routes - Import GPX
Ready to Sail
Available Yachts for the Athens Riviera
Sailing Yacht4.8Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
2021Alimos, Greece
11.6m
Length
3
Cabins
6
Guests
2
WC
€1,400
per week
No hidden fees · Direct charter price
Catamaran4.9Lagoon 380 Catamaran
2020Alimos, Greece
11.6m
Length
4
Cabins
8
Guests
4
WC
€2,600
per week
No hidden fees · Direct charter price
Sailing Yacht4.7Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410
2022Piraeus, Greece
12.6m
Length
3
Cabins
6
Guests
2
WC
€1,650
per week
No hidden fees · Direct charter price
Essential Info
Practical Sailing Guide
Weather
- April-June: 18-26C, gentle winds 8-15 kn - perfect for beginners
- July-August: 28-34C, Meltemi 15-25 kn from the north - lively sailing
- Sept-Nov: 20-28C, winds settle, warm sea - best overall season
- Sea temperature: 20-26C from May to November
Licenses
- Bareboat: ICC or national sailing license (RYA Day Skipper minimum)
- Best area for first bareboat charter in Greece - calm and forgiving
- Skippered charter: no license needed - skipper provided
- Crew list required at first port of call
Costs
- Yacht charter: 1400-4000 EUR/week depending on boat
- Marina fees: 20-60 EUR/night (Alimos and Hydra higher)
- Fuel: 80-150 EUR/week - short distances help
- Provisioning: 40-70 EUR/day for 6 people
Ports
- Alimos Marina: 1.100 berths - largest in Greece, 30 min from Athens
- Zea Marina (Piraeus): alternative base, closer to Piraeus ferry terminal
- Hydra: stern-to on town quay - iconic but busy in July-August
- Spetses, Poros, Aegina: full services, excellent provisioning
Ready to Sail from Athens?
Land at Athens airport, check in at Alimos Marina, and sail into the Saronic Gulf. The easiest sailing holiday in Greece starts here.