Greece - Sailing Destination
Saronic Gulf
History, culture and calm waters starting from Athens. The most accessible sailing destination in Greece, perfect for first-time charterers.
May - Oct
Best Season
Beginner
Difficulty
10 - 20 kn
Avg. Wind
6+
Islands
Why Sail the Saronic
Athens at Your Back, History Ahead
The Saronic Gulf is the most accessible sailing ground in Greece - and one of the most rewarding. Just 30 minutes by car from Athens, Alimos Marina gives you instant access to five distinct island personalities: pistachio-scented Aegina, car-free Hydra, cosmopolitan Spetses and more.
Winds are lighter and more predictable than the Aegean, making the Saronic ideal for beginners, families and those who prefer exploring over racing. Distances are short - you can move every day or anchor and explore at leisure.
Most anchorages are well-sheltered, tavernas line every quay, and the sailing distances between islands are short enough to leave plenty of time for swimming and exploring ashore.
When to Go
Best Months to Visit
May - June
Warm, calm seas and fewer crowds. Perfect for first-time sailors and families.
July - August
Meltemi winds 10-20 kn. Lively atmosphere but busiest marinas - book early.
September - October
Summer warmth without the crowds. Calm winds, warm sea, and great value.
Top Islands
Saronic Highlights
Aegina
Temple of Aphaia, famous pistachio groves, neoclassical port - only 1 hour from Athens.
Poros
Narrow strait separating it from Peloponnese, lemon forests, relaxed atmosphere.
Hydra
No cars or motorcycles allowed. Donkeys, cobblestone streets, world-class art galleries.
Spetses
Pine-covered island, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and excellent tavernas.
Monemvasia
Medieval Byzantine fortress town built on a rock - one of the most dramatic anchorages in Greece.
Sailing Routes
Saronic Itineraries
Choose your adventure - a classic 7-day loop or the extended 14-day grand tour of the Saronic and Peloponnese.
- Day 1 - Sat
Alimos Marina
Check-in from 17:00. Board your yacht, meet the skipper, safety briefing. Provision at the nearby supermarket. Welcome dinner at a harbourfront taverna.
- Day 2 - Sun
Aegina
26 NM26 NM, ~4 hours. First stop - the pistachio island near Athens. Anchor in Aegina Town. Visit Temple of Aphaia. Fresh fish dinner at the port.
- Day 3 - Mon
Poros
24 NM24 NM, ~4 hours. Sail past Methana peninsula. Anchor in the narrow Poros strait separating the island from the Peloponnese. Swim in crystal waters.
- Day 4 - Tue
Hydra
22 NM22 NM, ~3.5 hours. Arrive car-free Hydra. No engines allowed ashore. Explore on foot - donkeys, cobblestone paths and world-class art galleries.
- Day 5 - Wed
Spetses
20 NM20 NM, ~3 hours. Pine-scented Spetses. Beautiful beaches on the south coast. Bouboulina Museum. Excellent seafood restaurants.
- Day 6 - Thu
Ermioni
14 NM14 NM, ~2 hours. Short hop to the Peloponnese coast. Elegant village with pine trees reaching the sea. Relaxed anchorage.
- Day 7 - Fri
Return Alimos
34 NM34 NM, ~5 hours. Return passage north. Last sundowner at sea. Arrive Alimos by 17:00. Total route: ~140 NM.
Ports of Call
Open in Navionics Boating
Compatible with Navionics, iSailor, OpenCPN, any chart plotter
Navionics: Menu - Routes - Import GPX
Ready to Sail
Available Yachts for the Saronic
Sailing Yacht4.8Bavaria 40 Cruiser
2020Alimos, Greece
12m
Length
3
Cabins
6
Guests
1
WC
€1,400
per week
No hidden fees · Direct charter price
Sailing Yacht4.7Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44
2021Alimos, Greece
13.5m
Length
4
Cabins
8
Guests
2
WC
€1,900
per week
No hidden fees · Direct charter price
Sailing Yacht4.9Beneteau Oceanis 48
2022Piraeus, Greece
14.6m
Length
4
Cabins
10
Guests
2
WC
€2,600
per week
No hidden fees · Direct charter price
Essential Info
Practical Sailing Guide
Weather
- May-June: 22-27C, light winds 10-15 kn - ideal for beginners
- July-August: 28-34C, Meltemi 10-20 kn - manageable conditions
- Sept-Oct: 22-27C, winds settle to 8-15 kn - best value season
- Sea temperature: 22-26C from June to October
Licenses
- Bareboat: ICC or national sailing license
- Boats over 12m: offshore license required
- Skippered charter: no license needed
- Crew list required at first port of call
Costs
- Yacht charter: 1400-4000 EUR/week
- Marina fees: 30-80 EUR/night
- Fuel: 1.80-2.10 EUR/liter (diesel)
- Provisioning Athens: fully equipped supermarkets
Ports
- Alimos Marina: largest in Greece, full services
- Zea Marina Piraeus: central, excellent facilities
- Hydra: anchor only, no cars, water taxi
- Nafplio: beautiful Venetian harbor
Ready to Sail the Saronic?
Browse 500+ yachts available for charter in the Saronic Gulf. Closest sailing destination to Athens.