Area:
Saronic Gulf
7-Night Saronic Gulf Bareboat Yacht Charter | Athens Sailing Adventure
Just beyond the marinas of Athens lies one of Greece’s most inviting cruising grounds — the Saronic Gulf. Sheltered from the strong Meltemi winds, this region offers gentle passages, line-of-sight navigation, and a coastline steeped in history.
It’s a sailor’s paradise for those who prefer relaxed passages, scenic anchorages, and authentic island life — without the long open-water crossings. Each island brings its own character: from pistachio groves and temple ruins to car-free harbours and starlit bays.
Day 1 — Athens Arrival & Embarkation
Chart your course from the heart of Greece
Arrive at Alimos Marina and step aboard your yacht — your home for the week ahead.
After a thorough check-in and safety briefing, you’ll familiarise yourself with the rigging, systems, and sails.
For your first night aboard or venture into Plaka for dinner beneath the Acropolis.
Day 2 — Athens to Aegina (15 nm)
A gentle first leg with a taste of tradition
Ease out of Alimos and set a south-westerly course across calm waters to Aegina.
It’s an easy first passage — around 15 nautical miles — giving you time to get comfortable at the helm.
As the cityscape fades, dolphins often play off the bow, and within a few hours, you’ll be moored in Aegina’s pretty harbour.
Stretch your legs, visit the Temple of Aphaia, and sample pistachios and ouzo at a harbourside café before a sunset dinner aboard.
Day 3 — Aegina to Poros (12 nm)
Lemon groves, downwind breezes & vibrant quaysides
Depart mid-morning for Poros, trimming your sails for a relaxed beam reach past the Methana Peninsula.
Poros’ approach through the narrow channel is one of the most photogenic in Greece — yachts, ferries, and fishing boats weaving past as church bells echo from the hills.
Moor stern-to along the quay, or anchor in Neorion Bay for a quiet night beneath pine trees.
Go ashore for grilled calamari and ice-cold beer at Oasis Taverna — a sailor’s favourite.
Day 4 — Poros to Hydra (10 nm)
Close-hauled sailing and car-free charm
Today’s short hop to Hydra often brings a light northerly breeze, perfect for practising tacking patterns and helming between islets.
As you round the headland, Hydra’s stone mansions rise from the sea — a sight that never fails to impress.
Hydra’s harbour can be busy, so arrive early to secure a berth or anchor off Mandraki Bay and dinghy ashore.
Spend the afternoon swimming from polished rocks, and in the evening, enjoy a drink at Pirate Bar as yachts glow under lantern light.
Day 5 — Hydra to Spetses (8 nm)
A morning sail, an elegant island, and stories of the sea
Hoist the mainsail early for the short passage to Spetses, trimming for a broad reach as you follow the Peloponnese coast.
It’s an easy, scenic leg, with smooth seas and the scent of pine drifting from the mainland.
Spetses welcomes you with its Old Harbour — lively yet refined. Visit the Bouboulina Museum, hire bikes to explore, or simply relax at anchor in Agia Paraskevi Bay, the turquoise water rippling beneath your hull.
Day 6 — Spetses to Dokos (5 nm)
Anchoring under the stars
Sail north to Dokos, a small, uninhabited island between Hydra and Spetses.
Drop anchor in Skintos Bay, check your holding, and dive into some of the clearest water in the Aegean.
Dokos offers complete seclusion — no marinas, no tavernas, just the hum of cicadas and the rustle of your ensign in the breeze.
Enjoy dinner onboard, a night swim, and the unfiltered brilliance of the Milky Way overhead.
Day 7 — Dokos to Athens (18 nm)
A final passage home
After breakfast, raise your anchor and plot a north-easterly course back to Athens.
It’s a longer passage — around 18 nautical miles — giving you one last full day of sailing. Adjust your sail plan as the wind builds, settle into the rhythm of the sea, and savour the feeling of freedom that only comes from the helm of your own yacht.
Arrive back at Alimos in the evening, where the city’s skyline welcomes you home.
Day 8 — Disembarkation
Lines ashore, memories at sea
After morning check-out, linger for coffee at the marina or head into Athens for one final Greek feast.
You’ll leave with salt still on your skin and the quiet satisfaction of having sailed your own course through Greece’s most storied islands.
Why Sail the Saronic Gulf
- Short, scenic passages ideal for new or casual sailors
- Predictable winds and sheltered anchorages year-round
- Line-of-sight navigation between islands
- Rich mix of history, culture, and coastal tavernas
- Easy access from Athens marinas
When is the Best Time to Sail in the Saronic Gulf?
The best sailing conditions fall between May and October.
Expect light to moderate breezes (Force 3–4) and calm seas — ideal for a relaxed bareboat charter.
For fewer crowds, June and September offer perfect balance.
Plan Your Own Passage
Whether you’re a seasoned skipper or embarking on your first bareboat charter, the Saronic Gulf delivers the perfect blend of adventure and ease.
High Tide Yacht Charters will help you choose the right yacht, brief your crew, and tailor every detail of your route.
Enquire today to begin your own voyage through the Aegean’s most inviting waters.
