Saronic Islands Sailing Route: 7 Days from Athens

By Daan & Victoria Brinkers, Explore Yachting

The Saronic Islands are where Victoria first fell in love with sailing, and they are still the area we recommend most to families, first-time sailors and anyone who wants a relaxed week without long days at sea. The islands sit right on the doorstep of Athens, the sailing legs are short, and every evening ends in a different harbour town. Below is the 7-day route we sail most often, with the places we love along the way.

Why sail the Saronic Islands?

Close to Athens: you start from a marina in the Athens area, so no extra flights or ferries.
Short sailing days: most legs take two to four hours, leaving plenty of time to swim, explore and eat well.
Sheltered water: the Saronic Gulf is usually calmer than the Cyclades in high summer, which makes it ideal for families and beginners.
Variety: ancient temples, a car-free island, pine-covered bays and lively harbour towns, all within a week.

The 7-day Saronic route at a glance

Distances are rough and your skipper will always adapt the plan to the wind and to what your group enjoys.

Day 1: Athens to Aegina (around 3 hours)
Day 2: Aegina to Agistri and on to Epidavros
Day 3: Epidavros to Poros
Day 4: Poros to Hydra
Day 5: Hydra to Dokos and Ermioni or Spetses
Day 6: Back north towards Poros or Perdika (Aegina)
Day 7: Return to Athens

Day 0 – Check-in in Athens

Charters start on Saturday at 17:00. We meet you on board, show you around the yacht and go through safety together. There is time for a first dinner by the marina and a good night’s sleep before the adventure starts.

Day 1 – Athens to Aegina

Aegina is less than a morning’s sail from Athens and the perfect first stop. The harbour town is lined with neoclassical buildings, cafés and fish tavernas. Rent a scooter to visit the Temple of Aphaia on the east side of the island, and do not leave without trying the famous Aegina pistachios.

Day 2 – Agistri and Epidavros

A short hop brings you to Agistri, a small pine-covered island with some of the clearest water in the Saronic Gulf. Anchor for a long swim and lunch on board, then continue to Palea Epidavros on the mainland. From here it is a short taxi ride to the ancient theatre of Epidavros, one of the best-preserved in Greece and still used for performances in summer.

Day 3 – Poros

Sailing into Poros through the narrow channel is one of the highlights of the week. The town climbs up the hill to the clock tower, where you get a beautiful view over the bay at sunset. Swim at Love Bay, visit the lemon forest across the water, and enjoy the lively waterfront in the evening.

Day 4 – Hydra

Hydra is the most special island in the Saronic Gulf: no cars, just donkeys, stone mansions and winding streets. The harbour gets busy in high season, so we often anchor in a quiet bay nearby and take the dinghy in. Try the local almond sweets, amygdalota, and walk along the coast path for a swim off the rocks.

Day 5 – Dokos, Ermioni or Spetses

Just west of Hydra, the uninhabited island of Dokos has one of our favourite anchorages for a swim stop. In the afternoon we sail on to Ermioni, a relaxed fishing town on the Peloponnese coast, or to Spetses with its horse-drawn carriages, pine forests and old harbour.

Day 6 – Heading back north

Depending on the wind we start heading back towards Athens, with a stop in Poros or at Perdika on the south-west tip of Aegina. Perdika is a small fishing village with some of the best seafood tavernas in the area, and the little island of Moni nearby is great for snorkelling.

Day 7 – Return to Athens

A last swim stop, a final lunch on board, and then back to the marina. Most of our guests say this is the moment they start planning their next trip.

When is the best time to sail the Saronic Islands?

The sailing season runs from spring to autumn. June and September are our favourite months: warm water, quieter harbours and pleasant temperatures. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, but the Saronic Gulf stays one of the more sheltered areas of the Aegean.

Is the Saronic good for families and first-time sailors?

Yes. Short sailing days, calm anchorages and plenty of beaches make it one of the easiest areas in Greece for a first sailing holiday. Every charter comes with a professional skipper, so no sailing experience is needed.

Plan your own Saronic sailing holiday

Every group is different. Some want to swim and relax, others want to cover more islands or add a hostess or cook on board. Tell us who is coming and what you love, and we will put together a route and a yacht that fit.