Are you planning your next sailing holiday in Greece, but still need to orient yourself on the possible destinations of the route? No worries, we all know that feeling. With so many beautiful islands and white beaches, it can be hard to decide which are truly "must-see". That's why we have written an organized sailing route covering almost all the islands in the Saronic Gulf. Start your next sailing adventure and go island-hopping in Greece!
From picturesque harbors and cozy villages to tavernas by the water and breathtaking sunsets, we have made sure you see everything! Let's start with…
Day #1 – Athens to Aegina
You begin by picking up your rented sailing yacht or catamaran in Athens, this is the starting point. Once you have checked in and stocked up on provisions, you can confidently embark on the adventure. Navigate to the island of Aegina, just 15 nautical miles to the southwest. The island's harbor offers good shelter, perfect for a traditional meal or a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes in the area.
Remember, it's important to always be prepared at sea, so always have enough provisions on board. Check out our packing list to be fully ready for the journey! Once done with shopping, visit the beautiful church of Agios Nikolaios or the ancient temple of Aphaia. Take a walk and grab a pistachio ice cream. Aegina is famous for its pistachios and here they make the best treats!
Day #2 – Aegina to Poros
It's time to sail south from Aegina, about 13 nautical miles further. Here you reach the sheltered entrance of the Poros lagoon, watch out for the ferries that often appear at the entrance. In the lagoon, you will find many beautiful anchorages, perfect for a lunch break or a swim in the water.
Also, visit the town of Poros, which stretches out in the distance. The blue-white church tower above the harbor is a must-see, and we recommend making a walk up the hill in the late afternoon. You will be rewarded with a fantastic view and can perfectly see the sunset. In Poros, there are many good restaurants. In large groups, you can eat very well at Oasis, and the owner Mike will warmly welcome you! Also, you can eat deliciously at Poseidon, which is on the north side of Poros near the harbor.
Day #3 – Poros to Ermioni
Today we set course for Ermioni. When you leave Poros via the southern channel, you have a beautiful view of the buildings by the water. You then sail through the narrowest sea channel in the world! After 5 miles you round the cape and after another 14 miles to the west, you arrive in Ermioni. This beautiful town is located on a narrow peninsula. You can also go to the south side, known as Mandraki. Here you can refuel or just enjoy more fantastic food at the friendly restaurants. After all, it's vacation. Keep in mind that if there is a southern wind, it might be better to anchor at the pontoons on the north side. They are closer to the village center and the local shops.
During your stay in Ermioni, you will of course want to enjoy the local cuisine and culinary delights. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best restaurants that you should not miss!
- Taverna To Kanoni: Step inside this traditional Greek taverna and taste the authentic flavors of Greece. From moussaka to souvlaki and fresh fish, here you will find dishes that will delight your taste buds.
- Nautica Coffee & Food: Enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea while savoring seafood, salads, and delicious pizzas. This restaurant by the coast will certainly not disappoint you.
- The Old Tree: Let yourself be enchanted by the cozy atmosphere and varied menu of this restaurant. Try the mezedes, Greek tapas, for a true explosion of flavors.
- 1800: Travel back in time and dine in this beautifully restored mansion from 1800. Here you can enjoy traditional and modern dishes, accompanied by an extensive wine list.
- Oasis Restaurant: For a romantic setting and a stunning view of the sea, this restaurant is the place to be. Let yourself be surprised by Mediterranean dishes and fresh fish.
Whether you are a lover of Greek cuisine or enjoy discovering new flavors, the restaurants in Ermioni will exceed your culinary expectations. So, anchor, explore the town, and taste the local flavors. Enjoy your meal and have an unforgettable sailing holiday in Ermioni!
Day #4 – Ermioni to Hydra
You can easily visit Hydra from Ermioni, but from Poros this iconic location is also easily accessible. You can also return here on the way back to Athens. One thing is certain, Hydra is a beautiful place that you should definitely consider. The island has only one main place, the Hydra harbor. The harbor has a half-moon shape and attracts various boats like a magnet.
The funny thing about this place is that the only transport is by donkey or mule. Yes, you read that right. Hydra is full of surprises, and if you think that riding a donkey is not enough, prepare yourself for the insane amount of boats that gather here in the summer. When crowds are not your thing, you can take the alternative and anchor a few miles to the east. There you can enjoy smaller and quieter tavernas by the shore.
Day #5/6 – Dokos to Spetses
After the hustle and bustle of Hydra, it's time to relax in a quieter destination. Dokos is the perfect location for this, reachable by sailing west. Here you will find an unspoiled island with sheep and goats as the main inhabitants. The bay may be entirely yours if you are lucky. The clear water invites you to swim and relax. Make it a private lunch stop or anchor overnight. Where else can you find such peace and quiet?
Just 16 nautical miles southwest of Hydra, you will find the beautiful island of Spetses. This is the perfect stop on the way to the mainland of Peloponnese and is closer to Ermioni if you skip Hydra. When arriving at the Baltiza creek, be aware of the metal sculptures of a local artist. Art lovers and others should not miss the island's grand festivities, Armata. It celebrates a sea victory and includes an impressive fleet of boats, fireworks, and music. Guaranteed enjoyment!
Enjoy a wonderful day anchored at Spetses: 4 tips from Tubber to make the most of it!
- Discover the beaches: Spetses is known for its beautiful beaches. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the coastline. Visit popular beaches like Agia Marina, Zogeria, and Kaiki Beach, where you can relax on the golden sand and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water.
- Explore the town: Take a walk through the charming streets of Spetses town and discover the rich history and architecture. Visit the traditional Greek tavernas and enjoy a tasty lunch with local specialties. Don't forget to visit the famous Dapia harbor, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the boats and yachts.
- Rent a bike: Spetses is a car-free island, making it perfect to explore by bike. Rent a bike and explore the many cycling paths that cross the island. Bike to remote bays and enjoy breathtaking views along the way.
- Visit the Bouboulina Museum: Discover the fascinating history of Spetses and learn more about one of the island's most prominent figures, Laskarina Bouboulina. Her former mansion has been transformed into a museum that gives insight into the life and heroic deeds of this Greek heroine.
Day #7/8/9 - Peloponnesian mainland and Plaka Leonidio
You can reach Plaka Leonidio by sailing 15 nautical miles west from Spetses. Here you will find numerous ports and anchorages. We can recommend the safe harbor. This small village is home to the aubergine summer festival, various fish restaurants, and a long sandy beach for relaxation.
After enjoying some seafood and bright sun, you can sail south along the coast until you reach the historic hilltop village of Monemvasia. Make sure to check the weather if you want to sail to Monemvasia, as there are sometimes strong prevailing southern winds. If you are a novice sailor, we recommend sailing north instead, along the coast of Leonidaion, and you can also make a stop at Astros. You will find a new harbor and a whole castle to explore. Make sure to bring your adventurous spirit!
Day #10 – Hinitsa Bay
We all have certain things we want to do while sailing. If you like to spend days and nights in a beautiful bay behind a small island, the peaceful anchorage of Hinitsa is the next stop. This secluded spot lies east of the entrance to Porto Heli and offers crystal-clear water, more tavernas, a beautiful sunset, and night skies that are perfect for stargazing.
Day #11/12 – The Return Journey
You have had a lot of fun in the past few days, but now you might be thinking about returning to Athens. However, this is not yet the end. It is a chance to visit some places you might have missed in your first week. Remember that Spetses, Hydra, and Ermioni are all only half a day away from Hinitsa Bay. Before you sail through the Poros channel, you can visit a beautiful anchorage at Nisos Soupia. We have already seen donkeys and goats, but here you can see a frog. Well, at least a rock that looks like a frog. This creation of nature is known as "frog rock" and will surely provide a funny travel story.
Day #13/14 – Perdika and Agistri
Every journey comes to an end. However, this does not have to be a bad thing, especially if you make sure it ends on a high note. The island of Aegina is where we started, but we can also end here. This excellent last night stop before returning to Athens is home to the port town of Perdika, which is an attractive alternative to the town of Aegina. Here you can once again enjoy delicious food and cozy tavernas overlooking the harbor and the nearby island of Moni.
If you simply can't get enough, you can quickly visit one more island. The island of Agistri has a harbor on the north coast. It is ideal for visiting yachts, but it is shallow in parts so watch your depth gauge. Here you can also visit a typical Greek village, with whitewashed houses and walled gardens for the last touch with Greek culture, friendly people, and beautiful nature.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUOkyAm-dkw
Of course, come back again! These islands are only a small part of what Greece has to offer and everywhere new experiences come up around the corner. To keep up with new sailing routes and news from the sailing world, like our Facebook page and visit our blog. See you on the next adventure!
Also, check out this sailing holiday route in the Sporades.