Ιστιοπλοϊκή διαδρομή στον Σαρωνικό: 7 ημέρες από την Αθήνα σε Αίγινα, Επίδαυρο, Πόρο και Πέρδικα

In short: this Saronic Gulf route starts and finishes at Alimos Marina (Kalamaki) in Athens. You check in on Saturday, sail from Sunday to Friday and are back in Kalamaki on Friday evening. Over six easy legs of 9 to 20 NM, about 95 NM in total, you visit Aegina Town, Agistri, Vathi on Methana, Epidaurus, Poros and Perdika. The route is well suited to bareboat crews and first-time skippers.

If you're looking for a Saronic Gulf sailing holiday that feels relaxed and safe but still offers plenty of variety, this is the place to start. The legs are short, the afternoon breeze is reliable and a sheltered harbour or bay is never far away. The Attic mainland also gives the gulf partial shelter from the summer Meltemi, which can blow Force 7 or more further east in the Aegean.

Day 1, Saturday: check-in at Alimos Marina

 

Distance: 0 NM
Overnight: Alimos Marina (Kalamaki)

Your holiday begins at Alimos Marina in Kalamaki, on the south coast of Athens. After the check-in and briefing, take some extra time to get to know your yacht, especially the anchor and windlass. In almost every harbour in the Saronic Gulf you moor stern-to with your own anchor, so it pays to know exactly how it works before you leave. Then stock up for the week. There's no supermarket inside the marina, but the nearest one is on Poseidonos Avenue, about 800 metres from pier 4, and Sklavenitis near the marina is known for good value. Many charter companies can also deliver your groceries to the yacht if you send your list in advance. Make sure you take plenty of drinking water and fresh fruit, as shopping options in Vathi, later in the week, are very limited.

Where to eat: keep it easy on the first night and pick one of the restaurants around the marina or along Poseidonos Avenue. A plate of souvlaki or gyros with tzatziki is a perfect start, and you'll still get an early night before your first sailing day.

 

Day 2, Sunday: from Kalamaki to Aegina Town

Distance: ~16 NM
Overnight: Aegina Town

Today you sail from Kalamaki to Aegina Town, a short and straightforward first leg that's perfect for finding your rhythm. Halfway there, drop anchor for a swim and run through the anchoring routine once with your crew, without the pressure of a harbour around you. Keep an eye on the water during the open crossing, because the Saronic Gulf is one of the places in the Aegean where common dolphins gather. Aim to arrive in Aegina Town in the early afternoon to find a good spot on the quay, then spend the evening strolling along the harbour, admiring the single column of the Temple of Apollo and trying the island's famous pistachios.

Where to eat: Agora, also known as Geladakis, is a popular taverna tucked away in a street behind the fish market, known for its seafood, fried fish and a wide choice of meze. Share a table full of small plates, like fava, tzatziki, keftedes (Greek meatballs) and grilled octopus. For dinner with a harbour view, O Skotadis has been serving fresh fish in the port since 1945, looking out over the colourful fishing boats. Finish with a dessert made with Aegina pistachios.

 

Day 3, Monday: via Agistri to Vathi on Methana

Distance: ~15 NM
Overnight: Vathi, Methana

Today you sail from Aegina via the island of Agistri to the fishing harbour of Vathi on the Methana peninsula. Plan your lunch stop at Aponisos, on the southwest side of Agistri, where the narrow strip of land between the island and a small islet forms a sheltered bay that's perfect for anchoring, with a traditional fish taverna right on the water. Jump into the turquoise water, have lunch on board or ashore, and take your time before heading on.

In the afternoon you sail around the northern tip of Methana to Vathi, a peaceful hamlet at the foot of a volcano that you can climb if you still have the energy, with the remains of ancient Methana just to the south. The harbour is small but safe, with room for about half a dozen yachts moored stern-to with their anchor, so it pays to arrive in good time. Vathi's small supermarket only opens now and then, so don't count on it. Every morning between roughly 9:00 and 9:30, though, a food truck comes to the quay with fresh bread, pastries, juice, milk and yoghurt, perfect for breakfast on board.

Where to eat: To Vathi, a small family-run taverna serving local specialities. Ask what came in that morning, or go for home-cooked classics like gemista (stuffed tomatoes and peppers), a Greek salad with local feta and a plate of horta (wild greens) with olive oil and lemon.

 

Day 4, Tuesday: across the bay to Epidaurus

Distance: ~9 NM
Overnight: Palea Epidavros, in the harbour or at anchor in the bay

Today you sail across the bay to Palea Epidavros, a short leg that leaves plenty of time for the highlight of the day. Just outside the harbour lie the remains of an ancient settlement under water, and with a snorkel you can float right over them. Fin slowly, don't touch anything and keep an eye on other yachts. For another swim, head for Panagitsa beach south of the harbour, easy to spot by the white chapel right by the shore.

You can moor in the harbour, which has room for roughly 15 to 20 yachts, or anchor in the bay for a quieter night. The village has a well-stocked supermarket where you can restock fresh vegetables, and a short walk through orange groves takes you to the small ancient theatre. The famous large theatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about 16 km away and easy to reach by taxi. Go in the late afternoon for softer light and fewer visitors.

Where to eat: Mouria and Taverna Karydia are among the most popular restaurants in Epidaurus. This is a good evening for hearty Greek dishes like moussaka, slow-cooked lamb or beef stifado, paired with a glass of local wine from the Argolida region.

 

Day 5, Wednesday: around Methana to Poros

Distance: ~19 NM
Overnight: At anchor in a bay near Poros Town

Today you sail from Epidaurus around the northern tip of Methana and down its east coast to Poros, the longest leg of the week and one of the most beautiful. As you sail into the bay between the island and the mainland, the colourful town slowly appears with its clock tower on the hill. There's a good chance you'll spot dolphins in the bay of Poros, and if they disappear quickly, it may have been tuna, which you still find in this area.

For a swim stop, head to Russian Bay, just 1.4 NM west of Poros, a well-sheltered bay with the tiny islet of Daskalia and its chapel at the entrance. If the wind is variable or the bay is busy, take a line ashore to one of the rocks. Poros Town itself is lively and the quay can get busy in high season, which is why many crews spend the night at anchor in one of the bays west of the town. This is one of the best parts of sailing in the Saronic Gulf: you lie at anchor in a quiet bay, take the dinghy ashore to a taverna on the water, and head back to your yacht under the stars.

Where to eat: in Neorio, also known as Love Bay, Estiatorio Vasilis is a good taverna ashore. It's wonderful outside the main season but can get noisy in July and August. If you'd rather eat in town, Poseidon Taverna near the north quays is a reliable choice. Besides the catch of the day, try kleftiko (slow-baked lamb), pastitsio or saganaki (fried cheese), and share some meze while you watch the lights of Poros come on.

 

Day 6, Thursday: north to Perdika on Aegina

Distance: ~14 NM
Overnight: Perdika, or at anchor off Moni

Today you sail north to Perdika, a fishing village on the southwest tip of Aegina and one of the most charming stops of the week. Just before Perdika, drop anchor in Aiginitissa, a sandy, shallow bay that's ideal for a long swim and has a modern fish taverna of the same name on the shore.

In Perdika itself, tavernas and cafés sit on a raised terrace above the small harbour, and many say this is the best place on the island for a long lunch or dinner, with a view across the bay to the islet of Moni. Many charter yachts make Perdika their first or last stop, and at weekends it gets especially lively with Greek visitors, so arrive early or anchor off Moni and take the dinghy over for dinner.

Where to eat: Nontas, a historic taverna on the water with a wooden terrace and a view of Moni, has been serving guests since 1936. Alongside fresh fish, it's known for traditional pies with rustic filo, so order a spanakopita (spinach pie) or tiropita (cheese pie) for the table. End the evening with an ouzo on one of the terraces above the harbour.

Day 7, Friday: via Moni back to Kalamaki

Distance: ~20 NM
Overnight: Alimos Marina (Kalamaki)

Today you sail from Perdika via the islet of Moni back to Kalamaki. Start the day with a swim off Moni, a protected and largely uninhabited islet about three nautical miles from Perdika, known for its clear water and home to wild deer and peacocks. Have lunch on board, then set course for Athens, keeping an eye out for dolphins one last time on the open crossing. Leave early enough to be back in the marina at the time agreed with your charter company, so there's time to refuel, tidy up and raise a final glass with your crew.

Where to eat: end the week in Athens with dinner at a lively taverna in town or a rooftop restaurant with a view of the Acropolis. It's the perfect moment for one last mixed grill platter, a big Greek salad and a portion of loukoumades (Greek honey doughnuts) for dessert.

 

Frequently asked questions about sailing the Saronic Gulf

Is the Saronic Gulf suitable for beginners?

Yes. The legs are short, shelter is never far away and the area is much less affected by the Meltemi than the Cyclades.

 

How do you moor in Greek harbours?

In most Greek harbours you moor stern-to: you drop your own anchor in front of the quay, reverse in and tie two stern lines to the quay. Ask the base to show you how the anchor and windlass work during check-in.

 

How much water should I take?

Plan on at least two to three litres of drinking water per person per day, plus a reserve. You can restock in Aegina Town, Palea Epidavros and Poros.

 

Can I sail this route bareboat?

Yes. All legs are between 9 and 20 NM. You need a recognised sailing licence, and charter companies usually also require a VHF radio certificate. Not sure whether your licence qualifies? Our shipmates are happy to check it for you.

 

Will I see dolphins in the Saronic Gulf?

There's a good chance. Common dolphins gather in the Saronic Gulf, especially on the open crossings and around Poros.

 

When is the best time to go?

May, June, September and October offer pleasant temperatures, steady winds and quieter harbours.

 

Why this route works so well

You get the buzz of Aegina Town and Poros, the authentic charm of Vathi and Perdika, the clear water of Agistri and Moni and the history of Epidaurus, all in short, manageable legs. Add swim stops in turquoise bays, a chance of dolphins and long dinners at local tavernas on the water, and you have a week that's relaxed and full of variety.

 

Book your sailing holiday in the Saronic Gulf with Tubber. Browse the available sailing yachts and catamarans, or see all yachts in the Saronic Gulf. Need help choosing? Our shipmates will gladly give you personal advice. We go the extra mile.