7 Day Saronic Gulf Sailing Itinerary

Cape Sounion Bay

Few places showcase the natural beauty and rich history of Greece quite like Cape Sounion. Perched on the towering cliffs of the Attica Peninsula, the area’s biggest attraction is the legendary Temple of Poseidon. Composed of worn white marble, these restored ruins date all the way back to 440 B.C. when the original temple was built to honor the legendary god of the sea. Look close and you might find the mark of George Lord Byron, a famed romantic poet and frequent visitor to Cape Sounion. Nearby are the ruins of the Temple of Athena, goddess of wisdom.

Overlooking the beautiful Saronic Gulf, the views from the Cape are absolutely stunning. Stay and watch the sunset for a photo-worthy finish to your day.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hr Sailing time
• 18 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Hydra

Hydra is a distinctively charming “must do” itinerary stop. The welcoming culture, architecture and beautifully tranquil sea-side setting of Hydra have long been an attraction to travelers seeking unique experiences off the beaten path. Here, donkeys and walking are the primary means of transportation – cars and even bicycles are not permitted! Hydra is a place where you will truly slip into the relaxing Mediterranean way of life. The town has a reputation for serving superior Grecian cuisine; pictorial beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing; and the intriguing history. Here you’ll see elegant mansions of a bygone era, historic monasteries and museums.

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hr 40 Min Sailing time
• 16 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Mooring

Moor stern-to in the harbor. Arrive early to ensure and try to avoid the crossed anchors that tend to happen in high season.

Things to do

Excellent dining with traditional cuisine; historical sites; great snorkelling, diving and swimming; people-watching; hiking.

Facilities

Water, WiFi, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Chandlery, Dive Shop, Car hire, Bike hire, Bars, Electricity, Fuel, Ice, Gift shop, ATM, Bakery, Market for local food, drinks and souvenirs.

Discover Hydra Town

Suggested lunch spots
Anchor at one of the tiny, uninhabited Kelevini Islands for a chilled-out lunch break miles from the nearest town.

Visit the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra
The Historical Archives Museum of Hydra includes educational, administrative and religious archives, manuscripts from the Greek Revolution, old books, maps, and others. The museum also hosts relics from the Balkans Wars and the two world wars, traditional costumes, carvings, naval instruments and paintings.

Try a Local Delicacy
Taste the delicious local delicacy ‘amydgalota’, which are classic Greek almond cookies symbolizing new beginnings.

Spetses

Spetses is a stunning island rich in naval history, with lush pine forests and beautiful beaches. Known for its well-preserved neoclassical architecture, Spetses has a relaxed but elegant atmosphere, making it a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.

The day’s sailing

• 1 Hr 40 mins Sailing time
• 10 Nautical miles

Mooring

The main harbor of Spetses is in Dapia, which offers mooring for yachts. It’s a lively spot with easy access to shops, restaurants, and local attractions.

Things to do

Explore Spetses Town: Wander through the charming streets, with their neoclassical mansions and vibrant cafes.
Visit the Bouboulina Museum: Learn about the island’s role in the Greek War of Independence at this museum dedicated to the heroine Laskarina Bouboulina.
Relax on the Beaches: Spend time at beaches like Agia Marina or Kaiki, perfect for a swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Facilities

Dapia Harbor provides water, electricity, and fuel stations. The town has numerous tavernas, cafes, and shops, making it a convenient stop for provisioning. The island has an upscale yet relaxed feel, with great amenities for yacht charterers.

Ermion

Ermioni is a picturesque seaside town located on the Peloponnese coast, offering stunning views of the Saronic Gulf. This charming town combines beautiful coastal scenery with rich history, and it’s known for its serene ambiance, making it an ideal spot to unwind. Its proximity to both the sea and the mountains adds to its appeal.

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hr Sailing time
• 12 Nautical miles

Mooring

Ermioni has a small but well-sheltered harbor, offering mooring for yachts with basic facilities like water and electricity. The harbor is surrounded by lovely tavernas and cafes where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the boats go by. The sheltered bay ensures safe docking, even in windy conditions.

Things to do

Visit the Ancient Temple of Poseidon: Located just outside the town, this archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Greek religion and architecture.
Explore the Town: Wander through the narrow streets of Ermioni, where you’ll find quaint shops, beautiful squares, and traditional Greek architecture.
Enjoy the Beaches: Ermioni has a variety of beaches where you can enjoy swimming or simply relax by the sea. The crystal-clear waters and peaceful environment make it a great place to spend the day.
Day Trip to the Island of Hydra: A short boat ride from Ermioni, the beautiful island of Hydra is car-free and perfect for a day of exploration.

Facilities

Ermioni offers essential facilities for yacht charterers, including water and electricity at the harbor. The town itself has excellent tavernas serving fresh seafood, as well as local shops for any provisions you might need. There’s also access to a few amenities like fuel stations, post office, and ATMs.

Poros

Approaching the town, you’ll sail through a narrow, picturesque channel that separates the island of Poros from the Peloponnese peninsula. Pine, olive and lemon trees blanket the hillsides and reach the sandy beaches. You’ll see a mountainous green landscape overlooking the red-topped roofs that line the streets of Poros Town. A host of cafes, bars and souvenir shops line the docks of Poros Town, but the best are located around the town square near the museum and town hall.

Majestic vistas await from the top of the island’s pine-forested interior. Consider hiring a scooter to further explore this area. At the top of the island’s highest hill, you’ll find the historic clock of Poros, a trademark of the island that is visible from everywhere. For a more historical adventure, visit Moni Zoodochou Pigis, an 18th century monastery built around the island’s only spring.

If you’re up for a good party, the most famous nightclub on the island is Poseidon, which is located on a hillside overlooking the town. The party starts at 1 p.m. and continues until the wee morning hours.

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hr 30 mins Sailing time
• 15 Nautical miles

Mooring

Stern-to on the southern side of the port in Poros Town.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available

Things to do

Hire a scooter and explore the island. Relax on beautiful beaches like Megalo Neorio and Monastiriou. Dance the night away at the famous nightclub Poseidon.

Facilities

Water, WiFi ,Taxi, Restaurants, Provisioning, Bars, Electricity, Fuel, Ice, Gift shop, ATM.

Discover Poros Town

Suggested lunch spots
Call in at one of the secluded coves around Cape Kalavria to the north of Poros Island for lunch in the peace and tranquillity of this incredible landscape. Set your anchor well, as the winds here can be strong.

Visit the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon
Visit the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon which were built in 520 BC. It is in the north part of the island.

Visit the Poros Museum
At the centre of Poros, there is an archeological museum at Korizis Square that contains exhibits mostly from the Mycenae’s to the roman’s era.

Palaia Epidavros

Palaia Epidavros (Old Epidavros) is a small village located near the famous archaeological site of Epidaurus, known for its ancient theater and healing sanctuary. The area is steeped in history and mythology, offering a tranquil escape with a mix of ancient wonders and natural beauty.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hr 40 mins Sailing time
• 22 Nautical miles

Mooring

Palaia Epidavros offers a small, sheltered harbor where yachts can anchor. It is a quiet and peaceful place to dock, with easy access to the town and the ancient ruins.

Things to do

Visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus: Explore one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world, known for its acoustics and historical significance.
Explore the Sanctuary of Asklepios: Discover the ancient healing center that was dedicated to the god of medicine.
Relax at the Beach: The village has several small beaches where you can unwind and enjoy the clear waters.

Facilities

The harbor offers basic services, including water, electricity, and fueling stations. There are tavernas serving fresh seafood and local delicacies. Palaia Epidavros is a calm, serene stop with limited but sufficient facilities for provisioning.

Athens Base

The Zea Marina is much more than just a place to dock your boat. This 4.7-square-mile facility is the epicenter of everything from coffee shops and bars to cafes, markets, and more. Stroll along the waterfront and watch as the sun shimmers off the glistening Bay of Zea. If you’ve got some time, there are plenty of things to do around the city of Piraeus. Get a fascinating glimpse of Grecian history at the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus or the Nautical Museum of Greece; marvel at the massive Church of Saint Nicholas and its beautifully intricate interior; or pull up a chair at a harbor-side café and watch as the boats move in and out of the bay.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do around Zea Marina, but if you’re looking to explore the most famous city in all of Greece, it’s definitely recommended that you take the 10-minute drive into Athens. The birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is now a vibrant and modern city that still preserves much of its important past.

Visiting the Acropolis is an absolute must. Take the short walk up to the ancient high city and explore famous historical structures like the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion, and the nearby New Acropolis Museum.

If you’re looking to learn more, head over to Museum Mile, a long strip of museums that starts at Syntagma Square and includes the National Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of art and sculpture from Ancient Greece.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hr Sailing time
• 18 Nautical miles

Mooring

The Moorings has its own private docks at the Zea Marina. Arriving in Zea, call the base and assistance with docking will be provided.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available

Things to do

Walk along the waterfront and choose from a variety of bars, restaurants and shops. Enjoy the sights and dining in the surrounding town of Piraeus. There are several places to each along the scenic coasts of Mikrolimano and Piraiki including sumptuous seafood restaurants and harbor side tavernas.

Facilities

All facilities at Zea Marina are available for yachts and guests of The Moorings. These include fresh water and electricity, showers, laundry, WiFi, shopping and entertainment.

The Acropolis

Perhaps the most famous site in all of Athens, The Acropolis was built on a flat-topped rock that rises 490 feet above the city streets below. This ancient high city includes a number of structures that were integral to ancient Greek culture and the birth of Western civilization, as we know it. Walk amongs the towering marble columns of the Parthenon and marvel at the attention to detail that many consider the high point of Greek art. Explore the Temple of Athena Nike and learn about the revered goddess of victory in war and wisdom. Just outside the city, the new Acropolis Museum will give you an inspiring glimpse into the lives of the ancient Greeks.