Saronic Islands Journey

The Aegean Sea is generously endowed with islands-- Greece has more than any other country in the Mediterranean. Deciding which islands to visit during your sailing itinerary is not an easy decision, each region is home to a unique maze of land and water with endless sailing opportunities. The word “Archipelago” was the original Greek name for this sea, it translates to simply “Main Sea” as this was the center of the world for one of history’s great seafaring civilizations. In modern usage we refer to all groupings of islands as “archipelagos”-but this is the original and proper, capital “A”, Archipelago-and the standard by which others should be judged.

Alimos Marina, Athens

Alimos Marina is one of the largest marinas in Greece with a 1000 sailboat spralling along the seaside village. Located just 15 minutes from by taxi from downtown Athens, Alimos Marina is the easiest location to begin the Saronic voyage.

Epidavros

Nestled along the northeast shore of the Peloponnesus peninsula is the seaside village and harbor of Epidaurus--not technically a part of the archipelago but inside the Saronic Gulf. The town itself is small and charming but modern and does not have the old world idyllic Greek architecture found on the islands. Epidaurus is notable for its ancient theatre which is on the grounds of a significant archeological site in the mountains above the harbor.

Hydra

The jewel of the Saronics - In the 1950’s and 1960’s Hydra was home to a community of artists, many of whom were expats living in Greece, including the musician Leonard Cohen and author Axel Jensen. The steep climbing village surrounding the harbor has been a treasured getaway since the 19th century when wealthy merchants built “captains mansions” along the harbor in town. Hydra is one of the great secrets of the Greek Islands.

Poros

The main town on Poros is located along the southwest coast, the harbor runs along town and has two separate points of entry depending on which side you approach. Henry Miller famously described the experience of sailing into Poros as living out a dream of “sailing on land” as he entered the harbor glided along past pedestrians on the street beside him. Poros is also home to numerous anchorages well suited for an afternoon or an overnight anchored in sheltered coves along the island’s coast. Neorio, Elies, Russia Bay, and Bistiou cove are inlets home to stunningly clear waters with lush cypress trees for sailors interested in a quiet night away from the port.

Dokos

Continuing past Hydra towards Spetses the barren and dramatic island between them makes for a wonderful respite. Dokos supposedly has 18 residents but you will be hard-pressed to find them. This large Island has steep formidable cliffs on the southern side and a large protected bay that is devoid of infrastructure on the north.

Spetses

Perhaps more metropolitan than other islands on this Itinerary, Spetses has no shortage of gourmet restaurants or fancy boutiques. Sailing into Spetses most yachts will anchor outside the small inner harbor of Baltizas creek.

Aegina

The island of Aegina sits centered in the Saronic Gulf. Home to enjoyable easy-going towns with overnight protected harbors, it is often the first port of call during a Saronic Islands itinerary. The main port has a proper seawall in an unusual arrangement with the large boat harbor in closer to town than the small-boat harbor. Shops ashore feature a plethora of products made with pistachios that grow on the island. Take a walk off your sailboat and wander the streets where you’ll be welcomed by beautiful neoclassical buildings with bright colors, picturesque cafes, and restaurants offering fresh fish caught by the island’s fishermen.