The Saronic Gulf is the calmest and most sheltered cruising ground in Greece — short passages, protected anchorages, and an extraordinary density of historical sites. This 167-nm route links seven destinations along the Saronic coast and East Peloponnese, each with a distinct character, all within a day's reach of Athens.
Your VoyageAthens to Aegina
A 20-nm opening passage to the largest Saronic island. The Temple of Aphaia is one of the best-preserved classical temples in Greece; the fishing village of Perdika on the south coast is one of the most atmospheric waterfront settings near Athens. Aegina town has a lively harbour, neoclassical architecture, and is the epicentre of Greek pistachio cultivation.
Aegina to Epidavros
Fifteen nautical miles across to the east Peloponnese coast. The ancient theatre at Epidavros — part of the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Asklepios — is renowned for its extraordinary acoustics and is still used for performances of ancient drama during the Athens & Epidavros Festival (June–August). The small harbour provides a calm overnight anchorage within easy reach of the site.
Epidavros to Poros
Twenty nautical miles south to Poros, a green island separated from the Peloponnese mainland by a narrow 200-metre strait. The main town rises amphitheatrically around a hill, with the iconic clock tower at its summit. The waterfront is lined with cafés and restaurants. Across the strait, the Peloponnese coastline has a famous lemon forest (Lemonodasos) that is open to visitors. The Temple of Poseidon ruins sit on the island's northern hilltop.
Poros to Hydra
A short 16-nm sail to the most architecturally distinguished island in the Saronic Gulf. Hydra is car-free — no vehicles of any kind are permitted, and goods are transported by donkey. The harbour is lined with 18th-century stone mansions built by wealthy sea captains; the town has been an artists' colony since the 1960s. Leonard Cohen lived here, and the island has drawn painters, writers, and filmmakers ever since. The lack of motorised transport gives Hydra a silence and pace that is unique in Greece.
Hydra to Ermioni
Eleven nautical miles to the eastern Peloponnese coast. Ermioni is a small harbour town on a peninsula, less visited than its island neighbours but appreciated for its authenticity. The waterfront has good fish restaurants, and the town sits amid pine-forested hills. It is a quiet overnight stop and a good provisioning point for the southern Saronic.
Ermioni to Spetses
Twenty-five nautical miles to Spetses, the most southerly of the Saronic islands. Pine forests cover much of the island, reaching down to the shoreline in places. Spetses played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence; the mansion of Laskarina Bouboulina — the female naval commander who led ships against the Ottoman fleet — is now a museum. The Old Harbour is atmospheric, and horse-drawn carriages remain the traditional transport for reaching the beaches on the far side of the island.
Spetses to Porto Heli
A 20-nm passage to Porto Heli, a deep, sheltered bay on the eastern Peloponnese coast that has developed into a Greek Riviera destination. The bay offers excellent protection in all conditions. Ashore, there are waterfront restaurants, beach clubs, and the nearby archaeological site of Halieis (an ancient submerged city visible in the shallows). Porto Heli is also the mainland gateway to the Aman resort at Porto Heli (Amanzoe).
Porto Heli to Athens
A 40-nm return passage to Athens. Depending on schedule, a stop at Sounio (Temple of Poseidon) or Vouliagmeni provides a final highlight before disembarkation.
Season
The Saronic Gulf is the most sheltered Greek cruising ground, with a longer season than the open Aegean — April through October is comfortable. The Meltemi has minimal impact inside the Gulf, making this route a reliable choice even in mid-summer. It is particularly well-suited to families with younger children.
Embarkation
Flisvos Marina or Zea Marina (Piraeus).
Provisioning
Full provisioning in Athens. Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses all have local markets. Porto Heli has a well-stocked supermarket.
Extensions
This route combines well with a Cyclades continuation — from Spetses or Porto Heli, a crossing to Kythnos or Milos opens the western Cyclades.
This itinerary is a suggestion.
Your captain will adapt the route based on weather, wind conditions, and your preferences.
| Day | From | To | NM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athens | → | Aegina | 20 |
| 2 | Aegina | → | Epidavros | 15 |
| 3 | Epidavros | → | Poros | 20 |
| 4 | Poros | → | Hydra | 16 |
| 5 | Hydra | → | Ermioni | 11 |
| 6 | Ermioni | → | Spetses | 25 |
| 7 | Spetses | → | Porto Heli | 20 |
| 8 | Porto Heli | → | Athens | 40 |
| Total | 167 | |||
