One week itinerary in Saronic
A round trip cruising in Saronic is an easy going itinerary suitable for “kids on board” but also for all kind of sailors seeking relaxing vacations combined with “things to see” and enjoy the very particular landscape of the area which is formed by the green pines and blue waters.
Starting from Athens , Alimos marina, on Sunday, a first destination could be Palea Epidaurus heading W-NW in a 36 miles distance. You can drop an anchor at the Kira island on your way to Palea Epidaurus to swim and lunch. It is worthwhile to spend Monday morning visiting the ancient theater, the temple of Asclepius and the museum. In the afternoon you can stay on anchor in the beach of Psifta at Kaloni bay and then berth to Vathi for the night. Vathi is hidden in the rocks of Methana Volcano mountain offering a variety of local family taverns. There is also a path to the old volcano for sailors wishing to enjoy a walk in the country.
Next stop on Tuesday could be Agistri island for a swim on anchor and then to Poros. The place will surprise you with the beautiful and spacious port, taverns, bars and “things to do” like scuba diving, touring around visiting the Poseidon temple, the local Monastery and the picturesque pine forest of the island. Bike or bicycle rental available, water or fuel supplies, laundry and maintenance services as well.
On Wednesday you can sail to Hydra, a cosmopolitan island, called Mykonos of the Saronic! Cars are not allowed on the island, which has preserved the traditional profile of the port.
Returning to Athens, you can drop an anchor to Moni island on Thursday, which is a natural park with dears, a local bread of wild goats and picklocks. There is a beach bar serving snacks. Your kids will love it as the birds are used to the people and very friendly. It is not allowed to spend the night in the island so you berth for the night in Perdika fishing port or in Aigina main port.
Sailing from Aigina on Friday, you can drop an anchor to swim and then back to the Alimos marina.
Prevailing winds during summer blow from North, North East with force 2-4. Rarely during August and when Meltemi picks in Aegean Sea you may face winds up to force 5 in Saronic but entering Argolic will die soon.
Two weeks itinerary Saronic – Argolic
For sailors wishing to explore all aspects of this area, a two weeks cruising should be planned.
Starting from Athens, Epidaurus is a first place to visit, mainly for the archeological monuments which are very interested.
Then heading to Poros you can stay on anchor in Agistri (Dorousa bay at the SW of the island) and Moni to visit the natural park. Beach taverns available at both places.
Perdika at the SW of Aegina is a nice port to berth for a night.
Leaving Poros, Hydra is the next port to visit. The port is small and crowded, so it is suggested to enter early, before noon if possible.
Dokos island is nearby and you can spend an evening on anchor.
Ermioni is next place to berth, a small fishing port but with remarkable local taverns and also a restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes.
Leaving this area you can visit Spetses to enjoy its cosmopolitan breeze. It is worthw to walk around the main port of Spetses to admire the traditional buildings of the village. Nice bays to anchor available at the SW of the island.
Porto Cheli , on the main land opposite to Spetses is a nice place for provisions , well protected by the surrounded coasts.
Leaving Spetses area, Nafplion is the next pace to sail. Nafplion was the first capital of Greece, with nice old buildings, castles to visit and many restaurants, bars etc.
