This post is about Saronic gulf island (and some mainland) destinations that you can sail to. Chances are that if you chartered a boat from Athens, it was from Alimos or Lavrion Marina. This guide includes some of the best Saronic Gulf sailing destinations to include in your itineraries.

These are the Best Sailing Destinations in the Saronic Gulf 

Aegina

At a distance of about 18 miles from the coast of Attica, Aegina is usually a favorite first or last stop of all cruises. The island famous for its pottery and covered with pistachio trees. Aegina has many ruins from ancient times, foremost of which is the famous temple of Aphea/Afea Athena. It was built in the 5th century BC situated on a hill overlooking the bay of Aghia Marina.

Small fishing villages scattered around the island, like Perdika and Souvala, offer beautiful feasts of fresh fish at picturesque tavernas. Agia Marina, the bay lying below the temple of Aphea Athena with its pine trees sweeping down to the beautiful, long, sandy beach, offers everything from sea sports to exciting nightlife.

Epidaurus

This stop is the gateway to the sanctuary of the healer god, Aesculapius. Also, the ancient theater where you may witness the magic of performance of ancient tragedy or comedy. Little indeed is left of the most important sanctuary, which was built between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. In the center of the enclosure stood the temple dedicated to Aesculapius himself. 

Surrounding it were colonnades where the sick could rest and take cures. As well as places of worship, among which is Tholos, renowned for its decorative sculptures. Outside the enclosure stood the dwellings of the priests, the doctors, a gymnasium, baths, etc. To the SW of the sanctuary was the 5th-century BC stadium in which athletics and musical contests were held every 4 years. 

At the SE end was the Katagogion, by far the largest building. It served as a guest house with 160 rooms for visitors who were healthy. The open-air theater also stands to the SE and is the best-preserved theater in Greece. It was the work of the architect Polyklitos Junior (4th century BC) it seats 14,000 and has amazingly good acoustics. The village of Palea Epidaurus, where you will moor in order to visit the sanctuary, is situated at the base of steep forested slopes. Here, you will find fuel and water as well as a very good market for your provisions.

Poros

Poros faces the Peloponnese mainland and is separated from it by a narrow channel. This can offer you protection against any wind. Moor alongside the island of Poros and avoid sailing near the mainland as it is very shallow. Enjoy this green island with its picturesque town or take a small boat and find yourself in minutes in the mainland town of Galatas. Situated directly on the other side. Visit the unique lemon tree forest or discover little bays and coves where you can swim and relax in peaceful waters.

Hydra

The jewel of the Saronic bears down upon you with its glorious history of centuries past; the land that offered all its wealth and its entire fleet of ships to the great cause. Is known as the cradle of the Greek independence revolution. The town itself is exactly as it used to be centuries ago, with enormous mansions and cobbled streets; the guns and cannons overlooking the sea in constant guard against her foes.

Hydra of today with its exciting nightlife, cafes, and shops, bustling with people from everywhere. You can enjoy donkey rides, dancing, bargaining or exploring its cobbled streets. Hydra of yesterday, leaving you in an ecstasy of silence trying to catch the whispers of her past as the sun slowly sets over her rocky mountains.

Spetses

Sailing from the rocky mountains of Hydra, you come to an island that is flat and green. A complete change of scenery. Like Hydra, Spetses is well known for its history, its cosmopolitan atmosphere, and a chance to enjoy the exciting nightlife and delicious food. Unlike Hydra, Spetses is surrounded by stunning sandy beaches to be explored either by sailing around the island or by horse-drawn carriages. 

The old harbor prevails unchanged, and craftsmen still build wooden traditional fishing boats. Gorgeous sandy beaches, particularly on the southern side like Agioi Anargyroi. Just off the island of Spetses, a smaller island, Spetsopoula, belonging to the Greek shipping mogul, Niarchos. Spetses is located close to the Peloponnese mainland, and the mainland town of Porto Heli is located exactly opposed.

Nafplio

Located at the innermost point of the Gulf of Argolis. Nafplion, which was the capital city of Greece for quite a while during the 19th century, is a beautiful large town worth visiting as it has many historical sites of interest. Towering over Nafplion is the medieval fort of Palamidi with 880 steps leading down to the town, the little island fortress of Bourdzi Castle in the middle of the harbor, the mansions, and the public buildings seen as you walk through the narrow cobbled streets will fascinate you. 

From Nafplion, you can take a tour of the most famous archaeological site: Mycenae, the cradle of civilization. Here is the site of a pre-historic citadel fortified by Cyclopean walls with 2 gates (The Lion Gate and The North Gate). The first walls were built around 1350 BC, but the citadel itself assumed its present form around 1200 BC. Inside the enclosure, the most important buildings are the Granary, the two sanctuaries, Grave circle A containing six royal tombs of the 16th century BC and the living quarters of the dignitaries and priests in the lower citadel. There is also a Mycenean palace on the crest of the hill, a smaller palace further east, and finally to the NE the Secret Cistern.

South Of Nafplion

For those who have more time to sail, we suggest they continue their journey south along the coast of the Peloponnese. You should make ports of call at Leonidion and Kyparissi. Both have small serene and unspoiled harbors, which will give you a chance to have a look at the other Greece. A tiny rural villages and life that has remained unchanged for years. 

If you are fortunate, you will find the hidden entrance of Gerakas. A lagoon at the end of a hidden deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs, continue south to Monemvasia, the Greek Rock of Gibraltar, with a medieval town built on sheer rock, linked to the mainland by a narrow sandy arm.

Saronic Gulf Islands Sailing – Summary

So, these are the best places to visit when sailing the Saronic Gulf in Greece. There are many different and beautiful places to visit, but I couldn’t fit them in a single post.