The Saronic Gulf is the closest sailing ground to Athens and one of the most rewarding in Greece. Within an hour of leaving the marina you're in a completely different world — car-free islands, ancient temples, medieval harbours and crystal-clear water. The Saronic is also the best choice for sailing in July and August, when the Meltemi wind is more manageable here than in the Cyclades. This circular route from Athens takes in four of the finest islands in the gulf.

Day by day

The route

Day 1
Arrive Athens (Lavrion or Alimos Marina)
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Athens International Airport is 45 minutes from Lavrion, 30 minutes from Alimos (closer to the city). The Saronic is the closest sailing ground to Athens — compact, beautiful and loaded with history. If arriving at Alimos, the Acropolis is 20 minutes away — worth an evening visit. Provision at the marina supermarkets.
30–45 min from Athens AirportTwo base optionsProvisioning day
Day 2
Athens → Aegina — 18nm
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Head southwest across the Saronic Gulf to Aegina — the closest island to Athens and a refreshing contrast to the city. The famous Temple of Aphaia (better preserved than the Parthenon, some argue) is 15 minutes by taxi from the harbour. Aegina is also the home of Greece's finest pistachio nuts — buy a bag at the harbour market. Stern-to on the town quay or at the small marina.
Town quay or marinaTemple of AphaiaPistachios
Day 3
Aegina → Hydra — 27nm
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Hydra is unique in Greece — and in the Med. No cars, no scooters, no noise beyond the clip of donkeys on cobblestones. The harbour is one of the most beautiful in the Aegean: a horseshoe of stone mansions rising above the quay. Stern-to on the town quay, or anchor in the outer bay. Book dinner at one of the harbour restaurants well in advance — Hydra is popular.
Town quay or anchorNo cars — donkeys onlyBook dinner early
Day 4
Hydra → Spetses — 15nm
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A short sail to Spetses — another car-free island, though with more character and fewer tourists than Hydra. The old harbour (Palio Limani) is charming and the new harbour (Dapia) more convenient. Spetses played a major role in the Greek War of Independence — the Laskarina Bouboulina Museum tells the story. Good beaches accessible by water taxi around the island's coast.
Old or new harbourCar-free islandShort sail — explore day
Day 5
Spetses → Ermioni (mainland) — 11nm
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Cross to the Peloponnese mainland and the small town of Ermioni — a low-key, genuinely local Greek town on a pine-covered peninsula with almost no tourism. Excellent fresh fish tavernas on the quay, good swimming off the rocks at the tip of the peninsula, and a calm anchorage. One of the hidden gems of the Saronic.
Town quayLocal & quietExcellent fish
Day 6
Ermioni → Poros — 20nm
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Head back north to Poros — separated from the Peloponnese mainland by a channel just 200 metres wide. The town quay buzzes with life and the narrow strait creates a natural theatre for watching the world sail by. Poros is the last lively stopover before the return to Athens. The Clock Tower on the hill is worth the climb for views across the channel.
Town quay200m channelLively atmosphere
Day 7
Poros → Athens (Alimos/Lavrion) — 31nm
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Final sail north back across the Saronic. The Meltemi can be lively in July and August on this crossing — check the forecast the evening before and depart early if conditions are building. Check out by 09:00. Athens Airport is 30–45 minutes from the marina. The city deserves at least a night before or after the charter if schedules allow.
Check out 09:00Watch Meltemi forecast30–45 min to airport
Local tip: The Meltemi — the strong north wind that dominates the Aegean in July and August — is less fierce in the Saronic than in the Cyclades, making this the best choice for those sailing in peak summer who want reliable, manageable conditions.