The Saronic Gulf
Sailing the Saronics
The Saronic Gulf is a popular sailing area within easy reach of Athens. You don’t have to travel far from the capital to find exceptional islands, coastal villages and harbours. The area makes for wonderful cruising with sheltered waters, perfect winds and beautiful scenery all set along the East coast of the Peloponnese.
The Sailing area traverses the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs to include the islands of: Aegia, Poros, Hydra and Spetses. Accompanied by many worthy stops on the Peloponnesian mainland, the area boasts a multitude of villages, harbours and bays with lush green surroundings.
Highlights
Hydra
Over the years Hydra has attracted artists, musicians and travellers from all over the world. (Leonard Cohen and David Gilmore are amongst those who have had houses here!) There are no wheeled vehicles allowed on the island and donkeys remain the main means of transporting goods. The town is focused around its picturesque harbour, rising up on the surrounding hillsides like a great Amphitheatre. Hydra is a place where Chic meets tradition with numerous stylish bars and restaurants on offer. There are many excellent spots to watch the sun go down over the hills of the Peloponnesian mainland at the end of a good days sailing.
Spetses
Popular with high-society Athenians, Spetses is overflowing with history and natural beauty. Spetses played an important role in the revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries that eventually overthrew the Ottoman empires grip on Greece. If you look you will see many statues commemorating the achievement! Today the island has a real refinement to it and its streets are alive with visitors enjoying the relaxing and elegant atmosphere. One of the more peculiar experiences on offer here; carts and horses ferry tourists from the main anchorage along the waterfront to the centre of town.