Why you should consider the Saronic Islands for your next catamaran charter holiday
Athens is one of the easier places for charter customers to fly in and out of. Combine the ease of travel with an impressive selection of yachts & catamarans at lower prices vs many other Mediterranean charter destinations. And it’s easy to see why Athens offers a great starting point for your next sailing holiday.
Starting from Greece’s historic capital, most groups will head south across the gulf towards the northern Peloponnese. Along the way, you’ll enjoy an exceptional mix of overnight stops. Lively towns such as Hydra, Poros, and Spetses, are balanced with more peaceful villages and secluded bays with crystal clear waters. All set against some of the most breath-taking coastline that Greece has to offer.
Sailing within easy reach of the mainland, you’ll avoid much of the wind & heavier seas you’d encounter further out in the centre of the Aegean. Most days, you can expect easy sailing conditions and the sort of light – moderate winds that charterer’s of all levels can enjoy. It’s an area that we regularly recommend to family groups and friends looking for a more laid-back time out on the water.
The best places to sail to in the Saronics
One of the greatest joys of hiring a yacht or catamaran in the Saronic Gulf is the sheer variety of options when planning a sailing itinerary. Fancy a lively town with bustling cafés and a touch of nightlife? Or perhaps a stop where you can step ashore and wander through ancient ruins steeped in history? Maybe you’re dreaming of a quiet evening in a small, authentic village, far from the crowds. Whatever your preference, you can work it all into a one-week charter starting from Athens. Read on to discover some of our favourite stops in this enchanting sail area.
Hydra: A timeless jewel of the Saronic gulf
Hydra is one of the true gems of this corner of Greece – a destination that never fails to impress. No matter how many times you visit, it’s charm is fresh and irresistible. It’s a cornerstone of any sailing trip in the area and will always be somewhere we’d recommend visiting if you’re sailing in the Saronic gulf.
The island rises steeply from the sea, and the town faces West towards the Peloponnesian coast, setting the stage for sunsets that are nothing short of spectacular. At its heart lies a bustling harbour, alive with the comings and goings of yachts and fishing boats. Stone-built houses climb the hillsides in tiers, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for an evening you won’t soon forget.
The town exudes sophistication, with high-end boutiques, elegant jewellery shops, and exceptional restaurants tucked away in its winding streets. You can easily spend an afternoon wandering the cobbled lanes, discovering hidden squares, charming cafés, and countless nooks that seem frozen in time. Hydra is a place where every turn invites you to slow down and savour the moment.
While mooring up in the main harbour is possible, it’s not for the faint of heart. There are obstacles on the sea floor that can foul your anchor, and because of the towns popularity, yachts & catamarans often have to raft off one another in busier periods. It’s almost always preferable to avoid the fuss altogether and anchor/ long-line in Mandraki bay just to the North of the main town. From there you can easily hail or call a water-taxi to carry you around to the town. Which has the added benefit of ensuring a quieter night.
Epidavros: Where history & tranquility meet the sea
Epidavros is one of those destinations that quietly steals your heart. Nestled in a quiet & impressively scenic corner of the Saronic, this charming village offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. It’s a favourite stop for charterers seeking something beyond the usual island-hopping experience – a place where history & tranquillity meet the sea.
The harbour is peaceful and inviting, framed by lush hills and dotted with traditional tavernas serving fresh seafood. It’s the kind of spot where you can linger over a long lunch and watch the water shimmer under the afternoon sun.
Just a short journey inland lies one of Greece’s most remarkable archaeological sites: the Ancient Theatre of Epidavros. Renowned for its extraordinary acoustics and elegant design, this 4th-century BC masterpiece is a must-see. Standing in its vast stone tiers, you can almost hear echoes of performances from thousands of years ago – a truly awe-inspiring experience.
The theatre is part of the Asklepieion sanctuary, once a centre for healing in the ancient world. Wander through the ruins and imagine the rituals and remedies that took place here, all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and pine forests. Visiting Epidavros isn’t just a detour; it’s a journey into the soul of classical Greece, and it adds a layer of depth and wonder to any sailing holiday.
Poros: A vibrant town at the centre of the Saronics
Centrally positioned within the Saronic sailing area, Poros makes an ideal stop at the end of a rewarding day on the water. Nestled close to the mainland, the island is accessible through narrow channels from both the north and south. Once inside, sailors are greeted by a wide, sheltered bay – a natural haven that provides excellent anchorage even when the winds pick up. The town’s expansive quay ensures that mooring is rarely a challenge, even during the busier summer months and there’s usually plenty of space for even the largest catamaran.
Charterers love Poros for its vibrant waterfront, where the energy of the island comes alive each evening. The promenade is filled with cafés, tavernas, and bars, offering endless opportunities to relax, dine, and soak up the atmosphere. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a glass of local wine, or simply a place to watch the boats drift by, Poros delivers it all.
If you have some extra time on your hands then consider hiring a scooter to discover the island. The looping coastal road reveals sweeping views across the gulf and leads to hidden beaches dotted with rustic, laid‑back bars. Alternatively you can take your catamaran round to Askeli Beach on the eastern side of town, where water-sports teams are ready to provide a dose of adrenaline.