The Saronic Gulf is the first place we send families and first-time charterers. It sits a morning’s sail from Athens, the meltemi barely reaches it, and every island has a different personality. Here is the week we would plan for ourselves.
Day 1–2 · Athens to Aegina
Embark at Alimos at 3pm, stow your bags and be swimming off Agia Marina by sunset — it is only 17 nautical miles. Day two is for the Temple of Aphaia and a pistachio ice cream in Aegina town.
Day 3 · Poros
Motor through the narrow channel into Poros harbour and climb to the clock tower for the view. Anchor in Russian Bay overnight; it is calm and the water is glass-clear.
“Hydra is the only harbour where the crew stop working to watch the sunset.” — Captain Nikos
Day 4–5 · Hydra
No cars, no scooters, only donkeys and stone mansions. Berth early (before noon) or anchor in Mandraki and take the tender in. Dinner at the harbour, swim off the rocks at Spilia in the morning.
Day 6 · Spetses
Rent bicycles and loop the island, or stay on board and take the paddleboards into Zogeria cove. The chef will grill whatever came off the fishing boats that afternoon.
Day 7 · Back to Athens
An early start for the 50-mile passage home, with a last swim stop off Aegina’s Moni islet. You will be back in Alimos by 6pm with salt in your hair.
Want this route on a specific yacht? Open the itinerary planner and tick Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses.
