Top 5 Charter Locations in the Saronic Gulf You Must Know

May 21, 2024     Spetses, Hydra, Poros, Epidaurus, and Aegina – Destinations from the Captain Seminar, EMMYS 2024

My Greek Yacht Charter  〉  Blog  〉 Top 5 Charter Destinations in the Saronic Gulf You Must Know

5. Aegina – Pistachio Island

Aegina is one of the largest islands of the Saronic and will most likely be your first stop on your yacht charter in the Saronic Gulf. It is famous for its great beaches, pistachio cultivation, and the Greek Temple of Aphaia, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece. But I heard more than one Captain claim that the true highlight is the pistachio ice cream!!

Interesting fact: Aegina Island was once the capital of Greece for two years during the 1820s when Greece fought to gain independence from the Turkish Empire.

Best Beaches in Aegina

There are lots of great beaches on Aegina suitable for every type of beachgoer. You will find developed beaches with many great tourist facilities as well as more secluded beaches away from the crowds. Some are ideal for children, while others have deep water accessible in a matter of a few steps.

Captains Top 4 Favorite Beaches:

1. Klima Beach: Located in the southern part of Aegina, Klima is a vibrant, organized beach with a beach bar, sun loungers, and umbrellas. It is ideal for those looking for a lively beach day.
2. Horeftra Beach: This is a favorite among locals who come for a swim and a meal at the traditional tavernas.
3. Agia Marina Beach: Agia Marina Beach is the longest organized beach on Aegina’s northeastern coast. It features many great amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, and great dining options.
4. Tourlos Beach: For those seeking a more secluded setting, this unspoiled beach is accessed via a small footpath.

Aegina’s Pistachio Festival

Every September, the locals and travelers celebrate the Aegina Fistiki (Pistachio) Festival for four days. The festival includes a trade fair along the harbor, where over 40 kiosks showcase pistachios, local delicacies, honey, olive oil, dairy products, and handmade items like lace and jewelry. The festival also features cultural events, live music, and activities for children, making it a vibrant celebration of local culture and gastronomy​.

4. Epidaurus – The Island of the Sunken City

Epidaurus, located on the Peloponnese Peninsula, is an ancient city that attracts many travelers interested in Greece’s ancient history and plays a key role in Peloponnese tourism. It is best known for its ancient theater, but although this was definitely repeated many times, I actually heard more Captains rave about the Sunken City, maybe because it is a less-talked-about site. The advice from Captain Evan of Alexandra II was to visit the theater early in the day and then finish off with snorkeling on the Sunken City when the heat is at its peak.

The Perfect Acoustics of the Ancient Amphitheater 

The Ancient Theater is a spectacle that is sure to make even the most hardened of historians go weak at the knees. It is thought to be the most aesthetically and acoustically perfect theater in the ancient world, and it remains every bit as beautiful today as it was when it was first built.

Someone standing in the middle of the stage can talk and be heard throughout the stands—a feat of architectural brilliance that has inspired many other stadium and theater designers.

The Epidaurus ancient theater also hosts a number of theatrical performances and lectures throughout the year. It is the perfect place to experience a traditional Greek play as the ancients themselves would have experienced it.

Snorkel around The Sunken City

The sunken city is located in the bay of Agios Vlasios near Epidaurus on Kalymnios beach. It is an incredible archaeological site just 2 meters underwater. It was first discovered, actually by accident, in the 1970s due to an aerial photo taken from a hot-air balloon.

The Sunken City features the remnants of a Roman villa from the 2nd century AD. This site, often accessible for snorkeling, includes visible foundations, large amphorae, and ancient walls. It’s believed to have been a prosperous rural settlement where wealthy Romans and their servants lived. Visitors can explore these underwater ruins by swimming or snorkeling over them, offering a unique opportunity to literally swim through history.

3. Poros – The Island of Views

Poros, not to be confused with Paros in the Cyclades, is a small island in the heart of the Saronic Gulf. Its location about halfway between Athens and Spetses makes it a great halfway point either way. The great experience of Poros starts with sailing into the very picturesque and well-protected port.

Perched on a hill, the beautiful old town offers stunning views of the nearby mountainous shores of the Peloponnese. You are truly surrounded by beautiful landscapes dotted with traditional Greek towns.

The port offers both anchoring and docking directly along the promenade. Tie stern to and step directly into a waterfront taverna. Enjoy true traditional Greek cuisine with a view of your own private yacht against the backdrop of the stunning Peloponnese.

We were there at the recent Yacht Show

Poros is where they host the yearly East Mediterranean Multihull Yacht Show (EMMYS), and our whole team visited as recently as April 2024. This yacht show showcases many of the Mediterranean’s finest catamarans, as well as monohulls and luxury motor yachts.

Spending a whole week along this waterfront, we had a good chance to test many of the restaurants and Taverns. Among our top recommendations are Oasis Taverna, Poseidon Restaurant, Apagio Taverna, and the super cozy Garden Taverna, which is hidden in the street labyrinth a little walk up the hill- it does not get much more authentic than this.

Best Beaches in Poros

• The number one beach in Poros is Love Bay, a small sandy beach surrounded by pine trees. It is located on the southwest coast of mainland Poros, which is a short taxi ride from the port. But the best way to get there is by tender; zoom around the corner and approach from the sea. Note that due to its popularity, Love Bay can be quite crowded during peak season.
• If you prefer a more secluded beach, beaches located on the northern shore, such as Vagionia Beach, are a better choice. If the weather is strong, you won’t be able to go by speedboat but will have to take the 15-minute scenic route by car, cutting straight through the island. The drive in itself is worth it!
• A third option is Monastiri Beach, located a few kilometers east of the port. The beach is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas and has water sports facilities, making it an attractive yet less crowded alternative to Love Bay​.

2. Hydra – The Saronic’s Most Romantic Island

Hydra is located off the tip of the eastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula between the Myrtoan Sea to the south and the Argolic Gulf to the northeast.

Hydra might be best known for its beautiful landscape and historical significance, but something that really caught my attention was a description of the island I heard from a Captain at the Poros Yachts: “the most romantic island I have ever been to.” This fits well with all other descriptions I got from other captains who also recommended Hydra as one of the top must-visit islands in the Saronic Gulf.

Exploring the Island on Donkey Back

Hydra is famous for its beautiful, well-preserved mansions and captain houses, which reflect the island’s rich maritime history. In contrast to this architectural extravagance, the island is car-free, and the main form of transportation is a donkey ride.

Riding through the old cobblestone streets of Hydra town on a donkey is said to be a truly fantastic way to explore this scenic town.

The Love Story of a Famous Artist

A story that really fits with the captain’s narrative is the story of one of the most iconic songwriters of love songs ever and the inspiration he found on this very island. Hydra is a popular retreat for artists, including famous personalities like Leonard Cohen and Maria Callas. Leonard Cohen first came to Hydra in the 1960s when he bought a traditional whitewashed house for only $1,500. This house became Cohen’s sanctuary and the very place where he wrote much of his most significant work, including his first novel, “The Favourite Game,” and many influential songs like “So Long, Marianne” and “Bird on the Wire”. It was also here that Cohen found love with the very Marianne Ihlen of the song.

Beaches and Hiking on Hydra

For those interested in nature and hiking, Hydra offers paths leading to serene spots with panoramic views of the surrounding sea and islands. The island’s beaches, like Vlichos and Mandraki, are accessible by foot or by your own tender and are known for their clear waters and pebbly shores.

1. Spetses – The New Greek Riviera

Spetses, like Hydra, is not technically located in the Saronic Gulf but is part of the Saronic Islands. It is an exclusive and luxurious destination that has avoided becoming a tourist hotspot and instead attracts private superyachts and luxury yacht charters.

Celebrity Visits at the Iconic Poseidon Grand Hotel

At the port is the 100-year-old Poseidon Grand Hotel—an impressive sight that has hosted many famous stars over the years, such as Marilyn Monroe, Swedish Actress Ingrid Bergman, and Dame Elizabeth Taylor.

But there is no grander place to stay than on your own private luxury yacht. Spetsai Mariba can accommodate larger yachts, with berthing facilities for vessels up to 200 feet in length.

Must-See Attractions in Spetses

• Spetses has many amazing beaches, but captains highlighted Agia Paraskevi, Ayioi Anargyroi, and favorite anchorages such as Zogeria and Vrellos Beach.
• Some of the top cultural attractions include the House of Bouboulina, a museum dedicated to the naval heroine Laskarina Bouboulina, and the House of Hatzigiannis Mexis, where you can learn about the island’s significant history during the Greek War of Independence.
• About every Captain who recommended Spetses also emphasized one of their guest’s favorite activities: a romantic ride in a horse-drawn carriage along the town’s promenade, so be sure to put that on your list!

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