Saronic Yacht Charter Itinerary from Athens to Athens
This is one of the best Greek yacht itineraries for catamaran charters. The Saronic Gulf offers short daily hops, calm waters, and a perfect balance of historic harbor towns and secluded nature spots — all within easy reach of Athens. The loop takes you from Aegina and Poros to Hydra, Spetses, Methana, and Agistri, with plenty of opportunities to anchor in protected bays or tie stern-to in lively waterfront towns.
More sheltered than the Cyclades, yet still exposed enough for good sailing, this route is ideal for guests who want authentic island experiences, without long passages or weather-related rerouting.
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Distance: 120 nautical miles
Route Type: Round Trip (Athens – Athens)
Suitable for: Catamarans, Sailboats, and Motor Yachts
Weather Dependency: Average
Best For: Catamaran guests seeking easy island hopping, calm waters, and a perfect mix of nature, beaches, and charming Greek towns.
| Destinations | Travel Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Catamarans | Motor Yachts | |
| Day 1. Athens to Aegina – 17 NM | 1.7–2.5 hrs | 0.9–1.4 hrs |
| Day 2. Aegina to Poros – 15 NM | 1.5–2 hrs | 1–1.25 hrs |
| Day 3. Poros to Hydra – 12 NM | 1–1.5 hrs | 0.5–1 hrs |
| Day 4. Hydra to Spetses – 17 NM | 1.5–2.5 hrs | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Day 5. Spetses to Methana – 29 NM | 3–4 hrs | 1.5–2.5 hrs |
| Day 6. Methana to Agistri – 5 NM | 0.5–1 hrs | 0.2–0.5 hrs |
| Day 7. Agistri to Athens – 22 NM | 2–3 hrs | 1–2 hrs |
Arriving in Athens
Take a day to explore Athens, the capital of Greece and the cradle of democracy, before you set sail. Visit the Acropolis of Athens, occupying the top of a hill overlooking the city and boasting classical temples of the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and several others. On your way down, take a look at the Dionysus Theatre and visit the Museum of Acropolis. Spare some time to explore Plaka, the most picturesque neighborhood of Athens and a famous shopping area.
Day 1. Athens to Aegina
After boarding your yacht in Agios Kosmas near Glyfada, cruise southwest toward Aegina, less than an hour away. Along the route, you’ll pass Salamina, where the Greek navy famously defeated the Persians in 480 BC. Today, the island is industrial, but its role in Greek history is monumental.
Aegina briefly served as the capital of Greece (1826–1828) during the War of Independence. The island’s main town still reflects this legacy, with neoclassical buildings, a lively harbor, and narrow streets lined with pistachio vendors — a local specialty.
For your first anchorage, we recommend Agia Marina, a sheltered bay on the northeast coast with tavernas, sea views, and access to the Temple of Aphaia, perched high above. Dating to the 5th century BC, this well-preserved Doric temple forms a sacred triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Exhibits from the site are housed in the island’s archaeological museum.
If you’re after a swim stop, Agia Marina Beach offers clear waters and watersports, while Souvala on the north coast is quieter, known for its hot springs and shallow waters ideal for families.
Don’t Miss:
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Temple of Aphaia, overlooking Agia Marina
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Anchoring off Agia Marina or Souvala
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Aegina Town’s harbor, pistachio market & 19th-century buildings
Day 2. Aegina to Poros
From Aegina, you will cruise past the coastline of the Peloponnese peninsula, towards Poros, one of the best islands of the Saronic Gulf, arriving by yacht.
Known for its lively town, natural coves, and charming atmosphere, Poros is a favorite among charter guests. Popular beaches include Megalo Nerio, Mikro Nerio, Russian Bay, and Kanali on the southern side, and Vagionia to the north.
For archaeology lovers, the remains of the Temple of Poseidon are located inland between Poros Town and Vagionia — reachable by car in under 30 minutes.
Poros Town itself is filled with narrow streets, flowering balconies, and neoclassical architecture. Climb up to the iconic Clock Tower for panoramic views, especially at sunset.
Just northwest of town, Love Bay is a pine-fringed beach with turquoise water. It’s popular, so plan to anchor early or visit in the late afternoon. To the east, Askeli Beach is longer and well-equipped, with sunbeds, a volleyball court, taverns, and watersports like banana boating and water-skiing.
Further east, Monastery Beach is an ideal anchorage to visit the nearby Zoodochos Pigi Monastery, nestled in a quiet pine forest. The beach itself is sandy, backed by hills, and great for diving or paddleboarding.
Don’t Miss:
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Love Bay – A pine-fringed beach, ideal for swimming and anchoring in low-traffic hours
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Zoodochos Pigi Monastery – Historic hillside monastery accessible from Monastery Beach
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Clock Tower viewpoint – The best sunset view over Poros Town and the strait
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Askeli Beach – Long sandy beach with water sports and tavernas
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Temple of Poseidon ruins – Scenic archaeological site with panoramic views
Day 3. Poros to Hydra
On Day 3, you’ll cruise from Poros to the car-free Hydra — a short hop of around 12 nautical miles.
Where Poros is green and wooded, Hydra is rugged and rocky. But despite its bare appearance, the island hides a number of sheltered coves that are easily reached by boat, some surprisingly lush with vegetation. The main settlement, Hydra Town, is built like an amphitheater into the hillside, with stone mansions and paved lanes. Since no motor vehicles are allowed, donkeys are the local mode of transport — and part of the charm.
The harbor is overlooked by a bastion lined with 18th-century cannons. Hydra is also one of the best diving spots in the Saronic Gulf, with opportunities for both day and night dives, including around a Bronze Age shipwreck. History lovers can stop by the Historical Archives Museum, which holds documents and artifacts from Greece’s War of Independence and the world wars.
Nearby villages like Kaminia and Vlychos, both a short donkey ride away, offer laid-back beach options. Kaminia is a long sandy beach with views of the Peloponnese, while Vlychos features more organized facilities like sunbeds and tavernas.
If you’re up for exploring further, use your yacht to reach Bisti and Agios Nikolaos beaches in the island’s southwest. Both are pebble beaches backed by forested hills. Agios Nikolaos, especially, is a tranquil escape — accessible only by sea.
Day 4. Hydra to Spetses
Spetses is the westernmost island of the Argosaronic archipelago. The journey from Hydra to Spetses will take you past small islets next to the Peloponnese coast. Many travelers consider its secluded beaches the most beautiful in the Saronic Islands.
Spetses Town, located in the east, features elegant mansions built during the Middle Ages. Spetses island was among the first to contribute its ships for the Independence War, and the Armata Festival, taking place in September, commemorates the event.
Biking around Spetses to access its beaches is a popular leisure activity. The town is a traffic-free zone, with only motorbikes allowed to enter.
As you enter Dapia Port in the town, you will see a few old cannons and a beautiful stone mosaic depicting an octopus. Near the port is the Bouboulina Museum, housed in the house of Laskarina Bouboulina, the heroine of the Independence War (1821-1832).
The top attraction of Spetses stages guided tours in English, exhibits period furnishings and memorabilia, and traces the life of Laskarina. Agios Nikolaos Church is another top attraction of Spetses Town, recognizable by its tall bell tower made of marble. It features an elaborate interior, arches supported by Doric columns, and a courtyard featuring exquisite mosaics similar to the one at Dapia Port.
Day 5. Spetses to Methana
On Day 5, you’ll begin your journey northward toward the Methana Peninsula, nestled between Poros, Agistri, and Aegina.
Methana is actually a volcanic landmass that emerged from the depths of the Saronic Gulf and eventually fused with the Peloponnese. Its volcanic origin is still evident today.
The main settlement is the spa town of Methana, tucked into a sheltered bay and surrounded by rolling hills. As you approach the port, you might notice a distinct sulfuric smell — a result of the area’s thermal springs.
Cruising around the peninsula reveals striking scenery: steep volcanic slopes, scattered palm trees, dense vegetation, and hilltop villages with panoramic views.
One of the most rewarding activities here is hiking the Methana Volcano. The climb is moderate, and the higher you go, the more impressive the views, stretching across the Aegean Sea and the eastern Peloponnese.
Day 6. Methana to Agistri
The next island on your itinerary is the less-visited island of Agistri, one of our personal favorite islands in the Aegean Sea.
Located west of Aegina and just 5 nautical miles north of Methana, Agistri is one of the greenest islands in the Saronic Gulf — full of hidden coves, pine-covered hills, and a laid-back local vibe. The north is where most of the island’s population lives, with the villages of Skala and Megalochori serving as its main hubs. Both offer access to tavernas, shops, and small ports, making them easy stopovers for supplies or a quick stroll.
Skala Beach, near the church that defines its skyline, is a sandy, family-friendly beach with clear water and organized sunbeds. Just south lies Halikiada, a secluded, clothing-optional beach tucked below a rocky hillside — only reachable on foot or by boat. On the western side near Megalochori, Dragonera Beach is a quiet pebble cove framed by thick pine forest, perfect for a tranquil swim stop.
But for us — and many of our guests — the real highlight of Agistri lies in the uninhabited southern coast, where the island reveals its wilder side. We recommend anchoring in one of the protected coves here. Your crew will swim a stern line to the rocks so you can moor up close to shore. It’s an ideal setting to spend an entire afternoon swimming, relaxing, and launching all your water toys — paddleboards, seabobs, floats — into the calm, clear water.
Just around the corner from one of these coves is a little “secret” beach bar, known mostly to locals and yacht crews. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy an Aperol Spritz, fresh grilled seafood, and one of the best sunset views in the Saronic — with the mountains of the Peloponnese silhouetted in the distance.
Day 7. Agistri to Athens
Leaving Agistri behind, you set sail for Athens and the port of Piraeus. This will be your last stop to conclude your 7-day Saronic Islands experience.
The port of Piraeus is a modern, bustling seaport that offers its visitors the opportunity to visit some of the most popular landmarks in Athens.
The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion and Cape Sounio is not only an important archeological site but also offers spectacular views over Attica Bay. To get there, you can take an excursion by coach or taxi from Piraeus harbor, which will allow you to enjoy this panoramic view as well as explore ancient ruins on your way back down again.
