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- One Week Sailing Guide to the Saronic Islands
For a mixture of island hopping and mainland coastal sailing with long and short hops, the beautiful Saronic Islands are the area for you. This is a very popular place for sailors from all over the world, perfect for family holidays, groups of friends or couples who want to take it easy.
Known as the ‘Home of Sailing’ in the Mediterranean, Greece is an enjoyable place to set sail and explore the mountainous coastline and discover neighbouring islands. The Saronic Gulf offers brilliant sailing conditions and has many islands featuring lots of historic sites. Highlights include Spetses, Poros and the island of Hydra.
The prevailing wind in the Saronic islands is North Easterly. During July and August the meltimi makes its presence known with wind strength sometimes picking up to a force 5 or 6. As the area is fairly far south you can enjoy a really warm summer, with temperatures reaching up to 33 degrees in peak times, and staying in the low 20s out of season.
You will find whilst sailing in Greece that often you will not need to pay mooring fees when staying on a town quay. If the local port authorities do come, then you can expect to pay around €10 a night for a 38ft yacht, although this is very rare.
Once you have arrived in Athens and headed to the base, you will meet the local charter team who will introduce you to your home from home for the week, your yacht! After checking in you are free to sit back and relax. There are a number of restaurants and a supermarket in the marina so you won't have to go far on your first night. This is a great time to get some provisions for the next days sail.
Heading south from Athens for 15 miles will take you to the island of Aigina. The main town on the island is lovely! We recommend a leisurely stroll along the port promenade and through the narrow streets. This is a great place to stop for an evening or to anchor off for lunchtime swim by the beach.
Following South from here you will reach Agistri and Vathi islands. Both are terrifically traditional Greek villages and thus attract a lot of visitors in the summer months, so it is best to get in early, if you want to moor up for the evening.
Vathi
Athens
Aegina
Agistri
As you sail further down the Peloponnese coast you will come across the islands of Poros, Hydra, Dhokos and Spetses. Most places in the Saronic Islands are only a short 10-15 mile sail from each other which is brilliant for short and easy (dare we say it - lazy) sailing days.
Hydra is a picturesque harbour that has changed very little since the mid 19th century. There are only three motorised vehicles on the island - donkeys and water taxis are the main form of transport!
Poros is a classic picture postcard Greek town and is always a highlight of our visits to the area. There is certainly no shortage of things to do once you are there. From watersports to wondering the back streets, you'll be charmed by this splended island and it's inhabitants.
Hydra
Dhokos Island
Poros
Spetses
If you missed any islands or coastal towns, on your way down through the islands, then you still have the opportunity to pop in on your way back to base. Perdika on Aigina Island is a lovely anchorage and port only 10 miles from Athens, so a great place to stop before heading back to Athens.
We recommend heading back to Athens the day before check out - giving yourself plenty of time to explore the capital city and enjoy a relaxed final evening.
Athens
Aegina
Perdika
Below is an indication of the yachts that will sail on this flotilla. Please call us on 020 8459 8787 to check live availability.
Our Shore to Sail holidays are a combination of a one or two week flotilla sailing holiday with another relaxing week or two ashore.
These holidays will appeal to those who enjoy sailing but have family or friends who are not quite so enthusiastic about sailing - a compromise can now be made!
Most people opt for a week of sailing followed by a week of winding down on shore. However it is entirely up to you to do what you want to do (and when!)
The Iris Hotel has been a popular choice for flotilla sailors for many years. This accommodation option will fit in with any of our flotillas starting and finishing on Lefkas Island. The hotel itself is a small family run hotel located close to Nidri Town. It has a combination of studio rooms for two or three people and apartments that can sleep up to 4.
The Salvator Spa Hotel is perched in the hills above Parga town and is a slightly more luxurious offering. The rooms on offer range from the Deluxe Room for two people, up to the Superior 2 Room Villa for up to 6 people. The hotel itself has an excellent restaurant, pool and spa facilities and all villas come with their own private pool.
Our brand new villa in Sivota on Lefkas is exclusive to Sailing Holidays Ltd. Built with families and groups in mind, the 3 double bedrooms all feature en-suite bathrooms. Built into the hill the ground floor level comprises of the master bedroom, a large kitchen and living space. On the same level you will find a huge outdoor seating area and a private pool.
