Hiring a boat is an excellent opportunity to discover the magical islands of the Saronic Gulf. Greece holds a wide range of unforgettable experiences if you wish to visit by boat. With so many different areas to sail in Greece, the Saronic Gulf is definitely one of the most popular, mainly because of its proximity to Athens, but also thanks to so many treasures to uncover. The Saronic Gulf has a plethora of marinas where you can easily find the ideal catamaran, sailboat, motor yacht or speedboat of your choice. You can directly contact the owners of the vessels or allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions.
You have plenty of options:
You can book and hire a sailboat or speedboat with a skipper, or without if you own a license and enjoy a one-day cruise along the coast. Departing from Athens you can even rent a motorboat taking the chance to visit the islands of Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Spetses and Hydra in a shorter amount of time. With the magnificent option to book a catamaran you can throw a party, celebrate a wedding anniversary or impress your guests with a corporate charter. Finally, you can hire a luxury sailboat and go island-hopping in the Saronic Gulf for as many days as you wish, all at a fair price.
Among the greatest adventures you could experience when visiting Greece, renting a boat and exploring the seas and its magical islands, sometimes setting ashore to discover some marvels, is definitely at the top. Probably one of the most fascinating sailing destinations of the world, With warm and calm waters, the Saronic Gulf is located between the Greek peninsulas of Attica and Argolis. It is part of the Aegean Sea and it connects to the Ionian Sea through the Corinth Canal. There are several smaller gulfs inside the Saronic Gulf, including Megara, Elefsina and Salamina. The major port of Piraeus is located in the northeastern part of the gulf and it connects the capital of Athens to every destination by sea. If you rent a boat in the Saronic Gulf, there are many amazing places to explore and admire, including the islands of Aegina, Salamis, Agistri and Poros, with Hydra and Dokos located between the Saronic and Argolic gulfs, as well as many smaller islands. Most boats and yachts leave from the harbor of Piraeus. A second great alternative however is marina Alimos, one of the largest marinas in Greece offering the chance to explore several other splendid destinations along the coast of the Saronic Gulf, like Methana, Epidaurus, Cape Sounion, Isthmia, Megara and others. Here are the most fascinating places you could visit while sailing in the Saronic Gulf of Greece.
Along the coast
Renting a boat in the Saronic Gulf and leaving from the impressive port of Piraeus, you will have a wonderful range of options ahead, one of which being to visit some of the most interesting destinations along the coast. In the southern tip of the Attica Peninsula is the famous Cape Sounion, where you should definitely stop for a while to explore the superb ancient temples, including the majestic Temple of Poseidon, perched on a high cliff overlooking the idyllic seas below. Nearby, you can find other temples and amazing beaches to spend a day exploring the cape. An astonishing destination on the western coast of the gulf is the village of Palia Epidavros and a short distance from the port you can visit the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, the best preserved in all of Greece, and other ancient archaeological treasures. Dating back to the 4th century, this huge theater with about 15,000 seats has perfect acoustics without the need for any equipment.
Further to the south, the incredible peninsula of Methana is filled with volcanoes and features exciting hiking routes reaching impressive heights. The views of the gulf from above Methana are truly breathtaking, while the volcanic landscape and several ancient sights make for a great adventure. One of the most important cities in ancient times was Megara and there are plenty of traces of its former glory in the modern city. A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Megara or a few hours exploring its historical center will reveal part of its treasures. The nearby town of Eleusina also holds impressive historical heritage from ancient times, including an extensive archaeological site and an interesting archaeological museum. Another interesting destination you could visit if you rent a boat in the Saronic Gulf is the Corinth Canal and its majestic bridge.
The islands of Aegina and Agistri
The magical island of Aegina is one of the main destinations in the Saronic Gulf, mostly famous for its pistachios and the temple of Aphaia Athena, as well as the enchanting beaches. Some of which are quite secluded and a few can only be reached by a catamaran or sailboat, making Aegina perfect if you are looking for privacy. There are also many hiking paths to explore the natural scenery on the island. Apart from the magnificent Temple of Athena Aphaia dating from the 6th century BC, other sights of Aegina include the ghost town of Paleochora, the Archaeological Museum, the church and the monastery of Agios Nektarios, the tower of Markellos, the house of Nikos Kazantzakis and more. The smaller Agistri is equally enticing, featuring magical clear waters filled with marvels, excellent for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts who wish to discover the colorful underwater world. There is even a cargo shipwreck that can be explored near the island. Agistri is also known for its stunning beaches and natural environment, making it a perfect stop for a sailing trip around the Saronic Gulf.
The island of Poros
The island of Poseidon is a truly magical place, where you can find an authentic and relaxed atmosphere. No rent a boat in the Saronic Gulf adventure would be complete without a visit of the lovely Poros Town and the heavenly Love Bay and its serene beach, surrounded by pine trees. Other enchanting beaches of Poros include Askeli, Megali Neorio, Monastiri, Russian Bay and others. There are also many other sights to explore, including the ruins of Poseidon’s Temple, the Lemon Forest, as well as old windmills, monasteries and churches.
The islands of Hydra and Spetses
Although located at the edge of the Argolic Peninsula, the splendid islands of Hydra and Spetses are usually included in most sailing trips of the Saronic Gulf. The small island of Hydra is truly a gem, as you will not see any cars on its rocky surface, while the astonishing Hydra Town ascends up the slopes around a small charming harbor. There are several amazing churches and mansions in Hydra Town, while the atmosphere created by the white-washed houses and small alleys is truly unforgettable. On the island, you can also enjoy some amazing beaches like Vlichos, Kaminia and Molos or visit the ruins of a medieval castle, the Prophet Elias Monastery, old churches and much more.
The nearby island of Dokos is mostly uninhabited and mostly attracts nature lovers, if you have limited time, then a motorboat or speedboat is the best choice. The island of Spetses is also worth visiting when you rent a boat in the Saronic Gulf, offering an equally pleasant experience. Apart from public transportation, there are no cars on this island either, while its small size makes it perfect for nature walks. The most beautiful beaches on Spetses Island include Agia Paraskevi, Agia Marina, Agioi Anargiri, Xilokeriza and others. The most fascinating sights include the Museum of Bouboulina, the old port and promenade of Spetses Town, sea caves, old churches and monasteries.
Rest assured there is plenty to see and do, you can go island hopping in the Saronic Gulf and take in an experience that will stay with you forever. These beautiful islands that are just off the mainland remain to be true gems in Greece and are definitely worth exploring in a week or two.
Below you will find some useful information for your yacht charter trip in the Saronic Gulf.
Port of Aegina: fantastic little harbor with lots of restaurants and offers good shelter for boats.
Agia Marina, Aegina: a great port with swimming and paddleboarding opportunities by the beach.
Perdika Marina, Aegina: a large marina with plenty of space for yachts to moor at.
Aegina: Ferry takes you to Aegina in 30 minutes to an hour from Piraeus Port in Athens. Aegina is also connected with Methana in Peloponnese and Agistri with a ferry.
Agistri: Athens to Agistri takes roughly 1 to 2 hours with a ferry.
Hydra Harbour: filled with colorful fishing boats and may get crowded in the summer. Crossed anchors are a common event on the weekends as it remains to be a favorite spot for yachts to tie in the main quay.
Mandraki , Hydra: the bay is located ¾ mile east of Hydra. A great bay for a swim with taverns ashore and fairly sheltered except to northerly winds.
Agios Nikolaos, Hydra: A great bay with nice surroundings and great for a swim
Hydra: ferries depart from Piraeus port daily and takes approximately 2 hours with a high-speed vessel. Hydra is also connected to Poros, Spetses and the eastern Peloponnese by ferry.
Poros Harbour: offers good shelter for yachts especially on the channel side of Poros, the Peloponnese side has shallow patches not ideal for some sailing vessels.
Ormos Daskalia, Poros: Offers good shelter from the prevailing winds and pleasant scenery with green pines surrounding the bay.
Poros: ferry from Piraeus to Poros takes 3 hours. You can also reach Poros from Galatas, a port in Peloponnese.
Old Harbor at Baltiza, Spetses: great services and berthing facilities for all types of yachts. It has one of the most popular clubs at the old harbor which offers a veranda with a splendid view, a port that creates a painting of the many and traditional kaiki boats.
Spetses: a regular ferry connection between Spetses and Athens. Ferries depart from Piraeus port and it takes roughly 3 hours with a high-speed vessel.
There is no airport in the Saronic Gulf. The closest airport is the Athens airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) that receives domestic and international flights with daily ferries to the nearby islands.
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