Itinerary: 7 Days in the Saronic Islands

Itinerary: 7 Days in the Saronic Islands

Introduction to the Saronic Islands: A Grecian Paradise

The Saronic Islands, nestled near the coast of Athens, offer an idyllic escape with their beautiful beaches, charming towns, and rich history. This 7-day itinerary is designed to guide you through these enchanting islands, ensuring a memorable Greek island experience.

The Charm of the Saronic Islands

• Diverse Beauty: Known for their picturesque scenery, the Saronic Islands are a perfect blend of sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes.
• Cultural Richness: Steeped in history, each island presents a unique cultural heritage, from ancient ruins to traditional architecture.

Planning a sailing trip around these islands? Consider a crewed yacht charter in Greece for a comfortable and luxurious journey.

Day 1: Departure from Athens and Arrival in Aegina

Exploring Aegina

• Journey Start: Begin your adventure by sailing from Athens to Aegina, known for its pistachio orchards and ancient Temple of Aphaia.
• Island Highlights: Spend the day exploring the charming town of Aegina and enjoy a swim at one of its beautiful beaches.

Aegina’s Culinary Delights

• Local Cuisine: End your day savoring Aegina’s delicious seafood and traditional Greek dishes in a seaside taverna.

Day 2: Discovering the Historical Island of Hydra

Hydra’s Timeless Allure

• Vehicle-free Charm: Hydra, free from motor vehicles, is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and tranquil ambiance.
• Artistic Heritage: Explore its narrow streets and visit local art galleries, showcasing the island’s rich artistic scene.

Sunset Views in Hydra

• Evening Beauty: Conclude your day with a stunning sunset view from the hills of Hydra, providing a perfect backdrop for an evening stroll.

Considering a sailing charter for your Greek island adventure? Explore options for a sailing Greek islands charter to enhance your travel experience.

Day 3: Serenity in Poros

Exploring Poros Town

• Island Charm: Poros, with its lush pine forests and gentle hills, offers a peaceful retreat. The town itself, characterized by neoclassical buildings and narrow streets, exudes a serene charm.
• Leisure Activities: Spend your day exploring the island by bike or on foot, visiting landmarks like the Clock Tower and the Archaeological Museum.

Beach Relaxation

• Pristine Beaches: Unwind on the sandy shores of Love Bay or Kalypso Beach, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and tranquil surroundings.

Day 4: The Historical Splendor of Spetses

Immersing in Spetses’ History

• Cultural Heritage: Spetses boasts a rich history, evident in its elegant mansions and museums like the Spetses Museum.
• Scenic Beauty: Explore the island on a horse-drawn carriage, taking in the views of its picturesque old harbor and the Saronic Gulf.

Culinary Experiences in Spetses

• Local Gastronomy: End your day with a dining experience at a local taverna, trying specialties like fish a la Spetsiota and other Greek delicacies.

For those interested in a tailored sailing experience around these islands, a Greek island sailing charter can provide an unforgettable way to explore the Saronic Gulf.

Day 5: The Undiscovered Charm of Methana

Tranquil Retreat in Methana

• Volcanic Landscape: Methana, known for its volcanic terrain, offers a unique landscape with lush vegetation and natural hot springs.
• Hiking Adventures: Spend the day hiking to the volcano’s crater for panoramic views or relax in the therapeutic hot springs.

Exploring Methana’s Coastline

• Secluded Beaches: Discover hidden coves and quiet beaches along Methana’s coastline, offering a peaceful escape from the more crowded islands.

Day 6: Agistri – A Natural Paradise

Agistri’s Natural Beauty

• Green Haven: Agistri, covered in dense pine forests, is a haven for nature lovers. The island’s crystal-clear waters are well-suited for swimming and snorkeling.
• Cycling and Walking Trails: Take advantage of the island’s small size to explore its natural beauty by bike or on foot.

Relaxing in Agistri

• Laid-back Atmosphere: Enjoy the relaxed vibe of Agistri, visiting local tavernas and cafes, and soaking in the authentic Greek island atmosphere.

For an exquisite sailing experience around these islands, consider a crewed yacht charter in Greece, offering luxury and comfort as you explore the Saronic Gulf.

Day 7: Return to Athens

Reflecting on Your Journey

• Scenic Sail Back: As you sail back to Athens, reflect on the unforgettable experiences and the beauty of the Saronic Islands.
• Last Moments: Utilize this day to revisit any favorite spots in Athens or simply relax and enjoy the city’s offerings before concluding your trip.

Concluding Your Saronic Islands Adventure

The Saronic Islands offer a diverse range of experiences, from the historical splendors of Hydra and Spetses to the natural beauty of Methana and Agistri. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, these islands provide an enriching Greek island experience.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a yacht charter on Catamaran Charter Greece?

Choose your dates and destination, browse our fleet, and use request a quote to lock in pricing. Our team confirms availability with the agency and emails the booking summary within 24 hours.

Do I need a sailing license?

For most bareboat charters in Greece you need a recognised skipper certificate (RYA Day Skipper, ICC, or equivalent) plus a VHF licence. If you don’t hold one, we book a professional skipper alongside the boat for the week.

What’s included in the price?

The base charter fee covers the boat, standard equipment, insurance, and final cleaning fee in most cases. Extras such as fuel, port fees, transit log, tourist tax and skipper service are billed separately and explained in the booking summary.

How far in advance should I book?

For peak weeks (mid-July to late August) we recommend booking 6–9 months ahead to lock in the boat and the early-bird discount. Shoulder seasons (May, June, September) usually have availability up to a month before departure.

Daily breakdown for a Saronic week

The Saronic Gulf is the friendliest Greek charter ground for first-week guests because the Meltemi is weaker here than in the Cyclades and the islands sit close together (most legs 8–25 nm). The route below assumes a Saturday-to-Saturday catamaran charter from Lavrion (the standard charter base 60 km southeast of Athens, 30 minutes from the airport).

Day 1 (Saturday): Lavrion to Aegina

Provision in Lavrion or have provisioning delivered to the boat. Cast off at 14:00 after check-in, sail 18–22 nm west to Aegina town. Stern-mooring in the harbour (35–60 EUR a night). Walk the harbour-front market for Aegina pistachios (PDO) and a quick aperitivo at one of the kafenions before dinner.

Day 2: Aegina to Agistri to Poros

Short hop — 4 nm to Agistri for swim stop in Skala Bay (clear water, good holding sand), then 12 nm to Poros across the gulf. Poros’s narrow channel (200 m wide) is one of the most scenic moments of the week. Tie up at the town quay or anchor in the south-west bay near Galatas.

Day 3: Poros to Hydra

22 nm south-west, comfortable Meltemi reach. Hydra bans cars; mules and donkeys carry provisions to upper houses. Walk from the harbour to Vlychos Beach (25 min along the coast path) for swim and lunch. Dinner at Omilos or Gefyri. Hydra’s harbour fills early — book a stern berth ahead.

Day 4: Hydra to Spetses

17 nm south. Drop anchor in Old Harbour (Palaio Limani) or take a berth at the new harbour. Eat at Tarsanas (Spetsiotikos style — fish baked with tomatoes and white wine) or Patralis. Bicycles available for the 25 km coastal loop on day 5 morning if you want a longer stop.

Day 5: Spetses to Hermione (Ermioni)

10 nm to the mainland village of Hermione. Quiet harbour, good seafood at Mouragio. Optional: spend two days here including an excursion to ancient Epidaurus (40 min by car).

Day 6: Hermione back toward Aegina or Methana

32 nm — the longest day of the week. Methana has a famous sulphur spa and a quiet marina at 35 EUR a night. Alternative: head to Vourkari on Kea via the Cape Sounion crossing.

Day 7: Return to Lavrion

20–25 nm depending on the previous overnight. Last anchor stop at Sounion below the Temple of Poseidon for swim and lunch. Return to Lavrion by 17:00 for Saturday-morning check-out.

Wines and food to pre-arrange

Greek charter weeks reward planning around indigenous varieties: Assyrtiko from Santorini’s Domaine Sigalas, Robola from Cephalonia, Moschofilero from the Peloponnese. For dinners on board, pre-order a case from Lavrion’s larger wine merchant (Cava Lavrion) at check-in. Local food specialties to ask for: kakavia (fishermen’s stew), grilled lavraki (sea bass), kataifi sweets.

For ready-made multi-week routes including the Cyclades extension, see our Greek itinerary library. Browse the Greek catamaran fleet or request a personalised quote with the Saronic loop above.

About this guide

This guide was prepared by the Catamaran Charter Greece editorial team — a group of charter brokers and sailors who have been organizing yacht charters in Greece since 2007. Every itinerary, marina, and pricing range described here reflects current first-hand fleet experience and direct partnership with licensed charter agencies. Last reviewed: May 2026.

If a detail looks out of date, write us at www.catamaran-charter-greece.com/contact — we update guides quarterly.