Sailing Area - The Attic coast goes from the Corinthian canal in the west to Ak Sounian in the east. Over 50% of the countries industry is around the capital and inevitably much of this is on or near the coast. To be blunt much of this area is unattractive and polluted and unless you are intent on seeing the capital there is no reason to visit the area.
Zea Marina lies to the SE of the large commercial port of Piraeus. Care is needed with the sheer volume of shipping to be found in the area. Once inside the harbour you will be directed to a berth normally in the outer harbour. Shelter is better with the inner harbour but this is normally full. There is water and electric on all berths. All provisions can be obtained and there is a cosmopolitan choice of restaurants.
Mounikhias lies to the east of Zea. The Royal Hellenic Yacht Club runs it and foreign yachts are not always welcome. It is advisable to contact them before arrival to ensure a space is available.
Faliron lies further to the east. Yachts can go bow or stern to where directed in Flisvos Marina. Water and electricity is available on the pontoons and fuel can be delivered. There is good shopping and plenty of Tavernas in the town
Kalamaki lies just over 2 miles to the SE of Mounikhias. Yachts can use Alimos Marina where they go bow or stern to the western mole or wherever there is room. Shelter is excellent in any conditions. Water and electricity can be connected. Shopping for provisions is good and there are a few tavernas along the coast road.
Gilfadha has no less than four marinas. The first travelling east from Athens in number 4. Yachts go bow or stern to where directed. The moorings are laid and tailed to the quay. There is good all round shelter. There is water and electric on every berth and fuel can be delivered. The town of Gilfadha provides good shopping and there are many tavernas. This is one of the nicer marinas on the coast the drawback being that it lies below the flight path of Athens airport and in consequence it is noisy. The other 3 marinas are private although there may be some berths available in number 3. Once again all lie directly under the flight path to the airport and are very noisy.
Athens can be visited with ease from any of the marinas on this coast. The city is built around the famous Acropolis. There are several temples and a museum displays all the important finds that have been made around the Acropolis. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre was built next to Acropolis for the playwrights such as Sophocles and Euripides to present their dramas or comedies. The theatre is still in use today and allows artists from all over the world to perform their crafts. Agora was the place where the Athenians gathered for voting, chatting and in general presenting their opinion about the public issues of the day. Orators and philosophers like Plato and Aristotelis spent a lot of their time here. The Temple of Poseidon, at the very end of Cape Sounio, was dedicated to the god of the Sea, Poseidon. A yachtsman can visit the temple by anchoring in the small sheltered bay next to the temple's cliffs and then walk to the monument.
There is a marina at Vouliagmeni. Yachts can go bow or stern to with laid moorings tailed to the quay. Shelter is in general good but strong southerlies will produce some swell that makes the harbour uncomfortable. There is water and electric on all berths and fuel on the quay. There are tavernas and shops nearby and most provisions can be obtained. This was the first marina to be built in Greece and the setting is attractive. On the downside prices are on the high side.
The small harbour of Varkiza lies further to the south. Yachts can go bow or stern to on the inside of the outer mole or inside the basin if space is available. The bottom is a mix of sand, rock and weed and the holding is not good. The basin provides good shelter but the outer mole is exposed to the Meltemi. Water can be found on the quay and fuel can be delivered. There are shops and tavernas nearby.
There is an anchorage at Sounion just under the cape where yachts can get some shelter from the Meltemi. The bottom is sand and weed and is poor holding. And that completes the Attica coast.
The next section looks at the Saronic Islands and the coast starting in the north at the Corinth canal and running south as far as the cape at Skillaion.
Korfos is a landlocked bay on the coast two miles to the east of the cape at Trelli. Care must be taken with a reef that runs out some 400m from the cape. With strong winds from W –NW fierce gusts can be expected from the land. Yachts can go bow or stern to off the quay or anchor off in depth in excess of 10m. The bottom is mud and weed and poor holding in places. There is water on the quay and fuel can be delivered. Most provisions can be obtained and there are good tavernas on the waterfront.
Epidhavros lies further to the south. Yachts can go bow or stern to the quay or pier. Alternatively anchor off in the bay. The bottom is mud and weed and provides moderate holding. There is water on the quay and fuel in the town. Most provisions can be obtained in the town and there are tavernas in the town and on the waterfront. The village sits at the bottom of wooded slopes and it is an attractive setting. A visit to the ancient Epidhavros theatre, a thirty minute taxi ride away, is well worth it. The acoustics are amazing in a theatre that seats 14,000.
Vathi is a small fishing village on the Methana peninsula. Yachts can go bow or stern to off the quay with the tavernas. Alternatively anchor off and take a long line to the breakwater. The bottom is mud and weed and good holding in the main. There are several tavernas ashore and some provisions can be found in the village. The setting here is delightful and does not get to crowded unlike a lot of the harbours in this area.
The Island of Aegina is 12 miles south west of Piraeus. The island is pine covered with beautiful beaches, picturesque villages and important historical monu
ments. Aigina Town. Be aware of the ferries and hydrofoils travelling at speed at the entrance to the harbour. Yachts can go bow or stern to the town quay. Alternatively use the marina outside the southern breakwater. The holding is good in the main in mud but there are some rocks. Shelter is good in all but strong southerlies that produce some swell. There is water and electric on the quay and in the marina. Fuel can be delivered. There is good shopping for provisions and there are some good tavernas on the waterfront.
Perdika is a small bay in the SW of Aigina. Go bow or stern to the outer end of the middle pier or on the outer end of the inside of the western breakwater. Alternatively anchor in the southern end of the bay. There is water on the quay and fuel can be delivered. Limited provisions are available but there are several good waterfront tavernas specialising in seafood.
Aiya Marina is an open bay on the eastern side of Aigina. It should only be used in calm conditions. From here you can visit the temple of Aphaea, which was built in the 6th century BC. The temple is reckoned to be the most perfectly developed in Greece.
Nisos Angistri is a small island lying 4 miles to the W of Aigina. There is a small harbour in the NW of the island. Yachts can go bow or stern to the small pier or to the inside of the breakwater. Alternatively anchor off clear of the approaches to the quay. There are several waterfront tavernas and some provisions are available from the village.
The marina at Methana lies to the southern end of the town. Care is needed negotiating the narrow entrance. Go bow or stern to the west or north quay. The holding is very good in sticky mud. Shelter is good in all conditions. Water is available on the quay and fuel can be delivered. There are good tavernas in the town and most provisions can be obtained.
Nisos Poros lies just off the coast of Peloponnisos. The island is heavily wooded; pine in the main but with some citrus and olive groves. Poros is the main town. Yachts can go bow or stern to the northern quay or alongside the southern quay. There is good all round shelter. Water is available on the quay and fuel can be delivered. The town has good sopping for all provisions and there is a wide choice of tavernas on the waterfront and in the streets behind. The town is built on rocky slopes and is one of the most attractive approaches from the sea in Greece. The ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon are to found 5 km from the main town, on the road to the monastery of Zoodochos Pighis. The temple was built in the 6th century B.C. This, according to legend, is where Demosthenes drank the "Konio" poison in 322 BC and died. Other anchorages in the locality include, Ormos Vidhi, Ak Dana, Russia Bay, Ormos Neorin, Aliki, Ormos Porou and Monastery Bay.
Nisidhes Tselevinia, the islands of Spathi and Skilli lie of Cape Skillaion. There is a secluded anchorage at the SW tip of Spathi.
Nisis Soupia lies 1.5 miles W of Spathi. Yachts can anchor where convenient, the bottom is covered in thick weed and holding is not good in places.
Ermioni is on the Peloponnisos. When approaching take care of the remains of the ancient mole on the northern side of the headland. Yachts can go bow or stern to on the inside of the outer mole. Alternatively anchor in the bay to the north. The bottom is mud and weed with some rocks with poor holding in places. There is a quayed area on the southern side of the peninsula that can be used with offshore winds. Water is available on the quay and there is fuel in the village. Most provisions can be obtained and there are plenty of tavernas. Ermioni remains comparatively undeveloped.
Ormos Kapari is the large bay to the south of Ermioni. Yachts can anchor in the SW corner where there is shelter from the prevailing winds. The bottom is sand and weed with good shelter.
Hydra or Idhra is the long, narrow island lying parallel to the Peloponnisos coast. There is not much written about the island until around the 15th century. Around 1460 Albanian refugees who were later joined by settlers from Crete, Evia and Kythnos settled Hydra. Then in the 18th century Hydra welcomed a large number of refugees from the Peloponnisos during the war between Russia and Turkey. In 1792 the town was almost completely abandoned when the plague killed much of the population. But by the end of the 18th century Hydra had become quite prosperous because of its commercial fleet that was trading as far as France, Spain and even the Americas. When the war of independence broke out Hydra was in a position to contribute some 150 ships and supplies to fight against the Turks. However when Greece did finally achieve independence in 1821 Hydra was economically isolated and did not receive its fair share of assistance from the new state and a period of hardship and unemployment set in causing many of the inhabitants to abandon it leaving behind large mansions and beautiful residences that fell into ruin. Yachts can go bow or stern to the town quay or on the northern mole. The bottom is mud and weed and poor holding in places. Strong winds from the N - NW produce a dangerous surge in the harbour and the north mole is the only safe place. There is water on the quay. The town will provide most provisions. As far as eating out goes the waterfront tavernas are over priced and you will find much better value in the town.
Mandraki is a bay about 0.75 miles east of Hydra. Yachts can anchor were convenient. The bottom is sand, mud and weed with good holding. There are tavernas ashore.
Other anchorages on Hydra include Vlikhos, Ormos Molos, Petassi, Bisti and Ay Nikolaos.
Spetsai lies at the mouth of the Gulf of Argolikos. Pine trees cover much of the island. Like Hydra, Spetsai played an important role during the Greek Revolution of 1821 committing her fleet which was commanded by the heroine Laskarina Bouboulina Spetsai has the same policy with cars as Hydra: they are not permitted on the island and transportation is, like in Hydra, effectuated by horse-drawn carriage, donkey or taxi-boat. Yachts can anchor in the bay with a line to the shore or go bows to in the inner harbour if there is room. In the outer harbour the bottom is sand and weed and poor holding in places. Shelter in the inner harbour is excellent but winds from the NW push swell into the outer harbour making it uncomfortable. There is water and fuel on the quay. There is good shopping with a supermarket close to the harbour. There are good tavernas around the harbour and in the town. Look out for Spetsai’s specialty, "Fish a la Spetsiota" cooked in the oven with a lot of tomato and green peppers and covered in cheese. The town and harbour are attractive with many houses and mansions dating back some 200 years.
Ormos Zoyioryia is a large bay in the NW of Spetsai. Yachts can anchor in the bay in depths of 5 - 8m. There is a small cove on the western side of the bay that offers shelter from all but winds from the NE - E. This is an attractive anchorage, clear water surrounded by wooded slopes and there is a single taverna ashore.
Port Kheli is on the Peloponnisos. Yachts can go bow or stern to the quay or anchor off. The bottom is mud and excellent holding. Shelter is also excellent. Drinking water and fuel are delivered by tanker. Most provisions can be obtained in the village. There are good tavernas in the village and on the waterfront. The bay is home to many water sports and in the summer has a busy feel to it. There are also anchorages on either side of the entrance channel.
Koiladhia is a large bay on the eastern side of the Gulf of Argolikos. Yachts can anchor of the village in 2 - 3m. Excellent holding on mud and good all round shelter. There is water on the quay and most provisions are available. The tavernas on the waterfront are good and often have fresh fish available.
Khaidhari is set at the top of Ormis Dhrepanou. Yachts can anchor in the bay or go bow to the outer end of the mole. Holding is good in mud and weed and there is good all round shelter. There are tavernas ashore.
Tolo is a small harbour. Yachts can anchor of or go alongside, stern or bow to the mole. The bottom is sand and good holding. Water is limited. Most provisions can be obtained and there are plenty of waterfront tavernas that often have fresh fish available. The village is now a bust tourist resort with its fine sandy beach.
Navplion lies at the head of the Gulf of Argolikos. Yachts should berth on the quay in the inner basin. The bottom is mud and holding is difficult. Shelter is good with the exception of strong NW winds. If the swell becomes too bad yachts are better anchored off. There is water on the quay and fuel in the town. All provisions can be obtained and there are numerous tavernas. The town is beautiful. Houses from the 18th and 19th centuries are covered with bougainvillea or clematis. Navplion was briefly the capital of Greece after the war of independence until Athens was chosen as the permanent capital.
Astrous is on the western side of the gulf. Yachts can go bow or stern to either mole. The bottom is mud and weed and poor holding in places. Astrous is notorious for the strong katabatic winds that blow off the mountain at night time. There is water on the mole. Most provisions can be obtained but there is better shopping in the town some 2 miles away. There are good tavernas on the waterfront and in the village.
Further to the south is Leonidhion. Yachts can bow or stern to the mole. The bottom is hard sand and rock and poor holding in places. There is limited shelter from the prevailing winds. Water is available on the quay. Limited provisions can be obtained but there are good waterfront tavernas.
Kiparissi is a large bay. Yachts can anchor of the village of Paralia or go alongside the ferry quay. Alternatively go bow or stern to the quay in the SE corner of the bay. A third choice is to anchor in the north of the bay or lastly berth at the mole in the north of the bay. There are provisions and tavernas in the village. The bay is completely unspoilt and is surrounded by high mountains.
Ireaka lies at the head of a bay. Yachts can go bow to the quay. The bottom is mud weed and rock and reasonable holding in the main. There are tavernas ashore and limited provisions are available.
Monemvasia is an island linked to the Peloponnisos by a causeway. Yachts can go bow or stern to the mole or anchor off. The bottom is sand, weed and rock with poor holding in places. Water and fuel can be delivered. All provisions can be obtained and there are several tavernas in the old village in a lovely setting. Try the char grilled octopus here.
Suggested Itineraries & Routes - Click the following link for a selection of suggested yacht charter itineraries in the Saronic
Marinas - Detailed reports and information on Marinas, Harbours and Anchorages in Saronic area can be found in our Cruising Guide
Experience & Qualifications - Normally the proposed skipper of a bareboat charter is required to hold a sailing license. ICC or equivalent. In certain circumstances we may be able to consider experience rather than formal qualifications. In addition, usually, one member of the crew will need a VHF license. If you have any doubts as to whether you have the necessary qualifications please do not hesitate to contact us
Visa Requirements - Greece is a member of the European Union. See the following link for EU Visa Regulations
Charter Season - Many of our yachts can be hired year round. While November to February see many sunny days with pleasant temperatures they also see a number of stormy days accompanied by heavy rain. July and August are the most popular months, they also tend to be the most expensive and many marinas and resorts will be very crowded. The months either side of the peak summer period offer good value for money, temperatures are that little bit more comfortable and the area is will have less of a "busy" feel.
Climate - It is difficult to generalise about weather patterns within the area. In the summer months the north usually sees the Meltemi from the NNE - NE. But unlike the rest of the Aegean it is by no means guaranteed and if it does not blow winds are usually light and from the south. The prevailing wind in the south of the area is from the SE and it will blow from midday before calming in the evening. It usually does not exceed force 5. There are limited problems with gusts from high land. Astrous on the Peloponnisos is renowned for a katabatic wind at night. It gets up quickly from calm conditions and can blow a force 7 for up to 6 hours. See the following link for detailed information on the weather of the Saronic gulf complete with monthly averages for air and sea temperatures, sunshine hours and UV Index
How to Get There - The Saronic Gulf is served by the international airports of Athens. Click on the following link for airlines and carriers operating out of Athens Airports
Time Difference - GMT+2
Currency - Euro. Major credit cards are widely accepted and there is an extensive network of ATMs throughout the area
Language - Greek. English is widely spoken
Electricity - 220V
Cusine -
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