Crystal seas, paradise islands

Discover the Saronic and Cycladic islands on a bareboat charter vacation from our base at Zea Marina. Strong winds and long spells of blue water sailing make the Saronic Gulf ideal for more experienced skippers, with the famous Meltemi wind. This wind can occur anytime between May and October but is most frequent in summer, June through  September. Its maximum strength and duration is during July and August. It may blow for a single day or up to a week, although usually, 3 to 4 days is most common. This wind can offer welcome relief on a hot summers day when temperatures in and around Athens can be very hot.

Sail at your own pace and discover the ancient relics, stunning scenery and lively culture of the Aegean Sea on a bareboat charter vacation.

Athens itinerary

7
Days

Highlights

  • Aegean seafood
  • Historic Athens
  • Traditional villages
  • Epidaurus Theatre
  • Fantastic Saronic sailing
  • Great hiking and snorkeling
Day 1

Zea Marina

The day's sailing

0 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring

Our base at Zea Marina is conveniently located just a short taxi or metro ride from central Athens. Explore the sights of this unique city, taking in the famous Acropolis and the Parthenon, or just soak up the atmosphere of Greece’s bustling capital. Stay in Zea Marina for the night and enjoy the area’s excellent tavernas or visit the compelling maritime museum.

Day 2

Zea Marina to Perdika, Aegina

The day's sailing

16
Nautical miles
3 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring

Cruise out into the Saronic Gulf from Zea Marina, bearing southwest for the island of Aegina. Steer clear of the tiny islets of Lagousa and Lagousaki, hugging Aegina’s west coast as you make your way through the sparkling Aegean to Perdika. A peaceful, traditional fishing village, Perdika is one of the best destinations in the region to sample delicious local seafood.

Discover Perdika

Moni Island

Sail to uninhabited Moni Island to swim and snorkel from the beach and encounter the island’s tame goats, deer and peacocks.

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Visit the Temple of Athena Aphaia

Visit the Temple of Athena Aphaia, which has been dedicated to Goddess Athena, and is one of the ancient architectural wonders of ancient Greece. The Temple is situated on top of a hill, about 13 km east of the main port.

Suggested lunch spot

Take a ride in the traditional carriages, taste the famous local pistachios of Aegina and have lunch at the traditional taverns with fresh fish accompanied with ouzo.

Day 3

Perdika, Aegina to Poros Town

The day's sailing

14
Nautical miles
2 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring

Poros Town is built on a narrow peninsula protruding from the island’s south side. Lively, busy and fun, Poros is known for its excellent nightlife. Chill out in a waterside taverna or head to the north of the island for a quieter, more rural experience.

Discover Poros Town

Suggested lunch spots

Call in at one of the secluded coves around Cape Kalavria to the north of Poros Island for lunch in the peace and tranquillity of this incredible landscape. Set your anchor well, as the winds here can be strong.

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Visit the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon

Visit the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon which were built in 520 BC. It is in the north part of the island.

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Visit the Poros Museum

At the centre of Poros, there is an archeological museum at Korizis Square that contains exhibits mostly from the Mycenae’s to the roman’s era.

Day 4

Poros Town to Hydra Town

The day's sailing

12
Nautical miles
1.5 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring
Hydra, Greece

Hydra Town is rich in contemporary culture, with art, theatre and museums playing a prominent role in local life. You’ll have to make your way around on foot, as cars are forbidden in Hydra town.

Discover Hydra Town

Suggested lunch spots

Anchor at one of the tiny, uninhabited Kelevini Islands for a chilled-out lunch break miles from the nearest town.

glb_ss_hydratownmuseum

Visit the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra

The Historical Archives Museum of Hydra includes educational, administrative and religious archives, manuscripts from the Greek Revolution, old books, maps, and others. The museum also hosts relics from the Balkans Wars and the two world wars, traditional costumes, carvings, naval instruments and paintings.

glb_ss_hydra_amydgalota

Try a Local Delicacy

Taste the delicious local delicacy ‘amydgalota’, which are classic Greek almond cookies symbolizing new beginnings.

Day 5

Hydra Town to Methana

The day's sailing

19
Nautical miles
3.5 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring
Vathi (Meganissi), Greece

Methana is situated on a volcanic (the Methana Volcano) peninsula, attached to the Peloponnese. Explore the stunning volcanic landscape, coastal villages and varied flora and fauna.

Discover Methana

Mountain views

Climb into the mountains behind the village for spectacular views of the scattered Aegean Islands.

Suggested lunch spots

Stop at Methana Town for lunch and even a dip in one of the volcanic island’s sulphurous pools.

Day 6

Methana to Epidaurus Town

The day's sailing

29
Nautical miles
4 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring
Epidaurus Theatre Greece

Sail across the broad passage that separates Methana from the mainland, aiming for the rectangular bay of Epidaurus Town. Pretty Epidaurus Town is a lovely spot to stop for the evening and enjoy a leisurely meal, but the town is mainly known as a gateway to the incredible Epidaurus Theatre. Known for its beauty and symmetry, Epidaurus Theatre is a remarkably well-preserved ruin dating back to the 4th century BC. A must see.

Discover Epidaurus Town

glb_ss_epidaurustheatre

Visit the Theatre

Ancient Epidaurus is among the most famous archaeological sites in Greece. In summer there are a lot of organized cultural events. The theatre is famous for its superb acoustics.

Day 7

Epidaurus Town to Zea Marina

The day's sailing

28
Nautical miles
4 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring

Enjoy a long spell of blue water sailing across the mouth of the Megara Gulf on your return to Zea Marina by 5pm. Take your time as you cruise past the islands of the Saronic Gulf, making the most of the last day of your flotilla holiday. Alternatively, leave early to give yourself time to explore Zea Marina and nearby Athens before you make your way home.

Discover Zea Marina

Suggested lunch spots

Anchor off one of the tiny Saronic Gulf islets to enjoy a peaceful lunch break on your way back to Zea Marina.