7 Days Sailing the Saronic Gulf
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The Saronic Gulf is an impeccable cruising area that is full of
contrasts. Pristine and immaculate, the region is also home to the
bustling ancient city of Athens offering convenient worldwide
flights. An undeniable advantage of luxury charters in
Greece is that the country breathes the air of
ancient civilizations, including Greeks, Romans, Persians and
Turks, and creates a luxurious ambiance of a place where old meets
new. A land of ancient philosophy, it is paved with amphitheaters,
agoras and temples once attended by men clothed in togas who
perceived astronomy, law, mathematics and philosophy. Visit
whitewashed villages lining picturesque islands rising from
majestic blue waters. A sailing vacation in the Saronic Gulf is a
true definition of a perfect luxury getaway.
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Day 1: Athens
Your yacht will be waiting for you in Piraeus, a port located
nearby Athens, but if you have some spare time, go up to the
capital to visit Syntagma Square, the oldest and most important
square of modern Athens, or explore monuments and temples downtown.
Stay in town for dinner or opt for a quiet evening ashore
accompanied by a freshly prepared cocktail.
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Day 2: Poros
On your way to Poros, stop in Perdika on the island of Aegina to
stroll lazily through this charming ancient village lined with
traditional white houses while the harbor itself is a refuge for
boats of local fishermen. Continue your cruise south to Poros and
have lunch on the aft deck or flybridge before having dessert at a
quaint waterfront café. Enjoy a Greek frappe, the most popular
summer drink in Greece known worldwide. Main sites in Poros include
neoclassical hillside buildings, an archeological museum, ruins of
the Sanctuary of Poseidon and the Bourtzi castle. Visit Love Bay in
the evening for a serene picnic or dance the night away in one of
the island’s clubs.
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Day 3: Hydra
Sail over to the island of Hydra, one of the most enchanting and
pristine in the region. Hydra has not changed over the centuries
and in order to maintain this spotlessness, no cars or in fact any
motor vehicles are allowed and all transport is done on foot or by
donkey. Visit Hydra Town dubbed the most romantic place in Greece.
Traditional and harbored, the village is lined with beautiful
mansions dating back to the 19th century that were owned by wealthy
merchants and ship owners. The scenic architecture is protected by
the law which prohibits any modern construction that could possibly
spoil the immaculateness of the town.
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Day 4: Spetses
Spetses is a large and utterly enchanting island. The main town
spreads along rocky slopes and its narrow paved streets are lined
with elegant mansions. Having been conquered by different powers
throughout the ages, Spetses has epic stories to tell. In the 18th
century many Albanian Christians took refuge on the island to
escape Turkish persecution and the island’s role was also
considerable during the Greek War of Independence, the key figure
being Bouboulina, a heroic woman admiral. Shipyards continue
building fishing boats the traditional way.
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Day 5: Epidaurus
Sail back around the boot to reach Epidavros, a quaint mainland
village being the gateway to a well preserved amphitheater. This
perfectly designed ancient construction required no modern audio
technologies- any whisper spoken on this historical stage can be
heard even from the furthest part of this 14,000-seat auditorium.
Summertime is perfect for visiting the site as the theater hosts
performances of ancient Greek drama.
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Day 6: Agia Marina
Cruise back to the island of Aegina and moor safely in Agia Marina.
Step ashore for the day as the island is fabulous not only for
lounging around on the beach and taking advantage of water toys,
but also for magnificent sightseeing. Visitors are attracted to the
Doric sanctuary of Aphaia Athina which dominates the region in all
dignity. Also worthwhile is the ruined town of Paleohora, once a
capital of the island, a site boasting of close to 30 churches
testifying of ingenious Greek architecture. Although pristine and
peaceful during the day, Agia Marina is brought back to life during
the evenings so you can be sure of taking part in a night-long
fiesta.
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Day 7: Athens
Enjoy breakfast onboard and stop by a secluded islet on your way
back to Piraeus for a refreshing late-morning swim or snorkeling
session. As you cruise back to your original port of Piraeus,
lounge around in the sun on the foredeck of your yacht to catch
some last-minute sunrays. If you have some spare time before
departing home, make sure to shop for some authentic souvenirs from
your cruise.