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SARONIC ISLANDS

From our main Base in Athens and Lavrion, you can sail to the Saronic and Argolic islands.

"On a summer night, I have sat on the balcony drinking Ouzo, watching the ghosts of Greek Heroes sailing past, listening to the rustle of their sail cloths and the gentle lapping of their oars"

Phil Simpkin.

GEOGRAPHY & HISTORY

These Islands are highly recommended for a first time sailing trip to Greece due to their proximity to the Main Airport of Athens, the short distances between the islands and the relatively sheltered waters of the two Gulfs.

 

The Saronic Islands or Argo-Saronic Islands is an archipelago in Greece, named after the Saronic Gulf in which they are located, just off the Greek mainland. The main inhabited islands of this group are Salamis, Aegina, Agistri, and Poros. The islands of Hydra and Dokos, which lie off the northeast tip of the Peloponnese (technically between the Saronic Gulf and the Argolic Gulf), are sometimes included as part of the Saronic Islands.

Salamis, the largest island of the group, is where the ancient Greek navy defeated the Persians in the Battle of Salamis. This is because they are close islands from Athens. Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses have developed a lot in tourism over the last years, while Agistri is not that famous however, a true gem to explore. The crystal clear waters, the relaxing atmosphere and the long history are the most distinctive characteristics of the islands in the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs and each have a different character.

Poros is great for sailing and swimming, Hydra has a fabulous port and amazing architecture and there are no cars or bikes allowed, Spetses stands out for the elegant mansions and pine forest and Aegina is ideal for sailors and for family vacations.

saronic greece

saronic greece

CLIMATE AND LOCAL PRODUCTS

The climate in the Saronic islands is typical Mediterranean with mild winters with some rain and warm, sunny summer days.

The islands of the Saronic are home to several types of trees, including the Mediterranean Pine tree. Their soil is fertile and the first settlers on these islands soon learned how to use the various herbs, which make their home in these islands, as healing remedies.

Amongst the herbs that you can find there's Chamomile, oregano, rosemary, many thyme varieties and sage. At the rocks by the seaside you can find caper bushes which make a wonderful addition to a traditional Greek Salad and a number of other dishes!

Have you tried peanut butter made with Aegina's Pistachios? The Pistachios of Aegina are considered to be of the finest quality in the world! If you like pistachios, at the island of Aegina you'll find it in a number of wonderful and creative forms.

LEASURE, DISCOVERY & CULTURE

At the main marina or hidden in the alleys of its old town of Aegina you'll find a number of cafés and bars, usually populated by a healthy number of people from the sailing community. At Poro's charming old town, you'll enjoy wonderful views up, from the old clock tower. Hydra is ideal for some romantic walk in the sunset, enjoying the marine breeze and the fact that cars are banned from the island. At Spetses you'll find a thriving night-life popular with the sailing community.

If you're interested in history, then you'll find the Saronic Islands not to disappoint. You'll discover the Temple of Aphaia, and its stunning views in Aegina, the Archaeological museum and Castle of Poros, various historic buildings and monasteries in Hydra, and the Bouboulina Museum telling the story if the Greek Heroine of the Revolution in Spetses.

On the non-island destinations that you can visit, Monemvasia is a breathtaking Byzantine, medieval tower, surrounded by the sea, and founded in the 6th Century. In its cobblestone narrow streets, you can feel like you're traveling back in time and discover its long history, left behind by the Byzantines, the Crusaders, the Venetians and the Turks.

At the ancient theater of Epidavrus, standing since 340-330 B.C., you can discover the renowned monument of UNESCO’s World Heritage amongst orange and olive groves and a number of traditional tavernas serving fresh fish and seafood.

The old town of Nafplio was founded by Nafplios, the very son of Poseidon and Anymone, the daughter of Danaus, according to mythology. Walk the beautifully and picturesque narrow stone paths, climb the 913 winding, stone stairs to the Medieval fortress, if you dare, and discover its many cafés, bars and taverns. Nafplio's sea and sky have an impossible blue, which you need to experience to believe.

saronic greece

saronic greece

Island Selections: Seven-day Itineraries to the Saronic Islands

FROM ATHENS

  • Day 1: Alimos marina– Aegina
  • Day 2: Aegina – Poros
  • Day 3: Poros – Hydra
  • Day 4: Hydra – Nafplion
  • Day 5: Nafplion – Spetses
  • Day 6: Spetses – Agistri
  • Day 7: Agistri – Alimos

See Map

FROM ATHENS

  • Day 1: Alimos marina– Agistri
  • Day 2: Agisri – Hydra
  • Day 3: Hydra – Leonidion
  • Day 4: Leonidion – Monemvasia
  • Day 5: Monemvasia – Poros
  • Day 6: Poros – Aegina
  • Day 7: Aegina – Alimos

See Map

FROM ATHENS

  • Day 1: Alimos marina– Aegina
  • Day 2: Aegina – Epidavros
  • Day 3: Epidavros – Poros
  • Day 4: Poros – Hydra
  • Day 5: Hydra – Spetses
  • Day 6: Spetses – Agistri
  • Day 7: Agistri – Alimos

See Map

 

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