Greece, Saronic Gulf and Attica

Athens

Athens is the largest charter hub in Greece: Alimos marina alone holds more yachts than any other Greek base, 30 minutes from the airport, with the Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses in an easy week and the Cyclades one long day away from Lavrion for crews who want wind.

Hydra town and harbour with the Peloponnese coast behind, Saronic Gulf

BEST FOR

First charters in Greece, families and mixed crews who want short legs and a car-free island every evening, and anyone who wants to add the Acropolis to a sailing week.

SAILING LEVEL

Easy to moderate in the Saronic Gulf: legs of 12 to 30 NM in the lee of the Peloponnese, an afternoon breeze rather than the Meltemi; moderate to challenging towards the Cyclades from Lavrion in July and August.

TYPICAL SEASON

May, June, September and early October; July and August are hot, the harbours of Hydra and Poros fill by early afternoon, and the Meltemi rules the Cyclades leg.

MAIN BASES

Alimos Marina (Kalamaki), 30 minutes from Athens airport and 20 from the centre, the largest charter marina in the Mediterranean; Lavrion (Olympic Marina and the main port) on the east coast of Attica, the better start for Kea, Kythnos and the Cyclades.

YACHT TYPES

Sailing yachts 36 to 50 ft make up most of Alimos; catamarans 40 to 46 ft; motor yachts and crewed gulets for the Saronic circuit. The bigger the fleet, the better the deals in June and September.

A typical week from Alimos

Charters run Saturday to Saturday, check-in from 5 pm, back in Alimos on Friday evening. The Saronic loop is the classic first week in Greece: islands and mainland harbours, none more than 30 NM apart.

Day 1, Alimos to Aegina (18 NM). Out past Piraeus and the tanker anchorage to Aegina town quay, or on to Perdika at the south tip for the fish tavernas and the swim off Moni island.

Day 2, to Poros (18 NM). The narrow channel between Poros town and the Peloponnese; berth on the town quay or anchor in Russian Bay to the west.

Day 3, to Hydra (13 NM). The stone harbour with no cars and no room: arrive before 1 pm or accept a raft; Mandraki, one mile east, is the fallback with a swim.

Day 4, to Spetses (15 NM). The old harbour of Baltiza is tight; the town quay or the anchorage in Zogeria bay on the north-west coast are easier.

Day 5, to Ermioni or Porto Cheli (10 NM). Two mainland harbours facing Spetses: Ermioni's north quay and its tavernas, or the big sheltered bay of Porto Cheli.

Day 6, to Poros or Aegina (20 to 25 NM). Back north with the afternoon breeze behind you; Perdika on Aegina keeps the last leg short.

Day 7, to Alimos (18 to 30 NM). A morning sail and the yacht back for the Friday evening check-in, then a night in Athens if the flight allows.

Crews with a second week continue to Nafplio, Monemvasia and the east coast of the Peloponnese, or start from Lavrion for Kea, Kythnos, Serifos and Sifnos with the Meltemi to count on. Our Athens itineraries detail both.

Practical points for an Athens charter

Licences

Greek rules: the skipper holds a recognised sailing licence and a second crew member signs a declaration of sailing experience as co-skipper; the operator sends the crew list to the port police before departure. No licence, no bareboat, but Alimos has more professional skippers available than any other base.

Wind and sea

The Saronic Gulf is sheltered by the Peloponnese: a thermal breeze of 10 to 18 knots from the south builds after noon and dies at sunset. The Meltemi from the north reaches 25 to 35 knots in the Cyclades in July and August and is felt around Cape Sounion; it rarely stops the Saronic loop. Spring and autumn bring a few days of southerlies with rain.

Moorings and fees

Town quays cost 10 to 30 euros a night with water and electricity by card; Hydra and Poros fill early in season; anchorages are free. Diesel and the end-cleaning fee are added on return; the cruising tax (TEPAI) is the operator's and should be in the price you compare. A one-way to Lavrion is possible with the larger operators.

Getting there

Athens airport to Alimos is 30 to 40 minutes by taxi (about 45 euros) or one hour by metro and tram; Lavrion is 30 minutes from the airport. Provisioning: supermarkets across the road from Alimos, delivery to the yacht on request.

Saronic or Cyclades from Athens?

Saronic for a first week or a family: short legs and shelter. Cyclades from Lavrion for experienced crews, preferably in June or September and with two weeks.

Can we see the Acropolis?

Arrive on Friday: check-in is Saturday afternoon and Alimos is 20 minutes from the centre. The Friday evening return also leaves time for a last dinner in the Plaka.

Is Hydra reachable in a week?

Yes, on day three; leave early and reach the harbour before lunch. The night in Mandraki or Ermioni is the fallback when the quay is full.

What does Seeksail need to advise us?

Dates, cabins, licence held, skipper or not, Saronic or Cyclades, and we shortlist three yachts from Alimos or Lavrion with a recommendation.

PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE

Practical guides for this destination

Use these guides to resolve the yacht, crew, timing and cost decisions that affect this charter region.

More destination-specific guides are being prepared.

Not sure which route or yacht fits your group?

Tell us your dates, group and priorities. A Seeksail adviser will review your request and help you find suitable yachts, normally within one business day.

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