Greece · Aegean Sea
Saronic Gulf
Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses – close to Athens and sheltered from the Meltemi.
Der Hafenort Hydra im Saronischen Golf, Griechenland · Photo: Herbert Ortner · CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The sailing area
Saronic Gulf · Greece · Aegean Sea
The Saronic Gulf and Argolis are right on Athens' doorstep and are much calmer in summer than the exposed Cyclades. Ideal for a first week sailing in Greece or a short cruise.
Hydra is car-free and famous for its harbour, Poros lies on a narrow channel, and Ermioni or Porto Cheli on the Peloponnese offer sheltered anchorages. Epidaurus, with its ancient theatre, is well worth a detour.
Nautical chart with anchorages
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Anchorages in Saronic Gulf
Bays, harbours and mooring fields in Greece. Coordinates are approximate and not for navigation. Google Maps shows a place search, not a verified anchoring position.
- 1
Perdika (Aegina)
Harbour · 37.689° N, 23.458° E
Fishing village with tavernas and views of Moni.
Search in Google Maps - 2
- 3
- 4
Poros – Town Quay
Harbour · 37.499° N, 23.455° E
Lively harbour on the narrow channel.
Search in Google Maps - 5
Hydra – Harbour
Harbour · 37.350° N, 23.467° E
Iconic but cramped – arrive early.
Search in Google Maps - 6
Mandraki (Hydra)
Bay · 37.354° N, 23.483° E
Quiet alternative to Hydra's harbour.
Search in Google Maps - 7
- 8
Porto Cheli
Bay · 37.326° N, 23.146° E
Lagoon sheltered on all sides, ideal in strong winds.
Search in Google Maps - 9
Palaia Epidavros
Harbour · 37.637° N, 23.159° E
Starting point for a visit to the ancient theatre.
Search in Google Maps
Suggested itineraries
Saronic Islands from Athens
7 days · approx. 115 sm
Varied sailing and cultural experiences, with sheltered passages.
- Athens (Alimos)
- Aegina
- Epidavros
- Poros
- Hydra
- Spetses
- Dokos
- Athens
Coordinates are approximate and do not replace an official nautical chart or an up-to-date harbour guide.
Passage planning for Saronic Gulf
If you're planning a sailing trip in Saronic Gulf you should familiarise yourself with the wind, weather and local conditions beforehand. The best time to visit is usually during the season April to October. The difficulty level for this sailing area is “Beginner” – so plan your daily legs to leave enough time for changes in the weather, breaks and relaxed anchoring.
Wind and weather
Typical conditions in this sailing area: Mostly moderate winds, with a weaker Meltemi than in the Cyclades. Check the latest weather report and the forecast for the next few days every morning. Many bays only offer shelter from certain directions. Having an alternative anchorage up your sleeve makes any sailing trip much more relaxed.
Anchoring with a catamaran
A catamaran like our Lagoon 42 can reach shallower bays thanks to its shallow draught. Still, pay attention to the seabed: seagrass meadows are protected and provide poor holding. Sandy patches are the better choice. Let out enough chain, rig an anchor bridle and check that the anchor is holding securely after setting it.
Before casting off
For Greece get up-to-date nautical charts and a harbour guide, and find out about local fees, protected areas and regulations. The map and coordinates on this page are planning aids, but do not replace navigation on board.