Yacht charter itinerary Saronic

Example Saronic Islands sailing routes...............

For an excellent yacht charter holiday whatever the winds.

7 day typical itinerary:

AEGINA is the closet island as you depart from Kalamaki marina and is usually the first or last stop of your trip if you are sailing the Saronic Gulf. The Temple of Aphia is well worth a visit as it has spectaculr views and the temple is one of the best developed classical temple in Greece. Don't forget to stock up on pistachios as they are produced on the island of Aegina and are probably the best in Greece. On the SW of Aegina is the small fishing village of Perdika. The tavernas in Perdika have excellent fresh fish. MONI is a small uninhabited island, opposite Perdika, that is partially wooded. It is a sanctuary for wild life and the sight of peacocks along the beach in the mornings is quite common. A small tavern operates in summer.

POROS lies very close or the Peloponnese separated from it by a narrow channel. The island is extensively wooded with pine trees reaching to the shore. In ancient times Poseidon was the patron and a few remains of a temple to Poseidon can be found on a picturesque side on the east coast. Poros town, built on rocky slopes, is attractive and the approach by sea one of the most beautiful in Greece.

HYDRA is mountainous, arid and devoid of vegetation. In 1821 it was the first island to pledge its sizable fleet to the Greek cause. It has been said that but for the Hydriot fleet and sailors, the War of Independence against the Turks would not have been won. Hydra is a fashionable resort for the rich and famous. The town remains architecturally very much of the 18th and 19th centuries with large stately houses built around the natural amphitheatre above the harbour. The total lack of vehicles adds to the atmosphere.

SPETSES is mostly covered by pine trees. The attractive town is popular with tourists and Athenians alike. The old harbour and environs with many grand old houses is a wonderful place to wander around. The local yards build the Spetses caique which is considered to be among the best in Greece. John Fowlesí novel ìThe Magusî is set on the island. In September a small caique rigged out as an old trader is set on fire to commemorate the revolt against the Turks. This is accompanied by a noisy fireworks display and much merriment.

PORTO HELI is a natural land-locked bay where many yachts choose to spend the winter. Many villas adorn the numerous coves on either side of the entrance channel into Porto Heli. Heli means eel in Greek, probably referring to the numbers of eels which once lived here. The area was once zoned as a NATO base but the plan was eventually shelved. Over the years trees have been planted and a number of hotels have been built. The serene waters of the bay offer ideal conditions for water sports.

ERMIONI has been relatively untouched by tourism. The village saddles the headland the end of which is wooded and proves idyllic for afternoon walks. On the south side of the headland where things are peaceful you can sit in a bar on the waterfront with wonderful views over the water. According to Pausanias, a festival in honour of Poseidon was held here and it is possible that Hermioni was the site of the first small boat regatta in recorded history.

Resources:


Bareboat & Skippered sailing yachts for charter in Greece
Motoryachts for charter in Greece with Crew
Sailboats with crew to rent in Greece
Motorsailers, Gulets & Caiques for charter in Greece