Sailing in Saronic

The Saronic Gulf or Gulf of Aegina in Greece forms part of the Aegean Sea and defines the eastern side of the isthmus of Corinth. It is the eastern terminus of the Corinth Canal, which cuts across the isthmus. Islands that are lined in the middle of the Gulf are Aegina, Salamis, and Poros along with smaller islands of Patroklou and Vleves. The port of Piraeus, Athens' port, lies on the northeastern edge of the gulf. The site of the former Ellinikon International Airport is also in the northeast. Beaches are lined up to much of its coast from Poros to Epidaurus, Galataki to Kineta and from Megara to Eleusis and from Piraeus down to Anavyssos. Athens' urban area surrounds the northern and the eastern coasts of this gulf.

Bays in the gulf include Phaleron Bay, Elefsina Bay to the north and Kechries Bay in the northwest.

The volcanoes of Methana is to the southwest along with Kromyonia at the Isthmus of Corinth, Aegina and Poros. Methana is also the youngest, active volcano center and the northwestern end of the cycladic arch of active volcanoes like Milos island, Santorini island and Nisyros island. The last eruption took place in a submarine volcano north of Methana in the 17th century.

The gulf has refineries around the northern part of the gulf including east of Corinth and west of Agioi Theodoroi, Eleusis, Aspropyrgos, Skaramangas and Keratsini, mainly in the northern part and the most refineries around gulfs in Greece and production. The ships cross these routes. The total production are one of the highest in Greece. Most of the oils are mainly exported. The route cross the strait between Salamis and Perama. These refineries are Athens' main oil production and the rest of Greece.

The origin of the name comes from the mythological king Saron who drowned at the Psifaei lake (modern Psifta). The Saronic Gulf was a string of six entrances to the Underworld, each guarded by a chthonic enemy in the shapes of thieves and bandits.

The Battle of Salamis changed the development of Europe until today.

Sailing in Saronic-Argolic Gulf and East Coast of Peloponese.

The Argo-Saronic Islands are Angistri, Aegina, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, Hydra and the coastal area of Methana. In Eastern Peloponese coast there are many smaller or bigger ports as well as nice anchorages. Among the ports you shouldn't miss Nafplion, Epidavros, Ermioni, Astros, Leonidion, Yerakas, Monemvasia (referred to as the Greek Gibraltar).  If you have the time of two weeks and more, you could sail to Monemvasia, Elaphonissos and Kithira that will surprise you nicely with their natural beauty, large sandy beaches, unspoiled and friendly small ports and peacefull anchorages.

This area is ideal for beginers and it is strongly suggested if you are sailing in Greece for the first time since it is well protected from strong winds and there are several options for your itinerary. 

When sailing in this area, you will find short passages inbetween the islands. Nice bays for swimming, places of historical interest, nightlife,shopping markets, small towns and traditional villages; a well-promissing combination for your sailing holidays in Greece!

The Meltemi season (strong North winds blowing especially during July and August) is not as strong as it is in Cyclades or Dodecanese.  During this period wind direction is from Nort to North East and wind force is about 4-5. Methana peninsula and Poros are more protected.

When winds are not from North, they are generally from South, force 2-3. In Hydra and Argolic Gulf, wind is mostly from South East, blowing force 3-5 during day and lower during night.

Weak Meltemi winds are found in Eastern Peloponese Coast blowing from North East or South East.
During spring and autumn, winds are weaker and from the South over the whole area.

Depending on the duration of your holidays, the embarkation/disembarakation port, if you looking for relaxing cruising holidays or a tough sailing route, we can suggest you itineraries for one week charter or two weeks charter.

You can always contact us to plan together the route that is more suitable for your needs!

1 week cruise

•    ALIMOS MARINA
•    ANGISTRI
•    POROS
•    HYDRA
•    SPETSAI
•    PERDICA
•    ALIMOS MARINA

2 weeks cruise

•    ALIMOS MARINA
•    POROS
•    HYDRA
•    DOKOS
•    SPETSAI
•    PORTO HELI
•    NAFPLION
•    YERACAS
•    ASTROS
•    ERMIONI
•    HYDRA
•    AEGINA
•    SOUNION
•    ALIMOS MARINA