Athens to Saronic Islands Gulet Cruise

7 Days | 6 Nights itinerary

Greece

Overview

This 7-day gulet cruise starts and ends in Athens and links the best of the Saronic Gulf: Poros, Spetses, Porto Heli, Hydra, Epidaurus and Agistri. The islands are close to Athens and to each other, so the sailing legs are short and you have plenty of time to swim in sheltered bays, explore harbour towns and enjoy long lunches on board.

Highlights include the car-free island of Hydra with its marble-paved lanes and 18th-century harbour, elegant Spetses, the safe natural harbour of Porto Heli, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and the pine-covered beaches of Agistri. It is an easy, relaxed route for families, friends and first-time gulet guests.

The sailing season runs from spring to autumn, and your captain can usually adjust stops to the weather and your preferences. Contact us for availability and prices for a private gulet charter on this route, or choose a gulet from the list below.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Athens to Poros Board your gulet in Athens and set sail for Poros, a vibrant little island famous for its beautiful beaches, emerald bays and lively waterfront bars and restaurants.

Day 2

Poros to Spetses The sail to Spetses takes around 4-5 hours, so we suggest stopping in one of the sheltered bays along the way for a swim in the Aegean and some brunch. Lying in the southeast of the Saronic Gulf, Spetses was known to the Venetians as 'Isola di Spezzie', the 'Island of Spices'. Cars are largely banned here, and people get around by bus, scooter, bike or horse carriage. Pretty and easy to explore, Spetses is a favourite weekend getaway for Athenians escaping the city heat.

Day 3

Spetses to Porto Heli Porto Heli is a beautiful town built around a picturesque natural harbour in the southern Peloponnese. Surrounded by pine-covered hills, it is one of the safest harbours in Greece and has plenty of traditional charm.

Day 4

Porto Heli to Hydra Hydra has long been loved by Greeks and visitors alike. There are no cars here: donkeys and mules carry luggage along the tiny marble-cobbled lanes. With its exquisite architecture, rich history and a lively waterfront framed by an 18th-century marble-quayed harbour, Hydra is the true gem of the Saronic Gulf.

Day 5

Hydra to Epidaurus Epidaurus is an oasis in the Argolid and home to one of the most famous ancient theatres in Greece. Built in the Hellenistic period, the theatre is still in excellent condition and hosts performances throughout the summer. It is a short drive inland from the harbour.

Day 6

Epidaurus to Agistri Take a leisurely sail north to Agistri, a tiny island in the middle of the Saronic Gulf. Known as one of the most unspoiled Greek islands, with azure water and lush pine forests, it is an idyllic place to relax on your last day. Once you have enjoyed the last of the sun, sail back to Athens as your cruise comes to a close.