Discover a World of Adventure with Tranquila Yachting

The Saronic islands are very popular Greek islands for summer holidays and weekend breaks. This is because there are the closest Greek islands to Athens. Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses have developed a lot in tourism over the last years, while Agistri is not that famous but remains a true gem to explore. The crystal water, the relaxing atmosphere, and the long history are the most distinctive characteristics of Saronic Greece, which have a different character each. Poros is great for sailing, Hydra has amazing architecture, Spetses stands out for the elegant mansions and Aegina is ideal for family vacations. This Saronic islands travel guide will give you all the necessary information to organize your holiday.

For the water sports lovers, paradise can be found at the sandy beach of Agia Marina, which is ideal for wind surfing amongst other activities. On the beach you will find small stalls, renting all the necessary equipment for water sports. 

For those who prefer peace, tranquility and less people around, you can find small bays and beaches where you can enjoy the sea without being disturbed.

There are also bars and places that play Greek music so you can experience a truly traditional Greek night out. In addition to the beautiful and popular beach, there are also some very interesting sites in Agia Marina that should be visited.

One such site is the Doric Temple of Athena Aphaia, built with local limestone. It has been preserved in a very good condition throughout the years. The temple was built on a hill 4 km north of the village. Impressively enough, the Athens Acropolis, and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion were built in a way so that they create an isosceles triangle with the temple of 

In the ancient years these three temples had visual contact, so they could signal and inform the people, in case of an enemy attack or a natural disaster. The picturesque chapel of Agia Marina, from which the village took its name, is also worth visiting.

Getting to the Temple of Aphaia is a 6 minute taxi ride from Agia Marina Port.

Around 10km south of Aeginas main town, you will reach Perdika, a tranquil, traditional fishing village with much exploration to offer.

As you wander through the narrow alleyways and stairs of the village, you will come across exquisite fish tavernas serving up fresh local produce, as well as several cafes, bars and ouzeries. Take a stroll along the cobbled promenade lined with palm trees and benches to sit whilst you admire the view of the Aegean Sea.

Close by is the uninhabited Moni Island which is an attraction not to be missed, especially for its magnificent swimming and snorkelling and onland wildlife such as goats, peacocks and deer.

Mooring

Lazy line on a town quay or in Marinas

Things to do

Dine at one of the fish tavernas offering delicious seafood or enjoy swimming and snorkelling on the beach or at Moni Island.

Facilities

Mooring fee, water, electricity,ATM, fuel,supermarket, free anchoring,restaurants, bars, Ice, Gift Shop, pharmacies, hospitals

Epidaurus signifies one of the most important ancient sites in Greece, with the towns historical theatre (c. 340-330 B.C.) which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Since the 1950s, every summer there are many performances as part of a festival programme – well worth a visit.

The Epidaurus area also offers beautiful seaside villages with pristine beaches ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Scuba diving is exceptional, where you may discover ancient treasures.

If you would rather explore inland, follow the walking paths lined with ancient ruins, orange and olive groves, or dine at one of the fish tavernas to tantalise the tastebuds.

Mooring

Lazy line on a town quay or in Marinas

Things to do

Admire the acoustics of the ancient theatre; take a hike in the country and explore more ancient ruins or head to the beaches and enjoy watersports.

Facilities

Ice, water, and fuel (upon request) are available near the town dock. Further into town, additional facilities including provisioning, ATMs, restaurants, taxis, gift shops and more

1,5 km past Neorio Beach one will encounter the Russian Bay, reputedly the best beach of the island. The beautiful and picturesque bay has golden sand and clear waters and is incredibly peaceful, protected from the winds.

The Russian Bay is a historical site of high importance, as it is the place where the first Russian ships docked in order to help Greek people during the Greek Revolution against the Turks. The beach lies 5 km from Poros Town.

Approaching the town, you’ll sail through a narrow, picturesque channel that separates the island of Poros from the Peloponnese peninsula. Pine, olive and lemon trees blanket the hillsides and reach the sandy beaches. 

You’ll see a mountainous green landscape overlooking the red-topped roofs that line the streets of Poros Town. A host of cafes, bars and souvenir shops line the docks of Poros Town, but the best are located around the town square near the museum and town hall.

Majestic vistas await from the top of the island’s pine-forested interior. Consider hiring a scooter to further explore this area. At the top of the island’s highest hill, you’ll find the historic clock of Poros, a trademark of the island that is visible from everywhere. For a more historical adventure, visit Moni Zoodochou Pigis, an 18th century monastery built around the island’s only spring.

If you’re up for a good party, the most famous nightclub on the island is Poseidon, which is located on a hillside overlooking the town. The party starts at 1 p.m. and continues until the wee morning hours.

Mooring

Stern-to on the southern side of the port in Poros Town, there is also an anchorage just outside the bay

Things to do

Hire a scooter and explore the island. Relax on beautiful beaches like Megalo Neorio and Monastiriou. Dance the night away at the famous nightclub Poseidon.

Facilities

There are numerous bars and restaurants throughout Poros Town. Provisions, fuel, water and ice are also available.

Dokos is a small island of the Saronic Gulf, between Hydra, Spetses and the mainland coast of Ermioni Peloponnese. 

The landscape of the island is rocky and mountainous, while the highest peak is 308m. The island has few water reserves and the land is infertile.

About 50 permanent inhabitants live today in Dokos and they occupy mostly with agriculture and fishing. 

Organised tourism is not developed here, but the island is known among nature lovers, hikers, and free campers. Beaches in Dokos are small and clean, while the remote landscape is ideal for camping.

Situated in the Peloponnese Region in eastern Greece is the authentic, traditional harbour town of Ermioni (Ερμιόνη). This charming, laid-back, off-the-beaten-track town rarely makes it onto Greece travel itineraries. Ermioni is built on the tip of a peninsula covered in pines. With the sea on three sides, it’s classed as a town or city-island.

Ermioni is divided into three parts, the commercial port and harbour side of ‘Limani’ in the North. The picturesque, lively side of ‘Mandrakia’ in the South, and on the eastern tip of the pine forest of Bisti. There is a coast road running right around the peninsular and the remaining space in the centre is the old village filled with winding cobbled streets, lined with delightful traditional Greek houses, and a few small shops.

Spend some time sitting in Marias Taverna on the Limani port side, with a coffee or a suitable adult drink and just relax. Watch the people go by, watch the ferries, boats and yachts come in and take in the view. Have a little meze and make sure you are adequately hydrated.

Then, take a short walk (7 minutes max) through the centre of the town to the Mandrakia side of the peninsular to Millennium Café. Again, order a refreshing drink, sit on the quayside and just relax and watch what is going on. Now you have two bases to explore from and return to when you feel like it.

Mooring

Stern-to on the north side of Limani, southern side at 

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available

Things to do

Ermioni is small, so put the map away as you don’t need it. Two or three hours will give you plenty of time to get your bearings and see what Ermioni has to offer.

First, walk around the coast road to take a look at both the long sides of the town.

Facilities

Limani Port has several tavernas and cafes, plus souvenir and boutique shops,

Sitting in the heart of the Saronic Gulf and belonging to the Saronic island group, Spetses Greece has a lot to offer in terms of beaches, sightseeing and relaxation. A short water taxi ride from Porto Heli will get you to this beautiful Aegean island in just a matter of minutes.

The island stands out for its architecture and elegance, especially in its main town. This is mainly due to the Venetian mansions that lie in the town and the excellent boutique hotels that combine traditional with modern elements, in a unique way.

You won’t find any cars in the town, as they are banned, so you can wander undisturbed and explore the picturesque alleys at your own pace.

Things to do

The island's beaches alone are enough of a reason to visit Spetses! Vrellos, Agia Marina and Agia Paraskevi are the best ones. However, these seashores are located quite far from the Town, so your best bet is to hire a car or get there by bus.

If you love sports, note that many athletic events, such as marathons, are often organized, usually in autumn and spring.
So, if you seek an elegant destination for a getaway near Athens, look no further than 

Facilities

Around Dapia, the island's port, there is a selection of cafes and bars, ideal for a romantic sunset drink. In Dapia, you’ll also find the Spetses Museum and Anargyros mansion among other attractions. Strolling around the Town, you’ll discover even more places for sightseeing!

Porto Heli Greece is a cosmopolitan port village on the eastern side of Peloponnese. Originally a secluded fishing village, the place started to gradually develop in the 1970s when Athenians built summer houses there and many rich men bought plots of land. 

Porto Heli is a nice family destination with a safe environment. Many visitors also come with their private yachts and moor at the large marina of the town. Porto Heli also makes a convenient base for excursions in the Saronic Gulf and road trips in eastern Peloponnese. Holidays in Porto Heli is especially popular among families.

Mooring

Anchor in the turquoise waters of Porto Heli bay and take a water taxi to the town quay.

Things to do

The sheltered bay faces the ruins of the ancient city of Alieis (fishermen). The acropolis and the ancient city of Alieis (6th - 5th centuries BC) were unearthed in Porto Heli and all findings are today showcased in the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio and the Kranidi Folk Art Museum.

Explore the town by walking around the marina and down the streets; visit the shops and savour local dishes in the restaurants; rejoice in water sports, diving or hiking; but also take pleasure in relaxing in one of the luxury resorts. Ververontas Lagoon is an ideal place to enjoy spring walks; then again it’s great for swimming and basking in the sun during summer! Other beaches you must visit are Chinitsa with its gold sand and Kounoupi with its clear waters. For the best sunset view head to the residential area of Agios Aimilianos and its church, amidst lush vegetation and luxury homes (4km SE from Porto Heli)

Facilities

There are numerous bars and restaurants throughout Porto Heli Town. Provisions, fuel, water and ice are also available.

Hydra is a distinctively charming “must do” itinerary stop. 

The welcoming culture, architecture and beautifully tranquil sea-side setting of Hydra have long been an attraction to travelers seeking unique experiences off the beaten path. Here, donkeys and walking are the primary means of transportation – cars and even bicycles are not permitted! 

Hydra is a place where you will truly slip into the relaxing Mediterranean way of life. The town has a reputation for serving superior Grecian cuisine; pictorial beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing; and the intriguing history. Here you’ll see elegant mansions of a bygone era, historic monasteries and museums.

Mooring

Moor stern-to in the harbor. Arrive early to ensure and try to avoid the crossed anchors that tend to happen in high season.

Things to do

Excellent dining with traditional cuisine; historical sites; great snorkelling, diving and swimming; people-watching; hiking.

Facilities

Market for local food, drinks and souvenirs. Water. Bakery.

The Zea Marina is much more than just a place to dock your boat. This 4.7-square-mile facility is the epicentre of everything from coffee shops to bars, cafes, markets and more. Stroll along the waterfront and watch as the sun shimmers off the glistening Bay of Zea. 

If you’ve got some time, there are also plenty of things to do in the surrounding city of Piraeus. Get a fascinating glimpse of Grecian history at the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus or the Nautical Museum of Greece; marvel at the massive Church of Saint Nicholas and its beautifully intricate interior; or pull up a chair at a harborside café and watch as boats move in and out of the bas you can see, there are plenty of things to do around Zea Marina, but if you’re looking to explore the most famous city in Greece, we definitely recommend that you take the 10-minute drive into Athens. The birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is now a vibrant and modern city that still preserves much of its important past.

Visiting The Acropolis is an absolute must. Take the short walk up to the ancient high city and explore famous historical structures like the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion and the nearby New Acropolis Museum.

If you’re looking to learn more, head over to Museum Mile, a long strip of museums that starts at Syntagma Square and includes the National Archaeological Museum, home of the world’s finest collection of art and sculpture from Ancient Greece.