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Saronic Islands Journey

The Aegean Sea is generously endowed with islands-- Greece has more than any other country in the Mediterranean. Deciding which islands to visit during your sailing itinerary is not an easy decision, each region is home to a unique maze of land and water with endless sailing opportunities. The word “Archipelago” was the original Greek name for this sea, it translates to simply “Main Sea” as this was the center of the world for one of history’s great seafaring civilizations. In modern usage we refer to all groupings of islands as “archipelagos”-but this is the original and proper, capital “A”, Archipelago-and the standard by which others should be judged.

Setting sail from Athens, an exploration of the Saronics takes you south on the east coast of the Peloponnesus peninsula and can easily include Hydra, Dokos, and Spetses which sit just past the Saronic Gulf. Sailors can visit Salamis, Aegina, Poros, and some mainland destinations such as Epidavros at their leisure. Hydra, a sleepy island that is home to a single town with no automobiles, is a highlight of this itinerary and often the turnaround point for Sailors doing an out-and-back from Athens. Sailing to the tucked-away quiet anchorages and idyllic seaside villages, the Saronic Islands are a tranquil getaway and a perfect adventure for sailors departing the busy urban life in Athens and seeking adventure.

Perfect for Families & Friends— A relaxed sailing region with something for everyone, from swimming and secluded beaches to lively waterfront towns and memorable nights ashore.
Easy to Reach — Convenient access from Athens, making the Saronic Islands an easy choice for travelers who want to maximize their time on the water.
Remarkable Island Diversity — Discover a mix of pine-covered islands, car-free villages, cosmopolitan harbors, quiet anchorages, and beautiful beaches, each with its own distinct character.
Rich in Ancient History — The Saronic Islands offer an exceptional concentration of
ancient ruins, archaeological sites, temples, and historic settlements, giving the itinerary a deeper cultural dimension than many Greek sailing routes.
Flexible & Unhurried Sailing — Shorter passages and abundant protected anchorages make it easy to shape each day around your group—whether that means sailing, exploring ashore, swimming in hidden coves, or simply lingering over lunch by the sea.

Location

Saronic Islands
Greece

Season

Pleasant all summer from from May through October and protected from the strong summer winds

Itinerary Ideas

Alimos Marina, Athens

Alimos Marina is one of the largest marinas in Greece with a 1000 sailboat spralling along the seaside village. Located just 15 minutes from by taxi from downtown Athens, Alimos Marina is the easiest location to begin the Saronic voyage.

Epidavros

Nestled along the northeast shore of the Peloponnesus peninsula is the seaside village and harbor of Epidaurus--not technically a part of the archipelago but inside the Saronic Gulf. The town itself is small and charming but modern and does not have the old world idyllic Greek architecture found on the islands. Epidaurus is notable for its ancient theatre which is on the grounds of a significant archeological site in the mountains above the harbor.

Hydra

The jewel of the Saronics - In the 1950’s and 1960’s Hydra was home to a community of artists, many of whom were expats living in Greece, including the musician Leonard Cohen and author Axel Jensen. The steep climbing village surrounding the harbor has been a treasured getaway since the 19th century when wealthy merchants built “captains mansions” along the harbor in town. Hydra is one of the great secrets of the Greek Islands.

Poros

The main town on Poros is located along the southwest coast, the harbor runs along town and has two separate points of entry depending on which side you approach. Henry Miller famously described the experience of sailing into Poros as living out a dream of “sailing on land” as he entered the harbor glided along past pedestrians on the street beside him. Poros is also home to numerous anchorages well suited for an afternoon or an overnight anchored in sheltered coves along the island’s coast. Neorio, Elies, Russia Bay, and Bistiou cove are inlets home to stunningly clear waters with lush cypress trees for sailors interested in a quiet night away from the port.

Dokos

Continuing past Hydra towards Spetses the barren and dramatic island between them makes for a wonderful respite. Dokos supposedly has 18 residents but you will be hard-pressed to find them. This large Island has steep formidable cliffs on the southern side and a large protected bay that is devoid of infrastructure on the north.

Spetses

Perhaps more metropolitan than other islands on this Itinerary, Spetses has no shortage of gourmet restaurants or fancy boutiques. Sailing into Spetses most yachts will anchor outside the small inner harbor of Baltizas creek.

Aegina

The island of Aegina sits centered in the Saronic Gulf. Home to enjoyable easy-going towns with overnight protected harbors, it is often the first port of call during a Saronic Islands itinerary. The main port has a proper seawall in an unusual arrangement with the large boat harbor in closer to town than the small-boat harbor. Shops ashore feature a plethora of products made with pistachios that grow on the island. Take a walk off your sailboat and wander the streets where you’ll be welcomed by beautiful neoclassical buildings with bright colors, picturesque cafes, and restaurants offering fresh fish caught by the island’s fishermen.

Crew

Private Chef

Meet the chefs

A Sailing Collective chef embodies our philosophy of travel, storytelling, learning, and sharing. We use local ingredients to create a unique culinary experience for each voyage. This is unlike any food adventure you've ever been on.

Professional Captain

Meet the captains

Your professional crew are talented explorers who combine their love of sailing with personalized hospitality. Each captain is professionally certified and able to lead your one of a kind experience at sea.

About the Food

A culinary program with a focus on locally sourced sustainable foods

The Sailing Collective Travel Co. takes food to a new level. We believe by sourcing local ingredients from local friends we have made throughout our travels pushes us to experience where we are by being engulfed by the regional flavors.

Private chef creating customized menus to your taste and requirements

Each voyage, both group & private, has a private culinary artist aboard preparing some of the most unique, interesting, and thoughtful food you may ever enjoy in your life! From breakfast to dinner each day of the journey, we are blessed by beautiful meals by one of the most talented culinary teams in travel anywhere in the world.

Travel Details

Getting to Athens & Alimos Marina

Athens is the gateway to the Saronic Islands and makes for an exceptionally easy start to your Sailing Collective journey. The city combines thousands of years of history with a vibrant contemporary culture, and we recommend arriving a few days early or extending your stay after the voyage to explore Athens.

Flying into Athens

The closest and most convenient airport is Athens International Airport (ATH), Eleftherios Venizelos. The airport is located approximately 30 km east of central Athens and is well connected to the city by metro, express buses, taxis, and private transfers.

From the Airport to Downtown Athens

Allow approximately 35–60 minutes to reach central Athens, depending on your destination and traffic.

Taxi / private transfer:
Approximately 35–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Metro:
Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) runs directly between the airport and central Athens. This is a convenient option for travelers staying near Syntagma or other central neighborhoods.
Airport Express Bus:
The
X95
provides direct service between the airport and Syntagma Square.

For most Sailing Collective guests, we recommend a taxi or private transfer, particularly if traveling with luggage.

From Athens Airport to Alimos Marina

Alimos Marina is the primary gateway for sailing the Saronic Gulf and is located approximately 30 km from Athens International Airport. The marina is on the Athenian Riviera, about 15 km southwest of central Athens.

Taxi / private transfer:
Approximately
40 minutes
, depending on traffic.
Airport Express Bus:
The
X96
runs directly between Athens International Airport and Piraeus, with a stop at Alimos Marina.
Public transportation:
Alimos Marina is also served by local buses and the tram, with the Pikrodafni tram stop located just outside the marina entrance.

For the easiest arrival experience, we recommend arranging a taxi or private transfer directly from the airport to Alimos Marina.

Why We Recommend Arriving Early

Athens is much more than an airport gateway. If your schedule allows, consider spending 2–3 nights in Athens before your sailing journey. Explore the Acropolis and ancient city, wander through Plaka and Monastiraki, visit the city's museums, and settle into the rhythm of modern Greek life before heading to the islands.

Alternatively, extend your trip after the voyage and explore Athens at the end of your journey. And if you've already experienced Athens, consider adding several days in another Greek island archipelago before or after the Saronic Islands for a more expansive Greek adventure.

At a Glance

International Airport: Athens International Airport (ATH) Airport → Downtown Athens: ~35–60 minutes Airport → Alimos Marina: ~40 minutes by car, depending on traffic Downtown Athens → Alimos Marina: Approximately 15 km Marina: Alimos Marina, Poseidonos Avenue, Alimos 17455

Trip Details

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Private Captain
Private Chef
Fresh, local provisioning
Travel concierge

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

Marina: Marina Alimos (Kalamaki)

Embarking: Meeting time is after 7 p.m. on Saturday. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can store your luggage at the marina and explore the area. If you plan on arriving after 7 p.m., please let us know as soon as possible and we so we can make accommodations!

Disembarking: You will arrive back to the marina by sunset on Friday and spend the last night on the boat at the marina. Disembarking is by 9 a.m. the next morning. Your crew can help arrange a taxi for you if needed.

TRAVEL TIPS

Athens International Airport: El. Venizelos Airport is the closest airport to the marina.

Useful links for transportation to the Marina:

Rome2Rio provides good public transportation options from wherever you are.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. The Sailing Collective cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

PROVISIONING

Sailing Collective will provision your journey with local foods and produce. Cooking Aboard: Your Sailing Collective chef/crew is incredibly talented and can handle the group's needs with ease. Collective groups may choose to dine out more times than scheduled if the group or individuals choose.

Included in provisioning package:

6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners, Light Snacks, Water, Coffee & Tea

Dietary Restrictions: Important to notify your Sailing Collective representative of any dietary restrictions ahead of time and fill out details in Guest Form

ADDITIONAL COST

Recommended $300 – $600 in spending money depending on spending habits.
Additional food and beverages including alcohol.
All expenses on shore including meals and drinks.
Flights and transportation to and from the marina location.

GRATUITY

Tips are split evenly between the crew and it is common to offer 10% to 20% of the cost of the carter. Gratuity can be offered in Euros or Dollars, PayPal or Venmo.

PACKING LIST

Collapsible bags in place of large rigid suitcases are advised for ease of transport on and off the boat.

During days on the water, you’ll want to be wearing light and comfortable clothing. As the vast majority of your time will be spent outside, prepare for elements - bring a light rain coat just in case, a hat to shield yourself from the sun, and a set of warm clothing. Throughout the week we may dine out at a nice restaurant, so bring gear that you’ll look nice in and suits your style. Loading and unloading from the dingy can be a wet activity, a pair of shoes that you can get wet is recommended.