A gentle week under sail · the Saronic
Barely a breeze from Athens, a string of green islands and old harbours - the calmest, gentlest way to spend a week under sail.
The Saronic is the Greece of short, easy hops and old harbours: neoclassical towns, pine-covered islands and clear coves, all within a couple of hours’ sail of each other. Calm water and tiny distances make it the gentlest, most social introduction to a week under sail - ideal for families, first-timers, and anyone who would rather swim and stroll than cover miles.
Tap a point on the map to see it up close - this isn't a route.
Calm, sheltered water
The gentlest sailing in Greece - protected water, comfortable in almost any weather.
Short hops between islands
Rarely more than a couple of hours from anchor to anchor - more time on the water, less time getting there.
Colour at every turn
Pine-covered hills, whitewashed harbours, water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue within a few strokes.
A slower, unhurried rhythm
Nothing to rush for - a gentler pace than the islands further out to sea.
Layers of history, close by
Hydra's stone mansions, ancient Epidavros, ruins tucked into quiet corners - all within a short sail.
Simple, fresh, unhurried meals
Long lunches at anchor, fresh catch and family tavernas in the harbour towns.
Life onboard
A swim in a pine-fringed cove
Long lunches at anchor
Car-free island evenings
Bays a short hop apart
Village nights
Short crossings and sheltered water mean the Saronic rarely feels crowded or exposed, whichever month you sail.
May – June
Calm water, quieter harbours, and everything freshly open for the season.
July – August
The Saronic stays gentle even in high summer - sheltered water while the Cyclades gets brisker.
September – October
Warm sea, thinner crowds, and some of the most relaxed sailing of the year.
Guest review
"So calm and close to Athens, it felt like we had three extra days we didn't plan for."
Helen · 6 nights aboard
Poros
Green, gentle, and close to Athens.
Hydra
Car-free, timeless, quietly glamorous.
Spetses
Neoclassical, romantic, a little cosmopolitan.
Aegina
Closest island to Athens - easy on a first or last day.
Explore Aegina →
Epidavros
Home to the ancient theatre, a short walk up from the coast.
Explore Epidavros →
Nafplio
A handsome mainland town, often folded into a longer week.
Explore Nafplio →
Ermioni
A calm harbour town on the Argolic coast.
Explore Ermioni →
Kyparissi
A remote village further down the coast, reachable mainly by sea.
Explore Kyparissi →Gerakas
A narrow, fjord-like natural harbour near Monemvasia.
Explore Gerakas →
Monemvasia
A fortified medieval town on a rock, joined to the mainland by a causeway.
Explore Monemvasia →
Seven sample days from Athens through Poros, Hydra and Spetses - one illustrative route among many, not a set schedule.
View the sample week →A 52ft catamaran for up to 10 guests - well suited to the Saronic's calm, sheltered water and short hops between islands.
The Saronic Gulf 
Nimble and welcoming, ideal for exploring the Cyclades at your own pace - six cabins for up to ten guests, refit in 2024. Light enough to feel quick, roomy enough to feel generous.
Staterooms 6 • Up to 10 Guests • Refit 2024
Where elegance meets a confident, unhurried rhythm - six ensuite cabins and generous living spaces for up to ten guests, freshly refit in 2025. Captain and chef included, so every day is simply lived, not managed.
Staterooms 6 • Up to 10 Guests • Refit 2025
No. Every Saronic charter we run is crewed - a professional captain sails the yacht and a hostess cooks and looks after you - so no licence, qualification or prior experience is needed. You simply enjoy the trip.
It is the calmest, gentlest sailing region in Greece: short crossings, sheltered water and old harbours all within a couple of hours of each other. That makes it ideal for families, first-timers and anyone who would rather swim and stroll than cover big distances.
The season runs May to October. The Saronic stays relatively sheltered through the summer, with June and September especially pleasant for warm water and quieter harbours.
Charters start from Athens (Alimos Marina), usually departing on a Saturday. Because the islands are so close together, one week (Sat to Sat) is plenty to enjoy the region at a relaxed pace. Custom durations are possible - just ask.
There is no fixed route. A typical week takes in Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses, plus quiet coves and mainland spots like Ermioni and Epidavros. The exact plan is shaped with your captain each day, around the weather and what you feel like.
Absolutely - the calm water, short hops and full crew make the Saronic the easiest introduction to a week under sail. It is a favourite with families and complete beginners.
The yacht and its crew - a captain and a hostess who sail and cook for you - are included. Running costs such as fuel, food provisioning and marina fees vary by package; an advisor will give you a clear, itemised breakdown before you book.
Tell us who's coming and what you love - our advisors will shape the right week and the right yacht around you.
Talk to a yacht advisor →