Aegina is the perfect gateway island, famed for its pistachio groves and the beautifully preserved Doric Temple of Aphaia crowning a pine-clad hilltop. Drop anchor off the lively waterfront of Aegina Town, lined with neoclassical mansions, fish tavernas, and a bustling fishing harbor full of caïques. Sailors love ducking across to the tiny, uninhabited islet of Moni for swimming in turquoise coves, or relaxing on the sandy stretch of Agia Marina beach.
Durations 7 days in the Saronic Gulf
7 Nights: Historic Islands of the Saronic
- Day 1: Lavrio – Sounio (Overnight anchorage under the Temple of Poseidon)
- Day 2: Sounio – Aegina (Perdika)
- Day 3: Aegina – Poros
- Day 4: Poros – Hydra
- Day 5: Hydra – Spetses
- Day 6: Spetses – Ermioni or Methana
- Day 7: Methana/Epidaurus – Lavrio
- Day 8: Check-out in the morning at Lavrio.
About the Route
Aegina
Begin your journey in Aegina by arriving at the lively harbour of Aegina Town, where colourful fishing boats bob beside neoclassical mansions and you can enjoy a fresh coffee before setting off. Sail south to the charming fishing village of Perdika, wandering its waterfront tavernas and shops before continuing to Moni Islet just offshore, where crystal-clear shallows are perfect for swimming and snorkelling among pine trees and free-roaming peacocks. Head inland briefly (or arrange a short taxi trip) to the hilltop Temple of Aphaia, one of Greece’s best-preserved ancient temples, offering sweeping views across the Saronic Gulf. Cool off at Agia Marina beach with its shallow turquoise waters, ideal for families and leisurely swims. As the afternoon light softens, return to anchor off Perdika or Moni for a peaceful evening swim, drinks on deck, and a relaxed dinner ashore, before a calm night at anchor beneath the stars.
WHAT TO SEE
Aegina Town harbour, Temple of Aphaia, Perdika fishing village, Moni Islet, Agia Marina beach
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Aegina is famous throughout Greece for its fistiki Aeginas, the prized PDO pistachios sold roasted, salted, or baked into cakes, ice cream, and spoon sweets. Pair a plate of freshly caught fish or grilled octopus with a crisp local white wine or ouzo for a true taste of the island.
Poros
Begin your yacht journey in Poros by arriving at the town’s picturesque harbour, dominated by its landmark blue-and-white clock tower, where a fresh coffee overlooking the narrow strait sets a relaxed island mood. Sail across to the mainland side to explore the fragrant Lemonodasos, a sprawling lemon forest where century-old trees perfume the air, best reached by a short walk from the shore. Continue by boat to Russian Bay, a striking cove with pine-covered slopes and calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling, then on to Love Bay (Kanali) for a quieter, more secluded dip. Visit the nearby Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, tucked into a green ravine, before returning for a leisurely waterfront lunch in Poros Town. As the sun begins to set, anchor in Russian Bay or the sheltered channel for a peaceful evening swim and a calm night at anchor.
WHAT TO SEE
Poros Town clock tower, Lemonodasos (Lemon Forest), Russian Bay, Love Bay (Kanali), Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Sample Poros’s famous lemon spoon sweets and lemon-based treats, made from fruit grown in the island’s own Lemonodasos, alongside fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen. Pair your meal with a glass of Nemea red wine from the nearby Peloponnese, one of Greece’s most celebrated wine regions.
Hydra
Begin journey in Hydra by arriving at the elegant, car-free harbour of Hydra Town, where stone mansions rise above the waterfront and a fresh coffee at a quayside café offers the perfect start, with only the sound of donkeys and gulls for company. Sail or walk along the coastal path to Kamini, a tiny fishing hamlet with tavernas right on the water, then continue to Vlychos, a relaxed pebble beach backed by an old stone bridge, ideal for swimming and a lazy lunch. Round the coast by boat to Bisti Bay, a secluded cove with pine trees and remarkably clear water, perfect for snorkelling and sunbathing away from the crowds. In the afternoon, wander back through Hydra Town’s narrow lanes, browsing galleries and boutiques. As evening arrives, anchor in Bisti Bay or just off the harbour for a peaceful swim and a tranquil night beneath the stars.
WHAT TO SEE
Hydra Town harbour, Kamini, Vlychos, Bisti Bay
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Hydra is renowned for its amygdalota, delicate almond sweets dusted with icing sugar and a traditional treat of the island’s confectioners. Enjoy them alongside fresh grilled fish and a glass of Nemea red wine from the neighbouring Peloponnese coast.
Spetses
Begin your yacht journey in Spetses by arriving at Dapia, the elegant Old Harbour lined with grand mansions and cannons from the island’s seafaring past, perfect for a fresh coffee before setting sail. Head to Agia Paraskevi, a pine-fringed beach with calm, clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling, then continue around the coast to Zogeria Bay, a peaceful double cove favoured by yachts for its sheltered anchorage and turquoise shallows. Stop to explore Bekiris Cave, a dramatic sea cave accessible only by boat, where the water glows a striking blue. In the afternoon, return to Spetses Town to wander its car-free lanes by horse-drawn carriage, browse boutiques, and enjoy a relaxed waterfront lunch. As evening falls, anchor in Zogeria or Agia Paraskevi for a calm swim, sundowners on deck, and a peaceful night at anchor.
WHAT TO SEE
Dapia (Old Harbour), Agia Paraskevi Beach, Zogeria Bay, Bekiris Cave, Spetses Town
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Don’t miss psari a la spetsiota, the island’s signature dish of fresh fish baked with tomato, garlic, and breadcrumbs, alongside delicate amygdalota almond sweets for dessert. Pair your meal with a glass of Nemea red wine from the nearby Peloponnese for a true taste of the region.
Epidaurus
Begin your visit to Epidaurus by anchoring off Palaia Epidavros, a relaxed harbor town with a pebble beach and waterfront tavernas, where a coffee ashore sets an easy pace. From here it’s a short taxi or bus ride inland to the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the ancient world’s foremost healing center, and its centerpiece, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus — the best-preserved of all Greek theatres, famed for acoustics so precise a coin dropped on the stage can be heard from the topmost of its 55 rows. Wander the sanctuary’s temple ruins, gymnasium, and museum before heading back to the coast. If you’re visiting in summer, check whether a performance is playing as part of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival, held in the ancient theatre itself. Back at Palaia Epidavros, cool off with a swim near the site of the submerged ruins just offshore, then anchor for a quiet evening before continuing on toward Poros or Hydra.
WHAT TO SEE
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Sanctuary of Asclepius, Palaia Epidavros harbor, Sunken ruins swim spot
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
The Argolis region around Epidaurus is one of Greece’s great citrus- and olive-growing areas, so look for dishes finished with fragrant local olive oil and fresh oranges in season. Pair a seafood lunch by the harbor with a glass of Nemea red, the celebrated Agiorgitiko wine from the nearby Peloponnese vineyards.