The Saronic Gulf Islands & The East Peloponnese

General information

The islands situated in the Saronic Gulf southwest of Athens are among the most beautiful and interesting of all the Greek islands. The Saronic Gulf itself is by far the most famous sailing and charter area in Greece due to its proximity to Athens. A second excellent yachting area is the Argolic Gulf. Argolida (Argolis or Argolid) is situated along the eastern coastal plain and it is dominated by the citadels of Argos and Mycenae.
The Saronic Gulf islands are pretty close to one another, usually within a two or three hours sail. Long sandy beaches, refreshing pine forests and rocky capes, brilliant sunshine and crystal blue waters provide a breathtaking scenic beauty.

History of the Saronic and Argolic region

During the powerfull Mycenaean civilization, from 1600 to 1100 BC, the Argolida was the heart of Greece. After their decline, this region was controlled by the Dorians until the conquest of the country by the Romans. During the Byzantine era the Argolid shared the fortune of the rest of the Peloponnese. It was ruled by the Franks and surrendered to the Turks in 1460. Navplion, however, remained in Venetian hands until 1540. Navplion was the capital of the newly formed Greek state from 1828 to 1834, when this role passed to Athens.

Wind and sailing conditions

The Saronic, Argolic and eastern coast of the Peloponnesian Gulf is a very well protected cruising area with mild winds, averaging Force 3-4, usually from the N-NE direction, ideal for relaxed sailing. In the Argolic Gulf the wind blows mostly in the summer, from the S-E direction at Force 3-5. During spring and autumn the winds are normally weaker and blow from the S. The Saronic area is divided into the coast around Athens and East Poros and Hydra where winds blow from NE. The meltemi begins around mid July and builds up to full strength in August and early September. During that time it can be forced up to 5-6 (35 to 40 knots). In Argolikos Kolpos and Hydra the wind can also be SE. The meltemi is strong during lunch time and dies down at night. The wind that comes from the mountains of the Peloponnese, katabatic, can reach up to 30-35 knots but it only lasts a few hours.

Travel tips & itineraries

You can start your cruise from Alimos Marina, located 30 minutes from the Athens International Airport. This sailing area of the Saronic and Argolic gulfs combines beautiful islands and the magnificent eastern coast of the Peloponnese. It gives you the opportunity to explore many cosmopolitan towns, ancient temples, small peaceful fishing villages and unspoiled anchorages. This route is also highly recommended for easy sailing or for shorter periods of charter.
The Saronic Gulf is characterised by the greatest concentration of yachts in Greece. Most of these are based at the marinas along the Attic coast. Since many yachts take the route from the Saronic trail to Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses, if you wish to avoid the crowds in the summer you should head for the eastern coast of the Peloponnese where there are unspoilt harbours and anchorages.

 

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