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Saronic Gulf Yacht Charter

The Saronic Gulf lies south west of Athens and is often the first cruising ground on a Greece luxury yacht charter, offering as it does several top island destinations with impressive museums and churches as well as wonderful golden sand beaches that have limited access by land, keeping them all to yourselves.

The location close to Athens makes it ideal for international flight connections and for the immediate contrast between the ancient metropolis and the tranquil island villages replete with restaurants and tavernas serving local dishes and Greece's characteristic drink, ouzo.

The region has a number of dive sites, particularly wreck dives, to uncover during your visit, and those in the group looking for a more languid pace will be impressed with the bounty from the fishing grounds to be served up for your lunch.

From the Saronic Gulf, guests can continue on to the Ionian yacht charter grounds, the Cyclades to the south or the Sporades to the north for even more incredible vistas and those picture perfect blue-white houses and windmills which characterise the islands.

5 quick reasons to visit the Saronic Gulf

Beautiful beaches, Secluded seaside villages, Striking and varied marine life, Incredible ruins and museums, Savoury local dishes

More about this part of the Aegean Sea

If you intend to be on the move travelling from island to island during your holiday instead of staying in one place, then the Saronic Gulf has plenty to fill your desires for adventure.

The close proximity of the islands means that you won't have to travel far to discover something new, and this area is popular with other luxury yacht charter groups who wish to have the perfect balance between partying, relaxation and delving into Greece's rich cultural past.

Among all popular destinations in Greece, the Saronic Gulf offers the most number of yacht charter possibilities. It is also the most convenient and practical sailing option for most yacht charter aficionados, as it is just a few hours sailing time from mainland Athens and other important island destinations within the region.

The islands within the gulf boast some of the best beaches in all of Greece, and their terrain features lush vegetation and densely covered forest areas. And if you are looking for abundant sunshine and calm azure water, then the Saronic Gulf will become one of your all-time favourite destinations.

Saronic Gulf Yacht Charter Experiences

The Saronic Gulf is named after King Saron, who is one of Greece's illustrious figures. Seasoned yacht charter enthusiasts might visit the famous Corinth Canal, the Isthmus of Corinth and from Poro Island all the way to Epidarus there are a wonderful selection of beaches, luxury boutiques, spas, bars and restaurants as well as historic monuments to fill your afternoons.

Popular destinations include the bays of Phaleron, Faliro, Elefsina and Kechires. Having one of the most naturally-gifted topography, the region offers the best places for exciting trekking and hiking. Among the various islands in the Saronic Gulf, the islands that are visited by a great number of sailors and holidaymakers on board luxury yachts include the Aegina, Poros and Salamis.

It is a popular sea route among yacht charter aficionados, and the majority of sailors and tourists spending their holiday on board Greece charter yachts dock at the ports of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. The wind direction during the summer months is largely dependent on your location in the Gulf. The prevailing summer winds in the Saronic Gulf are typically that of Greek meltimi winds.

Even so, by local standards, the region offers the best yachting possibilities as, unlike in Cyclades, the meltemi in the Saronic Gulf is generally more gentle. Yacht charter enthusiasts will find the prevailing winds within Methana and Poros favourable, and the gulf has been considered by seasoned sailors and tourists as having the most ideal sailing areas in all of Greece.

When planning for a Mediterranean holiday on a luxury yacht in this area, you might want to consider Saronic Gulf in your itinerary as this part of Greece can be a great place to spend quality time with family and friends in picturesque surroundings.

Things to Consider:

Yachting Seasons & Climate:

The hottest summer months of July and August experience temperatures around 29°C/84°F, and the sea temperature is also an inviting 24°C/75°F that will encourage beginner Scuba divers, snorkelers and other water sports enthusiasts to spend as much time in the crystal clear seas as possible.

The less popular winter months are still a mild 10°C/52°F and this is a perfect time for activities such as hiking to the ruins, exploring the forests and nature trails as well as sitting back and absorbing the local atmosphere at its most authentic.

Rainfall is rare during the summer months, with precipitation expected only one day in a month. Even in winter, the area is relatively dry and the wettest month experiences short heavy storms that usually end as quickly as they begin. In these scenarios, you can simply send the storm in the museums, galleries or cafes, or cruise away to the next nearest dry island to continue your adventure.

Clothing to Pack For Your Charter:

Temperatures in the Eastern Mediterranean range from mild to hot and as such light breathable layers are recommended, with a showerproof jacket or coat in case of any showers during your luxury yacht charter. Smart casual dress is fine for visiting religious sites. A sturdy pair of shoes such as hiking boots are recommended for visiting sites away from town.

Although the Saronic Gulf islands are not as exposed as other Greek archipelagos, it is still recommended to take a layer to keep off the winds and the evening chill, particularly during the shoulder seasons.

Main Ports and Marinas

Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Vathis, Skala,

Famous Restaurants & Clubs:

Apagio Taverna (Poros), Inn on the Beach Cocktail Bar (Aegina), Chalikiada Beach (Agistri), Quadrant Cafe (Agistri)

A Must See Attraction:

Temple of Aphaia, Aegina Heritage Museum, Archaeological Museum of Aegina & Temple of Apollo, Church Saint Nicholas the Thalassinos (Aegina), Archaeological Museum of Poros, Citronne Gallery (Poros)

Best beaches to visit in your yacht:

Poros Beach, Askeli Beach, Chalikiada Beach (Agistri) Phaleron, Faliro, Elefsina and Kechires, Aegina, Poros and Salamis

Local Yacht Events:

Acropolis Regatta, Saronic Gulf Regatta

Best time to go:

The summer months of July and August are the hottest and the peak season for Mediterranean yacht charters, however one of the benefits of travel by luxury yacht is the ability to spend time on board on what you want while your captain takes you to your next destination. From May throughout to October the weather is excellent and the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are sure to have less crowds, although the trade-off might be that some more minor attractions may be closed.

Further Charter Information

Yacht Rentals Available: Go here for the current list of yacht rentals in the Saronic Gulf.

Full Greece Yacht Charter Guide: Go here for the essential Greece yacht charter guide.

Greece Itineraries: Here is a selection of broker itineraries for Greece

News: Read the latest superyacht news about the Saronic Gulf.