The Saronic and Argolic Gulf

Relaxing holidays

For the sailing destination SARONIC & ARGOLIC GULF and the PELOPONESE COAST, EASY SAILING offers yacht charters from several companies operating mainly from   the  charter bases in the area of Alimos marina and from Lavrion base – both in Attica/Atehns greater area. The Saronic and the Peloponese area is a nice & calm sailing ground with a wide variety of landscapes, small distances between the islands, sandy or pebbled beaches and with both touristy and secluded ports and anchorages. In all the bigger islands in the region (such as AeginaAghistri, PorosHydra and Spetses) and in other known mainland approaches (like Palea EpidavrosMethana, Ermioni, Porto-Heli, Nafplio and Monemvassia) there is much to explore and apart from the charming crowded capitals there are equally beautiful and rather unspoilt spots one can check. Some places ave mountainous terrain, others not, they are mostly green and altogether form their own, special character which is easily distinguished from any other place in Greece.

SARONIC & ARGOLIC Map

In the Saronic Gulf you would find one the most hospitable and polite population in all of Greece. There are numerous beaches in the area and many of them are accessible only by boat. They are found not only in the bigger and smaller islands, but in the East coast of The Peloponese as well as along the coastline between Athens and cape Sounion. Hydra and Poros islands and the remote (S) Monemvassia are said to be some of the area’s highlights. Kythira island is another magnificent and untouched place for sailing holidays, though for the sailing yachts a bit far away from Athens charter base for a one week sailing vacation. The western part of the Saronic Gulf includes Korfos, Palea and Nea Epidavros, Vathi/Methana are some of the so-called “off-the beaten row” anchorages and villages right in the North-East coast of the Peloponese. Sheltered anchorages and safe waters for beginners and normal sailors are found in all the waters of the vicinity. Sailors with an average level of nautical competence/experience get along fine in the Saronic area and the beginners have a second ideal ground (after the Ionian sea) to practice their bareboat charter skills. Provisioning, Fuel, Water, Shops, Technical assistance, bars, restaurants, night clubs, Greek music nights, and many other things a tourist would search for will be found at the main harbours of every Saronic Island. For those who prefer peaceful sailing holidays and would wish to stay on the anchor than to dock every afternoon, there are lots of beaches that suit. In all the organized beaches the ones with sun beds, umbrellas and bigger hotel complexes, there are water sports centers. The area is also a safe place to practice the dinghy lift to the tavern or restaurant ashoreor to a smaller store to replenish provisions, water, ice etc. 

Photo Gallery

The strong Meltemi winds (blowing in the Aegean sea from the North) does NOT usually affect the Saronic Gulf and the Peloponese east coast. The prevailing winds blow from North to North East, its strength is usually about force 3-4 and maybe a little stronger in July and August. Around Methana peninsula and Aghistri island and the approaches of Epidavros, Korfos the wind is normally less while in the area of Poros and Hydra islands can be a small bit more windy. During the absence of north winds the wind statistics say that the area is either flat calm or have winds generally coming from the South, force 2-3 maximum. When sailing from Hydra island to the West (towards Spetses island and Porto Heli village) the wind is mostly from the South East, blowing force 3-4 dying down at night. No matter the weather conditions of the near areas, there is a special situation inside the Argolic Gulf: No wind for sailing yachts or light West breeze in the night and morning, though at noon or ealy afternoon there is usually NorthEast wind force 2-4 Beaufort scale. On Eastern Peloponnese coast (Paralion Astros and Southernmost), the wind can be a weaker North East or a southerly mostly from the South East. Before May and after September the winds are normally weaker and blow from the South over the whole area. In a nutshell the Saronic region is a warm and sunny region where rain is generally an exception having the typical GREEK ISLANDS climate conditions TRULLY CALM and MOSTLY SAFE for smooth / family sailing – recomended for beginners too.The average temperature from June to September is 25 -34 C (77-93 F). In May & October the weather is a little bit colder. Here under we have gathered some information and statistical facts for the climate, see this table as a .PDF 

Other names and synonyms used for the area are: Saronik, Saronicos, Saronikos, Kolpos, Argolikos, Argolik, Peloponissos, Peloponesse, Peloponessos, Peloponesos, Peloponesian, Peloponnisos, Peloponnissos, Peloponnese, Peloponnesos Argosaronic, Argosaronik, Argosaronicos, Argosaronikos, Sailing near Athens, Greek islands sailing close / south to / of Athens