The Best Saronic Gulf Yacht Charter Guide for 2025 and 2026 | Greece
Charter a Luxury Motor Yacht, Crewed Catamaran, or Bareboat Sailboat in the Saronic Gulf and Discover Aegina, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses in all their Glory
About the Saronic Gulf | Charter Destinations | Saronic Gulf Crewed Motor Yachts | Saronic Gulf Crewed Catamarans | Saronic Gulf Crewed Sailing Yachts
Aegina | Agkistri | Hydra | Poros | Salamina | Spetses | Athens & Saronic Cuisine
Steeped in ancient mythology, the Saronic islands have been a paradise and hushed haven for people for thousands of years and will continue to be so. Cruise these serene waters on a luxury charter, and find fantastic dining experiences, boutique shopping, and charming Greek towns. You can enjoy this glamorous setting, unique architecture, and romantic atmosphere as you explore the cosmopolitan towns and sleepy fishing villages peppering the stunning eastern coast of the Peloponnese on a 7-day motor yacht adventure covering a great distance. Should you wish to connect with the wind, embark on a 7-day crewed catamaran charter from Athens to Monemvasia and enjoy the winds. Or, spend more time simply island hopping on a weekly motor yacht escape in the Saronic Gulf. Wherever you choose to explore, our Boatbookings Charter Experts can help you plan the perfect Saronic getaway.
About the Saronic Gulf
The beating heart of Greece's luxury charter world is the Argo-Saronic island complex. Consisting of Aegina, Agistri, Spetses, Hydra, Poros, Salamina, and the peninsula of Methana, this is a wonderful destination all year round for luxury yacht charter vacations. Its sheltered location and delightful natural beauty make it the perfect escape for a weekly motor yacht vacation or crewed catamaran adventure. Located within easy reach of Athens, this charming and understated group of islands has so much to offer for both experienced and novice charterers.
With the greatest concentration of both luxury motor yachts and crewed catamarans conveniently located in Athens, this city remains by far the most important yachting hub in the eastern Mediterranean. Bustling with a huge variety of stunning yachts to choose from, it is the perfect place to begin any Greek charter vacation even if you are traveling to destinations like the Ionian islands, Cyclades islands, Sporades islands, and even the Dodecanese islands if you wish.
Weather Conditions and times to charter: The Saronic, Argolic, and eastern coast of the Peloponnesian Gulf is a very well-protected area making it fantastic for charterers looking to try sailing for the first time. It has mild winds, usually from the north to northeast, and that average Force is 3-4 as it is predominately sheltered from the strong Meltemi wind that affects most of the other Island groups in Greece.
In the Argolic Gulf and Hydra Island, the wind blows mainly from the southeast. The Meltemi wind can be strong in the afternoon, but otherwise, it is normally calm. The Katabatic wind also affects the region coming off the mountaintops of the Peloponnese though very rarely reaching higher than Force 5 and blowing for short periods. The average temperature from June to September in this region is 25-34C (77-93 F) but in May and October, the weather is a little bit cooler.
Saronic Gulf Crewed Motor Yachts
The Saronic Islands are the perfect destination for you, your family, and your friends to charter a luxury crewed motor yacht. You can get to know the beautiful islands of Poros, Spetses, and Hydra, whilst traveling in the ultimate style and comfort. The key advantage a luxury motor yacht charter provides is speed, you can navigate the islands faster, making the most of your time and packing in all of the best sights as you enjoy five-star service and an all-around glamorous experience. There is no better way to see every part of the gulf while on charter.
Crewed Motor Yacht Itinerary Our Motor Yachts
Saronic Gulf Crewed Catamarans
Many would say that modern crewed catamarans are as luxurious and comfortable as their crewed motor yacht counterparts. Catamarans are extremely spacious, with stunning interiors and exteriors, and fantastic crews that offer five-star service. You can cruise through the Saronic Islands at a leisurely pace, and relax while taking in beautiful Greek sunsets. Crewed catamarans are an extremely popular option, as they provide stability on the water, yet you can still get the feeling of an authentic sailing experience.
Crewed Catamaran Itinerary Our Crewed Catamarans
Saronic Gulf Crewed Sailing Yachts
The Saronic and Argolic Gulfs and the eastern coast of the Peloponnese are very well-protected areas with light and consistent winds, allowing for relaxed sailing throughout the islands. As the islands are so close together you can navigate by sight, making life much easier for you and your expert crew. This is a perfect place to charter a crewed sailing yacht and feel the breeze in your hair whilst exploring the quiet, and historic Greek Islands.
Crewed Sailing Yacht Itinerary
Charter Destinations
Aegina
The island of Aegina is located only 16.5 nautical miles from Athens and the port of Piraeus but has still retained its charm and culture. According to legend, Aegina took its name from a nymph whom Zeus fell in love with and took to the island! Indeed this island has over 3000 years of history meaning that there is a plethora of incredible sights and places to explore.
One of the most famous of which is the Temple of Apnea Athena, built to form an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the so-called 'holy triangle” of antiquity. Other sights to note if you step ashore are The Sanctuary of Apollo Delfinios located right near the harbour and Palaiohóra. Outside Aegina town, the vibrant capital of the island, you can find charming traditional villages such as Kypseli, Agii, and Vagia as well as many interesting smaller islands and islets such as Moni, Metopi, Diaportia, Lagouses, and Kyra - perfect to explore on the privacy of your luxury yacht.
There are some exciting places to eat around Aegina, including Nonta's Fish Restaurant which is set in the picturesque fishing village of Perdika. These traditional Greek tavernas are not to be missed as they create some delicious seafood dishes.
Agistri
Agistri is yet another easily accessible island in the Argo-Saronic Gulf. Located just 19 nautical miles away from the port of Piraeus, it is an island of fewer than 1000 inhabitants that is covered in a blanket of fragrant pine trees and lush vegetation where many bird species find refuge.
The main towns to visit are Skala and Megalochori where you can find a large variety of bars and restaurants to sample some of the local cuisines; Hook Club and Agistri Club Hotel in Skala are both excellent spots to sit and have a drink and admire the stunning views of the bay, and Sporos in Megalochori is great to try something typically Greek.
Sailing between these two towns you will find both golden and rocky beaches embedded in the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean such as Dragonéra beach with its stones covered with messages for loved ones or Limenaria village and its rocky beach that is so suited for diving. The island of Aponisos is surely one to visit with its stunning lagoon, beaches, and taverna for a traditional lunch.
Hydra
Hydra is a romantic, extremely picturesque island lying between the islands of Poros and Spetses, near the coast of the eastern foot of the Peloponnese. Resisting the march of the modern world, Hydra has banned all cars from this island which has created a unique and special atmosphere. Its stone-paved narrow alleys and red-tiled houses with tavernas and restaurants scattered throughout provide a beautiful and tranquil island to visit on your luxury yacht charter - quite in contrast to the mythological creature of Hydra from whom the island's name was supposedly taken, who was depicted as a tempestuous nine-headed water snake!
It is a popular luxury yacht destination with both sailing boats and large luxury motor yachts crowding the waterfront that is surrounded by lavish stone mansions, monuments, and museums. What's more, there is a nice selection of beaches such as Ayios Nikolaos, a sandy beach located on the west of the island that is accessible only by yacht, and Limnióniza, considered one the most beautiful beaches on the island. Téchnē Restaurant and Social is a new restaurant on Hydra Island and is already gaining a world of praise - we highly recommend trying their wonderful selection of traditional Greek dishes.
Poros
Poros is a small verdant island covered with pine, olive, and lemon trees that is only separated from the Peloponnese peninsular by just 200 meters. It consists of two islands: Sphairia, an island of volcanic origin, and Kalaureia, its northern and larger twin.
Poros town is a cosmopolitan and picturesque settlement that boasts a lively waterfront adorned with cafes, bars, and traditional mansions. There is something for everyone on this island, be it bars and clubs for those who wish to let their hair down or cultural attractions such as the Temple of Poseidon or the historic Clock tower on its hill where you can enjoy panoramic views of the whole town. 'Aspros Gatos' is a great little place that has been said to be Poros' best seafood taverna, it is located just across the tiny isthmus offering stunning views back to Poros Town.
Spetses
Spetses Island, known as 'Pine Island' or 'the Island of Fragrance' thanks to the wide variety of different herbs growing natively is an ideal stop on your luxury yacht charter. Bearing marks of its tempestuous past and role in the 1821 War of Independence, wander along the picturesque old harbor and Dápia, the heart of the island’s entertainment admiring the well-preserved grand captain mansions.
Spetses is a lovely relaxing destination with sun-drenched beaches and many quaint coves and bays. If you are looking for a great cocktail bar, Palms On The Verandah is the ultimate spot to enjoy heavenly cocktails while admiring the magnificent view of the Saronic Gulf!
The beaches to look out for on Spetses island are Xylokériza, an amazing secluded beach 8 km from Dapia, on the south-eastern part of the island, Vréllos a gorgeous beach surrounded by pines and aptly named 'Paradise', or perhaps Zogeriá, one that the locals consider being the most beautiful beach on the island. If you are chartering during September don't miss out on the huge re-enactment of the naval battle that takes place every year.
Cuisine in Athens & the Saronic
As throughout Greece, food in Athens and the Saronic islands is integral to the structure of the day. Restaurants are more than places to grab a quick bite to eat, very often they form the evening's entertainment as well. You can expect a rich variety of food made with the finest ingredients.
Look forward to appetizers such as "horiatiki salata" (tomato, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese), "melitzanosalata" (eggplant salad) followed with a choice of grilled meat, Greek souvlaki, or gyro. With so much of Greece having access to such a rich bounty of seafood from the Aegean, seafood such as octopus, red snapper, and lobster are regulars on the menu. Deserts such as "baklava" (syrup cake) or "kataifi" (shredded filo soaked in honey) are the perfect sweet delights to finish a typical Greek meal.
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