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8 Day itinerary in Greece, Europe

Saronic Gulf Sailing Adventure in Greece

Sail through the Saronic Gulf from Athens, exploring Aegina, Poros, Spetses, Hydra, Epidaurus, and Agistri. This Greece itinerary includes swimming, biking, snorkeling, and visits to archaeological sites, blending adventure, culture, and relaxation on board a sailing yacht.

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Danae

By Danae

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Average
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

Tour Leader

starting point

Athens

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Boat Tours

Sailing

Snorkeling/Diving

Cultural

Hiking

Landscapes & Sceneries

Cycling

Culture & History

Meet local people

Nature & Wildlife

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Sail from Athens to Aegina and taste local pistachios

2

Bike around Spetses and swim at an underwater cave

3

Snorkel and swim at secluded beaches near Agistri

4

Tour Ancient Epidaurus and visit an olive oil farm

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: Athens to Aegina | Embarkation and Island Arrival

You begin your journey by boarding the sailing yacht in Athens, which will serve as your home for the week. After a welcome and a briefing on boat procedures, you settle into your cabin. The yacht then departs for Aegina Island, a destination known for its pistachios, with a sailing distance of approximately 18 to 20 nautical miles, taking about three hours. Along the way, there is an optional swimming stop near Agia Marina.


Depending on marina availability and weather conditions, you may dock at either the main port of Aegina or the smaller port of Perdika. Once you arrive in Aegina in the afternoon, you have free time to explore the area, watch the sunset, and enjoy dinner at one of the seaside tavernas.


The island of Aegina has been inhabited since ancient times and was once a rival of Athens in maritime trade.


Meals: Snacks

Day 2

place Day 2: Aegina to Poros | Inland Exploration and Sailing

After breakfast on board, you set out to explore Aegina’s interior. The first stop is the Temple of Aphaea, which dates to around 500 BC and stands on a pine-covered hill on the island’s northeast side. Next, you visit Paleachora, formerly the island’s capital and now an abandoned settlement known as Aegina’s “Mystras.” You follow hiking trails through this ghost town, seeing numerous Byzantine churches and taking in panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf. The tour also includes the Monastery of Saint Nektarios, one of the largest monasteries in the Balkans. This inland tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.


You then return to the port of Aegina, where you have free time to shop for souvenirs, sample traditional pistachio products, and have a quick lunch. If you are interested in history, you may visit the Temple of Apollo at the Kolona archaeological site, which is within walking distance of the port. The Archaeological Museum, established in 1829 as the first in Greece, is also nearby. You can also buy fresh fruits and vegetables from traditional floating groceries at the port.


In the afternoon, the yacht sets sail for Poros, a journey of about 11 nautical miles that takes roughly 1.5 hours. Before reaching Poros, there is a stop at a beach for swimming. As you arrive in Poros harbor, you see the town rising amphitheatrically over two hills, with the historic Clock Tower and pastel-colored buildings along the waterfront.


The Temple of Aphaea forms a triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, an alignment noted in ancient Greek architecture.


Meals: Breakfast

Day 3

place Day 3: Poros to Spetses | Sailing and Island Biking

You depart Poros and sail toward Spetses, a green island recognized for its naval heritage and its role in the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The sailing distance is approximately 25 nautical miles and takes about three and a half hours. Upon arrival, you are invited to bike around the island, making stops such as a beach featuring an underwater cave where you can swim. The harbor town of Dapia, where cars are not allowed, offers a relaxed atmosphere.


If you are traveling with children, you have the option to take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage along the cobblestone streets. The day is designed to let you experience both the history and the cosmopolitan charm of Spetses.


Spetses was the first Greek island to raise the flag of revolution against Ottoman rule in 1821, marking its importance in modern Greek history.


Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4

place Day 4: Spetses to Hydra | Beaches, Snorkeling, and Island Exploration

After breakfast on board, you spend the morning enjoying Spetses both on and off the yacht. You can swim, snorkel, and relax at a scenic beach. If the weather allows, there is also a stop at the uninhabited island of Dokos for a second swim and lunch served on board. Later, you set sail for Hydra, covering a distance of about 16 to 17 nautical miles, which takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.


Once you arrive in Hydra, you have the freedom to explore this car-free island, where transportation is limited to mules, walking, or water taxis. You can visit art shops, handmade jewelry stores, and clothing boutiques, or choose to hike inland to the Prophet Elias Monastery. Hydra is known for its appeal to hiking enthusiasts and naturalists, as well as its artistic community. If you prefer, you can relax on the sailing boat or swim at one of Hydra’s rocky beaches.


Hydra has attracted artists and writers for decades, with its well-preserved architecture and absence of cars maintaining a distinct, tranquil atmosphere.


Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

place Day 5: Hydra to Epidaurus | Sailing, Swimming, and Ancient Sites

You leave Hydra and set sail for the port of Old Epidaurus, covering about 32 nautical miles in roughly four and a half hours. Along the route, you stop to swim in the clear waters near the surrounding islands while a meal is prepared for you on board.


Upon arrival at Epidaurus, you have the opportunity to visit the archaeological site of Ancient Epidaurus, historically one of the most significant healing centers of antiquity. Here, you can explore the famous ancient theater, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and still used for international festivals today. You may also choose to visit a nearby family-run olive oil farm, where you can learn about the olive oil production process and sample extra virgin olive oil. The tour to the archaeological site and olive oil farm is available for an additional fee, which varies by season and group size.


The ancient theater of Epidaurus, built in the 4th century BC, is considered one of the best-preserved classical Greek structures and is famed for its perfect acoustics.


Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

place Day 6: Epidaurus to Agistri | Leisure Sailing and Water Activities

After breakfast, you depart Epidaurus and sail to the lush island of Agistri, a journey of about 11 nautical miles that takes approximately one and a half hours. Today is dedicated to relaxation and enjoying the water. You can spend your time on board or swimming in the sea. If you are interested in more active pursuits, you have the option to take a sea kayak tour around Agistri, allowing you to discover additional pristine beaches by paddling. Alternatively, you can rent a bike at the port and cycle around the island’s scenic routes.


Agistri is known for its dense pine forests and clear turquoise waters, making it a favorite among locals for peaceful escapes from the city.


Meals: Breakfast

Day 7

place Day 7: Agistri to Athens | Final Swim and Return

On your final morning, you depart Agistri and begin the return sail to Athens, covering a distance of about 22 nautical miles over three to three and a half hours. Before heading back to the yacht’s base, you stop at a secluded location where you can swim, dive from the yacht, or relax with a book. Lunch is served on board, featuring traditional local delicacies.


After lunch and some final time on the water, you complete your journey by returning to the marina in Athens.


The Saronic Gulf, with its sheltered waters and proximity to Athens, has long been a popular route for sailors exploring the Greek islands.


Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8

place Day 8: Athens | Disembarkation and Departure

In the morning, you prepare to check out from the yacht between 9:30 am and 10:00 am. You can arrange a transfer to the airport if you have a departing flight, or you may choose to continue your travels elsewhere in Greece.


Athens, as the capital of Greece, is one of the world’s oldest cities and serves as a major gateway to both ancient and modern Greek culture.


What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Snacks (1)
  • Breakfast (6)
  • Lunch (4)

Transport expand_less

  • Sailboat with skipper and tour leader

Activities expand_less

  • Inland tour of Aegina with car transfer and entrance to Aphaea
  • Swimming stops at beaches and islands
  • Optional sea kayaking around Agistri (inflatable sea kayak, 2 seats)

Extras expand_less

  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Port taxes, fuel, electricity, and water port costs
  • One set of bed linen and towels per person
  • Final cleaning fee
  • VAT

Not Included expand_less

  • Mandatory travel insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Any meals not listed as included
  • Optional activities not specified in the daily itinerary
  • Transfers to and from the marina, hotel, or airport
  • International flights to and from destination
  • Other expenses of a personal nature

About Danae

TEAM LEAD

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I am the founder of a boutique tour operator offering authentic adventure travel experiences to travelers looking to explore Greece's hidden gems. For the past 8 years I have been designing and guiding unique active holidays in Greece.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$4,576.00 USD