The Saronic Gulf islands & the Peloponese coast

On the south eastern side of Peloponnese this route combines beautiful islands and the magnificent eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Along this route you will 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. In the Saronic Gulf the yachtsman will come upon the greatest concentration of yachts in Greece. Most of these are based at the marinas along the Attic coast from where a considerable number of charter companies operate. Many charter yachts follow the Saronic trail to Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses and to nearby harbours and anchorages, so if you wish to avoid the crowds in the summer stay away from the charter yacht milk run and head for the eastern coast of the Peloponnese where there are unspoilt harbours and anchorages.

History
There are three significant historical centres in this area. Mycenae at the head of the Argolic Gulf was the center of the Mycenaean period, which succeeded the Minoans and provided the material for Homer's epics. Athens was of course the centre of Classical Greece, although it is all too easy to attribute too much to this ancient city and forget the contributions to art, oratory, science and commerce from other city - states all over Greece. Lastly, the fleets of Hydra and Spetses were of key importance in determining the outcome of the War of Independence and both Nafplio and Aegina were at different times the capitals of the newly liberated Greece.

Wind and Sailing Conditions
Easy to Intermediate
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 North to North-East, ideal for relaxed sailing. In the Argolic Gulf, the wind is mostly in the summer, from the South-East, blowing Force 3-5. During spring and autumn the winds are normally weaker and blow from the South over the whole area. The Saronic area is divided into the coast around Athens and East Poros and Hydra were winds blow NE. The 'Meltemi' begins around mid July and builds up to full strength in August and early September, dying down towards the end of 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 butit only lasts a few hours.

Travel Notes
From Alimos Marina, you can start your cruise. Alimos Marina, located 30 minutes from new Athens International Airport El. Venizelos, can be accessed by taxi and public bus, which departs every 15 minutes.

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The Sporades islands and Evia

Athens and the Saronic

Corfu, Lefkas & the Ionian

Santorini, Mykonos & the Cyclades

Rhodes, Kos & the Dodecandese