Athens Yacht Day Trip: A Saronic Gulf Itinerary
Depart Alimos Marina and cover roughly 55 nautical miles round-trip through the Saronic Gulf, calling at five distinct stops between Aegina and the Athenian Riviera.
From the port outwards
- 01
09:00 · Cast off — Alimos Marina
Board your yacht at Alimos, settle into the aft deck, and clear the harbour mouth while the crew briefs you on the day. Morning seas in the Saronic are typically glassy before the thermal breeze fills in around midday, so an early start means a smooth crossing toward Aegina.
- 02
10:15 · Swim stop — Moni Islet
Drop anchor on the west side of Moni in 4 to 6 metres over sand. The islet is uninhabited and the water visibility often exceeds 15 metres. Snorkel gear and paddleboards come off the tender platform here. Allow 45 minutes before the breeze picks up; the anchorage is best protected from northerlies.
- 03
12:30 · Waterfront lunch — Aegina Town
Med-moor stern-to along Aegina's harbour wall and walk 30 metres to the fish tavernas lining the waterfront. Grilled octopus and local pistachios are the signature order. Ask the skipper to reserve a berth on VHF ahead of arrival — summer weekends fill the quay by early afternoon.
- 04
15:30 · Cultural stop — Temple of Aphaia
A short taxi ride from the harbour brings you to the Temple of Aphaia, a remarkably intact Doric structure dating to around 500 BC, set on a pine-covered ridge with clear sightlines to both Athens and the Peloponnese. Return to the yacht within 90 minutes to catch the afternoon breeze home.
- 05
18:30 · Sunset aperitivo — Vouliagmeni coastline
Cruise north along the Athenian Riviera and idle off the Vouliagmeni shoreline as the sun drops behind the Peloponnese hills. The crew serves drinks on the foredeck while the light turns amber over Cape Sounion in the distance. You are back at Alimos Marina by 20:00 for a dockside transfer.
About Athens
Piraeus and Alimos Marina sit at the threshold of the Saronic Gulf, one of the most sheltered cruising grounds in the eastern Mediterranean. The sailing season runs from late April through October, with peak conditions between June and September. Within a 30-nautical-mile radius you can reach Aegina, Angistri, and Poros on a single-day yacht charter. Hydra — car-free and quietly dramatic — lies roughly two hours south at cruising speed. Few home ports in Greece offer this density of island stops so close to a major international airport.
Motor yachts from 12 to 40-plus metres dominate the local fleet, though sailing yachts and performance catamarans are equally popular for couples or smaller groups. Most harbours in the Saronic favour Med mooring stern-to, while the quieter bays of Moni and Bisti invite anchor-and-swim stops over deep, transparent water. Summer Meltemi winds rarely exceed force 4 in this gulf, making conditions gentler than the Cyclades. Ashore, the waterfront tavernas of Hydra Town serve grilled catch within metres of your tender landing.
A private yacht hire from Athens suits couples seeking solitude, families with young children who need calm anchorages, and corporate hosts entertaining clients against a backdrop of ancient coastline. Consider a three-day loop: depart Alimos, overnight in Epidavros to visit the ancient theatre, then cross to Spetses before returning via Hydra. Our brokers build each itinerary around your group size, pace, and interests — contact us to start planning your voyage.