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Sailing area Saronic Gulf - sailing along the islands between Athens and the Peloponnese

Short Overview Peloponnes Region

The Saronic Gulf and the Argolic cruising grounds are simple and suitable for beginners and less experienced crews.

  • Favorable sailing conditions
  • Easy navigation
  • Adequate infrastructure
  • Sailing Season: April to October
  • Mediterranean climate
Boats in Peloponnes Region
Marinas nearby
  • Marina of Epidavros

The Saronic Gulf is a part of the Aegean sea, located between the Greek region of Attica and the Peloponnese. The sea area includes the Saronic Islands (Saron): Salamis, Aegina, Agistri, Poros and Methana. Further south, there are the islands of Hydra, Spetses and Dokos that lie at the transition to Argolic golf. Through the narrow Corinth Canal the Saronic Gulf is connected with the Gulf of Corinth. Compared to other Greek districts the Saronic Gulf has a good infrastructure for sailors. In particular on the east coast between Athens and Cape Sounion, here there are a variety of ports and marinas. An ideal starting point for yacht charter is the Greek capital Athens. Piraeus, the historic port of Athens, is one of the main ports in the Mediterranean. From here, ferries run regularly to the larger islands and there are ferry connections to different countries. At Athens and Piraeus there is permanent shipping traffic. Further south there is Alimos (Kalamaki) with 1000 moorings and a wide range of charter yachts. The marina is a good starting point for exploring the Greek coast, the Gulf and the Saronic islands. You can also Yachtcharter Greece trips here to Cyclades in the south east.

Image Gallery Peloponnes Region

The Peloponnesian coast is a great sailing location and around the peninsula there are many varied routes. The natural scenery is diverse and offers an impressive backdrop. There are rugged mountains, fertile valleys, cliffs and long white beaches. On the rocky coastline of the Peloponnese there are numerous bays and anchorages. The sea area in front of the Saronic and Argolic coast is well protected from the Greek mainland and the high mountains of the Peloponnese protect against strong winds. The winds blow mainly from north to east with a strength of 3 to 4 Bft. In spring and autumn, the wind is weaker and comes from the south. In July the Meltime blows and reaches full strength in September. In the Saronic Gulf it blows weaker and is not as severe as the winds in the Cyclades or the Dodecanese. At the Peloponnesian coast, the Meltemi is rather weak and comes from the northeast or southeast. The Saronic Gulf is a simple sailing area and easy to access. Overall, the sailing conditions are favorable and predictable. There are no significant currents and tides have little influence. One of the few navigational challenges is the passage between the island of Poros and the mainland of Galatas. Between Peloponnese and Athens, the waters are protected by law and allow for relaxed sailing. The distances between the islands are small so you can sail comfortably from one to another. The Saronic and the Argolic Gulf are particularly suitable for beginners and less experienced sailing crews.

Harbors and cities in the sailing area Saronic Gulf
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Airports nearby Peloponnes Region
  • Athens International Airport to Kalamaki harbor: 33,9 km, 44 minutes
  • Kos Airport to Chalki harbor: 25,9 km, 52 minutes
  • Porto Kheli Airport to Epidavros: 59,9 km, 1 hour and 19 minutes
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Climate & Weather

In the Saronic Gulf there is a pleasant Mediterranean climate. There are long, hot and dry summers. The sailing season begins in April and lasts until October and the weather is stable as of May. In the summer months the average daily temperatures range between 24 and 31 °C. Water temperatures range from 24 °C in August to 13 °C in January.