This sailing area is ideal for those wishing to avoid strong winds and for short-term charters, as the islands are close to Athens.
Here you'll find natural beauty, ancient temples, Byzantine castles, unique architecture, small fishing harbors, pristine anchorages, and a glamorous yet romantic atmosphere.
Day 1: Aegina & Poros
Depart from Athens for the island of Poros with a stopover in a small bay of Aegina Island for a refreshing dip and a delicious lunch on board.
Poros is a tranquil, yet cosmopolitan island with lush pine vegetation and a lively waterfront along the canal of the beautiful capital with cosy cafes and restaurants, large traditional mansions and picturesque cobbled streets.
Tip: For the more active, it is a nice idea to explore the island by bike.
Dag 2: Porto Heli
Depart from the port of Poros towards the coastal town of Porto Heli.
Make a stop in one of the beautiful secluded bays for a swim in the crystal-clear water and enjoy the use of the "water toys" on board.
Porto Heli is located on the eastern side of the Peloponnese and was originally a remote fishing village. Today, it has become a frequent mooring place for yachts in the summer. This location is convenient for a road trip to ancient Epidaurus and Mycenae.
Tip: Let the chef spoil you for a delicious dinner under the stars...
Day 3: Nafplio We leave the port of Porto Heli and sail via the island of Tolo to the port of Nafplio, one of the most beautiful and romantic towns with an intense medieval atmosphere.
Its history dates back to prehistoric times. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues, fountains and buildings remind visitors of the Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors who left their mark on the culture and unique architecture.
At sunset, take a romantic stroll through the old town with elegant mansions and large squares, and have a drink in the harbor while enjoying the amazing view of Bourtzi, the Venetian small fortress that stands on the small islet of Agioi Theodoroi, used to protect the city from naval attacks.
Tip: : Climb the 999 steps to the Palamidi Castle, a strong Venetian fortress at 216 meters above sea level. The view from here is breath-taking! If you are not up for the climb, the crew can arrange transportation to the castle entrance.
Day 4: Monemvasia Depart from the port of Nafplio to Fokianos beach on the Peloponnese coast and then onwards to Monemvasia.
This impressive medieval castle town is carved entirely at the back of a huge sea rock, on the east coast of the Peloponnese, invisible from the mainland to avoid enemies.
Monemvasia, which means 'single entrance' (to the island across the bridge), developed into an important trading and maritime centre due to its strategic location.
Today, most of the old mansions have been converted into boutique hotels and guesthouses.
Tip: Wander through the labyrinthine picturesque town and don't miss the breath-taking sea views from the top of the castle.
Day 5: Elafonissos
We leave the port of Monemvasia and sail towards the beautiful sandy beach of Simos on the island of Elafonissos. Time and time again, you will want to dive into the exotic waters.
This small island, also called "The Caribbean of Greece", is located on the southern side of the Peloponnese. The harbor is the only village on the island. It is a small, beautiful fishing village with charming taverns serving delicious fresh fish.
Tip: Enjoy an ouzo with "meze" (small appetizer) here while the salt of the sea still tingles on your skin.
Day 6: Spetses
Depart from the island of Elafonissos towards the beach of Kyparissi on the Peloponnesian coast and then cruise onwards to the port of the island of Spetses.
An island with a long maritime tradition and famous for its significant contribution to the War of Independence. On April 3, 1821, the revolutionary flag was raised here. If you visit Spetses in September, don't miss the "Armata", an impressive re-enactment of a naval battle that has taken place every year since 1931.
Admire the grand mansions of the captains and picturesque shipyards at the old harbor and the old town. Spetses is also an island with a strong cosmopolitan (night) life and boasts a wide range of exclusive boutiques and shops selling beautiful jewellery, traditional artefacts and ceramics.
The island is also known for its unique athletic events. Thousands of athletes from Greece and around the world participate every year in the "Spetsathlon" in April and/or the mini-marathon in October.
Tip: Go shopping in Dapia, the heart of Spetses town!
Day 7: Hydra We leave the island of Spetses and sail towards Bistis beach on the island of Hydra for a lovely afternoon by the sea and continue towards the port of Hydra where we will spend the night.
Hydra is a sailing paradise and one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Built in the shape of an amphitheatre overlooking the Argo Saronic Gulf, with its traditional stone mansions, cannons and statues of the heroes of the War of Independence, narrow cobblestone streets, museums, churches, monasteries and the use of donkeys as public transportation, as cars are not allowed.
The island became a well-known destination when the movie "Boy on a Dolphin" starring Sophia Loren was filmed here in 1957. In the '60s and '70s, many celebrities from around the world visited, such as Lennon, Clapton, Rolling Stones, Onassis and Callas, Rex Harrison, Peter Ustinov, Leonard Cohen and others, making Hydra a place of inspiration for many people in the field of art and culture.
Tip: Enjoy the views and the sunset in one of the lovely cocktail bars located directly on the rocks.
Day 8: Athens Departure from the island of Hydra with destination Athens.
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