Ideal for Summer Season
Stretching south from Piraeus along the eastern edge of the Peloponnese, the Saronic Gulf is one of the most rewarding and underrated yacht charter destinations in Greece. This eight-day route takes in the 5th-century Doric temple above Aegina, the car-free harbour of Hydra where mules still outnumber engines, the Venetian fortress and neoclassical squares of Nafplion, and the pine-sheltered anchorage of Porto Cheli. Few itineraries in the Greek islands balance archaeology, gastronomy, and natural beauty quite so efficiently, and fewer still allow you to begin and end in one of Europe's great capital cities.
- Day 1
Athens
Embark on your chosen yacht rental in Athens and enjoy a warm welcome and a freshly prepared lunch on board by your personal five-star crew. Athens yacht charters make an ideal starting point for any Saronic or Peloponnese circuit; the city itself rewards an afternoon's exploration before you raise anchor.
Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful winding streets of Plaka or admiring the grand temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the finest surviving examples of ancient Greek architecture. If you’re eager to make the most of the water toys onboard, cruise over to the island of Poros, where you can cool off at Russian Bay and relax on the soft golden sand. Finish your first day onboard with refreshing aperitifs as the sun dips below the horizon in a blaze of crimson.
Find out more:
-
Russian Bay
Beach
-
The Parthenon
Landmark
-
Russian Bay
- Day 2
Spetses
Renowned as the 'fragrant isle' by the Venetians, thanks to its wild herbs and pine-covered hills, Spetses is one of the most immediately charming stops on any Saronic Gulf yacht charter.
The absence of private cars gives the island a rare unhurried quality that's increasingly hard to find in the Aegean.
Anchor off Zogeria Bay and discover its pretty coves and beaches using the yacht's water toys. The water is exceptionally calm and clear, making it ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. After a day on the water, head to Poseidonion Grand Hotel for spectacular views and dinner at On The Verandah, where the kitchen matches the setting for quality.
Find out more:
-
On The Verandah
Restaurants
-
Poseidonion Grand
Hotels
-
On The Verandah
- Day 3
Nafplion
Wake to a hearty breakfast on board with views over Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece and one of the most handsome towns on the entire Peloponnese charter circuit.
Neoclassical houses, Venetian architecture, and a harborside that rewards slow exploration make Nafplion one of the route's most satisfying cultural stops.
For the more active, the climb to the Palamidi Fortress, 999 steps up a Venetian-built promontory, delivers unbeatable panoramic views over the town and gulf below. For a more relaxed morning, head to Kitheros Bay for sun on golden sand before a portside lunch at Itria. In the evening, 3Sixty delivers cocktails, dinner, and dancing with a rooftop view to match.
Find out more:
-
Palamidi Fortress
Activities
-
Itria
Restaurants
-
3Sixty
Restaurants
-
Palamidi Fortress
- Day 4
Porto Cheli
One of the most sought-after anchorages in the eastern Peloponnese, Porto Cheli combines pristine natural beauty with a cosmopolitan edge that makes it a firm favourite among those exploring onboard Greece yacht charters.
The sheltered bay, ringed by pine-covered hillsides and clear water, is as good as the Saronic gets.
Your crew can arrange a pampering session at the Beach Club at Amanzoe, one of the finest wellness and spa facilities in Greece, or simply deploy the water toys for an afternoon spent exploring the bay's numerous inlets and hidden coves by kayak or paddleboard. Either way, return on board for a gourmet dinner under the stars to round off the day.
Find out more:
-
Amanzoe
Hotels
-
Amanzoe
- Day 5
Hydra
Hydra is unlike any other island in the Saronic, car-free, unspoilt, and arrestingly beautiful. It's one of those stops that justifies the entire route, and a highlight of motor yacht charters in the Saronic Islands.
Rise early and take the hike up Mount Eros for tremendous views over the island and surrounding sea before cooling off at a waterfront taverna below. In the afternoon, follow Hydra town's cobbled streets to discover the several house museums and the studios of the artists who have made the island their home. For more beach time, Plakes Vylhou offers picture-perfect turquoise water in a quiet setting away from the main harbour. End the day at Techné, a stylish waterside restaurant serving some of the best Mediterranean cuisine on the island.
Find out more:
-
Téchnē
Restaurants
-
Téchnē
- Day 6
Agistri
Small, pine-forested, and blissfully under-the-radar, Agistri is the kind of island that rewards those who seek out yacht charters off the beaten track in the Saronic Gulf. Its beaches are among the most naturally beautiful in the archipelago, and the pace of life here feels genuinely removed from the mainland bustle of Athens.
Begin the morning with a visit to the Zoodochos Pigi Cathedral in Megalohori, notable for its striking wall paintings inside. From there, make your way to Mariza Bay, with vivid blue water, soft sand, and the option of cliff jumping for the more adventurous. Bareback horse riding through the island's pine-covered interior is another popular way to reach the most beautiful corners of the island. Settle back on board your chosen motor or sailing yacht charter for a relaxed dinner under the stars as another Saronic sunset puts on its show.
Find out more:
-
Aponisos Horseback Riding
Activities
-
Aponisos Horseback Riding
- Day 7
Aegina
On your penultimate day onboard your Mediterranean charter yacht, cruise to the island of Aegina, where you can indulge in the abundance of ancient Greek architecture and beautiful beaches.
Spend the morning at the remarkably preserved Temple of Aphaia, a 5th-century BC Doric temple with panoramic views across the gulf that are among the finest in the Saronic. In the afternoon, wander the quaint fishing village of Perdika for a taste of unhurried island life, or head to Klima Beach for a final afternoon swim in pristine, sheltered waters before returning to Athens.
Find out more:
-
Temple of Aphaia
Attraction
-
Temple of Aphaia
- Day 8
Athens
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as the yacht makes its final passage back to Piraeus Port, completing this eight-day loop through some of the finest East Mediterranean yacht charter destinations around Athens.
If flight times allow, head into Athens for one final taste of Greece. Dine at the Michelin-starred Varoulko Seaside restaurant, where you can enjoy exquisite seafood cuisine and beautiful harbor views, rounding out an exceptional yacht charter around the Peloponnese and Saronic Gulf.
Find out more:
-
Panathenaic Stadium
Attraction
-
Varoulko Seaside
Restaurants
-
Panathenaic Stadium
Book with Ease - Speak with a Charter Expert
Our yacht charter experts will:
- Discuss your vacation plans
- Check availability & shortlist suitable yachts
- Negotiate booking & prepare your itinerary
*All distances are approximate
