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With archaeological sites to explore, excellent food to enjoy and the tantalising prospect of lazy days spent sunbathing aboard the yacht at a secluded anchorage; an Athens yacht charter delivers on all the requirements for a superb Greek yacht charter. With the choice of 2 distinct cruising grounds you can sail to the beautiful Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetse, and enjoy ancient ruins and castles, sandy beaches, unspoiled anchorages and small fishing ports. These charming islands have something for all the crew, from Hydra, with no cars, just horses and donkeys following the narrow cobbled streets, to Poros with it’s bustling restaurants and bars and watersports, to the ancient amphitheatre at Epidavros. This route also offers smoother sailing conditions in the summer months, as it is sheltered from the strong Meltemi winds that blow in the Cyclades. The second option is to head to the Cyclades, larger Islands, each with it’s own unique character. The Cyclades is a little more adventurous sailing with longer distances and stronger winds than the Saronic gulf.

This protected cruising area generally experiences southerly winds in Spring and Autumn, averaging force 2-3. In the Saronic and Argolic Gulf, the wind is mostly from the south-east, blowing force 3-5, reducing at night. The Meltemi wind starts in mid-July, building to full strength in August and early September with winds from the NE reaching force 4-5 and is normally less around the Methana Peninsula and Poros. The Meltemi is strongest at midday and dies down at night. During the cruising season of April to October, the skies are blue and the weather warm, with water temperatures averaging 27ºC. In midsummer, you can expect long evenings, spectacular sunsets and calm seas.

There are direct flights to Athens from all the major European Airports. The Athens base (Kalamaki) is easily reached from the airport either by taxi (approx. 45 mins to 1 hr and €40-50) or by bus. The X96 bus runs from the airport to the main ferry port of Pireus with a stop outside the entrance to the marina. The bus is a frequent and very inexpensive service.Starting from Lavrion There are three ways to get to the base. You can take a train and get off at the first stop called “Koropi, “ from there you get the intercity bus (KTEL) which runs every 30 minutes to Lavrion and takes about 40 minutes to get to the port. Your second option is to take a regional bus, departing from the Arrivals Level for approximately €4. The easiest way to reach Lavrion is via taxi; it takes only 15-20 minutes and costs about €25.

To charter a yacht in Greece, there must be at least one certified skipper and one experienced crew member, both over 18 years old. Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following:
• ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International – Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or similar/equivalent certification from any recognised sailing association or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence from previous experience.
• ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course”
• RYA “Day Skipper Course”

7 Day

DAY 1: Embark at Kalamaki Marina, the marina for charter yachts for Athens. Take a taxi or tram into Athens for dinner with a view of the Acropolis.

DAY 2: Aegina Town (17nm)
Traditional harbour with shops, bars and restaurants.

DAY 3: Epidavros (15nm)
was the health resort of Ancient Athenians. Take a taxi from the main square for the 30 minute trip to see one of the best preserved ancient amphitheatres.

DAY 4: Poros Town (22nm)
Lively harbour with a long quayside full of bars and taverns.

DAY 5: Hydra (15nm)
One of the most picturesque harbours in Greece. Discover the traditional restaurants away from the harbour-front. Visit the Sunset bar for stunning views across to Spetses.

DAY 6: Perdika, Aegina (25nm)
Anchor in the bay and go ashore for an excellent seafood dinner.

DAY 7: Return to Kalamaki Marina (20nm)

7 Day

Day 1: Kea Island (14nm)
The mountainous isle of Kea has forested slopes and scrubby brush from the abundant springs and streams, a rarity in this region. Visit the popular grinning Lion of Kea. Consider renting a motorbike to explore the island.

Day 2: Kithnos Island (15nm)
The whitewashed stone houses of Serifos sit on a hill above Livadi Bay. See the town’s beautiful churches and the ruins of a medieval castle.

Day 3: Hydra (40nm)
Hydra is a cosmopolitan island rooted in a rich maritime history and dedicated to preserving their traditional way of life. You’ll find an island that is traffic-free – no cars or even bicycles are permitted. Here, donkeys and walking are every day modes of transportation.

Day 4: Paros (13nm)
Approaching the town, you’ll sail through a narrow, picturesque channel that separates the island of Poros from the Peloponnese peninsula. Pine, olive and lemon trees blanket the hillsides and reach the sandy beaches.

Day 5: Cape Sounion Bay (27nm)
Atop the craggy cliffs is the breathtaking Temple of Poseidon, its white marble columns gleaming in the sun. The temple ruins date back to 440 BC, so only 15 of the original 30 columns still stand.

Day 6: Epidavros
Make sure you visit the world famous Epidavros amphitheatre whose acoustics are legendary. Built in the 4th century B.C. seating an audience of around 15,000, it is still used today for performances during the summer months.

Day 7: Lavrion (8nm)

14 Day

DAY 1: Embark at Kalamaki Marina, Athens. Take a taxi or tram into Athens for dinner with a view of the Acropolis.

DAY 2: Aegina Town (17nm)
Traditional harbour with shops, bars and restaurants.

DAY 3: Epidavros (15nm)
The health resort of Ancient Athenians. Take a taxi from the main square for the 30 minute trip to see one of the best preserved ancient amphitheatres.

DAY 4: Poros Town (22nm)
Lively harbour with a long quayside full of bars and taverns.

DAY 5: Porto Heli (30nm)
Large bay with excellent shelter. Moor at the long quayside or anchor in the bay.

DAY 6: Navplion (21nm)
Elegant Venetian town with a 13th century castle – well worth the walk up for the view.

DAY 7: Leonidhion (23nm)
Friendly little harbour with shop and taverns.

DAY 8: Monemvasia (29nm)
A humpbacked island with an old walled Byzantine town, being sympathetically restored. Climb to the top for a spectacular view. Down below, the lower town and fishing harbour have also been restored into a charming mix of Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish architecture.

DAY 9: Kiparissa (15nm)
Spectacular setting in the mountains.

DAY 10: Spetse (22nm)
Choose from several anchorages on the north west coast. This island was the home of John Fowles when he wrote his famous novel “The Magus”.

DAY 11: Hydra (15nm)
Discover the traditional restaurants away from the harbour-front. Visit the Sunset bar for stunning views across to Spetses. Raft up if necessary but put a tripping line on your anchor – the harbour is renowned for fouled anchors!

DAY 12: Perdika, Aegina (25nm)
Anchor in the bay and go ashore for an excellent seafood dinner.

DAY 13: Return to Kalamaki Marina (20nm)