The Sporades islands and Evia
Athens and the Saronic
Corfu, Lefkas & the Ionian
Santorini, Mykonos & the Cyclades
Rhodes, Kos & the Dodecandese
From the Saronic and Peloponese:
Main ports:
- Kalamaki (Alimos Marina)
- Lavrion
Main island route:
- Aegina
- Epidavros
- Poros
- Ermione
- Hydra
- Dokos
- Porto Heli
- Spetses
- Nafplio
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The
Saronic, Argolic & Peloponnesian Area
On the south eastern side of Peloponnese this route combines beautiful
islands and the magnificent eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Along this
route you will explore many cosmopolitan towns, ancient temples, small
peaceful fishing villages and unspoiled anchorages. This route is also
highly recommended for easy sailing or for shorter periods of charter.
In the Saronic Gulf the yachtsman will come upon the greatest concentration
of yachts in Greece. Most of these are based at the marinas along the
Attic coast from where a considerable number of charter companies operate.
Many charter yachts follow the Saronic trail to Aegina, Poros, Hydra and
Spetses and to nearby harbours and anchorages, so if you wish to avoid
the crowds in the summer stay away from the charter yacht milk run and
head for the eastern coast of the Peloponnese where there are unspoilt
harbours and anchorages.
History
There are three significant historical centres in this area. Mycenae at
the head of the Argolic Gulf was the center of the Mycenaean period, which
succeeded the Minoans and provided the material for Homer's epics. Athens
was of course the centre of Classical Greece, although it is all too easy
to attribute too much to this ancient city and forget the contributions
to art, oratory, science and commerce from other city - states all over
Greece. Lastly, the fleets of Hydra and Spetses were of key importance
in determining the outcome of the War of Independence and both Nafplio
and Aegina were at different times the capitals of the newly liberated
Greece.
Wind and Sailing Conditions
Easy to Intermediate
The Saronic, Argolic and eastern coast of the Peloponnesian Gulf is a
very well protected cruising area with mild winds, averaging Force 3-4,
usually from the North to North-East, ideal for relaxed sailing. In the
Argolic Gulf, the wind is mostly in the summer, from the South-East, blowing
Force 3-5. During spring and autumn the winds are normally weaker and
blow from the South over the whole area. The Saronic area is divided into
the coast around Athens and East Poros and Hydra were winds blow NE. The
'Meltemi' begins around mid July and builds up to full strength in August
and early September, dying down towards the end of September. During that
time it can be forced up to 5-6 (35 to 40 knots). In Argolikos Kolpos
and Hydra the wind can also be SE. The 'Meltemi' is strong during lunch
time and dies down at night. 'The wind that comes from the mountains of
the Peloponnese, 'Katabatic', can reach up to 30-35 knots butit only lasts
a few hours.
Travel Notes
From Alimos Marina, you can start your cruise. Alimos Marina, located
30 minutes from new Athens International Airport El. Venizelos, can be
accessed by taxi and public bus, which departs every 15 minutes.
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