Sailing in Greece: Argo-Saronic Cruise
(with emphasis on culture and pleasure)

Nafplio

Hydra

Caraya

This sailboat cruise starts and ends in Nafplion. It lasts 7 days but individual alterations are possible including adding days to the cruise or in Athens, Nafplio or other islands in the Greek Aegean.

Day 1: Airport Transfer from Athens International Airport to Nafplion with A/C Taxi. On this transfer you will cross the world famous ‘Corinth Canal’ and stop there for a pleasurable coffee- break to absorb the scenery.This transfer takes about 1 ˝ hours and takes you through the beautiful town of  Nafplion directly to the Yacht. We start the cruise, depending on your flight times, usually around midday and reach our first swimming location at mid afternoon. That place is called Korakonisi and is a well sheltered and uninhabited island with crystal clear waters.After this refreshing experience we proceed to the port of Porto Heli for the night. Here you have plenty of options for dining out and entertainment.

Day 2: We start after breakfast on board with a morning swim just a few miles out of the port, surrounded by lovely beaches. From there we continue our sail towards the beautiful ancient port village of Plaka Leonidion. This village is very charming and inviting with its traditional atmosphere.

Day 3: From Plaka Leonidion we start after breakfast for a sail towards a bay on the island of Spetses for a deserved relaxing swim, before we continue to the port of Ermioni. This picturesque small town is located on a very green peninsula, and has a big ancient history. We find here an array of traditional tavernas directly at the shore to enjoy the evening.

Day 4: This relaxing day may well start with some jogging or just a walk through the lovely park scenery bordering the port.

We continue our cruise by sailing then towards a large beautiful bay on the uninhabited island of Dhokos. This bay was the sight of a medieval sea battle, can be reached only by boat, and is close enough to enjoy the swim there still during the morning.

From there we sail the distance to the not so far away island of Hydra, in order to arrive relatively early. This very impressive port town carries a great history and overwhelms from its architecture and very traditional way of life. This island is home of many monasteries and attracts many visitors. That is why we should be in early, but also because we should not miss the opportunity for a walk around this town.

There are no cars or any motor vehicles allowed, and all transport is arranged for by boats or donkeys.

This very unique place is certain to impress you, as it did many artists and famous people that choose this magnificent island as residence.

Day 5: After leaving the port of Hydra island we sail along its rugged coastline towards some small bays for another swimming experience. We anchor off some beaches in beautifully clear waters to enjoy also a 2^nd breakfast before continuing our voyage to the island of Spetses, where we visit the old port. Here we have the opportunity for a stroll through the village, a large variety of restaurants and as on Hydra, you have many unique shopping opportunities.

Day 6: We depart from Spetses whenever it pleases you for a straight sail to the small port of Astros. This small town is very inviting and offers the opportunity for a swim from the beach that is very close to the port, or to enjoy a genuine Greek afternoon ‘Meze’,- to enjoy an Ouzo on one of the beach tavernas.

Day 7: This day is unfortunately our final day, that we may well start with a swim from the nearby beach, before we set out to Nafplion after breakfast. We arrive in Nafplion’s mainport around midday and have thus the opportunity to visit the magnificent medieval Venetian castle, and the beautiful Old town before attempting the taxi back to the airport or to Athens if you choose to continue your holiday with a visit there.

Stefan Ritscher is a popular skipper in Greece who does charters of the Greek islands and coast year round.  You can read more about him at Sailing with Stefan Ritscher

For more information please contact David at GM Charters with this form.