The Argo-Saronic islands are located a short distance from Athens and consist of Aegina, Hydra, Agistri, Spetses, Salamina, Poros and Methana. These islands are known for their special architecture and ancient monuments that continuously attract visitors annually. The Saronic islands also have rocky and volcanic landscapes, Salamina is a mountainous island and Methana has walking trails leading to a sleeping volcano which gave the unique morphology of Calabria we know today as the island of Poros. You can join the cultural festivities in honour of the Great Naval Battle of Salamis, the Pistachio Festival of Aegina or the Armata Festival of Spetses when the merchant fleet of the locals defeated the fleet of Turkey in 1822. If you want to visit important archaeological sites or museums you can visit the Ancient Town of Paleochora in Aegina, the sanctuary of Poseidon in Poros, the mansion of Laskarina in Spetses (converted into a museum) and for the most preserved traditional settlement of Europe, the town of Hydra radiates with an authentic character. Aegina with its famous pistachio nuts and fine temples, Agistri with its crystalline waters, Hydra with its neoclassical and romantic aura and Spetses with the aristocratic allure will all take your breath away. Although the islands are not specifically known for their beaches compared to those in the Ionian or the Cyclades islands, the cultural and the pivotal role the Saronic Gulf has had in history along with the aesthetic perfection of the buildings, makes it easy to see why millions of visitors and charterers continuously visit them year by year.

Boat rentals in Athens offer multiple-day cruises to the Argo-Saronic islands. You can begin your sailing journey from the harbour of Piraeus which is 16.5 miles to the popular touristic destination of Aegina, or simply depart from any of the top marinas from the Attica region of Greece. Alternatively, You can rent a boat in Aegina from the harbour of Perdika and visit the isle of Moni which is recommended for its turquoise waters and pristine beaches. By hiring a speedboat in Aegina one can tour the beaches of Agia Marina, Aeginitissa, Klima and Marathonas. If you have decided to start from Athens, you can head to Aegina or Agistri for a two-day cruise. Organizing a boat trip to the island of Agistri you will pass by and swim in exotic beaches including Dragonera and Chalkiada which have charming coves surrounded by dense green vegetation.

 The beautiful bay of Skinos is a great anchorage for many sailboats and catamarans, also you can eat at the tavern by the bay. Agios Nikolaos, Avlakia, Bisti, Kaoumithi and Liminioza are all wonderful pebbled beaches you can enjoy cruising in and stopping for a great swim. From the main town of Hydra, you can also visit Molos Beach which has crystal clear waters and offers great anchorage and overnight shelter. If you have limited time then we recommend Hydra, Poros and Aegina day cruises from Athens where you can jostle your position in the sea with your favorite motor yacht, otherwise head directly to Spetses which is 16 Nautical miles from the southwest of Hydra.

Spetses lies southeast of the Argo-Saroni Gulf. The beach of Zogeria is considered to be the most beautiful beach of the island of Spetses which you can visit with a luxury motorboat. Other beaches you can tour with a yacht include Agia Paraskevi and Agioi Anargyroi. For secluded pebbled beaches, you can head to Kouzounos or Xylokeriza on the south side which both have azure waters. If you are visiting Spetses, some charterers offer cruises to the cave of Bekiris which according to tradition was used by the locals of the island as a hiding spot during Ottoman occupation. Legend says that if you and your loved one drink water from the source inside the cave, you will have eternal love! Take this beautiful opportunity for a romantic day trip on the south-eastern part of the island. Island-hopping from Spetses gives you the option to sail to Porto Heli or Nafplio which have plenty of resorts and beaches, otherwise, if you missed out on Hydra take your chance to dock in the main harbour and start strolling the wonderful little town.

 For some of the most spectacular views of the Saronic Gulf, the old and charming settlement of Anitseo in Aegina or the temple of Zeus are must-visit spots. Opposite of the harbour of Poros you can visit the village of Galatas which is a large area with 30,000 lemon and orange trees offering panoramic views of the Argo-Saronic Gulf. Finally, the Prophet Ilias chapel offers fantastic views of Dorousa and its surrounding areas.