Thinking about chartering a boat in Greece? Here is why you should choose Athens
Revered for its magnificent coastlines, mouth-watering cuisine and a myriad of iconic ancient ruins, Athens embodies every bit of Greece’s irresistible charm.
A private yacht charter in this iconic destination invites you to discover some of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secret isles scattered throughout the Saronic Gulf.
The vibrant and modern city of Athens is just a stone’s throw away from The Moorings base, Marina Zea. When you are there be sure to take a trip to the Acropolis of Athens, an ancient fortress perched above the city of Athens. It is the most complete ancient Greek monumental complex still existing in our times and is the most famous and striking site in all of Athens.
Back to the base at Marina Zea, there are plenty of things to do, from dining on fresh seafood to waterfront walks and marvelling at ancient monuments. But if you are wondering which islands you can sail to from Athens, you will be delighted to discover there are many charming islets to explore, here are a few of our top recommendations.
Poros
South of the Saronic Gulf lies the picturesque island of Poros. Its position makes it a great base for island-hopping in Greece. Pine, olive and lemon trees cover the hillsides down to the golden-sandy beaches and mountainous green landscape overlooking red-topped roofs that line the streets of Poros Town.
With lots of historical sights to see, including the clock of Poros, you could hire a scooter to explore the island area, or relax on pristine beaches including Megalo Neorio and Monastiriou.
Hydra
An island well-worth a visit, but arrive early to get a space and try to avoid crossed anchors that tend to happen in high season! Food connoisseurs will be delighted with traditional cuisine in a tranquil setting. There are plenty of things to do from historic sight-seeing, to great snorkelling, diving, swimming and hiking.
Kithnos Island
Positioned south-east of Kea and north-west of Serifos, Kithnos is characteristic of the rugged islands found throughout the Aegean Sea. Enjoy serene sailing as you explore pretty island coves, and escape the hustle and bustle as you discover the charming traditional villages of Kithnos and Dryopida. There are shops, tavernas, cafés and restaurants on the narrow lanes and around the public squares of both villages.
Kea Island
Sailing around the mountainous island of Kea offers a rich and diverse adventure in an idyllic setting. On land, rent a scooter or bike to explore the islands ancient ruins and landmarks. There are five popular, scenic beaches near the port of Korissia, a few have beachside bars and cafés, while others are simply stunning stretches of golden sand.
Cape Sounion Bay
Home to the legendary Temple of Poseidon that dates back to 440 BC when the temple was built to honour the god of the sea, Cape Sounion Bay is a must-see stop. Many sailors like to take the dinghy ashore and climb the trail leading up the cliffs to walk through the ruins of Poseidon’s grand temple. Stay for the evening and watch the sunset for a picture-perfect end to your trip.
When is the best time of year to visit Athens?
Whilst Athens is a popular year-round tourist destination, the temperatures do vary greatly throughout the year, so you should refer to the cruising conditions to find a time that best suits you.
If you like to revel in warm weather and enjoy the hustle and bustle of summer, June through to September will be a great time for you to visit. From June to August a three-month long celebration of music, theatre, dance and visual arts takes place during the popular Athens Epidaurus Festival.
April to May and September to October offers milder temperatures and reduced crowds. It’s still a great time to visit as many of the attractions are operating normal opening hours and there is plenty of daylight time to explore. In May you can visit the Athens Street Food Festival and try some of the city’s hottest ethnic restaurants over three weekends. During September, Athenian restaurants and burger houses showcase their offerings during Burger Fest , in a quest to see “who grills it best”.
What is it like to cruise in Athens-Zea?
During the cruising season of April to October, temperatures average around 27ºC with blue skies and warm seas of about 28°C. There is generally a light southerly wind during spring and autumn and July to August brings stronger winds. The eastern Mediterranean has a very small tidal range at one to two feet.
Athens offers thrilling cruising conditions for confident, experienced sailors. Whether you are new to chartering a yacht, or simply want more time to relax, you can hire an expert Moorings Skipper who will guide and help you to uncover the hidden gems of Athens and the Saronic Gulf.
Requirements for sailing in Athens Zea
Click here to review the sailing and power requirements for Greece while planning your charter holiday.
Want more advice or help booking your perfect trip? Talk to a Holiday Planner to craft your unforgettable Moorings holiday on 033 0332 1506, contact us or explore each of our destinations in more detail.
Contributor
Selina Bessey
Step Aboard Here
Start your experience with The Moorings on land and sign up to receive e-mails from us about yachts, offers and destinations.
By clicking 'Sign up' you confirm that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy and consent to our use of your information.