Setting Sail: A Week In The Saronic Gulf

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Leaving the bustling streets of Athens behind, we cast one last glance over our shoulders before surrendering to a week of pure serenity: turquoise waters, warm sunshine, and an unapologetic amount of gyros and wine. Setting sail for an island-hopping adventure around the Saronic Gulf with my closest friends felt like a dream I never wanted to end.

Join me as I take you through our route—sharing the best islands to visit, the food to savour, and the nights that will live in my memory forever.

Day 1: Agia Marina, Aegina

Our first stop was Agia Marina in Aegina (not to be confused with its Cretan counterpart). After a long day’s sail from Athens, we broke up the journey by anchoring in a quiet bay—diving into open water and exploring rocky coves before continuing on.

Agia Marina is a picture-perfect fishing village, framed by green pine hills and soft sandy beaches. We spent the afternoon at Barracuda Beach Bar, sipping mojitos and attempting beach volleyball, before wandering along the waterfront. Seafood lovers, take note: the local catch here is exceptional. Dinner by the shore as the sun dipped behind the mountains was the perfect start to our voyage.

Day 2: Russian Bay

Our next stop, Russian Bay, is steeped in history. It was here, in 1834, that Russian warehouses were built to supply ships to the Greeks during their fight for independence from the Ottoman Empire. The ruins still stand, weathered but proud.

This secluded spot is accessible only by raft-up, so make sure you have a tender (with an outboard if possible). There’s a tiny beach bar for those in need of a break from swimming and sunbathing—just remember, the lovely woman who runs it only accepts cash.

That evening became one of my all-time favourites: dancing under a sky full of stars, taking a midnight swim, and sipping what can only be described as lethally strong Greek cocktails. What made it unforgettable was our decision to leave our phones and possessions behind, tucking a few euros into our pockets and fully embracing the moment. We were completely present—laughing, swimming, and feeling as if the whole island belonged to us.

Day 3: Ermioni

Perched on a quiet peninsula, Ermioni is a postcard-perfect seaside village offering panoramic views and some of the best seafood of the trip. The mornings here are slow and sun-dappled; I recommend starting your day with a savoury crêpe and saving room for a seafood risotto at lunch.

This is a village for gentle exploration: browse the local shops, take a leisurely swim, or simply wander along the charming waterfront. For those craving a livelier evening, Millennium Bar offers dancing and drinks under the stars—and don’t be surprised if the bar’s friendly, adopted dog pops in to say hello.

Day 4: Dokos

The next morning began with a refreshing swim to wash away the glittery chaos of the night before. Our destination: the uninhabited island of Dokos. This secluded paradise offers natural bays where mountain goats roam the shore and the only sounds are the wind and the water lapping against your boat.

We spent the day floating lazily in the sun, having impromptu races and laughing until our stomachs ached. As the sun set, we realised we hadn’t seen another soul all day.

Dokos is a raft-up stop, so you’ll need to bring plenty of food, water, and whatever music you want to soundtrack your evening. Lying on deck beneath a sky full of stars, completely cut off from the rest of the world, felt like magic.

Day 5: Poros

We saved the best for last: Poros, a bustling yet charming island perfect for shopping, dining, and soaking up Greek island life. Arriving early is key if you want a prime spot at the port, as this is one of the most popular destinations in the Saronic Gulf.

Here, days are for wandering along the boutique-lined waterfront, collecting trinkets, and indulging in one last seafood feast. If we could have extended our trip anywhere, it would have been here—Poros has enough to keep you entertained for days.

Our grand finale came at Malibu Nightclub, a lively spot with the best mojitos and plenty of barrels and tables to dance on. It was the ultimate celebration, the perfect exclamation mark to our island-hopping adventure.

A Holiday to Remember

This trip felt like a dream. Waking up already sailing, napping on deck with the sea breeze in your hair, spontaneous swims in moonlit water… the magic was endless.

If I could give just one piece of travel advice, it would be this: gather your favourite people, charter a boat, and set sail in the Mediterranean. Just make sure you have a great skipper—and maybe pack a little extra glitter for good measure.