Island-Hopping Magic in the Saronic Gulf

The Saronic Gulf islands are the closest island group to Athens and the perfect destination for a full-day sailing trip without flying. In 8 to 9 hours you will visit three distinct islands, the historic harbour of Aegina (famous for its pistachio orchards and the beautifully preserved Temple of Aphaia, older than the Parthenon), the wild uninhabited islet of Moni (a nature reserve with crystal-clear water, peacocks, and deer roaming freely), and the pine-forested paradise of Agistri with its quiet beaches and charming villages. Each island offers something completely different, and all are reachable within an easy day’s sail from Glyfada Marina.

Aegina, History and Culture

Aegina has been inhabited since ancient times and served as a major naval power in the Athenian era. The town harbour bustles with fishing boats and waterfront tavernas where locals gather for ouzo and mezze. The Temple of Aphaia, perched on a hilltop overlooking the sea, dates to 480 BC and is remarkably well-preserved, its columns remain intact, and the views from the temple toward the sea are breathtaking. The island is also famous for pistachio production, and you will see the distinctive trees covering the interior countryside. Many guests spend an hour wandering the town, trying local pistachio products, and swimming from the waterfront.

Moni, Untouched Nature

Moni is an uninhabited island and designated nature reserve. The beaches are pristine white sand, the water is exceptionally clear, and the island supports a population of peacocks and deer that roam freely. The crew anchors the boat offshore, and you swim or paddleboard to the beach. The solitude and natural beauty are profound, there are no buildings, no people, just unspoiled Mediterranean landscape. For many guests, Moni is the emotional highlight of the day. Snorkelling here is exceptional, with rocky underwater formations and abundant marine life.

Agistri, Quiet Villages and Forest

Agistri is the greenest of the Saronic islands, covered in pine forests that descend to rocky shores. Two charming villages, Megaloхori and Limonι, offer traditional Greek island life largely untouched by mass tourism. The beaches are quiet, the water is warm and clear, and the pace is slow. Some guests take the opportunity to walk the village lanes, sample local food, and interact with genuine island hospitality. Others prefer to spend the afternoon swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding from the boat.

The Full-Day Schedule

Departure from Glyfada Marina is typically at 9:00 or 10:00 AM. The first two hours involve sailing southwest to Aegina. You arrive mid-morning and either anchor in the town harbour or in a quieter bay nearby. Time ashore allows for a walk through town, a temple visit (entry fee not included), swimming, or simply time at a waterfront café. By lunchtime, the boat departs Aegina for Moni, arriving by early afternoon. Lunch is served either before departure or at anchor off Moni, fresh grilled fish, local cheese, salads, bread, wine. After lunch, you swim and snorkel at Moni for 2 to 3 hours. Late afternoon, the boat sails to Agistri, arriving as the sun begins to soften light. An hour or two allows for final swimming or village exploration. Dinner is served on board or in a waterfront taverna on Agistri (if arranged in advance). The return sail to Athens departs early evening, arriving back at Glyfada Marina around 8:00 PM.

Included Features

Private motor yacht or catamaran, professional captain and crew, breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and drinks, all beverages onboard (wine, beer, soft drinks), snorkelling equipment, SUP paddleboard, towels, Wi-Fi, all fuel and VAT. Not included: entrance fee to Temple of Aphaia (approximately 6 EUR), any meals or purchases ashore, crew gratuities. Optional: premium spirits, photographer, yacht decoration for special occasions.

Why Choose Us

Our crew has island-hopped these waters for over a decade and knows the best anchorages, swimming spots, and timing for each island’s unique character. We understand the balance between planned itinerary and spontaneous discovery, if an unexpected place looks magical, our captain stops. We partner with taverna owners on Agistri and Aegina, allowing us to arrange fresh meals ashore if you prefer. Our approach to the Saronic islands combines history (Temple of Aphaia), untouched nature (Moni), and authentic Greek village life (Agistri), creating a complete island experience in a single day.

What To Bring

Bring swimwear and protective sun gear (sunscreen SPF 50+, hat, water shoes). Bring casual clothing for island exploration and village visits. Bring comfortable walking shoes for potential temple visits and village lanes. Bring a lightweight jacket for evening coolness and sea winds. Bring your camera with zoom capability for capturing temple views and wildlife on Moni. Bring any medications or allergies information so the crew can accommodate dietary needs ashore if eating in villages. Consider bringing a small backpack for carrying items during island visits.

Best Time To Book

May through October offers ideal sailing conditions and all three islands are at their best. June and September give you perfect temperatures, fewer crowds, and ideal water clarity. Book at least 6-8 weeks in advance for summer dates, particularly if you want specific timing around temple visits or sunset viewings. Clear-weather forecasts are important as the islands are exposed to sea conditions. Weekday departures are often less crowded than weekends, providing a more intimate island-hopping experience.

Your Experience Includes:

• Luxury Motor Yacht Experience.
• Professional Crew.
• Gourmet Meals and Beverages.
• Swimming and Snorkeling (equipment provided).
• Comfortable Lounging Areas.
• Onboard Wi-Fi.
• Fuel and VAT.
  

Exclusions:

• Marina Transfers.
• Gratuities.
• Optional land activities or entrance fees.

Pack Your Essentials:

• Camera or Smartphone.
• Sunscreen (High SPF).
• Sunglasses and Hat.
• Swimwear and Towel.
• Light Jacket or Sweater.
• Comfortable Shoes for Island Exploration.
• Your Sense of Island Adventure.

Extra Guilty Pleasures:

• SeaBob
• DJ
• Yacht Decoration
• Transportation
• Premium Spirits aboard
• Tour Guide 

Plan Your Visit

Departure from Glyfada Marina is at 9 or 10 AM, with the yacht heading southwest toward Aegina. You arrive mid-morning and either anchor in the town harbour or a quieter nearby bay. The crew serves a light breakfast while you decide whether to explore the town, visit the temple, or simply swim and snorkel from the boat. Around midday, the yacht departs for Moni, a wild uninhabited island that is a designated nature reserve. Lunch is served at anchor off Moni, fresh fish, local cheeses, Greek salads, and wine. After lunch, you have several hours to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard in the pristine waters. Late afternoon brings departure for Agistri, the greenest island with charming villages and quiet beaches. You arrive as light begins to soften, and can spend time exploring villages or swimming. Dinner is served aboard or at a waterfront taverna if arranged. The return journey to Athens occurs early evening, arriving back at Glyfada Marina around 8 PM.