Skippered Sailing Holiday in Greece; Saronic Island Exploring

A Skippered Sailing Holiday in the Saronic Islands

Athens (Piraeus) → Aegina → Agistri → Poros → Hydra → Epidavros → Athens (Piraeus)

A Greek island sailing holiday with Zorba is as relaxed or as hands-on as you’d like it to be. Each morning you’ll wake in a new harbour, and each evening you’ll sit down to fresh-caught fish and local wine at a waterfront taverna. In between, the Saronic Islands unfold at their own pace with remote anchorages, ancient hillside towns, and stretches of clear water made for swimming. Your route is never fixed as it takes shape around the wind, the weather, and the mood on board. That flexibility is part of what makes sailing here so rewarding.

The Saronic Islands sit just an hour from Athens, making them one of the most accessible sailing destinations in Greece. Despite their proximity to the capital, many of the smaller islands and coves feel entirely removed from modern life. The archipelago includes the inhabited islands of Aegina, Agistri, Poros and Hydra, as well as quieter spots and uninhabited anchorages seldom visited by those who travel by land.

Greek Island Sailing Holiday Highlights

The Saronic Islands reward curious exploration. Here are some of the highlights you might encounter along the way:

• Hydra – the jewel of the Saronic, with no cars, no noise, and a beautifully preserved harbour ringed by stone houses. Donkeys do the heavy lifting here.
• Aegina – famous for its pistachios, its impressive Temple of Aphaia and the quiet fishing village of Perdika, where Zorba’s skippers will tell you the warmest people in Greece can be found.
• Epidavros –  a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the eastern Peloponnese coast, home to an ancient theatre of remarkable acoustics and the ruins of the Sanctuary of Asclepius. The bay also hides a sunken city, perfect for shallow snorkelling over old foundations and ancient pottery.
• Cape Sounion – the Temple of Poseidon perches on the southernmost tip of mainland Greece, towers over the anchorage, and makes for a memorable sail in its own right.
• Hidden anchorages – the Saronics are dotted with uninhabited islands and quiet coves. Some of the best moments happen well off the tourist trail.

Sailing with Zorba — A Modern Yacht Built for the Mediterranean

Zorba is a Beneteau Cyclades 50.5. A modern, comfortable sailing yacht designed with guest comfort firmly in mind. She sleeps eight guests across four private double cabins, all sharing three well-appointed bathrooms with showers. The generous saloon and well-equipped galley make life on board easy, whether you’re relaxing over breakfast or basking in the afternoon sun. A dropped transom at the stern gives direct access to the water, perfect when you’re anchored in a clear blue cove.

Her owners and skippers are the heart of every voyage. They know these waters intimately and genuinely love what they do – something guests notice quickly. Whether you’re an experienced sailor keen to get involved with the sailing, or a complete beginner who’d rather sit back and enjoy the sunshine, the crew tailor every trip to suit those on board.

• Sleeping: Four private double cabins, sleeping up to eight guests
• Bathrooms: Three shared bathrooms with showers
• Sailing: Modern rig with winch systems; easy for all abilities
• Food: Half board – lunches on board and evening meals at local tavernas
• Experience: Relaxed and unhurried

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

Night Watches?

Mosquitos?

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard, in addition to standard travel insurance, which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will not be more than 12 miles offshore.