Sailing & Exploring the Saronic Islands, Greece

Vessel: Zorba
Where: Saronic Islands, Greece
Duration: 8 days

Embark: Aegina - 19 October 2024, 18:00
Disembark: Aegina - 26 October 2024, 09:00

Enjoy Autumn sunshine sailing in Greece as you explore the Saronic Islands under sail with skippered yacht Zorba.

Enjoy some Autumn sunshine as you set sails in Greece with skippers Aga and Greg who are set to show you the very best of a sailing holiday in the Saronic Islands.

Tucked south of Athens in the shelter of the Saronic Gulf, the Saronic Islands are well known for their rich history, ancient ruins, individual personality, sandy beaches and beautiful clear blue waters. This skippered sailing holiday focuses on a mixture of both the inhabited and uninhabited islands that make up the Saronic, with a few mainland harbours thrown into the mix, too. With crystal clear warm waters, an abundance of sunshine and true Greek hospitality with plenty of tavernas – a sailing holiday in Greece with modern yacht Zorba will certainly leave you longing to return.

Fully crewed sailing yacht
Island hopping & historical exploration
Great for families & groups
Eat on board and shoreside Taverna’s
Suitable for beginners
Whole boat yacht charter available
Half Board
Swim, Snorkel & SUPs

Your Sailing Area

Saronic Islands, Greece

With easy access from the mainland airport of Athens, Zorba will set the sails and head straight for the Saronic Islands as you spend the next week under sail, discovering all that the islands have to offer. Your route will entirely depend on the wind and weather and also the feeling of all the guests onboard. Aga will help guests to plan their connection from the airport to the island of Salamina where you will meet the boat. Full details of this will be given upon booking – all you have to do is get to the airport!

As well as a plethora of uninhabited islands that make for great remote escapes off the beaten track and away from the tourist hustle and bustle, the islands also consist of the inhabited main islands of Salamis, Aegina, Agistri and Poros. The island of Hydra is sometimes added to the Saronic’s list and as long as the winds permit, is one of Aga and Greg’s favourite places to take guests.

From afternoon anchorages on remote islands perfectly lined with crystal coves for swimming and snorkelling to the very best, tried and tested tavernas on the main islands, there won’t be time to see it all and you’ll be longing to return before you’ve even stepped foot off the boat. There really is something for everyone sailing with Zorba, from relaxing on the sun deck to learning the ropes under the guidance of Greg, the experience really is yours to make.

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Greek Island Highlights

Each island certainly has its own personality and although all of them showcase the very best of Greek hospitality, they cater for all ages and interests. The UNESCO heritage site of the ancient theatre in Epidavros is a bucket list visit for many and one that we highly recommend. Whilst on this coast, the sunken city of Epidavros is also worth a snorkel. Onto the island of Aegina and the architectural wonders of the ancient city of Temple of Aphaia impressively built on the hill – also known as Pistachio Island. The Saronic showpiece has to be Hydra with its ancient port carefully lined with well-preserved stone houses rising from a chic, history-charged harbour. Known as the jewel of the Saronic’s Hydra has no car traffic so donkeys are the best way to get around!

The Temple of Poseidon sits on the southerly point of mainland Greece and is definitely worth the sail over as it sits towering over the anchorage with the impressive view. The small fishing village of Perdika is where you can find the nicest people in the world and our secret harbour (with one family-run taverna and no shop) that can fit only 7 boats is often voted guests favourite harbour of the trip.

Greece Saronic Islands — Sailing in Greece

Life on board

Sailing with Zorba in Greece is one that will leave long-lasting memories and will more than likely see you longing to return. A modern Beneteau Cyclades 50.5, Zorba is owned, managed and skippered by couple Aga and Greg who share a real passion for Greece both from the water and on the land. Comfortable, relaxed and offering an abundance of sunshine sailing, Zorba is the perfect yacht to show guests a truly authentic sailing holiday in Greece.

A typical Day

After a relaxed breakfast, spend a few hours sailing before anchoring up in crystal clear waters to explore historical ruins ashore, sun-bathe or snorkel away the afternoon. Hoist the sails again to find a new spot for the night before enjoying dinner ashore in a traditional Greek Taverna, specially hand-picked by Aga and Greg.

Getting involved

Your sailing holiday in Greece is truly as you make it. Zorba is a fun and simple boat to sail and can be sailed by Greg alone if guests prefer a more relaxing experience. That being said, the larger Saronic Gulf gives some great winds for sailing for those wanting to learn the ropes in a safe and supported environment. Greg used to be a sailing instructor so he loves to share his knowledge and skill with guests. From knot tying, to basic navigation, take the helm and reading the local charts, guests are welcomed to get involved as much or as little as they’d like.

The price also reflects the half board nature of this holiday as explained in Zorba’s life on board section. Breakfast and lunch are included but you will dine out in traditional tavernas for your evening meals. This is at the cost of the guest, but you’ll find a delicious local spread for as little as 15€ per person – and that even includes the wine! There is also a board cash of €250pp payable upon arrival that covers fuel, marina fees and water per person. This is reflected in the ticket price advertised and is based purely on the economics of Greece still being such a cash based society.

Meet your Skippers

Zorba’s owners and skippers Aga & Greg have been sailing yachts in Greece for over 15 years so they certainly know all the best spots to discover under sail. They will certainly make sure you have an unforgettable experience and are both dedicated to ensuring guests experience the very best of Greek hospitality.

Aga and Greg appreciate life on the water far away from tourist crowds – so prefer to show guests the quieter side of the Saronic Islands anchoring in small harbours or next to deserted islands with only resident goats and birds to entertain. Each day they make sure there is opportunity to swim in beautiful bays – some of them completely wild, others with just the one small taverna, serving fresh fish and seafood, often caught before your very eyes! For guests that are interested, they can also offer the possibility of jogging or yoga in the morning, with organic food on board and a healthy lifestyle their first port of call.

FAQ

Are all meals included?
Breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks are included. Dinner is not included so guests can experience the delicious local cuisine and eat in traditional Taverna's!
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes - please specify at time of enquiry.
Are there any added extra's?
Each voyage requires taking board cash for fuel, water and marina fees. Please see each voyage/ticket for details. Evening meals are not included.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
4x double cabins, 1x twin bunk cabin.
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
Yes, all cabins have deck hatches and portholes.
How many toilet/showers does she have?
3
Are bedding and towels included?
All bedding is included but please bring towels (wash and/swim). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Zorba does not have laundry on board.
Is there air conditioning onboard?
No, but each cabin has electric fans and opening hatches.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
What language is spoken onboard?
Aga and Greg are Polish but fluent in English - English is the common language aboard.
Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.
Can I charge my phone?
Yes, all cabins have 220v EU sockets and USB ports.
What is the currency on board?
Euro's.
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes
How do I get on and off the boat?
Zorba is sometimes at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has a dropped transom with steps and swim ladder so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy. When she's docked, there's a simple gangplank.
Are Waterproofs provided?
No
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
There are fishing lines and some snorkel gear.
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.
Is there an age limit?
Please check with the office for under 5's for normal voyages. There is no limit for private charters but we recommend that children can swim. There is no maximum age limit as long as guests are fit and mobile.

Guest Reviews

" What an absolutely amazing sailing Holiday around the Saronic islands, Greece on Zorba. Greg and Aga created for us both Both extremely experienced and capable. Greg an excellent sailor, Aga a fantastic cook creating beautiful and fresh food for us every day and taking us to lovely tavernas every night. They made us immediately very comfortable onboard. We were a mixed group of all ages and nationalities, but both Greg and Aga did so well getting us all together and finding out our individual needs from diet to activities, resulting in a very unique fun packed fabulous Holiday, We hope to do this again soon THANK YOU "Graham - 2023

" This has to be the best trip I have ever been on. I bought my daughter this holiday as her 21st birthday present as she had always wanted to go Greek Island hopping. We were slightly apprehensive going considering we’d be on board a yacht for 8 days with 8 total strangers. Aga and Greg were incredibly welcoming and we felt very much at home immediately. It really was a trip of a lifetime with memories made that will never be forgotten for both my daughter and I. So don’t look elsewhere as you won’t find anything better!!! Thanks Aga and Greg for a wonderful holiday, I hope to return again very soon 🤞🏼"Susan - 2023

It was the most amazing sailing trip. Aga is a gourmet chef (although she would never say she is), her meals were beyond amazing! She was so kind and accommodating to everyone’s dietary needs on the boat. Aga and Greg are a genuinely kind couple who are always willing to answer your questions and were extremely patient when teaching all us on board the art of sailing. Being a couple from the Canadian prairies- we had no sailing experience, therefore Greg’s knowledge, expertise and patience exceeded our expectations. In addition to this, we learned a lot about the docking etiquette in the various ports, the wine tour they chose was amazing, not to mention the food, wine and atmosphere in the nightly tavernas! We can not wait to bring our family sailing with Aga and Greg. Tanya & Toby - 2023

Our week on board Zorba was simply fantastic. Aga and Greg are the perfect hosts, extremely helpful and nothing is too much trouble. They are both highly competent, and we felt very welcome on board their excellent yacht Zorba. Aga’s cooking is out of this world, healthy, exciting and extremely tasty. The week was tailored to suit our (and our companions) needs and wants, it clearly was not a set agenda and their local knowledge enabled it to be varied to suit. Overall we would rate our week 10 out of 10 and would have no hesitation in recommending them to anybody whether they be experienced or novice sailors.Wayne & Beverly - 2023

We had a wonderful time in Greece, sailing on Zorba with Aga and Greg. We were so looked after and cared for. The scenery was stunning, the itinerary was spot on and we were so well looked after. Greg and Aga were so sensitive to the individual needs and so very caring. We both thoroughly recommend this holiday.Richard & Margaret, 2022