Saronic – Argolic gulf cruising

Day 1: Embarkation in Olympic Marina, Lavrion – Hydra (35 nm) 

Hydra, one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, is located in the heart of the Argo Saronic Gulf standing out for her classy beauty! On Hydra island, you won’t see any cars.  Everyone uses their foot, boats or donkeys to get around the island. The cars ban, along with the elegant stone mansions of the island, create a charming atmosphere and make the island one of the most serene destinations. Reaching the port, Hydra island looks glamorous like an art-paint, with grey, white and blue colours above the blue of the sea, an exemplar of architectonics and aesthetics. The town of Hydra island, which is the centre of the whole island, is built amphitheatrically around the port, combining nature and architecture.

Day 2:  Hydra – Spetses (18 nm) 

Sail along the coast of Hydra and see the remote small beaches and the historic Captain’s houses and continue to Spetses island.  Spetses, is an island boasting a long naval tradition, famous for its significant contribution to the 1821 War of Independence. It was here that the revolution flag was raised on 3rd April 1821. The island has managed to retain its individual traditional character thanks to its well-preserved grand captain mansions, still bearing eloquent witness to the island’s glorious past. The picturesque old harbour and Dápia, a tourist and commercial centre where the heart of the island’s entertainment beats, are the trademarks of the town of Spetses.  On your visit, take a romantic trip around the island and admire the grand mansions adorning the narrow cobbled streets of the island.

(September : You can visit Spetses during September, when “Armata”, a truly impressive re-enactment of a naval battle takes place ever since 1931.)

Day 3 :  Spetses – Nafplion (25 nm) 

Before you set sails to Nafplio, take a swim at crystal blue-green waters of  “Zogeria” on Spetses island. Continue your cruise to one of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece, Nafplio was the first capital of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834. According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of god Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anymone. The town’s history traces back to the prehistoric era when soldiers from here participated in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War alike. The town declined during the Roman times and flourished again during the Byzantine times. Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors left their mark in the town and strongly influenced its culture, architecture and traditions during the centuries. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues, Ottoman fountains and Venetian or neoclassical buildings mesmerize the visitor with their unique architecture and beauty.

The most photographed spot of Nafplio –and its point of reference as well– is Bourtzi, the Venetian small fortress standing on the rocky islet of Agioi Theodoroi. During the Venetian rule it was connected to Akronafplia through a huge metal chain that secured the port against enemy ship attacks. At the beginning of 1860 in Bourtzi used to live the executioners of Palamidi prisoners. If you are lucky enough you may even be able to attend one of the fascinating festivals taking place on the islet!

Day 4 :  Nafplion – Tyros (19 nm) 

Tyros is a  beautiful coastal small village with beaches, restaurants and cafes and it is also on the edge of  the largest National Park in Greece, Parnon Park. It is a protected bay, with beautiful surrounding. The local community always lay on a number of events through the summer and it is a great way to join in the fun as most of the events are free. Visit “Ligeria Beach” (South of Tyros below the windmills).

Day 5 :  Tyros – Ermioni (24nm) 

Leaving behind Tyros, sail north to Ermioni,  a village on the coast of the Peloponnese with two ports, each one protecting different wind directions. 

Ermioni was founded by the ancient Greek tribe of Dryopes and according to Homer, the fleet of Ermioni participated at the Trojan War. Strolling around Pronos hill, one will encounter the picturesque church of “Agia Ermioni”. This church is built upon a temple that was dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess of marriage, Hera. Bisti, a peninsula situated at the eastern part of Ermioni town, is another great place to visit. In there, there is a temple dedicated to Poseidon (though some believe that this temple is actually dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom) that was built around the end of the 6th century B.C. In Bisti, there is also the ancient Porfireio and at the tip of the peninsula, there is an old lighthouse that still operates. The Spilia tis Vitorizas, is located really close to the lighthouse. Legend has it that there is a creature inside this cave that can petrify children and chase away the fish. Bitsi is full of green and full of history and legends. 

One of the famous beaches of Ermioni is the jaw-dropping Kouverta  beach. Kouverta’s paradisiacal waters as well as its lovely golden sand will astound you. Bisti beach is a pebbled beach with pure waters, near to innumerable trees.  Sentoni beach is another great option, for its waters are crystal-clear!

The way offers many options for swimming on Spetses, Dhokos or the Peloponnese coast

Day 6 :  Ermioni – Poros (20nm) 

Poros is comprised of two islands, Sphairia and Kalavria, of which the former is a volcanic rock and the latter planted with pine trees. Although a small island, its history, sights, and beaches compensate all visitors.

“On the birthday of Aphrodite, there was a feast of the gods, at which the god Poros or Plenty, who is the son of Metis or Discretion, was one of the guests. When the feast was over, Penia or Poverty, as the manner is on such occasions, came about the doors to beg. Now Plenty who was the worse for nectar (there was no wine in those days), went into the garden of Zeus and fell into a heavy sleep, and Poverty considering her own straitened circumstances, plotted to have a child by him, and accordingly she lay down at his side and conceived Love” Plato, Symposium, 178.

Day 7 :  Poros – Sounion – Lavrion (34nm) 

On your last day, you will leave Poros and sail north towards your  final destination, at Lavrion, in our base .You can stop at Sounion for swimming and arrive until 18:00 back to Olympic Marine.

Sounion  : God of the Sea at Sounio, is one of the most inspiring memorable sights in Greece. From the moment one first spies the tall elegant columns, while approaching Sounio along the Attic coast, the ancient temple’s ruins elicit awe. The sound of the wind calms the mind…. The magnificent panoramic view of Aegean Sea calms the heart…. 

God Poseidon was very important for ancient Greeks, and the scale of the Temple at Cape Sounio reflects that. The temple has long played an important part in Greek mythology and history. The first recorded mention of it occurs in the Odyssey, as the last safe landing, before Poseidon scattered the returning Greek navy. 

Day 8: Disembarkation at 09:00 in the morning for check out.