9 Days Through the Mythical Saronic and Peloponnese Coast

Begin your journey in Athens, where the Acropolis rises above modern life like a reminder that everything here began with myth. After a welcome drink on board, you’ll have time to explore the city’s contrasting layers. Stroll past ancient temples, neoclassical buildings, and buzzing cafés. If time allows, visit the Acropolis Museum or catch a sunset from Lycabettus Hill. Then, depart the marina for a short evening cruise along the Attica coast, watching the lights of the capital fade into the distance as the first stars appear above the Saronic Gulf.

Just a short cruise from Athens lies Aigina, a relaxed island with a long naval history and groves of world-famous pistachios. Anchor off a quiet cove for a morning swim, then head ashore to explore the Temple of Aphaia, perched high on a hill with views across the water to the Peloponnese. The harbour town has a cheerful rhythm, especially in the afternoon when fishermen return and cafés fill with locals. Try handmade pistachio ice cream or settle into a waterfront taverna with fresh grilled octopus. It’s a place where things move slowly and beautifully.

Sail to Epidaurus and drop anchor in a bay fringed with pine trees and olive groves. Inland lies one of the best-preserved theatres in the ancient world, famous for its perfect acoustics and timeless beauty. Walk through the Sanctuary of Asklepios, once a centre of healing, and imagine the pilgrims who came here seeking cures. You’ll return to the yacht in time for an afternoon dip, perhaps followed by a quiet dinner on deck under the glow of ancient starlight. The silence here feels like part of the ruins.

Hydra is pure poetry. No cars, no roads, just stone lanes and sea walls, with donkeys standing in for taxis. The harbour is a horseshoe of old captains’ mansions and art galleries, filled with charm but never too polished. Spend the morning swimming in rocky coves nearby, then wander into town where whitewashed paths lead to hillside chapels and hidden cafés. Hydra has long drawn artists and writers, and it’s easy to see why. The air feels different here. The night is for cocktails at an old-school bar with waves slapping just beneath your feet.

Cruise toward Nafplio, once the capital of modern Greece and still one of its most romantic cities. As you arrive, Bourtzi Fortress appears like a floating crown in the middle of the bay. The old town is a maze of marble streets, pastel facades, and bougainvillaea-covered balconies. Climb the 999 steps to Palamidi Castle if you’re feeling bold, or wander slowly and let the city’s old-world elegance pull you in. Nafplio is a place for long walks, long dinners, and a feeling that you’ve found a part of Greece everyone else forgot to look for.

Approaching Monemvasia by yacht is a showstopper. The massive rock rises straight out of the sea, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Behind its thick stone walls lies a medieval town untouched by time. Wander through arched passages, Byzantine churches, and alleyways where bougainvillaea spills from balconies. The views from the upper town are breathtaking. At night, the fortress glows in warm light and the sea feels impossibly still. This is one of the most atmospheric anchorages in the Mediterranean, and a place where history whispers from every stone.

Visit the home of the famous film festival. Shop on La Croisette and enjoy the elegant atmosphere.

Explore the elegant promenade lined with designer boutiques, and enjoy the atmosphere of this renowned resort town. In the evening, dine at one of the city's exceptional restaurants before returning to your yacht.

Known for its naval past and elegant mansions, Spetses offers a graceful final stop. The island is wrapped in pine forests and scented air, with horse-drawn carriages and bicycle lanes along its waterfront. Start your day with a swim off the beach at Zogeria or Agia Paraskevi, then cruise into the harbour where yachts line up beside wooden fishing boats. Walk through the old quarter or visit the Bouboulina Museum, dedicated to a female naval commander who helped shape Greece’s history. Your final dinner ashore might be in a candlelit courtyard, surrounded by jasmine and the soft sound of music from a nearby home.

Return to Athens after breakfast, docking once more in the shadow of the Acropolis. The journey may end here, but the richness of the Saronic and Peloponnese coast lingers — in your memory, in your camera roll, and probably in your suitcase, stuffed with olive oil, pistachios, and stories. Disembark with a sense of Greece that few visitors get to know. One shaped by myth, yes, but also by the calm of old harbours, the taste of sun-warmed tomatoes, and the quiet joy of watching sails catch wind across an ancient sea.