The Poros flotilla route brings you close to nature and an area steeped in history and legend. Idyllic sailing with predictable steady breezes with plenty of secluded anchorages and swimming spots. From the enchanting island of Poros, some favourite islands include Hydra, Spetses, Perdika as well as Plaka and the ancient theatre of Epidavros. The Poros flotilla covers a northern or a southern route over the course of a week. The northern Saronic flotilla takes you via Paleo Epidavros, with its fabulous amphitheatre, to visit the floating fruit and veg boats in the pistachio and pottery port of Aegina town, as well as visiting the charming ports of Perdika, Vathi and Korfos, each boasting its own special character and charm. The southern route in the Argolic flotilla visits some delightful fishing villages, islands and bays together with the famous ancient port town of Naplion. During the summer there is also the chance to join the 2 week Eastern Peloponnese Poros flotilla which follows the Argolic route for the first week and continues south along the Peloponnese coast for the second week, as far south as the medieval rock fortress town of Monemvassia or even as far south as Kythira island.
The Poros flotilla boasts a superb fleet of yachts, consistant winds and a perfect starting and finishing point away from busy shipping lanes and in the middle of a wonderful and varied sailing area. The narrow waterway between Poros and the mainland makes a great natural harbour for our Saronic Gulf flotilla home base, complete with waterfront tavernas and bars.
Embarkation is from 17:00 (5pm) on Saturday and disembarkation is at 09:00 the following Saturday. The boats will return to Poros flotilla base on Friday afternoon.
The Saronic Flotilla North of Poros (via Aegina): 29 April, 13 May, 27 May, 10 June, 19 August, 2 September, 16 September, 30 September, 21 October
The North Argolic Flotilla South from Poros (via Nafplion): 6 May, 20 May, 3 June, 17 June, 24 June, 1 July, 9 September, 23 September, 14 October
The South Argolic 2 week East Peloponnese flotilla from Poros (via Monemvassia): 10 June, 17 June, 1 July, 8 July, 15 July, 22 July, 29 July, 5 August, 12 August, 19 August, 26 August, 9 September, 07 October
Getting There
Poros flotilla base can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil from the port of Piraeus (about 1.5 hours). Piraeus is approximately 40 minutes from Athens international airport. Transfers can be arranged on request. The advantage of starting your holiday from Poros rather than from Athens is that you are immediately in the heart of the islands and can avoid the long sailing leg from Athens to the islands, which is often heavy with commercial traffic. Instead, scheduled flights direct to Athens are a short taxi or bus trip from the main port of Pireaus, from where you can catch a fast ferry to Poros.
The Poros flotilla Yachts
We offer modern yachts, mainly Jeanneau from 32′ – 50′, carefully chosen for their excellent reliability and sailing performance, comfortable and well planned accommodation. Standard equipment includes bimini top for protection from the hot sun, roller genoa plus roller or slab reefing on the mainsail, electric windless (32ft +), hot water shower, deck shower, VHF radio, GPS, dinghy, full safety equipment including life jackets, fire extinguisher, flares etc. bed linen and blankets and a fully equipped galley with electric fridge. Additionally, charts and a Greek waters pilot are provided. Outboard engines are offered as optional extras up to 39′. Over 40′ they are included free of charge.
Note: Poros flotilla routes may vary during the season according to weather and operating conditions. Our flotilla crew will keep you fully briefed each day.
The Saronic Gulf Flotilla will visit five of the following ports or bays (one overnight in a bay is included, weather permitting).
Situated on a volcanic peninsula on the Peloponnese. There are some excellent hiking trails and amazing views. There are also some sea caves to discover and a hot spring on the beach.
A charming little fishing harbour. Vathi should be reached early to be sure of a place. There are excellent fish tavernas and a visit to the extinct volcano caldera above the hamlet of Kratiras is worthwhile, but not in sandals!
Visit the spectacular ancient amphitheatre or simply enjoy the beach. The harbour at Paleo Epidauros has many good tavernas and bars with places to swim. This makes it a particularly pleasant destination. However, the most important aspect of Epidauros is the nearby Asklepion and the famous amphitheatre, an absolute wonder and world heritage site which should not be missed. The theatre is still used to stage plays during the summer months, over 3,000 years since it was constructed.
A good choice of tavernas and crystal clear waters. Korfos is a semi-landlocked bay and a useful anchorage before or after transiting the Corinth canal. It can provide good shelter in the event of other nearby harbours being full. There are some tavernas and provisions are available.
Take a taxi to the Temple of Aphaia or stroll around in the colourful seaside town. Aegina is a bustling little port surrounded by numerous small shops tucked away in narrow back streets with colourful tavernas and cafes along its waterfront. Traditional caiques with fruit and vegetables tie up along the quayside and sell their wares directly from the boat.
Perdika, on the south-west tip of Aegina, is a charming fishing village with excellent seafront tavernas and bars. There is a lovely beach which is a great place to view the sunset.
Angistri is a little-visited island west of Aegina. Limin Angistri on the north east offers reasonable shelter. The island is densely wooded and has attractive bays on the west coast sheltered by Dhonousa islet.
Embarkation is from Poros at 17:00 (5pm) on Saturday and disembarkation is at 09:00 the following Saturday. The boats will return to Poros base on Friday afternoon.
Distances 10 – 20 NM/day
North Argolic Flotilla will visit five of the following ports or bays (one overnight in a bay is included, weather permitting).
It is really worthwhile finding the time to visit this beautiful village perched on a pine-clad peninsula. Choose the north or south quay according to the wind direction and enjoy magnificent sunsets from the many fine tavernas.
This old naval town is now a beautiful, traditional Greek fishing village. It is located 19 km north of Leonidio between the Parnon mountains and the Myrtoan Sea. The ancient Tsakonian dialect is still spoken here by a handful of locals. Visitors can buy local honey, olive oil, Tsakonian cheese and traditional hand-woven materials. There are a few small hotels, tavernas and bars along the seafront.
Great swimming, or stroll up the hillside to explore the ancient cliff top town of Leonidhion. Plaka harbour is situated under impressive rocky slopes and boasts a mile long beach with tavernas selling dishes sourced from the local market gardens. It is the port for Leonidhion which is situated four kilometres inland on the floor of the valley and is the capital of the region. Leonidhion is an untouched Arcadian town and worth a visit to see the beautiful traditional stone houses and the spectacular landscape that surrounds it. Nearby is the spectacular convent of Mount Elonis.
The capital of the Peloponnesian region and an important coastal city with tons of history. From ancient times, through the Middle ages, Byzantium, the Venetian occupation, The Ottoman empire and once the Capital of Greece from 1827 – 1834. There is a mixture of architectural styles, and an ancient castle. The lively alleys and back streets of the sea-port town are full of craft-shops, bars, tavernas, dripping with colourful bougainvilleas.
A small town in the Argolic Gulf in eastern Arcadia lies a few kilometres from Paralio Astros, the main port village and part of the old settlement. There are beaches nearby and a medieval Frankish fortress stands above the small peninsula island. There are approximately 1000 permanent residents.
A popular tourist resort, in a beautiful location, Tolos boasts a sheltered beach, warm waters and golden sands. Water sports inluding scuba-diving and kite-surfing are available from the beach in the summer months.
A picturesque fishing village located in Ermionida. It is famous for traditional shipbuilding and boat yards. You can eat freshly caught fish in many of the village tavernas. There is a small local beach and an ajoining cafe-bar, just past the large church at the end of the harbour. 1 Km away is the famous Lepitsa beach.
Porto Heli’s fine little harbour is well protected from the wind and much favoured by yachtsmen. Across the water are the ruins of the ancient city of Alieon. Whether you arrive by sea or not, you’ll enjoy your stroll through the streets lined with shops, restaurants and hotels. Porto Heli is one of the most luxurious holiday destinations in Greece and is well known for its beautiful beaches, across the narrow straits from the island of Spetses, there`s a bit of everything here, including a lively nightlife. You’ll find good swimming at Ververonta with clear water and beach bars, at Hinitsa with golden sand and pine trees and at Kounoupi, which is an extension of Agios Emilianos.
Dokos, a small island adjacent to Hydra with a nice sheltered bay to the north of the island, ideal for an overnight stay. Agios Nikolaos, one of the most beautiful beaches in Hydra and situated in a secluded area full of pine trees on the western coast, and is only reachable by boat. It is very popular with yachties. It`s best to put a line to shore for safety. The sea is crystal clear and there is a small cantina on the beach during the summer offering refreshments. The beach has fine pebbles, a few sunbeds and straw umbrellas.
Embarkation is from Poros at 17:00 (5pm) on Saturday and disembarkation is at 09:00 the following Saturday. The boats will return to Poros base on Friday afternoon.
Distances 10 – 28 NM/day
South Argolic Flotilla continues from the North Argolic flotilla, and will aim to visit five of the following ports or bays during the second week (one overnight in a bay is included, weather permitting).
It is really worthwhile finding the time to visit this beautiful village perched on a pine-clad peninsula. Choose the north or south quay according to the wind direction and enjoy magnificent sunsets from the many fine tavernas.
Great swimming, or stroll up the hillside to explore the ancient cliff top town of Leonidhion. Plaka harbour is situated under impressive rocky slopes and boasts a mile long beach with tavernas selling dishes sourced from the local market gardens. It is the port for Leonidhion which is situated four kilometres inland on the floor of the valley and is the capital of the region. Leonidhion is an untouched Arcadian town and worth a visit to see the beautiful traditional stone houses and the spectacular landscape that surrounds it. Nearby is the spectacular convent of Mount Elonis.
A small village in Lakonia, situated between the slopes of Mount Parnonas and the shores of the Myrtoan sea. It has a unique character, and very much resembles the style of the Greek islands. There are a couple of sandy beaches. In recent years it has become famous as a rock climbing destination as well as a perfect location for yachties to spend the night.
A natural fjord consisting of three small villages with small houses perched on the hills; a magestic landscape where photographers come to immortalise the views. There are several tavernas in the sheltered harbour.
The town is situated inside the walls of a medieval fortress built on top of a rock island, about 100 m above sea-level and joined to the mainland by a 200m long causeway. Here you will find many delightful small cobbled alleys full of tourist gift shops and restaurants.
Arguably one of the best beaches in Greece, for many years it was only reachable by boat, although now there is a road to the village of Kyparissi and there are now a couple of tavernas and some sunbeds on the beach.
A small island adjacent to Hydra with a nice sheltered bay to the north of the island, ideal for an overnight stay.
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hydra and situated in a secluded area full of pine trees on the western coast, and is only reachable by boat. It is very popular with yachties. It`s best to put a line to shore for safety. The sea is crystal clear and there is a small cantina on the beach during the summer offering refreshments. The beach has fine pebbles, a few sunbeds and straw umbrellas.
Embarkation is from Poros at 17:00 (5pm) on Saturday and disembarkation is at 09:00 also on Saturday. The boats will return to Poros base on Friday afternoon.
Distances 10 – 28 NM/day
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i (2006-07) LOA: 9.60, 2 cabins, 1 WC, (+ 1 berth in saloon), engine: 21 HP, holding tanks, cockpit shower, speed/log, depth sounder, windex/wind indicator, GPS, DSC VHF, hot water, electric fridge, electric anchor windlass, radio CD/Mp3 player, furling genoa, battened main, lazy jack bag, bimini, dinghy, safety equipment, galley equipment
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i (2012) LOA: 9.96, 2 cabins, 1 WC, 4+1 berths, engine: 21 HP, holding tanks, cockpit shower, speed/log, depth sounder, windex/wind indicator, GPS fixed, GPS chartplotter, autopilot, DSC VHF, hot water, electric fridge, electric anchor windlass, radio CD/Mp3 player, furling genoa, battened main, lazy jack bag, bimini, dinghy, safety equipment, galley equipment
Sun Odyssey 349 (2014-2018) LOA: 10.34m, 3 cabins, 1 WC/shower, 6+1 berths, Yanmar 21 HP, twin wheel steering, roller reefing genoa, battened mainsail with lazy jacks (single line reefing with reefs 1 & 2 rigged) and sail bag, GPS chartplotter, DSC VHF radio, speed, log and echo sounder, EPIRB, charts and pilot guides, SonicHub marine audio system with USB Port and speakers in main cabin and cockpit, bimini, electric anchor winch, inflatable dinghy, hot water.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i (2007) LOA: 10.94m, 3 cabins, 1 WC, 6+1 berths, engine: 18 HP, holding tanks, cockpit shower, speed/log, depth sounder, windex/wind indicator, GPS, DSC VHF, hot water, electric fridge, electric anchor windlass, radio CD/Mp3 player, furling genoa, battened main, lazy jack bag, bimini, dinghy, safety equipment, galley equipment.
Sun Odyssey 389 (2016) LOA: 11.40m, 3 cabins, 6+2 berths, 1 WC-shower, battened mainsail, lazy jack bag, roller genoa, bimini, sprayhood, autopilot, GPS chart plotter, fixed GPS, dinghy, cockpit shower, gangway, depth sounder, speed log, wind speed/direction, Windex, battery charger, shore power, radio-CD/MP3 player, electric anchor winch.
Sun Odyssey 409 (2011-14) LOA: 12.34m, 3 cabins, 2 WC-showers, 6+2 berths, engine: 39 HP, holding tanks, cockpit shower, speed/log, depth sounder, windspeed/direction, windex (wind indicator), GPS chartplotter, fixed GPS, autopilot, DSC VHF, battery charger/shore power, hot water, radio CD/mp3 player, electric anchor windlass, electric fridge, furling genoa, battened main sail, lazy jack bag, sprayhood, bimini, dinghy, outboard, safety equipment, galley equipment, etc.
Sun Odyssey 439 (2011-15) LOA: 44’ / 13.34m, 4 cabins (3 double and one twin bunks), 2 WC-showers, 8+2 berths, Engine 54 HP, 2 holding tanks, cockpit shower, speed log, depth sounder, wind meter, wind indicator, GPS chartplotter, fixed GPS, autopilot, VHF, battery charger – shore power, radio CD/ Mp3 player, electric anchor windlass, electric fridge, furling genoa, battened mainsail, lazy jack bag, bimini, dinghy, outboard, liferaft, safety equipment, linen, pillows and blankets, galley equipment, etc.
Sun Odyssey 44i (2009) LOA: 13.75m, 4 cabins, 2 WC, 8+2 berths, batten mainsail, lazyjack bag, roller genoa, bimini, sprayhood, tender with outboard, GPS plotter, fixed GPS, autopilot, echo sounder, full wind instruments, EPIRB, electric windlass (anchor winch), deck shower, deck table, gas cooker, refrigerator, hot water, shore power, radio CD player, etc.
Sun Odyssey 469 (2015) LOA: 46.1 / 14.05m, 4 double cabins, 4 WC-showers, 4 holding tanks, 8+2 berths, in-mast furling mainsail, roller genoa, autopilot, bimini, GPS plotter, fixed GPS, bowthruster, outboard and tender, electric fridge, cockpit table, gangway, swimming ladder, sprayhood, speed/depth/wind instruments, etc. (Nomination of the Sun Odyssey 469 for the European Yacht of the Year Award 2013)
Beneteau Cyclades 50.5 (2007) 6 cabins (4 double + 1 up-down + 1 single skipper’s, saloon convertible), 3+1 WC, 12 pax, outboard, dinghy, GPS-plotter, fixed GPS, autopilot, sprayhood, bimini, bowthruster, radio-CD-MP3 player, battened mainsail, lazy-jack-bag, roller genoa, battery charger, shore power, etc.
Prices
Prices vary according to yacht, dates, duration, so please contact us for a quote.
What’s included
Not included:
Two week Poros flotillas include two days of free sail at the end of first week. Additional days of free sailing possible at any time. Lead yacht returns to Poros Friday and rejoins on Sunday evening with new additions.
Distances. Most days the distances only require 3 to 4 hour of sailing leaving plenty of time to stop for swimming.
Getting a berth Some ports, at certain times of the year, may require an early arrival in order to secure a berth.
Visiting Hydra and Spetses These ports do not have enough berths or are frequently too busy to visit with the entire flotilla. These can be visited on free sail days or, in early or late season with fewer yachts in the flotilla.
The Weather
The area is well-protected from the North-east Aegean winds (Meltemi) in high summer and is ideal for novice sailors, families with children, intermediate sailors and small groups. The conditions in the Saronic gulf, Argolic gulf and along the eastern coast of the Peloponnese are ideal for sailing with predictable and steady breezes over the day.
“We had a fantastic time, we had much more wind compared to our previous trips to the Ionian and had some fantastic sails.
Everything went smoothly, the boat was in generally good condition. We were lucky enough to have the owner’s daughter Isis as our lead skipper, she was the best lead skipper we’ve had so far – as she was a local she knew the area like the back of her hand.
The one issue we had was with running out of water on day 2. We thought maybe the water tank may not have been filled completely on leaving Poros, we ran out the next day and had to go without water for a full day and a bit, as the water man could not be located at Tyros. We feel more could have been done to track him down or find an alternative solution rather than just saying we need to wait until the next harbour.
Overall we had a great experience and would do it again.
Thanks and best wishes,
Leni”
Leni and Anna chartered a Sun Odyssey 33i on the North Argolic flotilla for one week in May, 2023.
Odyssey Sailing is registered and bonded with the Greek National Tourist Organisation (GNTO – EOT) and is a member of the Hellenic Yacht Brokers Association (HYBA).