The Saronic Islands in Greece consist of Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Methana, Poros, Salamina, and Spetses. These easily accessible islands offer beauty, history, relaxation, and fun, making them a popular destination for boat charters.
Aegina
This lush island, known for its pistachios, has traditional Greek villages found both in the mountains or by the sea. The capital city of Aegina Town offers neoclassical buildings and narrow, stone alleys where boat charter guests can find restaurants serving fresh fish. The Temple of Aphaia, dating back to the 5 th century BC, is surrounded by olive groves and pine trees. Several tourist resorts boast sandy beaches and other amenities; however, most people prefer to sail the coastline, enjoying the clear, blue waters and secluded bays. Aegina has many active clubs, taverns, and “chilling bars” where live Greek music is played and locals, Athenians, and tourists alike gather to have a good time.
Agistri
This verdant island is known for its peaceful, tranquil feel. You won’t find the loud parties, as you might on the other islands. Instead, in the villages of Megalochori (or Mylos) and Skala, you will spend time with the locals in restaurants, taverns, and coffee houses. Boat charter guests can enjoy the local cuisine and listen to traditional music while chatting with those who call this Sarconic Island home. The island boasts many beautiful beaches with crystalline waters, including the most popular one at Skala village, but also the beaches of Mariza, Mikri Dragonera, Megali Dragonera, Chalikiada, and Xekofti. You may choose to point your boat towards the smaller, secluded beaches of Aponissos, Magiza, and Bariama.
Hydra
This picturesque island was a former gathering place of trendy artists during the 60s, and it still maintains that cosmopolitan air with lends to its popularity. The capitol of Hydra Town (sometimes called Hydra Port or Hydra Harbor) is a beautiful village featuring red-tiled homes and the traditional narrow alleyways paved in stones. Aside from the donkey paths, the island has no roads, as cars are prohibited in keeping with the protection order to maintain Hydra’s paradise-like feeling. The beaches are not typically used for sunbathing, as they consist of flat rocks and pebbled beaches. However the clear water bays and southern coast coves are worth exploring. The nightlife in this Sarconic Island is the best around, drawing boat charters, as the chic clubs with loud music and dancing stay open until the sun comes up.
Methana
Methana is not really an island, but in reality a peninsula that connects to the mainland by a strip of land called Steno. This beautiful area melds the mountain with the sea, resulting in many unique features, including a volcano, natural hot springs, and the numerous coastal caves. The beaches, such as the one at Almyra, offer attractive beaches and perfect swimming areas. The capital of Chora (or Hora) is quite picturesque and offers many local restaurants and taverns, while the hamlet of Dritsaika is known for its views of the Saronic Gulf.
Poros
Another lush island that offers a quiet holiday escape and long, sandy beaches that are often deserted. The capital of Poros Town features neoclassical and Venetian architecture, stone-paved alleys, and buildings with brightly colored doors and windows. Even with its peaceful personality, Poros does provide modern clubs and bars in a spanning from the beaches of Askeli to Neorio. Music – both Greek and international styles – are played while locals, Athenians, and tourists dance and drink the night away.
Salamina
Salamina is the largest of the Saronic Islands, with beautiful views and many sites to see. The island’s history includes being the birthplace of the poet and playwright Euripides as well as the mythical Aias (Ajax). The island touts friendly locals who enjoy many cultural events and traditions, including the Fisherman’s celebration, the convent of the Virgin Faneromeni, and many summer events, including plays and concerts, held at the Euripides Theatre.
Spetses
This small island has many pine trees, gorgeous sandy beaches, and private bays. The capital city of Spetses Town is a beautiful traditional village with two-story buildings in the neoclassical style, featuring wooden balconies and bright colors as well as the narrow, stone alleys. The village is made up of many districts which have been built upon over the years. The beaches of Spetses are idyllic with golden sand, multicolored pebbles, and the clear waters of the Mediterranean, all under leafy shade trees. The intensity of the nightclub scene rivals that of Hydra, but on a smaller level. The modern bars play electronic and Greek music and serve alcoholic beverages until daybreak.
