Tolo

Tolo was once a small fishing village. But blessed with a 2km long beach it was only a matter of time before it was discovered. It’s now a popular tourist destination. Fortunately, with such a long front the hotels are well spread and not of the high rise variety.

The town boasts all you would expect of a holiday destination. There are countless restaurants, bars and cafes, and the odd spot where you can dance the night away. It’s all done in subdued Greek style with no olde English pubs or teens out to drink themselves to oblivion.

If you fancy some culture, a walk from the harbour at the south end of the beach to the north end brings you to the ruins of Ancient Assini. As Greek ruins go, they’re not spectacular, only being discovered in the 1930’s. Excavations continue and there are facilities for youngsters to have a go.

The small harbour at Tolo is often full of local boats so you may well have to anchor. And if you’re looking for a more tranquil setting or better shelter from the westerlies, I would head a few miles further east to Vivari.

Salamina

Salamina is the main town on the island of Salamis, the nearest island to Athens. The town surrounds the fishing harbour. The island is famed of the location of a historic naval battle in 480BC when the Greek fleet fought off the Persians and thus purportedly saved western civilisation.

The town is on the prettier west side of the island, shielded from Athens. Whilst it has a slightly functional feel it’s not without its attractions. There’s an excellent fish market and next door a fine ouzeri where you can wet your whistle. There’s a good bakery and several fine restaurants which draw diners over from Athens. There’s even a small museum.

Salamina probably won’t be the highlight of your trip to the Peloponnese. But it’s often overlooked by the yachting fraternity which is a shame. It’s a much nicer place than you might fear if you read Heikell’s pilot book.

Fokianos

Fokianos is a bay about mid way between Plaka and Kiparissi. The long pebbled beach stretches around the clear waters of the bay. There are a few (free) sun loungers and umbrellas.

The beach sees few visitors, due to its relative inaccessibility. So you can have a section of beach to yourselves. There are however enough visitors to support a couple of restaurants.

The road to the bay has been improved recently and a few houses have appeared. I fear this beach my not be so peaceful in a few years time. One to visit sooner rather than later.

Kapari

Kapari is a bay south of Ermioni. The small beach has sun loungers. There’s a good taverna nearby.

There’s nothing else here but if you need provisions just follow the rod round the by to Ermioni. It’s about 3 miles.

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is a bay on the south end of the island of Hydra. It’s only accessible by sea. However, you may not be alone – it’s a popular stop for water taxi’s from Hydra town.

There’s a small pebbled beach, equipped with sun beds and umbrellas. Snacks and drinks are available, provided by a friendly family run facility. However, as is usual on Hydra, it’s not cheap.

A small white painted church sits just behind the beach.

A nice place for a short stop or to overnight (so long as it”s not blowing from the south).

Marathonos

Marathonos is a bay just north of Perdika on Aegina island. There’s a small beach in the south east corner and several restaurants ashore. However, for more atmosphere, Perdika is only about a half a mile walk away and is highly recommended for a visit.

Marathonos offers fairly good shelter, especially in the south east corner. It’s a usable retreat if you find Perdika is full. But to me, if there were a choice, I’d take Perdika every time.

Petrokaravo

Petrokaravo: Swimming at this large anchorage

Petrokaravo: Swimming at the large anchorage

This large bay at the north end of Spetses offers plenty of space. Off the west side of the main bay is a smaller inlet with a restaurant. The main bay is often used by flotillas for beach parties but there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Soupia / Frog Island

The island of Soupia looks like a frog when approached from the east, hence its alternative name. Behind the island is an anchorage.

Tselevinia / Skillaion

Tselevinia: A very pleasant anchorage

Tselevinia: A very pleasant anchorage

Just south east of Tselevinia is an pleasant anchorage, ideal for breaking the trip between Poros and Hydra or Ermioni. There’s nothing there so not much more to say really!

Dhoroussa / Dorousa

This small island lies at the west end of Agistri. The channel between these two islands provides several anchorages on the east side, popular with charter yachts.

At the north end a small cafe sometimes operates on the Agistri shore.