The Peloponnese flotillas sail from Poros, Athens and Corinth. Of these I prefer the Poros based flotillas. It’s both a prettier place and situated in the middle of the cruising area. It also offers a superb fleet of yachts. But if you fancy a shorter trip to the base, head for Athens. And if you want a run through the Corinth Canal, start from Corinth.
The Peloponnese includes the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. The Saronic is the area between Athens and Poros. The Argolic is the area south and west of Poros.
North of Poros winds are steady but rarely strong. The Saronic, Poros and Epidavros flotillas visit the fishing village of Perdika, with its camera obscura. And at Vathi, you can walk up to the volcano crater. You also visit the small island of Agistri, which has several beaches. And Epidavros offers its superb amphitheatre and underwater ruins.
South of Poros there’s a little more wind though it’s still easy sailing. The Nafplion and Hydra flotillas include beaches at Plaka, Tiros and Astros. The latter also boasts a fort, though smaller than the huge affair at Nafplion. You can also visit the traffic free island of Hydra, where donkeys rule the streets.
The Monemvasia flotilla takes you further south, including the fantastic Byzantine town at Monemvasia itself. En route are a series of pretty fishing villages such as Kiparissi and Yerakas.
The different one week flotillas run on alternate weeks. So they can be combined to form various 2 week options. Indeed, twice a season there’s even the option of a three week flotilla – contact me for details!
Peloponnese flotillas take you to a Greece that’s still truly Greek. Find out more below.
Click the bars below for more details:
About the Corinth flotilla
The Corinth flotilla offers intermediate level sailing in the less visited Gulf of Corinth.
The flotilla sails from Corinth Town, at the west end of the Corinth Canal. The Gulf runs out to the west, linking the Ionian with the Eastern Peloponnese.
The Gulf has limited islands but the route covers both the Alkyion Islands and Trizonia. In between, there’s a mix of small towns and villages. There’s also a chance to visit the impressive ruins of Ancient Delphi. Though it looks sheltered on the map, the Gulf of Corinth gets some good winds, which accelerate down off the high hillsides. So it’s ideal for those with a flotilla or two under their belt. The nearest airport is Athens, about an hour and a quarter away by road or a couple of hours by train. 2024 DatesFlotilla | Apr | May | June | July | August | Sept | Oct |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Corinth | 27th | 11th 25th | 8th 22nd | 6th 20th | 3rd 17th 31st | 14th 28th | 12th |
Corinth flotilla Itinerary
Day | Miles | Destination |
---|---|---|
1: Sat | 0 | Check in.
|
2: Sun | 16 |
|
3: Mon | 24 |
|
4: Tue | 33 |
|
5: Wed | 21 |
|
6: Thu | 28 | Free sailing: Those wanting a quiet night could head for
|
7: Fri | 20 |
|
8: Sat | 0 | Check out and depart |
Average | 24 | Note: you will do more miles than this! |
More about the Corinth Flotilla
Yachts range from 33 to 46 feet including both newer and older models. The available fleet is fairly small and the location means bringing in reinforcements is not an option. So early booking is advisable. The flotilla is reached via Athens airport. This has daily flights from the UK and many other international airports. So if you fancy a few days ashore before or after your sailing it’s easily done. Take in the sights of Athens or relax on Poros or one of the other nearby islands.About the Epidavros flotilla
The Epidavros flotilla is an easy route. It sails from Korfos making its way through the Saronic Gulf going as far south as the artists colony at Hydra.
As well as Hydra, the flotilla visits the pretty holiday island of Poros. There’s the chance to add to your islands with visits to the animal sanctuary on Moni or the beaches on Agistri. Or why not explore the ruins of the world war two garrison and camera obscura at Perdika on Aegina.
There are also mainland stops, notably at Palais Epidavros. From here, it’s a short ride to the impressive Roman amphitheatre and extensive ruins. The amphitheatre still hosts plays.
Navigation is easy and distances are fairly short, making this an ideal first flotilla. There’s a range of yachts from 33 to 46 feet. However, the fleet isn’t large so early booking is advised.
Flotilla | Apr | May | June | July | August | Sept | Oct |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Epidavros | 4th 18th | 1st 15th 19th | 13th 27th | 10th 24th | 7th 21st | 5th 19th |
Epidavros flotilla Itinerary
View the Epidavros flotilla on a map
See About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the Saronic gallery. For what’s included see Flotillas; inclusions and options.
Day | Miles | Destination |
---|---|---|
1: Sat | 0 | Check in.
|
2: Sun | 9 |
|
3: Mon | 21 |
|
4: Tue | 20 |
|
5: Wed | 11 |
|
6: Thu | 22 | Free sailing: Why not try
|
7: Fri | 16 | Check in.
|
8: Sat | 0 | Check out and depart |
Average | 17 | Note: you will do more miles than this! |
More about this flotilla
The nearest airport is Athens, well served by scheduled UK flights and readily accessible from other international start points. This is in contrast to many flotilla destinations which are reached by charter flights – fine if you’re in the UK but not so easy from elsewhere.
The transfer between the airport and the base takes about an hour and three quarters by road – the operator offers transfers. Alternatively you can make your own way by train to Corinth and take a taxi or bus from there.
Athens itself is well worth a visit whilst you are passing through. A popular option is to add a day or two to the holiday. This also means you can fly one way during the week, often cheaper than at weekends.
About the Monemvasia flotilla
The Monemvasia flotilla is probably the most exciting of the Peloponnese flotillas. The flotilla sails south from Poros down to the dramatic and well preserved Byzantine island at Monemvasia.
The flotilla sails from the pretty island of Poros, about a hours fast ferry ride south of Athens. It’s at the intermediate end of easy, as the open seas down the east side of the Peloponnese can allow a bit more swell than elsewhere.
Once away from Poros, the stops are mostly small villages with the option of calling at the towns of Spetses, Ermioni or Hydra on the way back. Most of the charter yachts from Athens don’t venture this far so you will find it pleasantly peaceful and undeveloped.
The fleet is very well kept by the family run business that runs the flotilla. They also run an RYA sailing school so if you lack the necessary skipper certificate, you can take an ICC assessment before you flotilla, or an ICC or RYA course during the flotilla.
2024 DatesFlotilla | April | May | June | July | August | Sept | Oct |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Monemvasia | 15th | 6th | 5th |
Monemvasia flotilla Itinerary
The Monemvasia flotilla will visit five of the following ports or bays (one overnight in a bay is included weather permitting):
Ermioni, Plaka (Leonidhion), Kiparissi, Yerakas, Monemvasia, Fokianos (bay), Dhokos (bay), Agios Nikolaos (bay). The following is a typical route:
See About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the Saronic gallery. For what’s included see Flotillas; inclusions and options.
Day Miles Destination
1: Sat 0 Check in.
2: Sun 19
3: Mon 27
4: Tue 20
5: Wed 32
6: Thu 16 Freesailing: I suggest
or
7: Fri 26
8: Sat 0 Check out and depart
Average 23 Note: you will do more miles than this!
All routes may be subject to change for weather and operational reasons. Your Lead Crew will keep you advised during the week. Flotilla names may differ from those used by the operator.
More about the Flotilla
There’s a good choice of yachts from 2 to 6 cabins, mostly Sun Odyssey’s.
The nearest airport is Athens. This has daily flights from London and also services from Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh. It’s also well served by flights from other countries so it’s an easy destination for non UK travellers. So if you fancy taking in the sights of Athens or whiling away some time on a Greek island, a few days ashore before or after your sailing is easy.
The operator offers transfers between Athens Airport or city centre hotels and Poros. Alternatively, it’s easy to make your own way there. There’s a frequent Express Bus which drops off about 100m from the ferry quay and ferry tickets can be booked on line. Self drive car hire is also possible.
There are other 1 week and 2 week flotilla options available from this base. The 1 week Nafplion flotilla runs throughout the season whilst the Saronic flotilla runs in place of this Momenvasia flotilla in low season. Permutations of these three one week options are joined to provide three 2 week choices; the Peloponnese flotilla, the Argolic flotilla and the Laconia flotilla.
About the Nafplion flotilla
The Nafplion flotilla is a great choice for less experienced skippers and crews. However with sailing distances varying from shorter runs to longer sails, old hands won’t be disappointed either.
The flotilla sails from the charming island of Poros. Poros is about a hours fast ferry ride south of Athens. The flotilla sails south in to the Argolic Gulf. It reaches the most northerly point at the historic fortress city of Nafplion.
Stops range from small holiday towns to sleepy bays. In addition to the fort at Nafplion, there’s a castle at Astros and windmills at Tiros. The tiny village at Plaka hides one of the country’s most popular night clubs. Though not stops for the whole flotilla, there’s also the chance to visit the chic holiday town of Spetses or the traffic free artists colony of Hydra.
The operator also runs an RYA sailing school so if you lack the necessary skipper certificate, you can take an ICC assessment before you flotilla, or an ICC or RYA course during the flotilla.
In high season, every Saturday from 8th July to the end of August, this one week flotilla runs in conjunction with the 2 week Peloponnese flotilla. One weekers will get a Short Nafplion flotilla, making their own way back to the Poros base over the Thursday & Friday.
2024 DatesFlotilla | April | May | June | July | August | Sept | Oct |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Navplion | 4th 18th | 1st 22nd 29th | 13th 20th 27th | 3rd 10th 17th 24th | 7th 21st | 12th 26th | |
Short Navplion | 29th | 13th 20th 27th | 10th 17th |
Nafplion flotilla Itinerary
The Nafplion flotilla will visit five of the following ports or bays (one overnight in a bay is included weather permitting):
Ermioni, Tiros, Nafplion, Astros, Tolo, Koiladha, Porto Heli, Dhokos (Bay), Agios Nikolaos (Bay), Kapari (Bay).
The following is a typical route:
Click to view the Nafplion flotilla on a mapSee About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the Saronic gallery. For what’s included see Flotillas; inclusions and options.
Day Miles Destination
1: Sat 0 Check in.
2: Sun 20
3: Mon 30
4: Tue 10
5: Wed 20
6: Thu 24 Free Sailing: For a quiet night I'd suggest:
For a livelier stop why not head for;
7: Fri 17
8: Sat 0 Check out and depart
Average 17.3 Note: you will do more miles than this!
All routes may be subject to change for weather and operational reasons. Your Lead Crew will keep you advised during the week. Flotilla names may differ from those used by the operator.
More about the Flotilla
The yachts are very well kept by the family run business that runs the flotilla. There’s a good choice from 2 to 6 cabins, of varying ages.
The flotilla is reached via Athens airport. This has daily flights from London and many other international airports. So if you fancy a few days ashore before or after your sailing it’s easily done. Take in the sights of Athens or relax on Poros or one of the other nearby islands.
The operator offers transfers between Athens Airport or city centre hotels and Poros. Alternatively, it’s easy to make your own way there. There’s a frequent Express Bus which drops off about 100m from the ferry quay and ferry tickets can be booked on line.
There are other 1 week and 2 week flotilla options available from this base.
About the Saronic flotilla
The Saronic flotilla is ideal for newly qualified skippers or families wanting a gentle introduction to sailing. The flotilla sails from the island of Poros, about an hours fast ferry ride south of Athens.
It’s a delightful mix of small towns and traditional fishing villages. You can also visit the stunning Greek amphitheatre at Epidavros. This is so well preserved it still hosts plays.The route also offers the chance to visit the islands of Agistri and Aegina.
Navigation is mainly line of sight with fairly short sails. However, there are plenty of options for detours if you want more sailing time.
The yachts are drawn from a large bareboat fleet. So there’s a great selection of high quality yachts. Whether you’re looking for a budget 2 cabin boat or a large new boat, there’s something for everyone.
To sail the yacht yourself, the skipper should hold at least an ICC qualification or RYA Day Skipper Practical (or equivalent national certificate). However if you lack a certificate you can take an ICC assessment on arrival. Alternatively, many RYA schools now offer the ICC in the UK.
The nearest airport, Athens, is well served by flights from London, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh as well as other international airports. This makes it much easier to reach for non UK sailors. (Many flotilla destinations are reliant on UK charter flights).
The daily flights also mean it’s easy to add a few extra days holiday on to your sailing. You could explore the sights of Athens or relax on one of the many islands. This also means you can take advantage of weekday flights. These are often cheaper.
The Saronic Flotilla runs on the following dates:
2024 DatesFlotilla | April | May | June | July | August | Sept | Oct |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saronic | 27th | 11th 25th | 8th | 31st | 14th 28th | 19th |
Saronic Flotilla Itinerary
The Saronic flotilla will visit five of the following ports:
Methana, Vathi, Palaia Epidavros, Nea Epidavros, Korfos, Agistri, Aegina town, Perdika.
The following is a typical route:
View the Saronic flotilla on a map
See About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the Saronic: Gallery. For what’s included see Flotillas; inclusions and options.
Day Miles Destination
1: Sat 0 Check in.
2: Sun 18
3: Mon 9
4: Tue 11
5: Wed 10
6: Thu 15 Free sailing: Why not try
or
7: Fri 10
8: Sat 0 Check out and depart
Average 12 Note: you will do more miles than this!
All routes may be subject to change for weather and operational reasons. Your Lead Crew will keep you advised during the week. Flotilla names may differ from those used by the operator.
About the Argolic flotilla (2 weeks)
The Argolic flotilla explores the whole of the cruising ground south of Poros, from the fortress town of Nafplion to the Byzantine town at Monemvasia. In between you will experience rural Greece from fishing villages to small holiday towns.
There’s a chance to visit more compact ports not suitable for the whole flotilla over the middle weekend.
So whether you want beaches, beautiful swim stops, ancient buildings or to watch the local fishermen at work, there’s something for everyone.
The further south you go, the more peaceful it gets because many of the Athens based charter yachts simply don’t get that far. And to top it off, it’s an excellent area for dolphin spotting.
There’s an excellent selection of yachts to choose from, ranging from 2 to 6 cabins. There’s a mix of newer and budget options so there’s something to suit every budget.
2024 DatesFlotilla | April | May | June | July | August | Sept | Oct |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Argolic 2 week | 15th 22nd 29th | 13th 20th 27th | 10th 17th 24th | 5th |
Typical Argolic Itinerary
On the northern part of the route you will visit five ports or bays (one overnight in a bay is included weather permitting) from:
Agios Nikolaos (Bay), Astros, Dhokos (Bay), Ermioni, Kapari (Bay), Koiladha, Nafplion, Porto Heli, Tiros, Tolo.
For the south part of the route you will visit five from the following ports:
Agios Nikolaos (bay), Dhokos (bay), Ermioni, Fokianos (bay), Kiparissi, Monemvasia, Plaka/Leonidhion, Yerakas.
Here’s a typical itinerary taking in first the north then the south part:
Click to view the Argolic flotilla (2 weeks) on a mapSee About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the Saronic: Gallery. For what’s included see Flotillas; inclusions and options.
All routes may be subject to change for weather and operational reasons. Your Lead Crew will keep you advised during the week. Flotilla names may differ from those used by the operator.
Day Miles Destination
1: Sat 0 Check in.
2: Sun 20
3: Mon 30
4: Tue 10
5: Wed 20
6: Thu 19 Free Sailing: I'd suggest:
or
7: Fri 14 Free Sailing. I'd suggest:
or
8: Sat 14 Free Sailing: How about:
or
2: Sun 11
3: Mon 27
4: Tue 20
5: Wed 32
6: Thu 30 Free sailing: Why not try
or
7: Fri 11
8: Sat 0 Check out and depart
Average 20 Note: you will do more miles than this!
About the Laconia flotilla (2 weeks)
The Laconia flotilla visits both the Argolic and Saronic Gulfs from the base on the island of Poros. From beaches to ancient monuments, holiday towns to fishing villages, there’s something for everyone.
The flotilla is a combination of the one week Monemvasia and Saronic flotillas. You get a few days over the middle weekend to head off to places that are too small for the whole flotilla to visit.
Cultural highlights are the brilliantly preserved amphitheatre and settlement at Epidavros and the fascinating byzantine town at Monemvasia. There are also underwater ruins and a fort.
As the flotilla only runs later in the season, you will find the Saronic more relaxing than in summer. The Argolic is always pretty relaxed, being too far for the Athens day trippers to reach.
There’s a great choice of yachts from 2 to 6 cabins, with both newer and budget options. Those joining the last run of the season will get the option of two days extra free yacht hire at the end of the flotilla. This will enable you to take part in the Poros regatta.
2024 DatesFlotilla | April | May | June | July | August | Sept | Oct |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Laconia 2 week | 8th | 28th |
Typical Laconia Itinerary
During the first week you will visit five from the following ports: Agios Nikolaos (bay), Dokos (bay), Ermioni, Fokianos (bay), Kiparissi, Monemvasia, Plaka/Leonidhion, Yerakas.
During the second week you will visit five from the following ports: Aegina Town, Agistri, Korfos, Methana, Nea Epidavros, Palaia Epidavros, Perdika, Vathi
Here is a typical route:
Click to view the Laconia flotilla (2 weeks) on a mapSee About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the Saronic: Gallery. For what’s included see Flotillas; inclusions and options.
All routes may be subject to change for weather and operational reasons. Your Lead Crew will keep you advised during the week. Flotilla names may differ from those used by the operator.
Day Miles Destination
1: Sat 0 Check in.
2: Sun 20
3: Mon 29
4: Tue 20
5: Wed 32
6: Thu 18 Free Sailing: I'd suggest:
or
7: Fri 21 Free Sailing. I'd suggest:
or
8: Sat 15 Free Sailing: How about:
or
2: Sun 26
3: Mon 9
4: Tue 14
5: Wed 10
6: Thu 15 Free sailing: Why not try
or
7: Fri 10
8: Sat 0 Check out and depart
Average 18 Note: you will do more miles than this!
About The Peloponnese Flotilla (2 weeks)
The Peloponnese flotilla sails from Poros. It explores the Saronic Gulf to the north and the Argolic Gulf to the south. (Note this route is different to the one of the same name which ran up until 2021. For those wanting a two week trip taking in Monemvasia, see the Argolic flotilla and the Laconia flotilla).
This route is a combination of the Saronic and Nafplion one week flotillas. Depending which week you start you may go north first then south, or south first then north. The Saronic is a popular area with Athenians wanted a break from the city. But the small holiday towns have retained their charm, and their fishermen.
The Argolic Gulf is quieter, being too far from Athens for a day trip. It’s a pleasing mix of towns and villages, culminating in the impressive fortress town of Nafplion.
There’s an excellent selection of well kept modern boats to choose from. Sizes range from 32 to 50 feet, offering two to six cabins. Older boats are also available for the budget conscious.
The operator also runs an RYA sailing school so you can take a course either before or during your Peloponnese flotilla. Courses offered include the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), RYA Competent Crew and RYA Day Skipper. These are available sharing a yacht with other students, or you can have a yacht and instructor to yourself.
2024 DatesFlotilla | April | May | June | July | August | Sept | Oct |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Peloponnese 2 week | |||||||
....North then south | 27th | 11th 25th | 31st | 14th | 19th | ||
....South then north | 4th 18th | 1st | 24th | 7th 21st | 12th |
Typical Peloponnese Itinerary
On the north part of the route you will visit five from the following ports: Aegina Town, Agistri, Korfos, Methana, Nea Epidavros, Palaia Epidavros, Perdika, Vathi.
On the south part of the route you will visit five from the following ports: Agios Nikolaos (Bay), Astros, Dhokos (Bay), Ermioni, Kapari (Bay), Koiladha, Nafplion, Porto Heli, Tiros, Tolo.
The following is a typical route:
Click to view the Peloponnese flotilla on a mapSee About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the Saronic: Gallery. For what’s included see Flotillas; inclusions and options.
Day | Miles | Destination |
---|---|---|
1: Sat | 0 | Check in.
|
2: Sun | 18 |
|
3: Mon | 9 |
|
4: Tue | 11 |
|
5: Wed | 10 |
|
6: Thu | 10 | Free sailing: Why not try
|
7: Fri | 15 | Free Sailing. I'd suggest:
|
8: Sat | 25 | Free Sailing: How about:
|
2: Sun | 11 |
|
3: Mon | 30 |
|
4: Tue | 10 |
|
5: Wed | 20 |
|
6: Thu | 17 | Free Sailing: I'd suggest:
|
7: Fri | 26 |
|
8: Sat | 0 | Check out and depart |
Average | 16 | Note: you will do more miles than this! |
More about the Peloponnese flotillas
For most of the season, the Peloponnese flotillas sail the areas north and south of Poros on alternate weeks. Those on two week holidays will cover both areas. In high season, the Poros based flotillas stay south of Poros. This avoids the harbours in the north which get busy in summer.
The flotillas from Poros also offer sail training options. The associated RYA Sailing School offers courses you can take whilst on flotilla. These include Competent Crew, Day Skipper and the International Certificate of Competence (ICC). Bareboat and skippered charter are also available across the area.
Winds are steady but not generally strong, typically force 2-4. The Peloponnese flotilla can be a bit windier, typically force 3-5. Consequently there can be a little more swell on this trip.
A popular extension to these flotillas is to spend a day or two in Athens before or after sailing. Alternatively, you can enjoy a few days ashore on one of the many islands readily accessible from Athens.
Getting there
The Peloponnese flotillas are well served by international flights to Athens. From the UK there are services from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and (if you don’t mind going out a day early), Bristol.
The flotilla operators offer optional transfers between the airport and base. The Athens base is about 45 minutes by road. Corinth is about an hour and a quarter by road or a couple of hours by train. For Poros you’ve a choice of either a fast ferry or road transfer. The ferry ride sometimes offers the increasingly rare chance to experience the hydrofoils (flying dolphins). These are converted Russian troop carriers. They used to form the mainstay of Greek ferry services but are now being phased out.
You can book your Peloponnese flotilla holidays as a package with flights from the UK, or flotilla only. However, as usual it works out cheaper for you to buy your own flights.