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.
The Argolic and Hydra flotillas, south of Poros, includes beaches at Plaka, Tiros and Astros. The latter also boasts a fort, though smaller than the huge affair at Navplion. You can also visit the traffic free island of Hydra, where donkeys rule the streets.
In summer, the Peloponnese flotilla (2 weeks only) enables you to extend your cruise. It runs south to the stunning medieval island fortress of Monemvasia, via the charming villages at Kiparissi and Yerikas.
Peloponnese flotillas take you to a Greece that’s still truly Greek. Find out more below.
Click the bars below for ore details:
About the Aegina Flotilla
The Aegina flotilla is ideal for less experienced skippers or families wanting more gentle sailing. It’s a great 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.
Difficulty: | Easy | Base: Athens | Airport: Athens | |
Flights from: | Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester (poor times), Edinburgh, Bristol (Fridays) | |||
Qualifications: | to sail yourself: minimum RYA Day Skipper Practical or ICC | |||
Other options: | Skippers available | |||
Includes: | Transfers | |||
Extras: | Fuel, outboard |
The flotilla sails from Athens’ Kalamaki / Alimos marina, just a short ride from Athens airport. The route offer the chance to visit the islands of Poros and Aegina, as well as the volcanic Methana peninsula.
Navigation is straightforward, 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 large selection of yachts available. These range from budget 2 cabin boats to new 50 footers and catamarans.
2021 Dates and Route MapFlotilla | May | June | July | August | Sept |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aegina | 1st 15th 29th | 12th 26th | 10th 24th | 7th 21st | 4th 18th |
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.
Aegina Flotilla Itinerary
Day Miles Destination 1: Sat 0 Check in. 2: Sun 21 3: Mon 14 4: Tue 21 5: Wed 9 6: Thu 10 7: Fri 29 8: Sat 0 Check out and depart Average 19 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. Route names may differ from those used by the operators.
More about the Aegina Flotilla
The nearest airport, Athens, is well served by daily flights from UK and other international airports. This makes it much easier to reach for non UK sailors. (Many other flotilla destinations are reliant on UK charter flights).
The daily flights 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. If you do this, you’ll usually find the off weekend flights cheaper, so your extra stay won’t cost you much more.
About the Aegina Flotilla
The Aegina flotilla is ideal for less experienced skippers or families wanting more gentle sailing. It’s a great 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.
Difficulty: | Easy | Base: Athens | Airport: Athens | |
Flights from: | Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester (poor times), Edinburgh, Bristol (Fridays) | |||
Qualifications: | to sail yourself: minimum RYA Day Skipper Practical or ICC | |||
Other options: | Skippers available | |||
Includes: | Transfers | |||
Extras: | Fuel, outboard |
The flotilla sails from Athens’ Kalamaki / Alimos marina, just a short ride from Athens airport. The route offer the chance to visit the islands of Poros and Aegina, as well as the volcanic Methana peninsula.
Navigation is straightforward, 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 large selection of yachts available. These range from budget 2 cabin boats to new 50 footers and catamarans.
2021 Dates and Route MapFlotilla | May | June | July | August | Sept |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aegina | 1st 15th 29th | 12th 26th | 10th 24th | 7th 21st | 4th 18th |
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.
Aegina Flotilla Itinerary
Day Miles Destination 1: Sat 0 Check in. 2: Sun 21 3: Mon 14 4: Tue 21 5: Wed 9 6: Thu 10 7: Fri 29 8: Sat 0 Check out and depart Average 19 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. Route names may differ from those used by the operators.
More about the Aegina Flotilla
The nearest airport, Athens, is well served by daily flights from UK and other international airports. This makes it much easier to reach for non UK sailors. (Many other flotilla destinations are reliant on UK charter flights).
The daily flights 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. If you do this, you’ll usually find the off weekend flights cheaper, so your extra stay won’t cost you much more.
About the Epidavros flotilla
The Epidavros flotilla is an easy route. It sails from Corinth and includes passages both ways through the Corinth Canal.
Difficulty: | Easy | Base: Corinth | Airport: Athens | |
Flights from: | Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester (poor times), Edinburgh, Bristol (Fridays) | |||
Qualifications: | to sail yourself: minimum RYA Day Skipper Practical or ICC | |||
Other options: | Skippers available. | |||
Includes: | Fuel, outboard |
The flotilla visits the islands of Aegina, Angistri and Poros. There are also mainland stops, notably at Palais Epidavros. From here, it’s a short ride to the impressive 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 small locally payable charge for passing through the Canal but this is heavily discounted compared to what you would normally pay.
There’s a range of yachts from 33 to 46 feet. However, the fleet isn’t large so early booking is advised.
2021 Dates and Route MapFlotilla | May | June | July | August | Sept | October |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Epidavros | 8th 22nd | 5th 19th | 3rd 17th 31st | 14th 28th | 11th 25th | 9th 23rd |
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.
Epidavros flotilla Itinerary
Day | Miles | Destination |
---|---|---|
1: Sat | 0 | Check in.
|
2: Sun | 25 | Pass through the Corinth Canal en route to:
|
3: Mon | 11 |
|
4: Tue | 21 |
|
5: Wed | 10 |
|
6: Thu | 16 | Free sailing: Why not try
|
7: Fri | 22 |
|
8: Sat | 0 | Check out and depart |
Average | 18 | Note: you will do more miles than this! |
More about the Epidavros 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 to the base takes about an hour and a quarter by road or two hours by train.
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 Hydra Flotilla
The Hydra flotilla is great for families or less experienced skippers wanting more easy sailing and straightforward moorings. It’s a great mix of small towns and traditional fishing villages.
Difficulty: | Easy | Base: Athens | Airport: Athens | |
Flights from: | Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester (poor times), Edinburgh, Bristol (Fridays) | |||
Qualifications: | to sail yourself: minimum RYA Day Skipper Practical or ICC | |||
Other options: | Skippers available | |||
Includes: | Transfers | |||
Extras: | Fuel, outboard |
The flotilla sails from Athens’ Alimos / Kalamaki marina, a short ride from Athens airport. It’s not the prettiest place to start but is at least easy to get to. The route offer the chance to visit the islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina,
Navigation is mainly line of sight. The sails are about average by flotilla standards. Detours are possible if you want more sailing time.
The yachts are drawn from a large bareboat fleet. So there’s a large selection of yachts available. These range from budget 2 cabin boats to new 50 footers and catamarans.
The nearest airport is Athens, well served by daily flights from the UK and other international airports. For non UK sailors, this makes it easier to reach. (Many other flotilla destinations are reliant on UK charter flights).
2021 Dates and Route MapFlotilla | May | June | July | August | Sept |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hydra | 8th 22nd | 5th 19th | 3rd 17th 31st | 14th 28th | 11th |
Hydra Flotilla Itinerary
Day Miles Destination 1: Sat 0 Check in. 2: Sun 29 3: Mon 20 4: Tue 13 5: Wed 19 6: Thu 21 7: Fri 21 8: Sat 0 Check out and depart Average 21 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. Route names may differ from those used by the operators.
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.
Difficulty: | Easy | Base: Poros | Airport: Athens | |
Flights from: | Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester (poor times), Edinburgh, Bristol (Fridays) | |||
Qualifications: | to sail yourself: minimum RYA Day Skipper Practical or ICC | |||
Other options: | Skippers available. ICC assessments on arrival. Or combine your flotilla with an ICC or RYA course. | |||
Includes: | Fuel, outboard (larger yachts) | |||
Extras: | Outboard (smaller yachts), towels, transfers, courses |
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 daily flights from London, Edinburgh and 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:
2021 Dates and Route MapFlotilla | April | May | June | July | August | Sept | October |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saronic | 1st 15th 29th | 12th 26th | 28th | 11th 25th | 9th 23rd |
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.
Saronic Flotilla Itinerary
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
or7: 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)
Difficulty: Easy Departs from: Saturdays from Poros Nearest airport: Athens
Starts: Every other week in April, May, June & October. Every week in August & September
A great range of stops covering islands and the mainland, from refined tourist towns to sleepy fishing villages, with short legs and longer stretches. You’ll probably have winds from just about all directions so there’s lots to enjoy in this area. Note that in high season this 2 weeks route is replaced by the Peloponnese flotilla.
2021 Dates and Route MapFlotilla | April | May | June | July | August | Sept | October |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Argolic 2 week | 24th | 8th 22nd | 5th 19th | every Saturday | every Saturday | 4th 18th | 2nd 16th |
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.
Argolic flotilla 2 week Itinerary
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 26 4: Tue 19 5: Wed 11 6: Thu 24 Free Sailing: I'd suggest:
or7: Fri 18 Free Sailing. I'd suggest:
or8: Sat 11 Free Sailing: How about:
or2: Sun 14 3: Mon 9 4: Tue 11 5: Wed 10 6: Thu 15 Free sailing: Why not try
or7: Fri 10 8: Sat 0 Check out and depart Average 15 Note: you will do more miles than this!
About The Peloponnese Flotilla
Few sailors get to see the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia and the beautiful villages of the eastern Peloponnese. The Peloponnese flotilla offers rich variety, from quiet villages to traditional Greek holiday towns.
Difficulty: | Moderate | Base: Poros | Airport: Athens | |
Flights from: | Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester (poor times), Edinburgh, Bristol (Fridays) | |||
Qualifications: | to sail yourself: minimum RYA Day Skipper Practical or ICC | |||
Other options: | Skippers available. ICC assessments on arrival. Or combine your flotilla with an ICC or RYA course. | |||
Includes: | Fuel, outboard (larger yachts) | |||
Extras: | Outboard (smaller yachts, towels, transfers, courses |
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.
The coast is a little exposed. For your comfort, the Lead Crew may resequence the route. So the itinerary below is indicative rather than cast in stone. You may visit places in a different order.
2021 Dates and Route MapFlotilla | April | May | June | July | August | Sept | October |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Peloponnese | 12th 26th | every Saturday | 14th 28th |
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.
This flotilla is not ideal for first timers. But if you’ve already done a flotilla or two you’ll love it. If you can only spare a week I recommend the Argolic flotilla. This covers the northern half of the Peloponnese route.
Peloponnese flotilla Itinerary
Day | Miles | Destination |
---|---|---|
1: Sat | 0 | Check in from late afternoon.
|
2: Sun | 20 |
|
3: Mon | 25 |
|
4: Tue | 6 |
|
5: Wed | 18 |
|
6: Thu | 11 |
|
7: Fri | 24 | Free Sailing. For a quiet night I'd suggest:
|
8: Sat | 20 |
|
2: Sun | 20 |
|
3: Mon | 8 |
|
4: Tue | 25 |
|
5: Wed | 26 |
|
6: Thu | 7 | Free Sailing:if you don't mind being rafted out try:
|
7: Fri | 12 |
|
8: Sat | 0 | Disembark. |
Average | 17 | Note: you will do more miles than this! |
About the Poros flotilla (2 weeks)
Difficulty: Easy Departs from: Saturdays from Athens Nearest airport: Athens
Starts: Every other week in May, June, September and October.
This is a two week flotilla from Athens. For flotillas that start from Poros, see the Argolic flotilla, the Saronic flotilla and the Peloponnese flotilla.
2021 Dates and Route MapFlotilla | May | June | July | August | Sept |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poros North & South | 1st 15th 29th | 12th 26th | 10th 24th | 7th 21st | 4th |
Poros South & North | 8th 22nd | 5th 19th | 3rd 17th 31st | 14th 28th | 11th |
This 2 week flotilla consists of two 1 week flotillas back to back. For the North / South option:
View the first week on a mapView the second week on a map
For the South / North option, you will do the two weeks in the reverse order. Over the middle weekend, you will have a couple of nights to go where you wish.
Poros Flotilla (2 Weeks): North Week Itinerary
Day | Miles | Destination |
---|---|---|
1: Sat | 0 | Check in.
|
2: Sun | 21 |
|
3: Mon | 14 |
|
4: Tue | 21 |
|
5: Wed | 9 |
|
6: Thu | 10 |
|
7: Fri | 29 |
|
8: Sat | 0 | Check out and depart |
Average | 19 | Note: you will do more miles than this! |
Poros Flotilla (2 Weeks): South Week Itinerary
Day | Miles | Destination |
---|---|---|
1: Sat | 0 | Check in.
|
2: Sun | 29 |
|
3: Mon | 20 |
|
4: Tue | 13 |
|
5: Wed | 19 |
|
6: Thu | 21 |
|
7: Fri | 21 |
|
8: Sat | 0 | Check out and depart |
Average | 21 | 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. Route names may differ from those used by the operators.
About the Saronic flotilla (2 weeks)
Difficulty: Easy Departs from: Saturdays from Poros Nearest airport: Athens
Starts: Every other week in May, June, September and October.
An ideal two week starter flotilla with short runs the first week and a few longer ones the next. Dolphins are often seen in the area so keep your eyes peeled. In high season, this flotilla is replaced by the Peloponnese flotilla.
2021 Dates and Route MapFlotilla | April | May | June | July | August | Sept | October |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saronic 2 week | 1st 15th 29th | 12th 26th | 28th | 11th 25th | 9th |
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.
Saronic flotilla 2 week Itinerary
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
|
7: Fri | 8 | Free Sailing. I'd suggest:
|
8: Sat | 18 | Free Sailing: How about:
|
2: Sun | 11 |
|
3: Mon | 26 |
|
4: Tue | 19 |
|
5: Wed | 11 |
|
6: Thu | 24 | Free Sailing: For a quiet night I'd suggest:
|
7: Fri | 17 |
|
8: Sat | 0 | Check out and depart |
Average | 15 | 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.