Explore Attica on a sailboat: Start your island hopping from its marinas and enjoy thrilling regattas!

Let’s define the ultimate summer freedom: open sails on the blue sea and endless island hopping! Thistrend has become more and more popular in the past few years and the broader area of Athens is the ideal starting point to begin your sailing adventure! Just a stone’s throw from the mainland of Attica, the Saronic islands are the ultimate choice for short on board stops.

Everything becomessimpler at the first-class and upgraded marinas in Attica, with the capacity to host numerous yachts, offering all the services and amenities that are necessary to the boaters of today. Accommodated in key locations along the coastline of Attica, its marinas provide easy access to the cosmopolitan Attica Riviera for stress-free walks and fun-filled nights.

The marinas of Attica

The Blue Flag awarded Alimos Marina is the biggest in Attica and one of the biggest within the southeastern Mediterranean. With a capacity of 1100 yachts and an excellent location, equally close to the city center, the port of Piraeus and Athens International Airport, Alimos Marina is the perfect base for boat-lovers who wish to start sailing around the Saronic and the Aegean islands.

Just a 40’-drive from the airport, you can spot the Blue Flag certified Olympic Marine of Lavrion, a newly-built marina close to the port of Lavrion. Boasting 680 posts, the marina provides a wide range of amenities, including the collection and treatment of the waste left over by moored yachts.

Flisvos Marina isthe state-of-the-art marina of Attica. Its facilities have been awarded for their top-notch quality, with the most recent one being the Blue Flag award in 2024, whereas its superb services have been globally recognized. With a capacity of 310 yachts, the marina provides advanced 24 hour security services and often enough this is where short trips to the Saronic or the Aegean islands kickoff.

Located next to the commercial port of Piraeus, Zea Marina is one of the biggest marinas in Attica, able to accommodate 670 yachts in total. Providing a range of services, including 24-hour water, electricity, fuel supply and Wi-Fi network access, Zea Marina became Blue Flag certified in 2024, as a testament of its impeccable quality.

Athens Marina at Neo Faliro is an excellent spot for boaters to start exploring some of the dozens of greek islands. With a capacity of 130 yachts, the marina offers a care-free environment both to boat owners and their guests, with a 24-hour security service and control at exit/entry points.

Glyfada Marina is one of the oldest and most economic marinas in Attica. With a capacity of 800 posts spread along four coves, the marina is very popular given its location. The cosmopolitan neighborhood of Glyfada is always a perfect place to enjoy cocktails or culinary delights.

Small yet popular, a premier yacht club favorite to international jet-setters, Astir Marina at Vouliagmeni boasts 103 mooring posts, offering all the required key services, being too close to the city center, the port of Piraeus and the airport.

Αgios Kosmas features another Blue Flag awarded marina, located at the south coastline of Attica, next to Glyfada. Renowned for hosting the Athens 2004 Olympic Games sailing events, the marina stands out for its excellent seaside facilities. It can host 337 yachts, on both permanent and floating piers.

Saronic island hopping

If you are planning to spend a few days at the broader area of Athens but you still want to get a sniff of the greek island allure, Saronic island hopping is the thing to do. The popular islands of Attica, such as Agistri, Poros, Aegina, Hydra and Spetses will thrill you with their azure waters, scenic allays and enchanting villages.

Choose any one of the marinas in Attica, hop on a sail boat and explore the Saronic islands opting for a combo like Aegina – Poros, Hydra – Spetses – Poros or Aegina – Agistri. Taste local delicacies, capture the mesmerizing sunrise or sunset colors and get the best suntan while on board!

If, however, you have plenty of time and wish to explore the beaches of the Saronic Gulf, the Cyclades or the Dodecanese by ferry, there are a lot of frequent itineraries departing from the main ports of Attica. From Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio you may experience extended island hopping, with countless options of islands to choose from!

The impressive Regattas of Attica

Regattas do not only offer breathtaking spectacle amongst waves; they are events that promote nautical sports and sailing. The Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta was first launched in 2011 and ever since it is the most popular rally in Greece and one of the most fabled in the Mediterranean Sea.

This event, a pivotal institution for greek sailing, with the participation of eminent local and international representatives of sports and businesses, is annually joined by more than 75 yachts and 400 crew members.

The Hydra Yacht Regatta takes place on the Greek National Holiday of October 28 every year, hosted by the Nautical Club of Greece. This staggering spectacle unfolds along a route of 36 nautical miles from Faliro to Hydra and backwards.

Every year in October, Oceanida regatta celebrates sailing in Attica Riviera with a race of classic sailboats. Traditional wood made boats sail along the Attican coastline whilst sports and sea enthusiasts are wowed by their striking charm.

Apparently, sailing within the broader area of Athens is a multifaceted experience; the ideal means for those who love exploring the islands and the bays of Attica through endless island hopping, but also for those who want to wander around admiring the moored sailboat beauties. Hoist the sails and listen to the sea calling you!

Info

For more info, visit the official websites of the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association
– https://www.epest.gr/en/ and the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Bareboat Association
– sitesap.gr.