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Luxe Toys - Where to Yacht
Where to Set Sail in 2023?
WHEREVER’S resident yachting expert Julia Zaltzman says Greece’s Saronic Gulf is the stuff of legend.
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Experience Greek island hopping in the coveted Saronic Gulf aboard a private sailing yacht, and discover ancient mythology, arresting coastlines and the thrill of escapism at sea, set against a backdrop of fine food and expert diving.
Why it’s special
The alluring Greek Islands are saturated in ancient legends. The Saronic Gulf, opposite the Peloponnese mainland, once believed to be a string of six entrances to the Underworld is today appreciated for its translucent azure waters, secret coves and verdant green landscape. The pine-covered hillsides and sandy beaches of Spetses have attracted the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, and in June the sleepy town comes alive for the three-day Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta.
A favourite among the sailing elite, the fiveisland archipelago provides relaxation amid the salty sea air. Drop anchor at Agistri, the smallest island, and dive vast caves and submerged fishing boats teeming with life. For novel divers, the Hydra Diving Center provides a stunning introductory experience (hydra.com.gr/diving-center/).
The winding, whitewashed streets of Hydra, with a tiny population of circa 2,000, are lined with C18th buildings that point downhill towards the small horse-shoeshaped harbour. Take in the view atop Mount Eros, Hydra’s highest peak, en route to Prophet Ilias Monastery. For utter seclusion, visit the cove of Saint Nikolaos. Peppered along the coastline brilliant white dots of ancient architecture stand in stark contrast to the cobalt blue sky and turquoise church domes. Take a leap of faith off the side of the yacht into glistening, clear waters, or for a touch of glamour, head to The Poseidonion Grand Hotel on Spetses (poseidonion.com) and dine on freshly caught seafood right on the water’s edge.
You’ll never forget...
Travelling by mule – Hydra remains one of the few Greek islands on which no cars or modern transportation is allowed, so it’s the easiest, and most fun way to get around.
Expert tips
• Make time in Athens to sip on ouzo at the
Grande Bretagne’s rooftop restaurant, the view of the floodlit Acropolis is breath-taking
• The yacht charter season starts early
April and ends in November, but the best months to go are June through to
August when the wind is reduced, and the sea is a pleasant 23°C
• A charter sailing yacht is the most authentic way to island hop, but for cheaper options there are regular ferry trips between all five islands. Just be sure to check live updates as times and duration can differ between seasons
How to do it
Fly into Athens International. Flisvos Marina is where most private yachts tend to anchor, although Alimos Marina offers more options for bareboating - spontaneous charters. Alternatively, request the yacht to meet you at the Port of Poros, which is well-placed to begin a charter in the Saronic Gulf. Accommodating up to 12 guests, 50-metre (164 ft) luxury sailing yacht Meira is available through Ocean Independence, with a oneweek summer charter starting at around £101,600 (oceanindependence.com).
