Summary
Few journeys capture the diversity of Greece quite like sailing from Athens to Zakynthos. Starting in the heart of ancient Greece and gradually making your way west, this route brings together historic landmarks, elegant island towns, quiet coves and some of the clearest waters in the Ionian Sea. The journey takes you from the energy of Athens to the slower pace of the Greek islands, with plenty of time to swim, explore ashore, enjoy long lunches by the water and simply make the most of life at sea.
From the laid-back charm of Aegina and Spetses to the pine-covered landscapes of Poros, the historic Corinth Canal and the legendary island of Ithaca, every stop brings something different. The route ends in Zakynthos, one of the Ionian’s most beautiful islands and the perfect place to finish a week of sailing through Greece.
Yachts available for this route are ORIY, ACAPELLA, OMNIA & MAIA.
ATHENS - AEGINA
Your journey begins in Athens, where you’ll step aboard your yacht and leave the city behind as you set course for Aegina.
Just a short sail from the capital, Aegina feels worlds away from the pace of Athens. The island is known for its relaxed atmosphere, traditional villages and the impressive Temple of Aphaia, set among pine-covered hills with views stretching across the Saronic Gulf.
Spend the afternoon exploring ashore or simply settle into your first swim of the trip. As evening arrives, head into one of the island’s local tavernas for fresh Greek dishes and a glass of wine before returning to the yacht. It’s an easygoing start to the week – and a chance to settle into the rhythm of life at sea.
AEGINA - SPETSES
After breakfast, set sail for Spetses, an island with a distinctly elegant character and a fascinating maritime history.
The island’s main town is made for wandering, with grand neoclassical houses, narrow streets and a waterfront lined with cafés and restaurants. One of the pleasures of Spetses is its slower pace – there are no cars filling the centre, making it particularly enjoyable to explore on foot.
For a quieter afternoon, head to one of the island’s secluded beaches for a swim before returning to town for dinner. As the sun sets over the water, Spetses becomes especially atmospheric, with the harbour coming alive for the evening.
SPETSES - POROS
Continuing towards Poros, one of the most picturesque stops on the Saronic route. Approaching the island by sea, you’ll see the lush pine-covered landscape rising behind the waterfront town. Poros is small enough to explore at a relaxed pace, with whitewashed and neoclassical buildings climbing the hillside and the island’s famous clock tower overlooking the harbour.
Take your time ashore, wander through the little streets and stop for a coffee or a long Greek lunch. And, of course, leave some time for a swim – the waters around Poros are ideal for an afternoon dip.
POROS - CORINTH
Leaving Poros behind, the route takes a turn towards Corinth, where Greece’s ancient past meets one of the most impressive engineering landmarks of the journey: the Corinth Canal.
The canal cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, creating a dramatic passage between the Aegean and Ionian seas. Seeing it from the water gives you a completely different perspective on this remarkable part of Greece.
Once ashore, take the opportunity to explore Ancient Corinth and its archaeological remains, including the Temple of Apollo. After a day surrounded by history, return to the yacht for a relaxed evening and enjoy dinner as the yacht rests in the harbour.
CORINTH - PATRA
From Corinth, continue west towards Patra, a lively coastal city sitting beneath Mount Panachaikos.
Patra offers a different side of Greece from the smaller islands you’ve visited so far. Its historic centre, waterfront and lively atmosphere make it an interesting stop along the route. Explore the city at your own pace, visit Patra Fortress for views over the surrounding area, or simply take a walk along the coast before settling in for dinner at one of the local restaurants.
After several days of island hopping, Patra gives the journey a little change of pace before you head deeper into the Ionian.
PATRA - ITHACA
Today is when the journey truly begins to feel like an escape into the Ionian.
Set course for Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus and one of Greece’s most evocative islands. Green hills, olive groves and secluded bays surround its coastline, creating exactly the kind of scenery you imagine when you picture sailing through the Greek islands. This is a day to slow down.
Swim in a quiet cove, explore the island on foot or spend the afternoon simply enjoying the yacht and the surrounding scenery. With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful coastline, Ithaca is a place where there is no need to rush anywhere.
ITHACA - ZAKYNTHOS
Your final sailing day takes you from Ithaca to Zakynthos, one of the Ionian’s best-known islands.
As you approach Zakynthos, the landscape changes again, with dramatic cliffs, turquoise water and secluded beaches creating some spectacular views from the yacht. The island is famous for its iconic Navagio Shipwreck Beach, but there is much more to discover beyond its most photographed viewpoint.
Spend the day swimming, snorkelling and enjoying water toys in the clear Ionian waters, exploring the coastline or heading ashore to experience the island’s villages and local atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a final dinner by the water and take in the feeling that comes with reaching the end of a week at sea.
ZAKYNTHOS - DISEMBARKATION
Wake up in Zakynthos with one final day to enjoy the island at your own pace.
There is no schedule to follow and nowhere you need to be. Spend the morning swimming, explore a little more of the coastline or simply enjoy a leisurely breakfast aboard your yacht.
After a week that has taken you from Athens and the historic Saronic islands through Corinth, Patra and into the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos is the perfect place to bring the journey to a close.
