Sailing Route – Saronic & Eastern Peloponnese

A two week charter in the Argolic and Saronic Gulfs opens up a range of possible destinations on the second leg of the Peleponnese, the area encompassing the Argolic Gulf. While the Saronic Gulf islands can be a bit busy during the sailing high season for those with extra time to cruise the Argolic Gulf is much more quiet and relaxed. Well worth the visit, highlights include the historical cities of Monemvasia and Nafplio and the ports of Leonidio, Kiparissi and Porto Heli along with a swing by the famous temple at Sounio on the way back!

A brief description of the islands and their highlights are included below along with a relevant map with sailing distances and some suggested links for further information. Happy sailing!

Want to chart your own course? Try out our nifty distance calculator to get an idea of how many nautical miles you will have to sail, then send or share it with the rest of the crew!

The Eastern Peloponnese in detail

Porto Heli
Porto Heli is a pleasant fishing village/summer resort on the western side of the Argolid penisula which is well known for its lovely beaches and active nightlife. Ververonta Lake is about 5kms from Porto Heli and worth a look.

Nafplio
Nafplio is an historically important city on the northern shores of the Argolic Gulf. It was the seat of Greece’s first independant capital following the War of Independance. Nafplio has a number of historical sites worth exploring including the famous Palamidi Fortress built by the Venetians in the 17th century and located on a hilltop overlooking the town and the fortress of Bourtzi on a small island of the same name just opposite Nafplio. The town itself has many architecturally significant buildings and the main Constitution square is a lovely place to relax and anjoy a drink while watching the world go by.

Leonidio
Leonidio and its nearby port Plaka are situated in a beautiful setting between two imposing mountain peaks with the river Dafnona running through it. The lovely beach and many tavernas make Leonidio a perfect half way point between Nafplio and Monemvasia.

Kiparissi
Kiparissi is another popular point to stop and relax on the way between destinations in the Argolic Gulf. Relaxed cafes, tavernas and bars with a nice beach and those impressive mountains in the distance, what more do you need!

Monemvasia
The beautiful town of Monemvasia is a popular tourist destination. Situated on a tiny spit of land and on top of what is in essance one huge piece of rock the old town is full of small cobbled pathways and medieval buildings and the entire town is surrounded by a fortified wall. There are many points of interest including the upper castle, various museums and a number of churches dating back hundreds of years. Monemvasia is truly a unique destination and well worth the visit.