Saronic Gulf Islands, Greece

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, the capital of Greece and the cradle of democracy. The city was built around the Acropolis and Lycabettus hills dominating the flatland. According to legend, the hills were formed when Athena threw two rocks from the sky to help protect the city from enemies.

Walking around the centre of this megapolis, with so many historic buildings and ancient monuments, let your mind wander back to the Golden Age of Athens. Think back to when Pericles ordered the rebuilding of the Parthenon, one of the finest examples of Greek architecture.

Athens is particularly exciting at night: trendy clubs, fine restaurants and upscale events make this city a supreme entertainment venue.

Poros, in the southwest of the Saronic Gulf, is one of Greece’s best kept secrets. It is not one, but rather a pair of islands connected by a bridge: larger Kalavria (Kalaureia), carpeted with verdant pine forests, and smaller, craggy Sphairia (Sphaeria), with a bustling, picturesque town rising amphitheatrically from the harbour.

Opposite Poros, and just ten minutes away on your private yacht charter, is the Peloponnese coast with its famous lemon grove. If you are chartering in May, be prepared to get a whiff of the enticing aroma of lemon blossoms as you sail along the coast in your luxury yacht.

Hydra is an exclusive island, a favourite holiday destination for Athens bohemians. Writers and artists come over here in winter to avoid high season tourist crowds.

Hydra has a charming medieval Old Town, with narrow marble-paved streets and many atmospheric sidewalk cafes and restaurants along the harbour. Local residents are very serious about preserving the unique Greek island ambience here, so they have banned the use of motor vehicles on the island. Instead, hire a charming donkey-drawn carriage to get around in, for that authentic Greek experience.

Hydra is also famous for its gold and silver jewellery, so it’s the perfect opportunity to load up on some luxury gifts for others – or for yourself!

Aegina, the biggest of the islands found in the Saronic Gulf, is a favourite with Athenians for many reasons. Firstly, it is very close – the voyage from the port of Piraeus to Aegina is a mere 40 minutes, and it is a very pleasant crossing. Secondly, Aegina, with its pistachio groves and pine woods, is strikingly beautiful.

Aegina has always been a vibrant, busy port, and, at one point, even the capital of Greece. Today it is the place to go to for the authentic Greek island experience. Main drawcards include the 5th century BC Temple of Aphaia, Agios Nektarios Monastery and Byzantine Paleohora (Palaiochora) ruins.