There are summer days when Athens gets really hot and all you ask for is a refreshing escape with an... island vibe. And all this without the hassle of large, fast ferries, without long hours of travel, and above all, without stress. That is pretty much how we decided to embark on a day cruise in the Saronic Gulf with Cruise in Greece and the gorgeous traditional vessel M/S Alexandros Achilleas.
If you are also looking for an experience that combines swims in crystal-clear waters, picturesque islands, delicious food, and absolute relaxation on deck, come let us share everything we experienced!
The boat: Authentic Greek hospitality Onboard
Our day started early in the morning from Zea Marina in Piraeus. We boarded the M/S Alexandros Achilleas, a handmade, wooden Greek hull (Motor Sailer), crafted with passion in Koilada, Argolida. Although it maintains its traditional character, it is equipped with all modern conveniences.
The crew welcomed us with the warmest smile and a well-prepared breakfast to start our day nicely. After enjoying our coffee, we explored the areas of the boat: we lay down on the comfortable cushions on the sun deck for sunbathing, sat in the spacious outdoor lounge at the stern, and saw all the amenities one needs to feel comfortable (it even had free Wi-Fi and water coolers!).
1st stop: Bike ride in lush Agistri
After a beautiful journey at sea, we arrived at our first destination, Agistri. The island is famous for its greenery that reaches the sea and its relaxed atmosphere.
We didn't waste any time! We rented bikes and rode along the coastal route between Skala and Megalochori. The route right by the wave, with the sea breeze on our face, was simply delightful. We stopped for coffee and ice cream, laughed to our hearts' content, took wonderful photos, and recharged our batteries before returning to the boat.
2nd Stop: The Highlight of the day – Swims on the islet of Metopi
If you ask us what the most impressive moment of the cruise was, we will tell you without a second thought: the stop at Metopi! It is a small, uninhabited islet between Agistri and Aegina, with waters that resemble a natural swimming pool.
The boat dropped anchor and the fun began! We put on our masks and dived into the crystal-clear, transparent waters. The feeling of swimming in such a pristine landscape is simply unique.
💡 Onboard Lunch Break: After the swims, our appetite had worked up quite a bit! On deck, a rich, freshly cooked buffet with Mediterranean dishes awaited us. Food with a view of the endless blue – what more could anyone ask for?
3rd Stop: Elegant stroll & pistachios in Aegina
Our last stop was beloved Aegina. The first capital of the modern Greek state always welcomes you with an elegant aura. We wandered through the picturesque narrow alleys with their listed neoclassical buildings, enjoyed our afternoon coffee, and of course we didn't leave empty-handed!
We stocked up on fresh Aegina pistachios and traditional sweets from local producers at the port.
Program & Useful Information
Tips for a Great Time:
– What to bring: Swimsuit, beach towel, sunscreen, snorkeling equipment, a hat, and sunglasses. The boat takes care of everything else (pool noodles, water, food)!
– For photography lovers: The bow of the boat while underway offers the best backdrop for summer photos. If you have a drone or a GoPro, you'll capture top-tier footage!
– Comfort: The boat accommodates a specific number of passengers (up to 48 people), so there is plenty of space for everyone without overcrowding.
Exclusive discount for Travel See Feel readers! 🎟️
Because we want you to live this wonderful experience too, we've secured a special discount!
How to book with a discount:
- Visit the official website: cruiseingreece.gr
- Select the date that interests you.
- At checkout, in the Promo Code field, enter the code: TRAVELSEEFEEL
- And.. enjoy the extra discount on your booking!
In conclusion,
It was truly a wonderful day trip experience that was worth every minute! In just a few hours, we managed to escape the daily routine of the city, swim in crystal clear waters, explore beautiful islands, and return full of images, smiles, and sea breeze. If you're looking for the perfect day trip from Athens, we highly recommend it!
