the prettier and more peaceful Neorion and Russian bays.the centre of town, Russian Bay about 15 Neorion Bay is a 35-40 minute walk into
minutes longer.anchorage. There’s a little beach bar with tables and sunbeds, daytime only.The smaller Russian Bay is a delightful
three tavernas. Petros’s (Peter’s) Taverna, tucked up in the western corner, was excellent value for proper Greek food and, Meanwhile, the larger Neorion Bay has
for those who fancy a break from the boat, he also has pleasant shady rooms (dormatia) with en-suite, kitchenette and balcony for p30 a day. Janie and I stayed in
one for three nights after we left cost that the front brake doesn’t snatch harder Bikes can also be hired on Poros – ours p6 per day. When hiring bikes, ensure Moineau.
than the rear one. When cycling downhill on one day, I actually went over the handlebars when I applied the brakes. Helmets? Forget it. Greeks don’t use them.
We did a circuit up to the highest point of the island, Poseidon’s sanctuary. An uphill slog, interspersed with walking, most of the road was through pine forest, and it
was worth it – not least for the views across the Saronic Gulf. On Poros Quay we were charged more for water and electricity.p6 plus an optional p 9
AiginaAigina is an ‘off the main tourist drag’ destination. Careworn, it has clearly known better days, but then this is part of
its attraction. The town is no beach destination, but it’s a fine, gutsy place in which to moor up for a couple of nights.There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.Órmos Klima, a bay on the south coast. Our landfall on Day 6, though, was at
It was unremarkable but served well as a lunch stop, by which time the wind picked up for a cracking afternoon sail up to Aigina town. Moineau tied up just to
starboard on entering the harbour, right outside the handy, no-nonsense but very pleasant Harbour Mole Taverna. Harbour due here was p5 plus an optional p9 for
water and electricity.extremely well-preserved Temple of Aphaia in the north-east of the island, Aigina’s main claim to fame is the
and this we visited by hire car on Day 7 (see ‘Hire car connections’).located in the south-west of the island Here I’ll also mention Perdika, a harbour
that we visited by car. A natural harbour, Perdika also has a long-established feel. There’s a parade of mature and comfortable-looking bars and tavernas
with elevated terraces overlooking the harbour. There’s also a decent provisioning shop. Heikell advises that it’s best not to arrive too late in the day if
disappointment is to be avoided. I sense those tavernas won’t disappoint either...Angistri
Day 8 arrived with a gentle breeze from the north that delivered a pleasant beam reach to Angistri. Much of the passage was through about 7m of water as we scribed
an arc around the Metopi reef. The seabed colours and contrast were amazing, but it was nothing compared to what followed later that day.
harbour for lunch. It’s a small town, pleasant enough, but a bit ‘formula Med’, very unlike Aigina. With lunch over and We anchored just outside Angistri
anchor weighed we set a course for the coves in the channel between south Angistri and Dhoroussa island. Wow! I don’t think any of us can remember
seeing such beautiful clear blue water. With pine-clad hills running down to the water’s edge it was stunning, and irresistible for swimming. A neighbouring
bay had a tempting taverna, but we were up for a spot of self-catering that night and I did an onboard barbecue. It was an ideal setting – ouzo aperitif, for me at
least, souvlaki, salad, Metaxa digestive, clear night skies and still water. Heaven.Aigina town, on the island of the same nameA Saronic and Argolic odyssey➜