Athenian Blue: A 7-day Sail & Swim ExperienceBy Ioannis Drymonakos
Yacht type: Sailing Yachts (S/Y)Duration: 7 daysDeparting from: Perel Poros
Creating summer adventures in the Saronic Islands
Embark on an unforgettable journey with us, as we proudly teamed up with Olympic champion Ioannis Drymonakos to offer you an extraordinary Sail & Swim experience. For 7 days, you’ll be enchanted by the wonders of the Saronic islands, from hidden coves to crystalline waters, ancient marvels, exhilarating activities, and delectable gastronomy.
Where you will swim.
Total Sailing: 80 miles
Perel Poros
Poros, an amphitheatrically shaped Saronic island, which once constituted of the isles of Spheria and Kalavria, is frequently admired for its charming neoclassical and Venetian-style buildings, lofty clock tower, and verdant surroundings. The lively harbour is adorned with an array of cafes, shops, and traditional Greek tavernas, set against a backdrop of the impressive Peloponnesian mountains. The main town invites leisurely exploration of its picturesque cobblestone lanes.
Hydra
Hydra is steeped in history, and known for having played a crucial role in the Greek War of Independence. The island's strategic location made it an important naval base, and its inhabitants provided crucial support for the Greek revolutionaries. Today, visitors can stroll around its car-free cobblestone roads, shop at little boutiques, sit at cafes to people-watch and see the island's historic landmarks.
Cosmopolitan, picturesque and romantic, it’s no surprise that Hydra has seduced writers, musicians, filmmakers and artists with its singular allure for decades, and continues to do so today.
9 miles
Epidaurus
One of Greece's most renowned archaeological sites is Ancient Epidaurus, a settlement that thrived around the sacred sanctuary of Asclepius. The remnants of the ancient sanctuary still exist today, adjacent to the famed Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. The compact Archaeological Museum on-site, displays statues and other discoveries from the excavations and is well worth a visit.
22 miles
Aegina
Renowned for its sumptuous pistachios, including the coveted pistachio ice cream available across local shops, Aegina is not just a food lover's paradise but also a traveller's delight. The island is a treasure trove of ancient sites, with the Temple of Aphaia being the most known. The Temple of Apollo, distinguished by its solitary standing column known as "kolona", is another must-visit archaeological site.
15 miles
Angistri
Notably developed and modernised for tourism over the past few decades but still sweet and down-to-earth, Agistri is situated between Aegina and Methana (which is near Poros).
4 miles
Sounio
A mere hour's drive from Athens during off-peak hours, Sounio, located on Attika's southern edge, is perfect for a day excursion. Its appeal lies in its versatile offerings - a refreshing swim, a delightfully scenic lunch and a visit to the magnificent Temple of Poseidon. Visitors can also soak in the lush scenery, pristine waters, and delectable cuisine.
30 miles
Overview
Led by Drymonakos himself, you’ll dive daily into Greece’s azure paradise, while benefiting from the expertise and feeling of safety of swimming next to a true champion. In this holistic experience, you will be immersed into the rich background of Greek culture. From ancient heritage sites to contemporary treasures, and from mouthwatering cuisine to genuine hospitality, every moment promises to be a revelation.
After a rewarding 3km swim each day, you'll have ample opportunity to unwind and explore the charming island of Poros, our permanent base. Whether being experienced swimmer or a beginner, our professional assessment at the start of the cruise ensures that you'll receive personalized guidance tailored to your abilities and aspirations.
The venture was the brainchild of Ioannis Drymonakos, your captain and main coach, a highly accomplished swimmer whose love for swimming began at age 14 and led him to reach of 7 European medals, 7 times world finalist and compete in 3 Olympic Games.
With a lifetime dedicated to swimming, sailing and water sports, Ioannis is the ideal person to guide and instruct our swimmers. He and the other expert coach offer you sophisticated, tailored guidance based on their initial and ongoing assessment of your swimming abilities and offer you all the encouragement and support you need.
Kindly note that accommodation, transportation and meals are not included in Option 1. Guests are responsible to make their own arrangements, however we are happy to support them with great recommendations and tips.
Option 2
From 1.400€ per person including:
Cruising in the Saronic Islands
Daily swim: 3km on average
Swimming cap, flippers and goggles
Refreshments and light snacks on-board
Accommodation on-board
Kindly note that transportation and meals are not included in Option 2. Guests are responsible to make their own arrangements, however we are happy to support them with great recommendations and tips.
Availability
For information on available dates and booking, please contact us directly at info@athenian-yachts.gr. Our team will provide you with the latest availability for this extraordinary experience.
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Details
Duration
The entire experience lasts 7 days but we’ll be heading back to the shore each evening, and coming together again bright and early every morning.
Meeting / Ending Point
Perel Poros
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions might not permit us to follow the exact daily itinerary. Guests safety at sea always comes first for us.
Saronic Gulf Gems
PorosHydraEpidaurusAeginaAngistriSounio
MoonPath
Set sail aboard Moonpath, a distinguished Atlantic 49 sailing yacht designed for authentic, graceful cruising.
Your Experience
Cruise FAQs
Is this Holiday for me?
The Swimming Cruise is for you if you:
Like or love swimming, especially in the sea!
Want to see and feel yourself get fitter, faster and stronger in swimming every day.
Enjoy spending time relaxing on a boat, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
You’re not prone to experiencing anxiety attacks or similar episodes from swimming in the sea and don’t suffer from anxiety or phobia-related issues connected to swimming.
Enjoy spending time in the water (we advise at least half an hour per session, but every day’s swim is optional) regardless of whether you’re a fast or experienced swimmer or not.
How long are the swimming Distances?
Daily, we swim an average of 3 kilometres (with breaks).
If you prefer to swim longer distances, we encourage you to do so!
Equally, if on any particular day, you feel like taking a break during the swimming session or don’t want to swim at all, you’re welcome to hang back on our boat. It’s your holiday and there is no pressure at all for you to participate in the swims!
Do I need to be a good swimmer?From a ratio of level 1 (= you can barely keep afloat) to level 10 (= Olympic gold medallist), the ideal is for you to be at level 3 and above.
However, we offer one-on-one training during each day’s swimming session for swimmers who are just getting started. Personal training, which comes at an extra cost, is obligatory for safety reasons.Are the swims competitive?The swims are not competitive, our priority is for you to have fun. The ultimate goal of this experience is to enjoy swimming as part of your travel adventure, celebrating your body as an amazing vehicle that can take you along the water to new and incredible places!
We are here to help by professionally assessing and significantly improving your techniques. How far you go is entirely up to you, depending on your personal interests and goals.Does Athenian Blue include food?On board, we serve you complimentary refreshments (non-alcoholic beverages including isotonic drinks) and light meals or snacks such as protein bars and sandwiches throughout the hours of the Swimming Cruise.
For lunch, we can stop at a different high-quality taverna in the vicinity of each day’s destination for a light, healthy and scrumptious meal. The price of the lunch is not included in your swimming holiday, so each participant covers her/his own costs.
You are permitted to bring your own foods, drinks or snacks on board the boat, including alcoholic beverages. Please note that if you consume alcohol you will not be permitted to swim.What do I need to bring with me?
We supply you with a FREE:
Swimming cap (for you to take home with you)
Flippers
Swimming Goggles
Please bring your own:
Extra pair of swimming goggles. Make sure they are water and fog-proof and fit your face very comfortably
Your mask and snorkel, if you’d like to go snorkelling
Do I need travel insurance?In the case of injury or other health emergencies, we offer our full and immediate support in providing you with the closest professional medical care available, regardless of our location at the time.
Our captain and staff are trained lifeguards and we have a first aid kit on board at all times for treating any minor injuries.
If you feel more assured by having Health Insurance, it is recommended that you organize it in advance of your trip with your country’s medical authorities.What age do I have to be to participate?Participants in the Athenian Blue must be at least 14 years old, (and until age 16, are welcome to attend with the written permission of their parents) and up to any age.
Participants who need extra attention due to inexperience, physical issues or other, are obliged to receive private swimming support from our staff. This comes at an extra cost as it requires that a staff member accompanies the participant during all times of their swim (on a SUP or dinghy), offering personal advice and assistance.
Book Your Athenian Blue Experience Today
Join us for a week of unforgettable sail and swim adventures.