Athens & Piraeus Sailing Guide: Anchorages, Harbours and Tips

Athens and Piraeus form the main gateway to Greek sailing. The area contains some of the country’s largest marinas, major charter bases, superyacht facilities, and the best transport connections in Greece.

Overview

The Athens and Piraeus waterfront stretches from Alimos and Palaio Faliro to the harbours of central Piraeus. The area offers excellent marina infrastructure, direct transport connections to Athens International Airport, and easy access to the Acropolis, museums, and the historic centre.

For sailors, the region serves four distinct purposes:

• Charter departures and returns.
• Crew changes and airport transfers.
• Technical support and maintenance.
• Visiting Athens and Piraeus.

Unlike most Greek cruising destinations, Athens & Piraeus is primarily marina-based. Nearly all visiting yachts stay in marinas rather than anchorages.

Sailing Conditions Around Athens & Piraeus

Conditions inside the marinas are generally straightforward.

• Prevailing wind: N–NE during summer.
• Protection: Excellent in all listed marinas.
• Traffic: Heavy commercial, ferry, charter, and recreational traffic.

Local conditions:

• Strong northerlies can complicate manoeuvres in some marinas.
• Charter turnaround days create congestion, especially at Alimos.
• Ferry traffic near Piraeus generates wake outside marina entrances.
• Summer weekends are significantly busier than weekdays.

The primary challenge is securing a berth rather than weather conditions.

Athens & Piraeus Marina Overview

Alimos Marina

• Greece’s largest charter base.
• Best starting point for Saronic and Cyclades charters.
• Excellent transport connections.
• Usually the most affordable major marina in Athens.

Marina Zeas

• Probably the best overall marina for visiting Athens.
• Excellent technical support and provisioning.
• Located in central Piraeus.
• High-quality facilities and professional management.

Flisvos Marina

• Athens’ premier luxury marina.
• Excellent restaurants and waterfront facilities.
• Popular with superyachts.
• Premium pricing.

Athens Marina

• Modern superyacht-focused marina.
• Excellent location between Athens and Piraeus.
• High-end facilities and services.

Sailing Club Marinas

• Kallithea Marina serves local boats and sailing clubs.
• Mikrolimano is one of Greece’s historic yacht-club harbours.

Choosing the Right Marina

For Charter Start or Finish: Alimos Marina
The overwhelming majority of charter operators in Greece base their fleets here.

For Visiting Athens: Marina Zeas
The most convenient blend of marina facilities, public transport, provisioning, and access to the city’s attractions.

For Luxury Facilities: Flisvos Marina
Athens’ flagship luxury marina and one of the most prestigious marinas in the Eastern Mediterranean.

For Superyachts: Athens Marina
Purpose-built facilities designed primarily for large yachts and professional crews.

Athens & Piraeus Sailing Itinerary Ideas

• Athens → Agistri → Poros → Hydra → Spetses → Aegina → Athens – classic Argolic & Saronic island route
• Athens → Kythnos → Serifos → Sifnos → Mylos → Kimolos → Sounio → Athens – classic Cyclades route

For more route ideas, check out the detailed Argo-Saronic sailing itineraries guide, including multi-day routes from Athens.

General Rules

• Always reserve a berth in advance, especially in summer.
• Avoid arriving at Alimos during Saturday charter turnaround periods if possible.
• Expect higher marina fees than elsewhere in the Saronic Gulf.
• Besides the marinas covered on this page, Olympic Marine in Lavrio is another excellent option and is described in detail in the Attica Southeast Coast page.

Athens & Piraeus Sailing Map: Anchorages and Harbours

Below is an interactive map of all major anchorages and harbours in Athens & Piraeus. Click any location to jump to the detailed guide below.

Locations

Alimos Marina

Type: Marina
Best for: Athens access, charter base, technical support
Protection: Excellent in all weather
Mooring: Med mooring with lazy lines

Entrance Pos.: 37°54.682′ N, 23°42.064′ E

Alimos Marina (Μαρίνα Αλίμου) is one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean and the main charter hub of Greece, located about 15 km from central Athens and close to Piraeus. Its scale is immediately apparent, with long rows of pontoons and a very high concentration of charter yachts. For most crews, it serves as a primary starting or ending point for Saronic and Cyclades itineraries, combining practicality with direct access to the city.

General overview

The marina is extremely well protected and feels safe in all conditions. Manoeuvring space is generally limited, as some fairways can feel tight. Mooring is stern-to, with assistance usually provided either from the quay or by marineros in a dinghy. In stronger northerly winds, manoeuvres can become demanding.

Contact and Booking

Booking in advance is essential, as berths for visiting yachts are limited. You can contact the marina by phone (+30 210 988 0000), email (newalimosmarina@ellaktor.com), or via their Navily page. Call on VHF channel 71 before entering the marina.

Mooring cost

The marina is generally cheaper than others in Athens. Expect around €40 per day for a 12‑metre monohull, although it is advisable to confirm prices in advance.

Berthing & availability

• Stern-to mooring with lazy lines. Anchoring in the marina is prohibited.
• Around 95% of berths are allocated to charter fleets, limiting availability for visitors
• Visiting yachts are typically accepted for short stays only
• Weekdays (Mon–Thu) offer the best chances
• Weekends are very busy with charter turnaround

Even when the marina looks half empty, many berths are reserved. Advance booking is essential, but flexibility remains limited.

Facilities

Facilities are functional but inconsistent:

• Showers and toilets are generally adequate but can feel basic or dated
• Cleanliness and hot water can vary, especially in peak periods
• Improvements are ongoing as part of a large redevelopment project

You should treat the facilities as practical rather than premium.

Fuel

Fuel is the most frequently reported issue.

• Refuelling is done by independent tanker trucks
• Prices are often significantly higher than nearby fuel stations
• There are reports of overcharging or discrepancies in quantity
• Payment is sometimes in cash

⚠️ Advice: Monitor the refuelling process closely and double-check quantities and readings.

Location & access

One of the marina’s strongest points is its excellent connectivity:

• Tram and bus links within walking distance
• Easy access to Athens city centre and the airport
• Taxi and ride-hailing services are readily available. A ride to the airport costs around €50, and to the city centre around €10.

However, the marina itself is very large, and distances inside can be long—your berth may be over 1 km from the office or facilities.

Shops & services

The surrounding area is practical rather than scenic, but well equipped:

• Supermarkets and cafés within 10–15 minutes walk. Sklavenitis is a popular choice for provisioning, especially for weekly charters.
• Limited options directly inside the marina
• Good availability of chandleries, technicians, and repair services
• A solid base for maintenance and provisioning

Flisvos Marina

Type: Full-service marina
Best for: Athens access, luxury facilities, long-term berthing

Flisvos Marina (Μαρίνα Φλοίσβου) is one of Greece’s premier marinas, located in Palaio Faliro, approximately 6 km south of central Athens. Developed as part of the modernization of Athens’ waterfront and extensively upgraded ahead of the 2004 Olympic Games, it has become a leading marina for large yachts and superyachts in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Unlike traditional Greek town harbours, Flisvos combines berthing facilities with a waterfront promenade, restaurants, cafés, shops, and landscaped public spaces. It is also an excellent base for visiting Athens, the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum, and other major attractions, while remaining within easy reach of the Saronic Gulf cruising grounds.

The marina accommodates approximately 300 berths, with more than half capable of serving yachts over 30 metres in length. It is specifically designed to cater for luxury and mega-yachts, offering infrastructure and services rarely found elsewhere in Greece.

Contact and Booking

Booking in advance is essential by using their berthing application, as berths for visiting yachts are limited.

Contact the marina:

• By phone on +30 2109871000
• By email at flisvos@lamdamarinas.com
• By VHF on Channel 9

⚓ Docking

• Entrance Pos.: 37°56.105′ N, 23°40.758′ E
• Protection: Excellent in all weather
• Mooring: Med mooring with lazy lines
• Berthing: Contact the marina before arrival and follow instructions from the marina office.

Mooring fees

You can view the 2026 price list here.

According to the tariff, the minimum chargeable yacht size is based on an area of 60 m² (15 m LOA × 4 m beam). At the 2026 annual rate of €270/m², the annual berthing fee is:
60 × €270 = €16,200
Visiting yachts are charged a daily rate equal to 2.5/365 of the annual fee for stays of up to 90 days. Therefore, the minimum daily charge is:
€16,200 × 2.5 ÷ 365 = €111/day

Always contact the marina directly to obtain the exact cost for your yacht.

Facilities

• Water: Available at all berths at €8/m³.
• Electricity: Available at all berths at €0.37/KWh.
• Fuel: Available within the marina.
• Wi-Fi: Available throughout the marina.
• Security: Controlled access, CCTV surveillance, and 24-hour security patrols.
• Sanitary Facilities: Showers, toilets, and laundry facilities are available and spotless.
• Technical Services: Maintenance, repairs, provisioning, and concierge services are available.
• Transport: Easy access to Athens by tram, taxi, bus, or private transfer. Athens International Airport is approximately 25 km away.

Ashore

Flisvos is more than a marina. It functions as a modern waterfront district featuring:

• Restaurants and cafés.
• Retail shops and boutiques.
• Walking and cycling promenades.
• Parks and landscaped public spaces.

Within the marina, you can visit the historic battleship Averof, which now operates as a naval museum, as well as Olympias, a full-scale reconstruction of an ancient Athenian trireme.

Kallithea Marina

Kallithea Marina lies on the Athens waterfront between Flisvos Marina and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Although far less luxurious than neighbouring Flisvos Marina, it is a practical base for sailing clubs and private vessels.

The marina is not accepting visiting yachts to my knowledge.

⚓ Docking

• Approx. Pos.: 37°56.205′ N, 23°41.198′ E
• VHF: Ch. 17
• Mooring: Stern-to with lazy lines
• Berths: Approximately 378
• Maximum LOA: 16 m
• Maximum Draught: 3.5 m

Facilities

• Water and electricity on the pontoons.
• Fuel delivered by tanker truck.
• Toilets and showers.
• Wi-Fi.
• Slipway and basic technical services.

Athens Marina

Type: Superyacht marina
Best for: Athens access, long-term berthing, luxury yachts

Athens Marina (Μαρίνα Αθηνών), known also as Faliro Marina is a modern marina located in Neo Faliro, between central Athens and Piraeus. Situated next to the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF), it serves as one of the main superyacht facilities in the Athens area and provides direct access to both the Saronic Gulf and the city.

Unlike nearby Flisvos Marina, which combines yachting with extensive retail and leisure facilities, Athens Marina is primarily focused on yacht berthing and technical support. Its location makes it particularly convenient for crews wishing to visit Athens while remaining close to Piraeus, transport links, and Athens International Airport.

Athens Marina is an excellent starting point for cruises to the Saronic Islands, Cyclades, and the wider Aegean.

Contact

Booking a berth is essential to visit the marina.

• Telephone: +30 210 485 3200
• Email: info@athens-marina.gr
• Website: https://athens-marina.com

⚓ Docking

• Approx. Pos.: 37°56.310′ N, 23°39.928′ E
• Protection: Excellent in all weather
• Mooring: Med mooring with lazy lines. Berthing is allocated by marina management. Assistance is provided with tenders.

Facilities

• Water: Available at all berths.
• Electricity: Single- and three-phase supplies (220/380V) from 16A to 250A.
• Wi-Fi: Available throughout the marina.
• Sewage Pump-Out: Vacuum disposal stations available.
• Showers and Toilets: Available.
• Parking: Available within the marina.
• Helipad: Available for marina users.
• Laundry and Cleaning: Available through marina services.
• Fuel: Available through approved fuel suppliers.
• Technical Services: Diving, maintenance, and repair services can be arranged through the marina.

Mooring fees

You can view the 2026 price list here.

According to the tariff, the minimum chargeable yacht length is 15 metres, for which the annual rate is €978 per metre.
For short-term berthing (less than 90 days), the fees are increased by 110%. Therefore, the minimum daily charge is:
15 × €978 × 1.1 ÷ 365 = €44/day

Always contact the marina directly to obtain the exact cost for your yacht.

Mikrolimano

Type: Yacht-club harbour
Best for: Access to Athens and Piraeus, yacht-club visitors, sailing events

Mikrolimano (Μικρολίμανο), formerly known as “Tourkolimano” and in ancient times as “Munichia” , is the smallest and most picturesque of the three natural harbours of Piraeus. Nestled beneath the Kastella hill, it is surrounded by cafés, seafood restaurants, yacht clubs, and a waterfront promenade that was extensively renovated in 2022.

The harbour has a long maritime history, serving as one of the naval harbours of ancient Athens. Today it is primarily associated with sailing and yachting activities and is home to several of Greece’s most important sailing clubs, including the Yacht Club of Greece (YCG) and the Hellenic Offshore Racing Club (HORC).

Mikrolimano is also the starting point for major offshore sailing events, including the AEGEAN 600 and the Aegean Rally, making it one of the most important centres of Greek offshore sailing.

⚓ Docking

• Approx. Pos.: 37°56.208′ N, 23°39.696′ E
• Protection: Excellent in all weather

How to Moor

Mikrolimano is not a public marina and most berths are controlled by yacht clubs and private organisations.

• Availability: Visiting yachts should not expect to find a berth without prior arrangement.
• Yacht Clubs: Most moorings belong to sailing clubs and are generally reserved for members and participating yachts.
• Space: Availability for transient yachts is very limited. Contact YCG on +30 210 417 4283 or HORC on +30 210 412 2352.
• Mooring: Stern-to with lazy lines or alongside, depending on location.
• Assistance: If accepted, local sailors and club personnel are often helpful during manoeuvres.
• Facilities: Limited for transient yachts.

Marina Zeas (D-Marin Zea)

Type: Full-service city marina
Best for: Visiting Athens, provisioning, technical support

Marina Zeas (Μαρίνα Ζέας), managed by D-Marin, occupies the ancient harbour of Zea (Pasalimani) in the heart of Piraeus. Located only a short distance from central Athens, it is one of the most convenient marinas in Greece for crews wishing to combine a secure berth with easy access to the capital’s archaeological sites, shopping districts, transport links, and airport connections. The marina forms part of the D-Marin network and has undergone extensive modernization in recent years.

The marina is surrounded by restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, chandlers, marine service companies, laundries, pharmacies, and virtually every service a cruising yacht may require. The metro, tram, buses, and taxis are all within easy reach, making Zea one of the most practical bases for exploring Athens without renting a car.

The marina is probably the best place to moor in the Athens / Piraeus area, but this comes at a price. Expect to pay approximately €100–150 per day for a 12-metre monohull.

Contact

Visitor berths are often in short supply, particularly during weekends and the peak summer season. Booking your berth before entering is essential. Contact the marina:

• By phone: +30 210 455 9000
• By email: zea@d-marin.com
• Through their website: d-marin.com
• Via VHF on Channel 73

⚓ Docking

• Entrance Pos.: 37°55.953′ N, 23°39.068′ E
• Protection: Excellent in all weather

How to Moor

Marina staff assign berths on arrival.

• Mooring: Stern-to using laid mooring lines.
• Mooring Assistance: Professional marineros are available to assist arrivals and departures.

Facilities

• Water and Electricity: Available at all berths.
• Fuel: Available through marina services.
• Wi-Fi: Available throughout the marina.
• Security: Controlled access, CCTV coverage, and regular patrols.
• Showers and Toilets: Modern facilities maintained to a high standard.
• Technical Support: Extensive network of marine engineers, mechanics, riggers, electricians, sailmakers, and chandlers nearby.

Explore nearby Attica’s southeast coast, as well as Aegina and Agistri, in the full Argo-Saronic sailing guide.