The Ultimate Lavrion Sailing Guide - Quiet Bays And Beautiful Beaches

A brief introduction to Lavrion

Lavrion (also known as Lavrio or Laurium) is a Greek town located on the southeastern coast of the Attica region, 60km southeast from the capital of Athens. The city is positioned in a wide bay overlooking the Makronisos island to the east. 

Lavrion town is most known for its silver mines and industrial production and was not a popular travel destination up until a few years ago. Lately, the town has undergone a significant transformation with the construction of a new port. Redesigning the harbour into a major ferry terminal for nearby Greek Islands, along with the addition of several sailboat charter companies gave the city of Lavrion a new lease of life.

Why you should embark on a Lavrion sailing holiday

Despite not being as big as the nearby ports of Piraeus and Rafina, the port of Lavrion has been expanding rapidly, becoming an important sailing hub for the Cyclades Islands.

As a result, new restaurants, shops and cafes have opened, attracting tourists to this once forgotten, industrial-based city.

Its central location on the Aegean Sea means Lavrion has been attracting an increasing number of sailing enthusiasts to its marinas. The proximity to Greek islands like Kea, Kythnos, Syros, Tinos and Andros make Lavrion an ideal starting location for sailing around this part of Greece.  

There are several attractions worth visiting in Lavrion, most notable being the theatre of Torikus, a 3,000-year-old amphitheatre nestled above the coastline, offering panoramic views of the area. You can also visit the previously mentioned Archaeological and Mineralogical Museums to get a feel for the town's history. 

The coast around Lavrion is very indented, full of quiet bays and beautiful beaches, perfect for a relaxing sailing vacation. Sail south to the nearby Cape Sounion and the spectacular Temple of Poseidon. The temple dates back to the 5th century BC and was built on the edge of Cape Sounion, offering stunning views of the Greek coast and nearby islands.  

Best time to sail in Lavrion 

Lavrion is the perfect summer destination for those wanting to enjoy summer activities like swimming, diving or sunbathing. However, if you wish to avoid the high temperatures and the scorching sun, sailing in May or September may be a perfect choice. Don't worry, the air and sea temperatures will be high enough, and there will be considerably fewer crowds.

What to expect from Lavrion sailing conditions

Due to its sheltered location, the Lavrion port has been used by sailors and fishers for thousands of years. Like the rest of Greece, Lavrion has a warm Mediterranean climate, and the sea in this region is calm and ideal for sailing. 

The strong and dry northern "Meltemi" wind prevails through most of the summer, from the beginning of July to mid-August. The Meltemi is most prominent during the afternoon, bringing cool air and good visibility. Average air temperatures in Lavrion vary from 10°C in the middle of winter to well over 30°C most of the summer. 

Average water temperatures rise above 20°C as early as May, while during summer the water temperature can reach as high as 27°C.

The tidal range in the area around Lavrion is small, usually around 0,5 m. 

Our favourite things to see in Lavrion

The town of Lavrion has developed mainly due to mining, both in the classical era and in the 19th century. There are several remains of its industrial past scattered around the city. 

The central square of the town is home to several important buildings like the 1st Elementary School of Lavrio, the Old Town Hall and the Municipality Cultural Center, all built in the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century.

The market (also known as Agora) was built in 1885 by the Greek Company to house the local merchants. The market served its purpose by supplying the mining companies and the departing ships, hauling precious ore to all over Europe. Due to the presence of several mining companies, Lavrion was the only city in Greece with electricity. Today, you will find the fish market here that is one of the most visited attractions in town.

Lavrion port is the central hub of the city, where you will find the oldest and most important buildings. The first building of the modern town of Lavrio was the Town Hall of Lavreotiki, constructed in 1864. Here you will find many more mining-related buildings like the clock tower built by the Greek Mining Company and the French Wharf, a loading wharf used for transportation of iron ore, located to the east of the port.

Lavrion sailing marinas to dock your yacht

Following the extensive rebuild of the port of Lavrion in recent years, today you will find a ferry port, a commercial harbour, a fishing port and yacht harbour here. The marina boasts 680 berths for vessels up to 30m in length and with a max draught of 7m. Visitors can moor on the northwest corner of the pier and the southern side of the charter jetty. Usually, there are no mooring fees, but you should check to be sure before arriving. There are no sanitary facilities on site, but electricity and water are available. 

Olympic Marina is located just 1 NM south from the port of Lavrion, found in a protected bay. Here you will find berths for 680 yachts up to 40 m in length with a maximum draught of 10 m. The marina has a dry dock, various maintenance and repair services as well as 24-hour security. Additionally, there are more than 700 dry berths and additional 300 covered storage spots. The marina holds the coveted Blue Flag, testifying to the preserved natural beauty of the area. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, supermarket, bars, restaurants and cafes as well as a car, bike and scooter rental facility.

Lovely places to anchor around Lavrion

• Makronisos - The island of Makronisos sits opposite the town of Lavrion and offers plenty of secluded coves, ideal for anchoring. The wide bay at the southern tip offers sandy seabed with good holding and depth varying between 3 and 5 m. Anchoring here protects from the northern winds. 
• Vourkari, Kea - Anchorage in Vourkari on the island Kea provides moderate holding in seaweed and mud. The depths here vary between 2 and 10 m. The bay offers protection from all winds, most importantly from the strong Meltemi winds.
• Vroskopos, Kea - Located on the western coast of the Kea island, Vroskopos is a large bay offering good protection from all winds except the southern ones. The bottom mainly consists of sand but also seaweed and the anchor will have an excellent holding here. Due to the geography of the island, it is quite deep here, with depths varying between 10 and 25 m.
• Thoriko - Just a short sail north from Lavrion, you will find the Thoriko bay. Here you can anchor in the sand, with depths around 3 m. You will be protected from the southern winds but also quite exposed to the Meltemi.

Typical Lavrion charter prices

Prices for chartering a boat to sail the area around Lavrion is dependent on several factors. The period in which you wish to hire a boat can significantly influence the final price, with the prices gradually increasing as you approach the summer months. The other significant aspect of the final price is the type of vessel you want to charter. Sailboats are generally less expensive to charter than catamarans and motorboats. Planning and reserving your sailing vacation months in advance is recommended as there are plenty of discounts available.

Outside the high season, the starting price for a one-week charter in Lavrion, for a sailboat accommodating up to six people, is around €750. If you wish to have your sailing vacation during the summer, the price for the same boat can double or even triple. Starting charter prices for catamarans and motorboats in Lavrion are around €1,500. 

If you are a less experienced sailor, or simply wish to fully enjoy your sailing vacation, consider hiring a local skipper to help you on your journey. Daily skipper prices are around €200 per day. When finalizing your charters, take note of any additional fees not included in the final price like cleaning services or administration fees.  

Getting to Lavrion

The fastest way to reach Lavrion is by flying to Athens International Airport, located 35 km north of the city. There are multiple daily flights to Athens available from nearly all European countries. Once you land, the best way to reach Lavrion is by either renting a car, taking a taxi or the KTEL bus which departs from the airport every hour. Even though Lavrion's port was recently expanded, there are no direct ferry lines between Athens and Lavrion.  

Our top Lavrion itinerary options for true sailing enthusiasts

Situated at the bottom of the Attica Peninsula, the port town of Lavrion is a perfect starting point for exploring the Cyclades Islands like Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini and Kythnos. 

Option 1- Sailing the Western Cyclades

Total sail distance: 150 NM

Things to see and do: Sail one of the most popular nautical routes in the Mediterranean and visit the beautiful Cyclades islands. Visiting the islands, you will be greeted by stunning beaches and the most inviting sea. Small coastal villages offer plenty of traditional taverns, ideal for sampling the local seafood and Greek cuisine.  

This route is perfect for: Large groups of friends and families will enjoy the privacy of secluded beaches and the tranquillity of the islands. Sailing enthusiasts will welcome the opportunity of sailing one of the most popular destinations on the Mediterranean.  

Best time of year for sailing: From April until October.

Day 1: Kea

As you set sail from Lavrion, the first stop on your tour of the western Cyclades islands is the Kea island. Located in the north of Kea island is Vourkari, a small village well protected from the prevailing winds. Arriving here, you should look to anchor in port, which offers 24 berths with depths around 2 m. Alternatively, anchoring is also possible in the surrounding bay. Make sure to taste the local fish specialities when visiting the island.  

Day 2: Kythnos

Leaving Kea, sail south to the island of Kythnos and its many spectacular beaches. Anchor at the stunning Kolona beach and enjoy the soft golden sand and the warm turquoise water. Spend the night in Mérikha Marina, a small harbour located in the village of Merichas on the western coast of the island.

Day 3: Serifos

Continue sailing south to the island of Serifos and the village of Livadi, the largest settlement and the only port on the island. Located on the southeastern coast of the island, Livadi sits in a wide bay, protected from the wind. Here you will find a mooring pier for ships and some basic facilities for yachts. Be sure to visit the largest beach of the island called Avlomonas, located in Livadi.

Day 4: Sifnos

Another stop on your sailing route of the Western Cyclades is the charming island of Sifnos. On the western coast of the island, in the most indented part of the island, you will find the Kamares Marina. Visiting the island, you will be swept away by the beautiful architecture found in the narrow, cobbled streets of Kamares.  

Day 5: Milos

The last stop before heading back north towards Lavrion is the spectacular volcanic island of Milos. The harbour town of Adamantas is the perfect destination for mooring, as the bay offers excellent protection from the northern winds. You will find the Adhamas Marina here, offering 50 berths for vessels up to 50 m in length and a maximum draught of 5 m. North of the town you will find several popular beaches like the Sarakiniko and the Mytakas beach. 

Day 6: Sounion

Spend the majority of the day sailing back north to Cape Sounion and the magnificent Temple of Poseidon located there. You will be just in time to visit the temple before being swept off your feet by the majestic sunset. The bay at Akra Sounion is not a harbour, but it is a safer anchor, protecting from the northern Meltemi wind. 

Day 7: Before heading back to Lavrion and finishing this route, visit the nearby uninhabited island of Makronisos. Here you can have one last peaceful taste of the spectacular Greek beaches and the pristine Aegean Sea, before returning to the rush of everyday life.  

Option 2 - Explore the beauty of the Southern Cyclades  

Total sail distance: 250 NM

Things to see and do: Sail the beautiful Cyclades islands and visit two of the most popular and beautiful Greek islands - Mykonos and Santorini. Vibrant architecture, stunning beaches and a bustling nightlife attract large numbers of visitors each year.   

This route is perfect for: Groups of friends and families will enjoy the beautiful beaches and charming coastal towns offering plenty of entertainment and fine dining. Sailing enthusiasts will revel in the opportunity to sail to the most famous Greek islands. 

Best time of year for sailing: From early May until the end of September.

Day 1: Karystos, Euboea (Evia)

Sail north from Lavrion to the second-largest Greek island - Euboea. On the southern coast of the island, nestled in a wide and well-protected bay, you will find the coastal town of Karystos. Visiting the area around the town, you will find medieval castles, ancient landmarks, miles of beautiful beaches and traditional tavernas – everything you'll need to start your Greek adventure.

Day 2: Andros 

Start your tour of the Cyclades by visiting the northernmost island in the cluster, Andros. The island is full of lush vegetation and a perfect place to kick back and enjoy the pristine water and breathtaking sandy beaches like Zorkos beach, Achla and Syneti beach. If you are looking for a bit of culture, visit the town of Andros and the Museum of Modern Art, the Maritime Museum or the Open Andros Theatre.   

Day 3: Tinos

Leaving Andros, set your course south and sail to the island of Tinos. On the southern shore of the island, you will find the coastal town of Tinos and a small marina offering protection from the northern winds. The most interesting attraction in Tinos is the Monastery of Virgin Mary Evangelistria, a church which attracts pilgrims from all of Greece. Beaches on the southern side of the island are more tourism-orientated with plenty of bars and restaurants, while those looking for more privacy should explore the secluded coves on the northern coast.

Day 4: Mykonos 

The famous island of Mykonos is your next stop, located a short sail south from the island of Tinos. On the western coast of the island, you will find the town of Mykonos, one of the most popular summer destinations in Greece, known for its vibrant nightlife. You will find the most remarkable and popular beaches like Super Paradise, Paradise, Platis Gialos on the southern side of Mykonos island. As the island is a popular tourist and sailing destination, there are several marinas to choose from, including the Mykonos Marina, Tourlos Marina and Santa Marina Resort, all located near the town of Mykonos. 

Day 5: Naxos

Continuing your sailing vacation south, the next stop on your route is the island of Naxos. The island is most famous for its long and sandy beaches, most notably the Plaka beach and the Agios Prokopios beach, located south of the capital town of Naxos. The sea around Naxos is rich in reefs and wrecks, making diving one of the more popular activities on the island with several local diving centres organizing daily dives. In the town of Naxos, you will find a medium-sized marina offering 70 berths for vessels up to 20 m in length.

Day 6: Santorini

The last stop on this route is probably the most famous and recognizable of all Greek islands - Santorini. Colourful architecture, combined with the spectacular blue sea and the volcanic composition of the island, create a unique setting that will sweep you away. The island is considered to be one of the most romantic destinations in Greece and is perfect for couples and groups of friends. Strolling the narrow streets of the largest town, Thira, you will be greeted with spectacular views of the surrounding area, topped off by majestic sunsets. Santorini is a popular tourist destination so expect some traffic and crowds when visiting here. For mooring, sail south to Vlychada Marina, a small harbour located in the city of Vlychada, offering protection from the northern winds.

Day 7: Lavrion

Most of the day will be spent sailing back north to your starting location, the town of Lavrion. Depending on your remaining time, take a stroll through the Old town of Lavrion and familiarize yourself with the rich history of this port town. If you wish to take a breather and relax, the town is full of recently-opened taverns and restaurants, perfect for sampling the local seafood and traditional Greek recipes.