BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Alimos or Lávrio: Which Marina for a Boat Rental Near Athens?

Two very different gateways to the Aegean from the Athens area: the large Alimos marina and the small historic port of Lávrio, each with its own route.

Many charters out of Athens are organised from one of these two marinas, very different in feel and geography — choosing one or the other noticeably shapes the week's itinerary.

Alimos, the big city marina

About twenty minutes from central Athens, Alimos is among the largest marinas in Greece, with direct access to the Saronic Gulf: Aegina, Poros and Hydra are all a few hours away, a practical option for a late-arriving flight or a crew without a car.

Lávrio, the port of the silver mines

At the southern tip of Attica, Lávrio takes its name from the silver mines worked since antiquity — that very silver funded the Athenian fleet that won at Salamis, on Themistocles' advice. The modern harbour, smaller and quieter than Alimos, now serves as a gateway to the northern Cyclades.

A shortcut to the Cyclades

From Lávrio, Kea is reached in just a few hours, far shorter than from Alimos or Piraeus: a real advantage for anyone heading straight for Kea, Kythnos and the string of Cyclades beyond, without losing a day of sailing.

Which one to pick

Alimos for an easy Saronic Gulf trip, no car needed and close to the city centre; Lávrio to save sailing time toward the Cyclades, at the cost of a slightly longer drive or bus ride from the airport.

Budget and comparison

Sailboat €300–700 a day (€1,500–4,000 a week), skipper €150–350 a day if needed. Boat-Comparator compares offers from both ports; our boat trip from Athens guide covers the Saronic Gulf, and our one-week Cyclades itinerary maps out the rest of the trip.

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