I value all the times I had specific information while traveling. When you visit the small beautiful islands next to my city, Athens, this is what you should know:
Spetses, Poros, Agistri, Egina, and Hydra, are little islands close to Athens, famous for their beauty and character. Even for a short visit, these destinations have a lot to offer. Swimming on their beautiful beaches, visiting historical sites and museums, or enjoying the unique natural surroundings are some of the options available to ensure beautiful memories. In more detail, one can enjoy the following during their visit to these charming islands.
1. Spetses
Spetses is a cosmopolitan island that also offers peace and quiet if that is what you are looking for. Beautiful beaches with turquoise, crystal clear waters, unique architecture and abundant historical sights are all within walking distance. This is very helpful, as cars are not allowed in Spetses.
Where to go – What to do
- Agii Anargiri Beach – The most popular choice especially if you enjoy sea sports.
- Agia Paraskevi – Accessible on foot and by boat, a magnificent setting with a beach bar.
- Ligoneri Beach – Ideal for quiet moments and dives away from the crowds.
- Xilokeriza Beach – Diving!
- Zogeria Beach – If your choice is relaxation and pine trees!
- The historic hotel “Poseidon” plus all the numerous mansions – Enjoy the architecture!
- Tarsanades Spetses shipyards – Experience live the ancient carpentry art of shipbuilding.
How to reach Spetses:
From Piraeus, the port next to Athens, you go to Gate E9. There are frequent Flying Dolphin and Catamaran departures. You can book online at hellenicseaways.gr.
2. Poros
Just an hour away from the Piraeus port, you can experience atmospheric neoclassical architecture, lovely beaches, and historical sites. Also, the food and drink options are elegant and exciting at the same time.
Where to go – What to do
- Port of Love – A romantic beach with turquoise waters, pine trees, an organized canteen, and sun loungers.
- Bagionia Beach – Ideal for spearfishing or visiting the remains of an underwater ancient city! The challenging road will take about half an hour by car.
- Monastery Beach – Quiet, organized, and beautiful with picturesque taverns.
- Fishing Trips – Learn fishing techniques such as line fishing, angling, and netting and have fun. More information here.
- Poros Folkloric Museum – If you appreciate tradition, there are furnishings, costumes, a loom, embroidering, weavings, handicrafts, and more.
- Poros Archaeological Museum – More than 2.500 years of history in the Koryzi Square.
How to reach Poros:
- By Car: From the National Road Athens – Corinth to Galatas and then you take a 5′ min ferry.
- By boat from Piraeus: Choose between flying dolphins or catamaran (one hour – 30 € ticket price ) or conventional ferries (two hours – 15 € ticket price).
3. Agistri
A small green island very close to Athens, Agistri is a very popular choice for both locals and tourists who want to enjoy their day by the sea. Full of pine trees, herbs, and small beaches Agistri hooks (Agistri means a hook in Greek) visitors to keep on coming back to it.
A quiet choice ideal for families and people in love.
Where to go – What to do
- Mechalochori – Walk around the capital with traditional cafes and stone houses.
- Skala Beach – Fully organized sandy beach ideal for families.
- Draconera Beach – Enjoy the sunset with a drink from the canteen. Or swim in the turquoise waters.
- Halikiada Beach – Wonderfully secluded next to Skala village. Not organized, preferred by nudists.
- Aponisos – Horseback riding on beautiful routes of the island. Lessons available.
How to reach Agistri:
By boat from Piraeus: Choose between flying dolphins or catamaran (55′ min – 17 € ticket price ) or conventional ferries (1,5 hours – 12 € ticket price).
4. Aegina
House for well-known Greek artists and a popular destination for a weekend vacation, Aegina offers wonderful landscapes and neoclassical mansions to visit. An island with rich history and natural beauty.
Do not forget to get pistachios from Aegina or the pistachio sweets, as they are delicious.
Where to go – What to do
- From Aegina town to the village of Perdika – Go cycling!
- Agia Marina Beach – This is where water sports, families, and all-day beach parties meet!
- Moni Beach – Quite natural beauty and underwater exploration.
- Marathonas Beach – Families firstly appreciate the sea and then enjoy the restaurants and fish taverns.
- Paleochora – Walk around the fortress up the hill and visit the Byzantine small churches in it.
- Perdika Village – Stroll in the narrow streets and harbor. have your dinner in the fish taverns.
How to reach Egina:
By boat from Piraeus: Choose between flying dolphins or catamaran (40′ min – 16 € ticket price ) or conventional ferries (1 hour – 10 € ticket price).
5. Hydra
I saved my personal favorite for last.
Hydra is known as the Lady of the Gulf. Its impressive history, famous aesthetic elegance, and natural beauty create a unique combination. The visitor can enjoy a walk among stone mansions built in the late 18th and early 19th century in the island’s port and feel as if being into a cart postal. There are no cars to interrupt one’s thoughts as they are not allowed on the island.
Where to go – What to do
- Mandraki Beach – the only sandy beach in Hydra, great for families and water sports.
- Saint Nicholas Beach – Always wind protected, the choice for relaxation and underwater discoveries.
- The Monastery of Prophet Elias – History and unparallel view after two hours of hiking from the port.
- The Bastions at the port – Watch the sunset among cannons that were defending the island from pirates.
- Tetsis Museum and Studio – For the art lovers, this is the family house, now a museum, presenting works by the famous painter Panagiotis Tetsis.
- Kiafa – A medieval fortress on a hill!
- Hydra Museum – Paintings, treasures, and manuscripts all presenting the Greek War of Independence
How to reach Hydra:
By boat from Piraeus: Flying dolphins or catamaran ( 1 hour 15′ min to 2 hours – 35 € ticket price ).
The Saronic Gulf Islands are a joy to visit, explore and create memories at. The Greek islands differ and you need a lot of time to appreciate them all. But if you find yourself in Athens, devoting a day or two to the close by islands of the Saronic Gulf is a truly wise choice.