Island Day Trips from Athens

Just a short ferry ride from the mainland are some of the most endearing and picturesque islands in Greece. The Saronic Islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses are only a 30 to 60 minute ferry trip from Piraeus and make a good day trip from Athens. Once there you will begin to discover the magic of the Greek isles.
 

Aegina Island

Aegina Island is one of the closest islands to Athens and the largest of the Saronic Islands.

The capital, Aegina Town has a busy port and its charm is found in its winding, narrow streets. Along the waterfront there are many bars, cafes and tavernas where you can enjoy a meal and watch the passing parade. A romantic way to explore the village is in a horse-drawn carriage. 

From Aegina Town you can hire a car and explore the many charming villages on the rest of the island. Alternatively the main bus station is near the port and buses travel to all parts of the island.

Agia Marina, 13 kms east of the main port, is one of the most popular villages on the island. Visitors are attracted by its lovely sandy beach, clear water, numerous water sports and lively nightlife. Be sure to visit the 5th Century Temple of Aphaia, a well-preserved Doric temple located on a hill overlooking Agia Marina.

Other charming villages of interest on Aegina include Mesagros, for its wonderful views, Perdika, a beautiful fishing village, and Souvala for its beautiful beaches and spa baths. Also nearby is the island of Agistri with its lovely beaches and shallow water.

Don’t leave Aegina without tasting the local pistachios – supposedly the best in the world!

Aegina Island is an easy day trip from Athens. Take the Metro to Piraeus - the port is directly opposite the metro station. There is a regular service to the island by ferry or flying dolphin. The ferry trip is about 1-1.5 hours and on the flying dolphins it is about 40 minutes. For timetable, fares and other information look at the Aegean Flying Dolphins website. There is also a direct connection between Piraeus and Agia Marina.

Accommodation on Aegina Island

There is plenty of accommodation including hotels, villas, apartments and rooms to let. Most accommodation is located in Aegina Port, Agia Marina and Souvala. In summer it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.

 

Poros Island

 

Poros is a beautiful island of green hills and mountains covered in pine forests. The island is 58 km from Piraeus and is separated from the Peloponnese (a large peninsula and region of southern Greece) by a channel only 200 metres wide. Being a small island (31 sq kms) with a good road network it is easy to explore. 

The island is a popular day trip from Athens as it is only one hour by flying dolphin from Piraeus, or 2.5 hours on a regular ferry. Travelling through the sea channel between Poros and the Peloponnese is a very scenic trip. You may even consider Poros Island as a base from which to explore Athens and the Peloponnese area.

The main town is Poros, a pretty harbourside town with many neoclassical buildings. One of the first landmarks you will see is the town’s clock tower. There are many cafes, tavernas and shops along the waterfront but don’t forget to explore the narrow white-washed streets lined with charming two-storey buildings with timber balconies and terracotta-tiled roofs.

The beaches of Poros are small and shaded and provide good swimming. Popular beaches are Kanali , Askeli, Monastiri, Vagionia, and Neorio. Watersports are available on many of the beaches

Of interest on Poros are the Temple of Poseidon, the Archaeological Museum on Koriz Square, and the Hellenic Naval Base.

Accommodation on Poros Island

There is a variety of accommodation on Poros Island including resorts, large and small hotels, villas, apartments and rooms to rent. There are no campsites or youth hostels. In summer, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance.

 

Hydra Island

Hydra is the most well-known and most popular of the Saronic Islands. It is easy accessible from Athens and many people visit just for the day. Despite its popularity, Hydra has remained unspoiled and is protected from tourist development. 

Hydra Port is a very pretty harbour, alive with pleasure craft. It is a charming village with red-tiled roofs and narrow alleyways. There are plenty of cafes and shops on the waterfront and in the streets leading up from the harbour. You will love the relaxed pace of Hydra as there are no cars allowed on the island. The only means of transport are walking, water taxi or donkeys.

The island has always attracted writers and artists and there are numerous galleries to explore. Leonard Cohen once lived on Hydra and many of the rich and famous still visit the island. It is a great place for people watching.

There are no sandy beaches on Hydra but you can enjoy a swim from the rocks.

Accommodation on Hydra Island

All accommodation on Hydra is in Hydra Port. There are numerous hotels, apartments and villas available. The island gets very crowded in the summer months so if you'd like to spend a night or two, it's a good idea to book accommodation in advance.

 

Spetses Island

Spetses is the smallest of the Saronic Islands and the farthest from Athens. It is still possible to visit for the day with travelling time from Piraeus between 2 and 3 hours on the fast boats. Bookings can be made on the Hellenic Seaways website. 

Spetses is a lush green island covered in pine forests. The main town is Spetses Town, or Dapia. It has many lovely old mansions two of which house the museums of Hadjiyannis Mexis and the Spetes Museum. Also of interest is the Bouboulina Museum housed in this national heroine’s original home.

The island has a long tradition of tourism and has a quiet and cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are excellent beaches with Agia Anargiri, Agia Marina and Agia Paraskevi being some of the most popular.

Private cars are banned on the island and while there are local buses and taxis, most people get about on motor scooter, bicycles, water taxi or on foot. There is also the option of exploring in a horse-drawn carriage.

Accommodation on Spetses Island

Nearly all accommodation on the island is in Spetses Town. There are hotels, villas, apartments and rooms to rent.