Islands near Athens: Saronic Gulf, the King

When in Athens, you do not have to travel very far to get to a beautiful island. The following five islands are located within the Saronic Gulf, within an hour's reach from the capital. If you are visiting Athens for a few days, you should give them a try, even for a one-day trip. They are worth visiting, relaxing, and summery.

Hydra

Hydra is the queen of the Saronic Gulf. In the ‘60s it became an artistic haven, as many writers, poets, musicians, directors, and actors made it their muse. Leonard Cohen had bought a house there, and Henry Miller would visit it very often, as did Mick Jagger. Sophia Loren had filmed ‘The Boy and the Dolphin’ at Hydra. The island’s traditional aura has remained intact for more than two centuries even though it has many visitors each year. One of the most beautiful features of the island is the 3 and 4-floor tall mansions that used to be residences of wealthy ship owners. They are made of stone, are beautifully decorated, and stand as symbols of the economic prosperity of the island in the 18^th century. No cars are allowed, so transportation is either by foot or on mules. The port of the island is a charmer, full of yachts of the rich and famous, pretty cafes, and top-notch restaurants. The island’s cathedral, located at the center of the port, is simply captivating. There are no sandy beaches on the island, to the disappointment of sand lovers. You can enjoy a swim at the pebbled beaches of Vlychos and Kaminia or at the rockier, Spilia. There may not be sand, but the waters are amazing.

How to get there: With sea dolphins or sea taxis that leave from the port of Piraeus regularly during the day.

Spetses

If Hydra is the queen, then cosmopolitan Spetses is the princess of the Saronic Gulf. Spetses used to be a very green island in antiquity, full of pine trees. Mostly known for its legendary history, and the part it played in the Greek revolution against the Ottomans, Spetses also has marvelous locations; remarkable architecture, notable museums, beautiful beaches, and a very pluralistic nightlife. Stroll along the promenade at the old port in Dapia with its impressive buildings, the tall-mastered sailing ships, and the nostalgic atmosphere of a distant past. Don’t forget to visit the Spetses Museum, and the Bouboulina Museum, dedicated to Laskarina Bouboulina, a notorious woman fighter of the Greek Revolution.

Have a swim at the sandy and wonderful Agia Marina beach, at family-oriented Kounoupitsa, or the amazing Zogeria. Turquoise waters, shady olive trees, and delicious seafood: Greece on your plate.

How to get there: With ferries or sea taxis that leave from the port of Piraeus daily, or by car from Athens to Kosta, the closest location of the mainland near Spetses.

Poros

A lively jewel of the Saronic Gulf, Poros is only one hour away from Athens by ferry, and it is ideal for both day trips and weekend getaways. Poros town is very picturesque with cute fish taverns, cafes, and small hotels. The first thing you will notice, a trademark of the island, is the great Clock Tower visible even by the ferry that approaches the port. The sunset at the port’s promenade is a must. The most attractive feature of Poros is its sandy beaches of lush vegetation, reminiscent of the Ionian islands. Neorio, Monastiri Love Bay, and Askeli are perhaps the most popular and beautiful beaches, which you can visit by car, taxi, or bus. However, there are many small, secluded beaches on the island, more difficult to access but very beautiful.

How to get there: With ferries that depart daily from the port of Piraeus, or by car from Athens to Galatas, the closest location of the mainland near Poros.

Aegina

The island of Aegina, apart from very beautiful, is also the land of pistachio. The famous Aegina pistachio is harvested here and it is delicious, salted, or unsalted. In Aegina, there is a little bit of everything: Archaeological sites, amazing beaches, cute fishing villages, and great food. What more can you ask. You can begin by strolling the Aegina Town (where the ferries dock) in a carriage (with a horse, yes). On the island, you will find the well-preserved, ancient temple of Aphaea (or Aphaia), which is even older than the Parthenon), and dedicated to Goddess Aphaea that was worshipped in Aegina. It stands in a very beautiful location with spectacular sea views, and you can go there by public bus or taxi. You can also visit the orthodox monastery of Saint Nektarios, patron saint of Aegina believed to perform miracles for believers. Don’t forget to go for a swim either in Klima beach or Sarpa, a beautiful pebbly beach near Perdika village, another must-visit. Don’t forget to buy pistachios before you leave.

How to get there: With regular ferries that depart daily from the port of Piraeus.

Agistri

Agistri is a small bite of paradise. Whether you want to swim in crystal clear waters or see some leafy slopes and picturesque villages, Agistri is the place to be. Skala, Agistri’s main port is full of small shops, cute cafes, seafood taverns, and fresh fish restaurants, while it serves also as a family beach. If you want something more adventurous and secluded, go for a swim at the raw and cliffy Chalikiatha beach, or the partly organized Dragonera. The waters are crystal clear and there are few pine trees for a sheltering shade. Visit also Metochi village for some beautiful pictures of whitewashed houses with blooming bougainvillea, hikes, and evergreen landscapes. You’ll have to rent a car or a bike if you want to get around.

How to get there: With regular ferries from the port of Piraeus.

Last but not least, please note that regarding transfers, Athens Walking Tours can take care of everything for you; no fuss, just fun!

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