The Saronic Islands are one of the closest destinations when departing from the docks of Piraeus, which is located in the southwest of Athens, just eight kilometers from the city centre. So if you’ve discovered Athens and you still have a spare day, it is definitely worth it to spend it on a little island escape, just a ferry ride away. Stumbling into historic temples and charming harbour towns to clear waters and many beaches. Each island also has its own local specialties, so here are a few of our island inspirations for your next visit to Athens!
Aegina: pistachios & history
Aegina is ideal for travellers who want to combine culture, food, nature and relaxation without travelling far from Athens. The food culture is closely connected to its coastal setting, with fresh seafood, traditional meze and charming harbour-side tavernas.
A ferry from Piraeus brings you to Aegina in roughly forty-five minutes to an hour, which makes a day trip very easy to include in your itinerary. Especially if you like pistachios! Since the nineteenth century, pistachios have been deeply rooted into the island culture, and currently holds status within the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece.
Palaiochora was once the medieval capital of Aegina and at times now described as a ghost town due to abandoned-looking buildings and many churches across the hillside. It’s a great spot for people who enjoy walking, history and quiet places.
The temple of Aphaia rests on a hill surrounded by pine trees, with views on the villages and sea. Making it a place to appreciate both nature and history. Alongside this site, Kolona and the temple of Apollo (Greek god of music, light and prophecy) are worth the while, also accompanied by the first national archeological museum of Greece.
Hydra: car-free & many pictures
Hydra is for slowing down and exploring charming sceneries. The island knows no cars or motorcycles. People go around mainly by foot or by sea taxis! You might even come across donkeys and mules that pass by with luggages or groceries. This place used to also strike the charm of historic artists like Picasso and Maria Callas, so you could imagine the scenery to see.
This island is between around an hour and ten minutes to two hours by ferry away from Piraeus. With stone mansions and historic harbour, Hydra is great for walking and hiking, and swimming from rocky coves. It is probably one of the most photogenic islands of the Saronic.
Hydra has a network of old paths leading into the hills. Also walking through narrow streets. You can hike to places such as the Monastery of the Assumption and the monasteries of Agia Efpraxia and Profitis Ilias.
Beyond its harbour, Hydra has a fascinating maritime history and played an important role in Greece’s War of Independence. You can discover more about this past at the Historical Archives Museum, while art lovers can explore the island’s galleries and cultural spaces. And if you have time for something local, try Hydra’s famous amygdalota, which are small almond sweets traditionally served to visitors.
Agistri: pines & activity
Agistri is the island for those who want to trade the busy streets of Athens a moment for pine forests, clear waters and a slower pace. In just an hour to an hour and a half from Piraeus. As one of the smallest and greenest islands in the Saronic Gulf, it is perfect for spending the day outdoors, whether that means cycling between beaches, hiking through the forest or simply finding the blue waters.
Agistri may be small, but its villages each have their own character. Skala is the livelier side of the island, with its beach, restaurants and seaside atmosphere, while nearby Megalochori offers a quieter glimpse of traditional island life.
For one of Agistri’s most postcard-worthy corners, head to Aponissos. The tiny island just off the coast, surrounded by clear turquoise water and pine trees, makes it an especially beautiful place for snorkelling or simply spending a few lazy hours by the sea.
So, if swimming in crystal-clear water is high on your holiday list, Agistri won’t disappoint. From organised beaches to secluded coves, there are plenty of places to jump into the water and cool off after exploring. One of the best ways to explore Agistri is by bike. Since the island is small, you can bike between villages, beaches and pine-covered roads, stopping whenever something catches your eye on the way. Travelocal offers routes that help you go along the paths to explore the island.
Whether you are looking for history and locality, a charming car-free island experience or a day in the middle of nature with crystalclear water, the Saronic islands has something unique for many types of travelers. Only with a short ferry ride from Athens, you get the perfect escape when you want to discover the different sides of Greece.