The area surrounding Athens is a treasure trove of small, enchanting islands waiting to be explored.
Whether you opt for a ferry or speedboat, a day trip from Athens will swiftly transport you to hidden gems and renowned tourist attractions in just a few hours. In fact, some of these islands are so captivating that they are well worth considering for an extended stay of one or two days.
On this page, we unveil the most beautiful islands near Athens, handpicked for their unique charm. Plus, we've gathered the most popular ticket options, making your island-hopping adventure seamless and hassle-free.
Let's dive in and embark on a memorable island escapade!
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1. Hydra
Located about a 2-hour ferry ride from Piraeus, cosmopolitan Hydra stands out as one of the most renowned Saronic Islands, drawing crowds of visitors. This car-free town flourished during the 18th century, thriving in shipping and trade. Today, Hydra continues to captivate with its idyllic nature and captivating art exhibitions, establishing a prominent reputation in the Greek art scene.
Venture through the labyrinthine alleys, and you'll uncover the allure of the charming old town. Marvel at the exquisite architecture displayed by old villas and churches, or opt for a water cab ride to explore the picturesque bathing bays.
Popular Ticket Options
- From Athens: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch
- From Athens: Cruise to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina with Lunch
- 1 Day Cruise to the Greek Islands of Poros, Hydra & Aegina (recommended)
- Tickets for Hydra, Poros and Aegina: Day Cruise + Lunch from Athens
- Hydra-Poros-Aegina Islands Cruise with Live Music Dancing & Buffet Lunch
- Half-Day Shared Fishing Experience in Hydra
- Hydra Private Day Trip by Ferry from Athens with Transfers
2. Aegina
One of the most popular islands in the Saronic Gulf is Aegina, 25 km southwest of Athens. The second largest Saronic island can be reached after about an hour boat ride from the port in Piraeus. The picturesque island is characterized by neoclassical houses and traditional stores, which offer pistachios - the specialty of the port city - in all forms. Aegina is not only a wonderful place for a day at the beach, ancient temples and old Byzantine churches also await visitors here.
Popular Ticket Options
- Tickets for Sailboat Cruise from Athens to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina
- From Athens: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch
- Athens: Boat Tour to Agistri, Aegina with Moni Swimming Stop
- From Athens: Cruise to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina with Lunch
- 1 Day Cruise to the Greek Islands of Poros, Hydra & Aegina (recommended)
- Tickets for Hydra, Poros and Aegina: Day Cruise + Lunch from Athens
- Hydra-Poros-Aegina Islands Cruise w/ Live Music Dancing & Buffet Lunch
- 1 Way Ferry Ticket to Aegina Island
3. Agistri
Agistri, the smallest of the Saronic Islands, is also one of the most beautiful islands near Athens and is usually always visited on day trips to the Saronic Islands. The charming little island about an hour from Piraeus enchants with a breathtaking scenery. The island landscape is characterized by lush green pine trees and impressive bays that invite you to snorkel, swim and dive.
Popular Ticket Options
- Tickets for Sailboat Cruise from Athens to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina
- Athens: Boat Tour to Agistri, Aegina with Moni Swimming Stop
- All Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri, Moni, Aegina with lunch & drinks (recommended)
- 1 Way Ferry Ticket to /from Agistri Island
- Combo: Sights of Athens 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour + Full-Day Cruise
- From Athens: Aegina, Agistri and Metopi Day Cruise w/ Lunch
4. Poros
The island jewel of Poros, 60 km from Athens, is a tranquil, magical place in the Saronic Gulf. A fast ferry takes travelers from Piraeus to Poros in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Like a postcard motif, the island enchants with charming fishing villages, an azure sea and narrow streets full of bougainvillea.
Even though Poros has now made it onto various travel guide pages, the island is still considered an insider's tip, usually spared from tourist crowds. The crystal clear water of the bays is perfect for snorkeling.
Popular Ticket Options
- From Athens: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch
- From Athens: Cruise to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina with Lunch
- 1 Day Cruise to the Greek Islands of Poros, Hydra & Aegina (recommended)
- Tickets for Hydra, Poros and Aegina: Day Cruise + Lunch from Athens
- Hydra-Poros-Aegina Islands Cruise with Live Music Dancing & Buffet Lunch
- 1 Way Ferry Ticket to/from Poros Island
5. Santorini
Santorini, often regarded as the epitome of a Greek picture-postcard idyll, is an absolute must-visit, even if it's a bit farther from Athens. Full-day tours to Santorini from Athens are incredibly popular. Another enticing option is to combine a day or multi-day trip from Athens with visits to both Santorini and Mykonos, making for an unforgettable island-hopping experience.
High-speed ferries efficiently transport vacationers from the port in Piraeus or Rafina to Santorini in about 5 hours. The island's allure lies in its unique Cycladic architecture, showcasing charming snow-white hill houses that create a truly mesmerizing landscape. On top of that, the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini are a focal point for vacationers, offering unforgettable moments to cherish.
Popular Ticket Options
- 5 Day Mykonos & Santorini Trip
- From Athens: 2-Day Santorini and Mykonos Trip
- 1-Day Guided Tour of Santorini from Athens with Transfers
- Santorini Private Tour from Athens: Sightseeing & Wine Tasting
- From Athens: Santorini Day Tour with Swimming
- 1 Way Ferry Ticket to Santorini
6. Mykonos
Mykonos, which is considered a party stronghold, impresses with a legendary nightlife. The tourist hotspot attracts mainly young, party-loving travelers. You can reach Mykonos, for example, with the high-speed ferries from the port of Rafina, which reduces the travel time from 5 hours to 3.5 hours.
For visitors who want to see more of Mykonos than just its nightlife, we recommend the day tour from Athens with a guide, where you can learn interesting facts about the mythology and history of Mykonos.
Popular Ticket Options
7. Kea
Just outside Athens is the Cycladic island of Kea, a favorite weekend destination for locals and a hidden gem for tourists. Strolling through the quiet retreat, one can experience the magnificent ambiance and unique Cycladic architecture. Above all, the beautiful, unspoiled beaches as well as the fascinating archaeological sites are worth a visit.
Popular Ticket Options
8. Spetses
The island of Spetses in Greater Attica delights with a charming harbor and magnificent beaches, most notably Agia Anarghiri and Agia Paraskevi. Thanks to museums such as the Spetses Museum and the Bouboulina Museum, culture enthusiasts are not left out. You can stroll along the waterfront and admire magnificent buildings and charming churches, or participate in more adventurous activities like quad or bike tours.
Popular Ticket Options
- Spetses: Scooter and Quad Rental
- 2-Hours 4X4 Tour in Spetses Safari
- Spetses: E-bike Cycling Tour
- Spetses: Hiking Tour of Spetses Hills
9. Kythnos
Another underestimated jewel is the island of Kythnos, which also belongs to the Cyclades. The hot springs of the town of Loutra as well as the beautiful beach of Kolona are worth mentioning. Authentic taverns, charming villages with picturesque alleys as well as the quiet flair make up the magic of the island.
Popular Ticket Options
- Kythnos: Half Day Private Cruise with Beach Stops & Swimming (without transfer from Athens)
- Private Fishing Trip in Kythnos (without transfer from Athens)
- Hiking tour on Kythnos
10. Andros
Only 2 hours from Rafina port near Athens, Andros, the northernmost island of the Clycades, welcomes its visitors. It is most famous for its magnificent and diverse beaches. The highlights of the island also include the Sariza spring in the village of Apoikia, the Byzantine monastery of Panachrantou and the Olive Museum of the Cyclades.
Popular Ticket Options
- From Athens: Day Trip to Andros Island
- Athens to Andros one day trip
- Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Andros (without transfer from Athens)
- River Trekking to the Waterfall in Andros (without transfer from Athens)
11. Naxos
Naxos, the largest island of the Clycades is an island full of facets. You can find here a colorful variety: from a lively nightlife and excellent food to historical sights, untouched nature and beautiful beaches. From the port of Piraeus, you can reach Naxos by ferry after about 5 hours.