One of the best things about Athens is that it is very close to some fantastic Greek islands, which you can visit on a day trip with a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port.
Not sure how they relate? Here is the simple difference between the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
There are some unique Greek islands near Athens, and a day trip there is, in fact, one of the best things you can do while visiting the capital of Greece.
Yes, while visiting Athens, your focus should be on sightseeing and the main attractions of this historic city (like the stunning Acropolis Museum), but…if you are visiting in the summer.
You have an extra day to spend (in general I do not recommend visiting Athens for more than 3 nights if it’s your first time in Greece as I do suggest to people to head over to a Greek island) then hop on a ferry from Piraeus Port or Lavrio port and spend a day (or more) into these little Mediterranean gems. You can even try island hopping between these islands, although this can be tiring if you have limited time in the area.
READ ALSO:
- Where to Stay in Athens
- Best Hotels in Athens
- Best Hotels in Hydra
- Best Greek Island tours from Athens
- Best Family Hotels in Athens
The best Greek islands near Athens are:
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What Greek islands can I visit from Athens?
You can visit all the Greek islands from Athens, but the thing is that you won’t have the time to do it. Athens is directly linked with a ferry or a flight to every Greek island. However, some islands are ideal for a day trip or a 1-night stay.
These islands are Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Agistri, Aegina, Kea (Tzia), Kithnos, and Andros. Though most of these islands are quite small compared to other Greek islands, Andros, Kea, and Kithnos can be considered for an even longer stay as they are pretty big islands (especially Andros, which is one of the largest Greek islands, but it’s just a 2 hr ferry from Athens).
What are the easiest islands to get to from Athens?
The easiest islands to reach from Athens are Hydra, Spetses, Aegina, Poros, and Agistri. These are all within a 1.5-hour ferry trip from Piraeus port and perfect for a day trip. You can go to Kea, Kithnos, and even Andros if you want to take it further.
However, remember that it’s not just the distance from Athens. The size of these islands is highly convenient for a day trip, as they mostly have a small capital town, lovely restaurants, and beaches around the island.
I do not recommend visiting Santorini or Mykonos as a day trip from Athens. Do not even think about it! Yes, it’s possible, but a day trip to Paris from Athens is also possible, though you wouldn’t try it, would you? Better keep your money and energy for these islands for your second trip to Greece, as they are worth more time and dedication.
Is Hydra worth visiting??
Totally! Hydra is an amazing little island near Athens that is probably on the list of the most famous Greek islands, as it’s been on the set of numerous movies and shows. I do not recommend spending more than a day trip (or maximum 1 night) on the island, as there are limited things you can do there (unless doing nothing is basically what you are looking for…). Hydra has no memorable beaches, though you can swim from the rocks anywhere around the island, as the seawater of Argosaronikos Gulf is crystal clear.
Hydra Island was home to many singers, poets, and writers in the ’60s and ’70s. It is a very relaxing island, and you can have a great time if you want to relax and get away from civilization.
No vehicles are on the island; all transportation is still done with donkeys and horses. And that’s a plus for any place on earth…
Is Spetses worth visiting??
Absolutely! Spetses has one of the most beautiful and picturesque harbors in Greece. It is an island where many wealthy Greek shipowners have their villas, and that says a lot.
The island is a little paradise with a magnificent little town and the smell of pine and jasmine everywhere. Lots of secluded beaches are scattered on the island, which has been famous since the romance between Aristotle Onassis and Jackie Kennedy in the ’70s.
1. Hydra
- Hydra on Google Maps
- Best Hotel in Hydra: Hydrea Exclusive Hospitality
- Best Thing To Do in Hydra: wander the beautiful streets of the village
One of the most gorgeous islands near Athens is Hydra. If you have ever seen a carte-postale from Greece, it is probably a photo from Santorini or Hydra! It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes by speedboat or 2 hours by ferry to reach there from the port of Piraeus.
The fact that there are no motor cars on the island distinguishes it from others; all modes of transportation must be accomplished by boat, foot, or…donkey. You won’t get bored in Hydra as there is much to do, including hiking, admiring the fine stone mansions of Greek Independence war heroes, relaxing on lovely, crystal-clear beaches, climbing up to the bastions, and exploring the charming fishing village of Kaminia.
Hydra has been famous since the 1950s when the movie “Boy on a Dolphin” with the great Sophia Loren was shot. Since then, Hydra has become a regular spot for yachters and celebrities from all over the world. Hydra has a very relaxing atmosphere and it’s ideal for either a day trip from Athens or even a 1 night stay, if you have the time.
READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Hydra
2. Spetses
- Spetses on Google Maps
- Best Hotel in Spetses: Poseidonion Grand Hotel
- Best Thing To Do in Spetses: eat the traditional “amigdalota” candies
Spetses, the island of the sea captains, can offer a great escape from the buzzing city of Athens, whether for a brief weekend break or even a day trip. In Dapia, you can have a leisurely coffee while gazing out over the sea at Kosta and Porto Heli on the Peloponnese side.
With its ancient boatyards, the Old Harbor is reached by walking down the riverfront, past the beautiful homes beneath St Nicholas’ Church. Then you go to the Hatzigiannis-Mexis and Bouboulina museums to find artifacts from the Greek Independence War of 1821.
Spetses is considered a very romantic island, and it’s an island full of villas of wealthy Greek shipowners. But this doesn’t mean it’s not pretty. Quite the opposite!
3. Poros
- Poros on Google Maps
- Best Hotel in Poros: Sirene Blue Resort
- Best Thing To Do in Poros: visit the famous “Love Bay” beach
Poros is one of my personal favourites as it’s the island near Athens with possibly the most family-friendly beaches, although all of the islands on this beach are family-friendly, to be honest. It can be reached from Athens by a 1.5-hour speed ferry (there is also a slower ferry that takes up to 2.5 hours, and I do not recommend it).
Poros also has some friendly hotels and is ideal for a weekend visit or even a day trip. The island has many sandy beaches, and the sea waters are crystal clear on the sandy beaches of Askeli or the romantic coast of Love Bay. Poros is home to some excellent seafood restaurants and is a favourite spot among Athenians.
4. Aegina
- Aegina on Google Maps
- Best Hotel in Aegina: LaLibay Spa & Resort
- Best Thing To Do in Aegina: visit the Aphaia Goddess Temple
Aegina is very close to Athens, and you can reach it within 40 minutes from Piraeus port by ferry. Aegina is famous for its stunning ancient Temple of Aphaia and… its pistachios! In fact, the word we use in Greek for the “pistachio” is literally translated to “Aegina’s peanut” because this is where they basically grow in Greece.
Aegina is a lovely island with a pretty town and many beautiful seaside villages such as Perdika or Marathon. The island has lots of sandy beaches with many restaurants, tavernas and amenities.
Fun fact: Aegina was the first capital of Greece after the country became independent from the Ottomans in 1827 and it remained the capital for 2 years. The island is also the home of the first library of modern Greece.
READ ALSO: Best Hotels in Aegina
5. Agistri
- Agistri on Google Maps
- Best Hotel in Agistri: Oasis Beach Hotel
- Best Thing To Do in Agistri: rent a bike and go anywhere on the island
Agistri is a small gem in the Saronic gulf, about 1 hr away from Athens by ferry and literally 5 mins away from Aegina. The island is very small and you can basically cycle around it very easily.
Renting a bike or even hiking is ideal for this island, which has beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters (like Halikiada or Skala). If you are looking for alternative holidays away from civilization or even for a little escape from Athens, then Agistri can be perfect. I’ll be honest, though, there are not that many things you can do on the island, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
6. Kea (Tzia)
- Kea on Google Maps
- Best Hotel in Kea: Ydor Hotel & Spa
- Best Thing To Do in Kea: wander the cute streets of Chora
Kea is the Greek island in the Cyclades islands group closest to Athens. Kea has fantastic beaches, and since it’s in the Cyclades, it’s full of whitewashed houses and traditional villages. Kea is also known as Tzia, and it has a very cosmopolitan feeling and atmosphere.
You can reach the island from the port of Lavrio (only 1 hour by ferry). If you are in Kea, don’t forget to visit the famous Lion of Kea, one of the oldest sculptures of its style in Greece!
7. Kythnos
- Kithnos on Google Maps
- Best Hotel in Kythnos: Canal Suites
- Best Thing To Do in Kythnos: visit the famous Kolona double beach
You can easily reach Kithnos island from the port of Lavrio in less than 1 hr. The island is on mountainous and wild terrain, but it is home to one of the most impressive beaches in the world: the famous Kolona beach, which is basically…a double sandy beach.
Kythnos is a common destination for Athenians, and because the island is less well-known, it is always perfect for a visit. Kythnos is worth a visit, but I recommend spending at least two nights on the island.
8. Andros
- Andros on Google Maps
- Best Hotel in Andros: Casa Di Fiori
- Best Thing To Do in Andros:Achla River Trekking
Andros is one of the largest Greek islands and the largest island in the Cyclades group. It can be reached by a two-hour ferry from Rafina port. Andros has many beautiful sandy beaches, such as Psili Ammos, Batsi, Agios Petros, Ahla, and Golden Beach.
The island’s capital is Chora, one of the most beautiful in Greece. It has many artistic shops and an exquisite architectural style that differs from the typical Cycladic architecture. I recommend spending more than just one or two days in Andros, as there is so much to see and do on the island that it would be a pity not to explore it properly.
CONCLUSION
One of the best things to do in Athens is to visit a Greek island near Athens. A two-hour ferry ride is very easy and sometimes even quicker.
My favorite place for a day trip to a Greek island near Athens is Spetses or Poros. Apart from the picturesque traditional villages, they also have beautiful beaches. Apart from Kythnos and Andros, all the other islands on this list are in the Saronic Gulf, basically the sea surrounding Athens.
Kythnos, Kea, and Andros can also be visited for more than just a day trip, and they have more things to do than the rest of the islands. Also, to check the latest timetables and schedules for Greece’s ferries, please ensure you check Ferryhopper.
