Best Greek Islands Near Athens: Day Trips & Weekend Escapes You'll Love

The beauty of being in Athens is that some of Greece's most charming islands are literally a short ferry ride away. You don't need to fly anywhere or plan a multi-day island-hopping odyssey — although you absolutely can do that too.

If you want an island that feels like stepping into an old painting — no cars, no noise, just stone pathways and donkeys — Hydra is about to steal your heart. But if you're after golden sandy beaches and a proper taverna lunch with your toes in the sand, Aegina or Agistri might be calling.

Here's the best part though: the Saronic Gulf islands are incredibly close together. Within a single day, you could technically hit two islands if you wanted to. And if you've got a weekend to spare, the nearby Cyclades — Andros, Kea, Tinos — offer that classic Cycladic magic without the long ferry hauls to Santorini or Mykonos.

So whether you've got a spare afternoon or a long weekend, there's a perfect island escape right on Athens' doorstep. Let's break them all down…

What Are the Islands Near Athens Like?

Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, but most travelers don't realize that some of the most rewarding ones sit right in the Saronic Gulf — the body of water between Athens' coastline and the Peloponnese. These are the best Greek islands to visit from Athens, and they're almost embarrassingly easy to reach.

The Saronic islands have a completely different energy from the Cyclades. They're greener, more forested, and feel like genuine extensions of mainland life rather than remote outposts in the Aegean. Locals from Athens use them as weekend escapes, which means you'll find excellent tavernas, a relaxed pace, and far fewer selfie sticks than on Santorini.

(If you're planning a broader trip, I've written a full breakdown of how to plan a trip to Greece that covers itineraries, budgets, and logistics.)

Here's what to expect from islands near Athens:

The Saronic islands are surprisingly quick to reach. Hydra, Aegina, Spetses, Poros, and Agistri are all between 40 minutes and 2.5 hours by ferry from Piraeus port. Some, like Aegina, have departures every 30 minutes during peak season — it's practically a bus service.

These islands feel genuinely Greek. Because they're popular with Athenians rather than package tourists, the Saronic islands have kept their authenticity. You won't find all-inclusive mega resorts here. Instead, think whitewashed harbors, family-run fish tavernas, and locals chatting over afternoon coffee.

The nearby Cyclades are a step further but worth it. Andros, Kea, and Tinos are reachable from Rafina port (about 45 minutes from central Athens) in under 2 hours. They give you the full Cycladic experience — cube-shaped houses, windswept landscapes, brilliant beaches — without the tourist intensity of Mykonos.

Highlights near Athens to tempt your itinerary:

• Hydra's car-free harbor — Walk off the ferry and into a world where donkeys are the primary form of transport and the only sounds are church bells and waves
• Aegina's Temple of Aphaia — One of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, with views stretching all the way to Athens on a clear day
• Agistri's pine-covered beaches — Crystal-clear waters surrounded by Aleppo pines, just one hour from Piraeus
• Tinos' marble villages — Ornate Venetian dovecotes and artisan workshops scattered across dramatic hillsides
• The Saronic trio — You can combine Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in a single day trip cruise from Athens

7 Best Greek Islands Near Athens

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When I first started exploring the islands near Athens, I assumed they'd be overshadowed by the big-name Cycladic destinations. I was wrong. Some of these islands ended up being my favorite spots in all of Greece — precisely because they haven't been overrun by the Instagram crowd.

Each island offers something distinct: artistic heritage, pine-forest beaches, ancient temples, or simply the most peaceful afternoon you'll have in the country. Here are my top picks for the best Greek islands near Athens:

1. Hydra

The car-free jewel of the Saronic Gulf

Ferry from Piraeus: 1.5–2 hours | Best for: Couples, artists, architecture lovers | Budget: €€€

Hydra is, without exaggeration, one of the most atmospheric islands in all of Greece. And the fact that it's less than two hours from Athens makes it almost unbelievable.

The moment you pull into Hydra's horseshoe-shaped harbor, you'll understand why Leonard Cohen lived here, why artists and writers have been drawn to this island for decades, and why the Greek government declared the entire island a preserved monument. There are no cars, no motorbikes, no scooters — just donkeys, water taxis, and your own two feet.

The harbor itself is gorgeous — a crescent of stone mansions rising up from the waterfront, lined with cafés where you'll inevitably spend more time than planned. But Hydra's real magic is in the walking. Head up the stone staircases into the hills and you'll find yourself completely alone, surrounded by wildflowers and views that make you question why you ever holiday anywhere else.

For beaches, Hydra isn't the island you come to for wide sandy stretches — the coastline is rocky and dramatic. But spots like Vlychos and Bisti are lovely for a swim, and the water taxi system makes it easy to hop between swimming spots.

The catch: Hydra is not cheap. It's the most expensive of the Saronic islands, and accommodation books up fast in summer. It's also not ideal for families with small kids who need sandy beaches and flat terrain.

Find hotels in Hydra

Book a day trip to Hydra from Athens

2. Aegina

The pistachio island with an ancient temple

Ferry from Piraeus: 40 min (high-speed) – 1.5 hrs (conventional) | Best for: Families, history buffs, foodies | Budget: €–€€

If Hydra is the art-world darling of the Saronics, Aegina is the reliable, slightly underrated neighbor that everyone ends up loving. It's the closest major island to Athens, with ferries running so frequently you could practically commute.

What makes Aegina special is the combination of things you wouldn't expect from such a small island. The Temple of Aphaia is genuinely one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the country — it predates the Parthenon and sits on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf. On a clear day, you can see both Athens and the Peloponnese from here.

Then there are the pistachios. Aegina is famous across Greece for its pistachios, and you'll find them everywhere — roasted, in ice cream, in baklava, even in pesto at local restaurants. The main town's waterfront is charming in a lived-in, unpretentious way, with fish tavernas that have been serving the same families for generations.

For beaches, Agia Marina on the east coast is the main option — a long sandy beach with shallow water that's excellent for families. It's also where most of the island's tourist infrastructure is concentrated.

The catch: Aegina's main town can feel a bit workaday compared to the postcard-perfect harbors of Hydra or Spetses. And Agia Marina beach gets absolutely packed on weekends with Athenians escaping the city.

Find hotels in Aegina

3. Agistri

The tiny pine-covered paradise

Ferry from Piraeus: 55 min (high-speed) | Best for: Beach lovers, couples, budget travelers | Budget: €

If you want the closest thing to a Caribbean-style beach experience near Athens, Agistri is your answer. This tiny island — you can walk across it in about an hour — is covered in Aleppo pine forests that run right down to the waterline, creating this incredible contrast of deep green and turquoise blue.

Agistri flies completely under most tourists' radar, which is precisely its charm. The main village of Megalochori has everything you need — a handful of tavernas, a couple of mini-markets, rooms to rent — but nothing that screams "tourism." It's just a quiet, beautiful little island where the main activity is swimming in ridiculously clear water.

Aponisos on the south side and Dragonera Beach are the standout spots. Dragonera in particular has that classic Greek island beach vibe — pebbles, pines, impossibly blue water — without the crowds you'd find on a Cycladic beach.

The best way to explore Agistri is to rent a bicycle and circle the island. It takes about an hour, and you'll pass through fragrant pine forests and discover coves that feel like your own private beach.

The catch: Agistri is small. Really small. If you need variety in restaurants, nightlife, or activities, you'll feel its limitations within a day. It's perfect for a day trip or a quiet overnight, but restless travelers might get antsy.

Find hotels in Agistri

4. Poros

The charming strait-side town

Ferry from Piraeus: 1 hour (high-speed) – 2.5 hrs (conventional) | Best for: Relaxed couples, families, first-timers | Budget: €€

Poros has this wonderful trick where, as your ferry pulls in, the island's main town rises up in front of you like an amphitheater — white and terracotta buildings cascading down a hillside to the waterfront. It's separated from the Peloponnese mainland by a narrow strait just 200 meters wide, which gives it a unique geography and incredibly calm waters.

The waterfront promenade is where you'll spend most of your time, and honestly, that's perfectly fine. It's lined with cafés and tavernas, and there's a gentle, unhurried pace that makes Poros feel like a Greek island from a different era.

What I particularly like about Poros is that it's big enough to explore without feeling like you've seen everything in an hour, but small enough that you never need to worry about transportation. The Clock Tower hike gives you panoramic views of the strait, and the Lemon Forest (Lemonodassos) — a valley of 30,000 lemon trees — is genuinely magical when in bloom.

For beaches, Love Bay (Vagionia) is the gem — a small sheltered cove with crystal-clear water, reachable by water taxi or a pleasant walk. Russian Bay is another option if you prefer more space.

The catch: Poros doesn't have the dramatic wow-factor beaches of some other Greek islands. The swimming spots are lovely but small. And in peak season, the cruise ships that dock here can briefly overwhelm the waterfront.

Find hotels in Poros

5. Spetses

The elegant island with old-money charm

Ferry from Piraeus: 2–2.5 hours | Best for: Couples, history lovers, cycling enthusiasts | Budget: €€–€€€

Spetses is the Saronic island that feels like it has a secret. It's the furthest from Athens of the Saronic group, which means fewer day-trippers and more of a refined, local atmosphere. The island has a fascinating naval history — it played a key role in the Greek War of Independence — and that heritage shows in the grand neoclassical mansions that line the harbor.

Like Hydra, Spetses restricts motorized vehicles in the main town. But instead of donkeys, the preferred mode of transport here is the horse-drawn carriage or, better yet, a bicycle. Cycling around the island is one of the best things to do — the roughly 25km coastal road takes you past pine forests, hidden coves, and some genuinely excellent beaches.

Agioi Anargyroi is the island's best beach — a long stretch of golden sand backed by pines, with a beach bar and clear swimming water. Zogeria is another beauty, more secluded and reached via a forest path.

The food scene on Spetses punches above its weight. There are genuinely excellent restaurants here, from traditional tavernas to more contemporary Mediterranean spots, largely because the island attracts a well-heeled Athenian crowd that expects quality.

The catch: Getting to Spetses takes longer than the other Saronic islands, making it less practical as a quick day trip. You really want at least one overnight to appreciate it. It's also not the cheapest option in the group.

Find hotels in Spetses

6. Kea (Tzia)

Athens' secret Cycladic escape

Ferry from Lavrio: 1 hour | Best for: Hikers, couples, travelers seeking authenticity | Budget: €€

Now we're moving beyond the Saronics into the nearby Cyclades — and Kea is the closest Cycladic island to Athens, just one hour from Lavrio port (about 45 minutes south of central Athens).

What's remarkable about Kea is how unknown it remains to international tourists. This is essentially an Athenians-only secret — the island they escape to on weekends when they want Cycladic beauty without the crowds or the prices. And because it hasn't been "discovered" yet, it retains a genuinely authentic feel that's increasingly rare in the Greek islands.

The main town, Ioulis (or Chora), is a stunning hilltop village of red-roofed houses and winding alleys. It feels nothing like the whitewashed Cycladic towns you see on postcards — it has its own distinct character, more earthy and rooted.

Kea is a hiker's paradise. The island has an extensive network of ancient paths connecting its villages, including routes that pass by abandoned monasteries, oak forests, and the famous Lion of Kea — a 6th-century BC stone carving that's been grinning at visitors for over 2,500 years.

Beaches here are excellent and uncrowded: Koundouros, Otzias, and Spathi are all beautiful, and you'll often have them largely to yourself, even in July.

The catch: Kea is more geared toward self-sufficient travelers. The ferry goes from Lavrio (not Piraeus), which is further from central Athens. And without a car, getting around the island is tricky — public transport is limited.

Find hotels in Kea

7. Tinos

The anti-Mykonos with art, food, and soul

Ferry from Rafina: 1.5–2 hours (high-speed) | Best for: Foodies, culture seekers, couples | Budget: €€

Tinos sits right next to Mykonos, but the two islands couldn't be more different. While Mykonos pulses with nightlife and designer boutiques, Tinos is where Greeks go on religious pilgrimage, where marble artisans still carve by hand in mountain villages, and where the food scene has quietly become one of the best in the Cyclades.

The island is famous across Greece for the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, a major pilgrimage site. But beyond the religious significance, Tinos has over 40 traditional villages scattered across its mountainous interior — many of them featuring the most extraordinary Venetian dovecotes you'll see anywhere. These ornate stone towers dot the landscape like sculptures, and they're genuinely beautiful.

The marble villages of Pyrgos and Panormos in the north are worth the trip alone. Pyrgos has a museum of marble crafts, workshops where you can watch artisans at work, and a quiet sophistication that feels a world away from typical tourist Greece.

Tinos' beaches are varied and excellent: Kolymbithra (two bays — one sheltered, one wild), Livada, and Agios Sostis are standouts. And the food — oh, the food. Tinos has become a genuine culinary destination, with local cheeses, artichokes, and capers featuring prominently on menus that range from traditional to creative.

The catch: Tinos can be seriously windy. The meltemi winds hit this island hard in July and August, which can affect beach plans and ferry schedules. Also, a car is pretty essential to explore the villages properly.

Find hotels in Tinos

Quick Comparison: Best Greek Islands Near Athens at a Glance

Island

Ferry Time

Port

Best For

Beaches

Budget

Day Trip?

Hydra

1.5–2 hrs

Piraeus

Couples, art lovers

Rocky coves

€€€

✅ Yes

Aegina

40 min–1.5 hrs

Piraeus

Families, history

Sandy (Agia Marina)

€–€€

✅ Perfect

Agistri

55 min

Piraeus

Beach lovers, budget

Pine-forest beaches

€

✅ Perfect

Poros

1–2.5 hrs

Piraeus

Relaxed getaway

Sheltered coves

€€

✅ Yes

Spetses

2–2.5 hrs

Piraeus

Cycling, elegance

Golden sand

€€–€€€

⚠️ Better overnight

Kea

1 hr

Lavrio

Hikers, authenticity

Uncrowded sand

€€

⚠️ Better overnight

Tinos

1.5–2 hrs

Rafina

Foodies, culture

Varied & excellent

€€

⚠️ Better 2+ nights

Honorable Mentions

A few more islands within striking distance of Athens worth knowing about:

Andros — The closest Cycladic island to Rafina port (2 hours), Andros is a hikers' island with waterfalls, neoclassical mansions, and a contemporary art museum that rivals anything in Athens. It's bigger than Kea and Tinos, so you'll want at least 2–3 nights to do it justice.

Salamina — Technically the closest island to Athens (15-minute ferry), but it's essentially a suburb. Not a tourist destination, but interesting for history buffs — the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC is one of the most important naval battles in Western history.

Methana — Not an island but a volcanic peninsula reachable by ferry from Piraeus. Hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and barely any tourists. One for the adventurous.

Syros — A bit further (3.5 hours from Piraeus), but worth mentioning because it's the actual capital of the Cyclades. Ermoupoli, its main town, has Italianate architecture, an opera house, and a year-round population that keeps the island alive even in winter.

How to Get to the Islands from Athens

From Piraeus Port (Saronic Islands):

Piraeus is Athens' main port, reachable by metro (Line 1, about 40 minutes from Syntagma). Ferries to Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses all depart from here. High-speed catamarans (Hellenic Seaways, ANES Ferries) run multiple times daily.

From Rafina Port (Nearby Cyclades):

Rafina is on Athens' east coast, about 45 minutes by KTEL bus from the airport or city center. Ferries to Tinos and Andros depart from here.

From Lavrio Port (Kea):

Lavrio is south of Athens, about 1 hour by bus. It's the departure point for Kea, with 2–3 daily crossings.

Pro tip: Book ferries in advance during July–August, especially for weekend departures. Ferries to Aegina and Agistri rarely sell out on weekdays, but weekend boats to Hydra and Spetses can fill up fast.

Book your ferry tickets on FerryHopper

Or, if you'd rather skip the logistics entirely, you can book a multi-island cruise that covers Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in a single day — it's actually excellent value and a stress-free way to see three islands.

How to Choose Your Island

Still not sure? Here's a quick decision framework:

You want a quick escape with zero planning → Aegina or Agistri (frequent ferries, easy to wing it)

You want a romantic, car-free experience → Hydra (no contest)

You want family-friendly beaches → Aegina (Agia Marina is perfect for kids)

You want a proper beach day → Agistri (best beaches-to-effort ratio near Athens)

You want cycling and elegance → Spetses (allow at least one night)

You want hiking and authenticity → Kea (the Athenians' secret)

You want food and Cycladic culture → Tinos (the anti-Mykonos)

You can't decide → Take the quiz and let us match you to your perfect island

Practical Tips for Island Day Trips from Athens

Get to the port early. Especially Piraeus — it's a large port with multiple gates, and finding your ferry's departure point can take 15–20 minutes if it's your first time.

Bring cash. Smaller islands like Agistri and some tavernas on Poros and Aegina may not accept cards. ATMs exist but can run out of cash on busy summer weekends.

Pack light, but pack smart. Sunscreen, a hat, water shoes (Greek beaches can be pebbly), and a light layer for the ferry ride. The wind on the open deck of a high-speed catamaran is no joke.

Don't try to see everything. The Saronic islands reward slow travel. Pick one or two, settle into a taverna, swim, wander. Rushing between three islands in a day is possible on an organized tour, but doing one island properly is always better than doing three badly.

Consider shoulder season. May–June and September–October are perfect for these islands. The weather is warm, the ferries run frequently, and you'll share the beaches with far fewer people.

For more tips on timing your trip, check out our guide on how to plan a trip to Greece and how much a trip to Greece costs.

Final Thoughts

Here's what I love about the islands near Athens: they completely demolish the idea that you need a week-long island-hopping adventure to experience Greek island life. Some of the most memorable afternoons I've had in Greece involved nothing more than catching a morning ferry, swimming in turquoise water, eating grilled octopus at a harbor taverna, and being back in Athens by sunset.

Hydra remains my personal favorite — there's something about arriving in that car-free harbor that immediately resets your brain. But if I'm being honest, I've never been disappointed by any of these islands. They're all worth your time.

If you're visiting Athens for the first time, adding even a single day trip to one of these islands will transform your trip. And if you've already visited the big-name destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, the Saronic islands are the perfect next chapter.

Not sure which Greek island is right for you? Take our free quiz and get a personalized recommendation in 60 seconds.

FAQ

Can you do a Greek island day trip from Athens?

Absolutely — and it's one of the best things you can do while visiting Athens. The Saronic islands are tailor-made for day trips. Aegina is just 40 minutes by high-speed ferry, Agistri is under an hour, and even Hydra is reachable in about 90 minutes. You can leave Piraeus port in the morning, spend a full day swimming and eating on an island, and be back in Athens for a late dinner. For a no-stress option, organized day trip cruises cover three islands in a single day with lunch included.

Which Greek island near Athens has the best beaches?

For beaches specifically, Agistri offers the best balance of beautiful water, pine-tree shade, and minimal crowds — all within one hour of Piraeus. Aegina's Agia Marina is the best sandy beach option, especially for families with kids who need shallow, calm water. If you're willing to go a bit further to the nearby Cyclades, Kea has excellent uncrowded beaches like Koundouros and Spathi. For a deeper dive into the best beaches in Greece, check our full beach guide.

Is it worth visiting Greek islands near Athens, or should I go to the Cyclades?

Both — but they serve different purposes. The islands near Athens are perfect for day trips, long weekends, and travelers on a tighter schedule. You get genuine Greek island atmosphere without spending half your trip on ferries. The further Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Milos) are worth the journey for longer trips of 7+ days when you want more dramatic landscapes and beaches. Ideally, combine both: use Athens as your base for Saronic day trips, then take a longer ferry or flight to the Cyclades for the second half of your trip. Our 7-day Greece itinerary and 10-day itinerary show exactly how to do this.