Saronic Islands from Athens – Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros, Spetses

The Saronic islands from Athens

You don't need a flight to reach a real Greek island. Right across from Athens, in the Saronic Gulf, lie the Saronic islands – Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses – reachable by boat in anything from under an hour to a few hours. Each is completely different: an island of pistachios and temples, an island of pine forests and turquoise water, and an island with no cars at all. They're perfect for a day trip from Athens or a few quiet nights at the end of your holiday, and the easiest way to get a taste of island life without planning flights.

Aegina – close and full of variety

Aegina is the closest and most accessible island, and so the most popular. Its harbour has a colourful promenade with fishing boats, seafood stalls and horse-drawn carriages, and behind it, alleys of small shops and cafés. The island is famous for its pistachios, which you'll find in every form imaginable. Beyond town there's the ancient Temple of Aphaia on a hilltop overlooking the sea, the large church of Agios Nektarios that draws pilgrims from all over Greece, and small beaches for swimming. It suits almost everyone – families, couples and first-time visitors to Greece.

Agistri – green, quiet and crystal clear

Agistri is Aegina's smaller, quieter sibling, a short boat ride away. The island is covered in pine forest that runs almost down to the water, and its coves – some rocky, some pebbly – offer some of the clearest water in the area. There are no major sights, and that's exactly the charm: swim, eat fish at a seaside taverna and rest in the shade. You can rent a bike and ride around part of the island. Agistri is for those who come for the sea and the calm, and it pairs beautifully with Aegina in the same day.

Hydra – the island without cars

Hydra may be the most beautiful and elegant of the Saronic islands. There are no cars at all – people get around on foot, by donkey or by water taxi – which gives it a completely different atmosphere. An amphitheatre-shaped harbour is ringed by the stone mansions of 18th- and 19th-century sea captains, with whitewashed stepped lanes, galleries and cafés. Artists and writers have been drawn here for decades. Swimming on Hydra is mostly off rocks and platforms rather than sandy beaches. Bring comfortable shoes – almost everything here involves steps.

Poros and Spetses – green and graceful

Poros is separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait, so from the harbour you look straight across at the mainland. The white town with its clock tower on the hilltop is wonderfully photogenic, and the island has green bays and a family-friendly feel. Spetses is the furthest of the group – an elegant island of captains' mansions, horse-drawn carriages and streets paved with pebble mosaics, tied to the history of the Greek War of Independence and its heroine Bouboulina. Given the distance, Poros and Spetses are better for a night or two than a rushed day trip.

Which island should you choose?

With one day and a wish for town, history and sea – Aegina. For nature, peace and snorkelling – Agistri. For romance, art and beautiful photos – Hydra. For families who like a gentle pace – Poros. And for a few days of elegance away from the crowds – Spetses. Can't decide? An organised three-island cruise lets you sample several islands in one day without juggling ferry timetables. Yana's cruise visits Aegina, Agistri and Moni Bay, with time to swim and explore at each stop.

Ferry or organised cruise?

Ferries and fast boats leave Piraeus for all the Saronic islands, and some also sail from other ports around Athens. The upside: total freedom – stay overnight and return whenever you like. The downside: you have to work around timetables, which change by season, and get to the port on time. An organised cruise includes several islands in one day with planned time at each – less flexibility, but zero hassle. For something more private, you can charter a boat to Aegina. Either way, it's worth booking a transfer to Piraeus in advance, especially for early departures.

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