Best Islands Near Athens: Easy Greek Island Escapes for 2026
If you’re planning a trip to Athens and dreaming of visiting the Greek islands, you don’t need to travel far to experience stunning beaches, charming villages and crystal-clear waters. Some of the best islands near Athens are just a short ferry ride away, making them perfect for day trips or relaxing multi-day escapes.
From the beautiful Saronic Gulf islands like Hydra, Aegina and Poros to lesser-known gems such as Agistri and Kea, these destinations offer a perfect mix of history, culture and coastal relaxation — all within easy reach of the mainland. Many can be reached in under two hours by ferry from Piraeus or nearby ports, making them ideal for short getaways.
Whether you’re looking for a quick beach escape, a romantic island stay or a quieter alternative to the more famous Greek islands, this guide to the top islands near Athens will help you choose the perfect destination for your trip in 2026.
If you are staying in Athens, you may want to consider heading to some of the best islands near Athens to visit for a few nights. We recommend staying at least 3 days in Athens before heading out to the islands.
Our guest writer is Auston from Two Bad Tourists.
After reading Auston’s article on the best islands to visit from Athens, it makes me want to visit all of the islands that he has covered. I still have so much to see in Greece. What a destination!
Do You Need an E-Sim?
Using an eSIM from e-Simatic when you travel offers convenience, flexibility, and cost savings. With no physical SIM card required, you can easily activate a local or international data plan before or during your trip. e-Simatic’s eSIMs provide reliable mobile coverage in multiple countries, eliminating the hassle of swapping SIM cards or dealing with expensive roaming charges. Stay connected for navigation, communication, and sharing your adventures without interruption, making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
To Travel Too Ultimate Tips and Travel Itineraries Private Facebook Group
Ready to unlock insider travel secrets and expert-crafted itineraries? Join our To Travel Too community – where passionate travellers share their best tips, tried-and-tested routes, and practical advice to help you travel smarter! From budget hacks to luxury experiences, discover how to make every journey unforgettable. Your next adventure starts here.
Greece may well be the cradle of modern civilisation, the birthplace of democracy and a realm of myth and legend, but it is also a land of mind-blowing beauty. Its coastline is the longest of the Mediterranean basin, and thousands of pristine, perfect islands lie scattered within sailing distance from its shores.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (if applicable).
There’s, of course, the obvious beauty of Santorini and the LGBT+ friendly party island of Mykonos, but it is also easy to forget that Greece’s enigmatic capital, Athens, also lies but a stone’s throw away from a host of islands in the Saronic Gulf. These provide the welcome opportunity to take some time off from exploring the city for a few days and find a good beach or two to lay your towel. There are easy day trips from Athens, too!
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Islands Near Athens
1. What are the best islands near Athens to visit?
Some of the best islands near Athens include:
- Hydra – best for car-free charm and boutique stays
- Aegina – best for a quick and easy day trip
- Poros – best for relaxed island vibes
- Agistri – best for beaches and nature
- Kea – best for a quieter, less touristy escape
2. Which Greek island is closest to Athens?
Aegina is one of the closest islands to Athens, located just 40–60 minutes by ferry from Piraeus, making it one of the most popular day trips.
3. Can you visit the Greek islands as a day trip from Athens?
Yes, many islands near Athens can easily be visited as day trips. Hydra, Aegina, Poros and Agistri are all close enough for a full day of exploring before returning to the city.
4. How do you get to the islands near Athens?
Most islands near Athens are accessible by ferry from the Port of Piraeus or nearby ports such as Rafina. Ferry journeys typically range from 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the destination.
5. Which island near Athens is best for a weekend getaway?
Hydra is ideal for a romantic weekend, while Poros and Agistri are perfect for a relaxing short escape with beaches and laid-back vibes.
6. Are the islands near Athens worth visiting?
Absolutely. The islands near Athens offer beautiful scenery, traditional Greek charm and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the mainland, making them perfect for a quick escape.
7. What is the best time to visit the islands near Athens?
The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is warm and ideal for swimming, sightseeing and ferry travel. Shoulder seasons (May, June, September) offer fewer crowds.
8. Which island near Athens has the best beaches?
Agistri is known for its clear waters and beaches, while Kea offers more secluded beach experiences.
9. Do you need a car on the islands near Athens?
It depends on the island. Hydra is completely car-free, while Aegina and Kea may benefit from a car if you want to explore more remote areas.
Best Greek Islands Close to Athens
We share with you our top four:
Agistri
Agistri is a great starting point for exploration of the Saronic Gulf, being just 45 minutes by boat from the mainland – it can even be a day trip. This small island serves as a worthy foil to the citywide chaos of Athens, with its calming beaches to recline on.
One of the best is Aponissos beach, the ideal place to enjoy some sun and swim in the surrounding exotic turquoise waters. Agistri´s modest size is one of its biggest strengths as its secluded coves and quaint villages – containing Greece´s signature white-walled, blue-roofed churches – are within hiking distance of each other through the island’s lush green interior. There’s also free camping!
👉 Browse the best hotels and accommodations on Agistri
Hydra
Another lesser-known gem amongst the Greek Islands is Hydra. Of course, it has its own fair share of stunning beaches, although it is worth noting that they are almost all pebble stone and only reachable by water taxi.
What makes this island so unique, however, is its authentically Greek feel. Only two hours from Athens, you arrive by boat into its crescent-shaped cobblestone harbour and are immediately greeted by traditional 8th-century Greek architecture. No new houses are permitted to be built on Hydra, so it has kept this distinctively traditional style throughout the entire island.
Furthermore, no cars are allowed – or even bikes – leaving the only options for inland travel being either by horse, mule or your own two feet. An experience not to be missed is a horse ride through the mountains with spectacular views back over the town and an opportunity to get a good look at all the 9th-century monasteries, mansions, windmills and ramparts – left over from the Greek war of independence.
During the afternoon, the locals take a nap, leaving you free to explore the town without the bustle of the crowds. There you will find galleries, such as the one in an old slaughterhouse, and the house of the esteemed singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, who, amongst other creative types, fell in love with Hydra so much he made his home here for a while. He even has a street named after him!
By night, Hydra has a chilled nightlife where locals sit around enjoying drinks, chatter and the fresh meat of the tavernas. Why not join them?
👉 Browse the best hotels and accommodations on Hydra
Spetses
Just a little further out is the affluent isle of Spetse for a livelier cosmopolitan vibe. Here you’ll find neoclassical houses, villas, bigger beaches and a long promenade to stroll along.
There are no cars here either, but Mopeds are the favoured mode of transport or the more exciting option of horse-drawn carriages around town.
A must-see location is the house and museum of Bouboulina, a famous heroine of the Greek revolution in 1821, who also has a statue in the town centre. Another intriguing location waits hidden within a cove in the form of the Cave of Bekiris, or the “fairy cave”, near the beach of Agii Anargiri. You can swim right into this natural cave and witness its trademark sparkling rocks. On the topic of seclusion, Spetses has a few secluded nudist beaches in its repertoire for those wanting to eliminate those pesky tan lines.
You can crank your holiday up a notch with the nightlife here, as Spetses houses numerous clubs as well as bars. The prices might be high, but when on holiday, sometimes it pays to splash out a bit.
Different events take place on the island throughout the year, such as the Armata every September, where there is a re-enactment of the naval battle in 1822 between the Greeks and Turks, concluding with a grandiose fireworks display. In May, the island comes alive for the Spetsathlon, a huge sports event including a world-famous triathlon.
Book your ferry tickets here.
👉 Browse the best hotels and accommodations on Spetses
Poros
Cheating a little, Poros is actually two islands, Sphaeria and Kalaureia, connected by a strait. The island´s town lies on one of these islands, on the slopes of an ancient volcano, with the defining landmark of a clock tower overlooking the scene. It is well worth the sweaty climb up to the tower for the gorgeous bird ´s-eye view offered. After a hard day on the – once again beautiful – beaches of Poros, why not take a walk through ancient history and venture inland to visit the ruins of a temple to Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea?
Whilst walking through Poros in May, it is almost impossible to miss the sweet scent of lemon wafting over from the lemon forest on the opposite shore. Taking a short boat ride to visit this lemon forest is a real treat, and walking between its orange and lemon trees, and discovering its hidden waterfalls and churches, is like being haplessly lost in a Disney movie.
Back on the island, true, Poros is also famous for its romantic sunsets behind the Aderes Ridge or “reclining maiden”. And what better way to conclude your holiday than with a drink in hand at a beach bar, watching the sun retire into the Mediterranean?
Book your ferry tickets here👉 Browse the best hotels and accommodations on Poros
Tour from Poros Port to Ithaca
The legendary island of Homer and Odysseus is a must-visit destination. Your first stop will be in the capital town of Vathi, where you will feel the nostalgic atmosphere, visit museums and enjoy coffee or shopping in the alleys and back streets of a traditional Ionian town. You will continue on to your swim stop at Gidaki beach, which is only accessible by boat! Swim in the crystal clear waters! The last stop of the day will be at the picturesque village of Kioni, known for its charming seaside taverns & many more!
Take a Daily Cruise from Poros Port to IthacaWe thank Auston from the Two Bad Tourists blog.
Auston runs the blog Two Bad Tourists and is also a freelance writer. His work has been featured in many publications, including Attitude Magazine, Edge Media Network, The Houston Chronicle and ManAboutWorld Magazine.
General Information on Visiting Greece
Flights to Greece
When researching flights, we use Skyscanner to check flight deals and to book our flights.
Transfers from and to Athens Airport
Transfer To Piraeus Port
Travel to Piraeus Port, knowing that a punctual and safe trip to your destination awaits you
Avoid Piraeus Port’s long lines for cabs with your priority reservation
Trust your experienced driver to navigate the complicated streets of Athens
Enjoy Athens’ scenery without having to worry about traffic or maps
Transfer from Athens to Rafina Port and vice versa
Enjoy a private transfer with a professional English-speaking chauffeur from the Athens area to Rafina Port or the other way around.
Ferry Bookings
👉 Don’t leave your ferry tickets to the last minute
Routes from Athens to the Greek islands can fill quickly, especially in peak season.
👉 View live ferry schedules and book your seats here
How to get from Athens to the Greek Islands:
View live ferry schedules and book your seats here – click here for schedules and ticket prices.
Car Rental in Greece
Throughout Europe, we use AutoEurope for car rentals – click here for the latest deals, cars and to book.
Do You Need a Visa For Greece
Travel Insurance for Greece
We always travel with insurance, and there have been a few times we have had to claim for health and for stolen passports and credit cards. You just never know when you will need it.
You may enjoy our other articles on islands to visit from Athens:
Island Hopping in the Cyclades
To Travel Too Travel Shop
Travel smarter and safer with products from our To Travel Too Travel Shop. If you are looking for the latest luggage, guidebooks or travel accessories, we have you covered with over 800 travel products to choose from.
Are you on Pinterest? We are at To Travel Too, and we have many travel-related boards. Check us out on Pinterest. If you enjoyed our article why not pin it to your board and read it later?
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed Auston’s article and that you enjoy Athens and your island holiday to either Agistri, Hydra, Spetses and Poros or to all of them.
Feel free to share our article with family and friends and if you have any questions reach out to us at [email protected].
Leave a reply