Saronic Islands

The Saronic Islands are the group closest to Athens, meaning they are popular for daytrippers and overnight visitors from the capital. Most of the islands – Aegina, Angistri, Hydra, Poros, Salamina and Spetses – are only an hour or two from Athens by ferry, meaning they are lively all year round.

Their year-round popularity is also helped by the fact that they are largely sheltered from the strong winds experienced on many other islands and they often experience clear ‘halcyon days’ in Winter.

The islands have long been considered historically significant. Aegina, in particular, has a number of points of historical interest, including the Greek temple of Aphaia which was constructed in 480 BC. Around the same time, the straights between Attica and Salamina) were the site of an intense battle between the Ancient Greeks and the Persians.

Today, most of the islands are built up with lots of accommodation and other amenities to choose from. Hydra is famed for its nightlife and has been famously home to a number of writers, actors, and Poets, most famously Leonard Cohen for over 20 years. 

Aegina will delight history lovers whilst Agistri offers beautiful beaches, and Spetses is the playground of shy celebrities and wealthy Athenians with a little bit of everything.

Year Round

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3-4 days

closest to Athens

spetses island

What to expect

The Saronic Islands sit close to Athens, so they are some of Greece’s most convenient destinations. Expect short ferry rides, well-established towns, easy logistics, and a strong weekend crowd from the capital. Each island has its own character, from beach-friendly Aegina to car-free Hydra and neoclassical Poros. They offer good food, reliable accommodation, gentle beaches and a calmer pace than the Cyclades, without long travel times.

Language: Greek, but most people in tourist areas speak English ( and more)

Currency: Euro

Credit Cards and ATMs: You can find ATMs around the harbour on each island.  Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and in fact, it is illegal for taxis, hotels and any business working in tourism not to accept them.

Plugs: The plugs in Greece are Type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. For many people, appliances and devices will work fine, but if you are from the USA, you will need a dual-voltage styling iron or hair dryer.

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Best time to visit the Saronic Islands

May and October for history and hiking

June and September for beaches

How long to go for

At least 2 nights on any island, although Salamina and Aegina are easy day trips from Athens

How to get around the Saronic Islands

Hellenic Seaways run small, fast, efficient ferries between most of them. 

How do you get to the Saronic Islands?

High-speed and conventional ferries run frequently from Piraeus, with travel times ranging from twenty minutes to around two hours, depending on the island.

There are also ferry connections to several towns on the Peloponnese.

Which Saronic island is best to stay on?

Aegina for beaches and convenience, Hydra for culture and car-free charm, Spetses for elegance and dining, Poros for value and greenery, Agistri for quiet, laid-back swimming spots.

Can you visit more than one island easily?

Yes. Distances are short and ferries are regular, so island hopping is straightforward.

Are the Saronic Islands good for families?

Yes, excellent. Calm beaches, short crossings, good facilities, low prices ( on most) and predictable logistics suit families very well.

Are these islands busy?

Weekends and peak summer can be lively due to proximity to Athens. Weekdays and shoulder seasons are significantly calmer.

Can you do day trips from Athens?

Aegina, Agistri, Salamina, Hydra and Poros are all possible as day trips, though Hydra is best with at least one night. Spetses realistically needs more time.

 

Saronic Islands comparison table

Island Vibe Best for Beaches Car free How to get there Ideal stay
Aegina Lively, convenient, very local Quick breaks, families, beaches Several sandy and organised options No 40 to 70 minutes from Piraeus 2 to 4 nights
Agistri Small, relaxed, low key Swimming, couples, budget breaks Clear bays, pine backed coves No 55 to 90 minutes from Piraeus 2 to 3 nights
Hydra Boutique, artistic, car free Culture, walking, scenic stays Pebble coves reached by foot or water taxi Yes About 90 minutes from Piraeus 2 to 3 nights
Poros Green, friendly, good value Easy holidays, dining, exploring Mix of organised beaches and quieter coves No Around 1 hour from Piraeus by high speed 2 to 4 nights
Spetses Polished, elegant, higher end Dining, style, light nightlife Small coves, clean water, some organised spots Mostly, limited vehicles 2 to 3 hours from Piraeus 3 to 4 nights
Salamina Very local, non-touristy, suburban feel Greek everyday life, low-cost stays Several modest beaches, mainly local use No 15 to 40 minutes from Perama or Piraeus 1 to 2 nights or a day trip

 

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