Argosaronic

The Argosaronic Islands are the closest to Athens, frequently visited by Greeks (especially during weekends) but still relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists. They are all different from each other but very well developed, easily accessible, with plenty of accommodation options, beautiful coves, crystal-clear waters, significant archaeological sites, and lush greenery.

Perfect for those who do not enjoy overly "touristy" places but prefer to be in touch with the local lifestyle. As these islands are a destination for those escaping the chaos of Athens, even just for a few days, they are quieter during the off-season and on weekdays. On several islands, car traffic is limited or even nonexistent, another reason to come and "recharge your batteries" in this archipelago!

List and Names of All 6 Reviewed Argosaronic Islands

Below you can find the list of all the 6 Argosaronic Islands we have reviewed.

Clicking on an island will take you to the detailed guide containing information on how to reach it, where to stay, what to see, and which beaches to visit!

[list of islands]

Map of the Argosaronic Islands

As can be immediately seen from a map of Greece, the Argosaronic Islands are located close to Athens, the closest ones. They are called this way because they are situated between the Argolic and Saronic Gulfs. We have reviewed 6 of them: the most famous tourist-wise. In reality, as you can see from a very detailed map, there are many of them, although some are very small.

So where exactly are these islands? They are situated in the Aegean Sea, between the Attica peninsula and the northeastern coasts of the Peloponnese. Let's see more specifically where and which ones are closest to the capital. The northernmost island and very close to Athens is Salamina, then moving down we have Aegina and Agistri, then Poros, Hydra and finally Spetses, the southernmost.

Due to their location, various cultures have intersected in this archipelago in the past, often in conflict with each other or with Athens. History reminds us, for example, of naval battles, such as the famous Battle of Salamis against the Persians. This ancient and glorious past is today remembered in the archaeological sites and museums that can be visited on the various islands.

Argosaronic Islands: Which to Choose?

Have you already visited several Greek islands, the most well-known ones, and now want to dive into a completely Greek and a bit less obvious environment? Great, let's head to the Argosaronic Islands archipelago.

You can expect beautiful beaches, crystal clear sea, lots of greenery, small fishing villages, harbors, and plenty of serenity. All different from each other, so which one to choose? If you don't know any, where to go the first time? As always, it depends on your expectations. Some are very lively and touristy, others a bit wild and tranquil. There are cliffs, beautiful beaches, lush areas, rich marine life, architecture, and archaeology waiting for you.

Let's highlight a few, somewhat different from each other, to recommend as a first approach to the archipelago.

Hydra

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is mainly frequented by artists and a well-off tourism coming from all over the world. A special charm is due to its silence because motor vehicles are not allowed on the island, but also to the beautiful and unique architecture of the houses.

Agistri

Ideal for those seeking relaxation in a somewhat wild, very green environment, with a beautiful colored sea and the possibility to get around only on foot or by bicycle.

Aegina

For those who love archaeology, the Temple of Aphaia is perhaps one of the most beautiful and best-preserved temples of antiquity. Just for this, it's worth reaching the island, which also offers a beautiful monastery, clean sea, lovely pine forests, and guaranteed Greek atmosphere.

How to Reach the Argosaronic Islands?

The Argosaronic Islands are only accessible by sea as none of them have an airport. There are essentially two ways to reach them: flying to Athens and continuing by ferry, or driving to the mainland and ferrying to the chosen island.

International Flight + Ferry

Fly to Athens (Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport) then, from the port of Piraeus (about 45 km away), by ferry or hydrofoil. The Argosaronic Islands, all reachable by sea from the port of Piraeus, are listed in this article where the approximate travel duration is also specified.

Instructions for reaching Piraeus from the airport can be found in this article on our blog.

Car + Ferry

By car (or another own vehicle like a motorbike or camper) to the departure port. Travellers from Western Europe can take a ferry from Adriatic ports (such as Venice, Ancona, Bari, or Brindisi in Italy) to Igoumenitsa or Patras, then drive to Piraeus. Those from Northern or Eastern Europe can drive to Piraeus via the Balkans. From Piraeus, take the ferry to the chosen island. In this article the approximate durations of this last part of the sea journey are indicated.

It should also be noted that the Argosaronic Islands are all well connected to each other by sea. For some additional information on the sea routes, you can refer to the article “Ships and Ferries to the Greek Islands”.

Where to Stay in the Argosaronic Islands?

After choosing the Argosaronic Island for our vacation, we need to decide where to stay. The accommodation options range from magnificent resorts to simple campsites, through hotels and guesthouses of all categories, tourist villages, and especially studios, typical of Greek hospitality.

As for luxury accommodation, that is, a resort with every comfort and the possibility of enjoying excellent entertainment and sports, the best-equipped island is Hydra.

If you are looking for a campsite, the choice falls between Aegina and Salamina. It should be noted that free camping is prohibited in Greece, but on some islands, it is tolerated as long as it is done with respect for the environment and people. It is certainly not allowed on the island of Agistri.

Regarding hotels and guesthouses of all categories, they are abundant on all major islands. The most characteristic accommodations remain the studios. These are small apartments (studios or one-bedroom) usually economical and family-run, simply but functionally and pleasantly furnished. They are always equipped with a kitchenette, which can be very useful, for example, if you miss a plate of pasta! Some studio stays include breakfast, and if the hosts have a garden, you are often supplied with their fruit and vegetables. It's not uncommon to make friends with both the hosts, who are usually friendly and helpful, and with the neighbors, thanks to the friendly atmosphere that easily develops.

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The Most Beautiful Argosaronic Islands According to Us

The Argosaronic Islands that we feel to recommend as a first choice are: Hydra, Aegina, and Poros. We consider them the most beautiful from a landscape or architectural point of view. As always, giving advice is not easy. Sometimes you want to have fun, other times do sports or simply rest, those with children want sandy beaches with shallow waters, others marine landscapes of a high level or archaeological sites to get lost in. Even in the Argosaronic archipelago, there is a bit of all this. The islands we list are those that perhaps satisfy all tastes. Let's see where to go and what to absolutely see once you arrive on the chosen island.

Hydra

For those who love somewhat glamorous places, mainly frequented by artists. To be admired in particular are the beautiful and very special homes of the marine captains who made their fortune on the island.

Aegina

For lovers of ancient history and archaeological remains, the beautiful Doric Temple dedicated to Aphaia is definitely worth a visit: very well preserved and also very scenic. Additionally, beautiful villages, churches, and monasteries. 

Poros

For those who appreciate lush nature in all its shades: beaches, pine forests, orchards, gentle hills, clear sea, and also excellent cuisine.

Argosaronic Islands with an Airport

Currently, none of the Argosaronic Islands has an airport. To find out how to reach them, read the dedicated section.

Climate, Weather, and Temperatures in the Argosaronic Islands

In the Argosaronic Islands, the climate is essentially Mediterranean: cool in winter and decidedly hot and dry in summer. Precipitation occurs mainly in autumn and winter, but it is never abundant. Regarding the wind, the presence of the Meltemi in summer is sporadic, but winter can be windy. The sea temperature during the beautiful season is always very pleasant.

As the weather suggests, the Argosaronic Islands are generally visited in summer, from June to mid-September, with light clothing and a sweatshirt for June. In the height of summer, it can also get very hot.

Let's now look at the average temperatures and other climate information, month by month:

Month	Air Temperature	Precipitation	Sea Temperature
January	6°-13°	frequent	15°-16°
February	6°-13°	frequent	14°-15°
March	7°-16°	medium	15°
April	10°-19°	low	16°-17°
May	14°-24°	low	18°
June	18°-29°	none	21°-22°
July	20°- 32°	none	24°-25°
August	20°-32°,	none	24°-26°
September	17°-28°	none	24°-25°
October	14°-23°	low	21°-22°
November	10°-18°	medium	19°
December	7°-14°	frequent	17°

Argosaronic Islands Suitable for Families with Children

In general, the Argosaronic Islands can be a good choice for a family vacation with children. Almost all are quickly accessible by sea (after a flight to Athens), well-developed, with many accommodation options, clean sea, and on some islands, very little to no car traffic. Typically, a family-friendly place is one that offers easy access, a pleasant and safe natural environment, suitable entertainment and sports, some architectural or natural curiosities. For more anxious parents, or those with children with health issues, the presence of a medical facility can influence their choice. Regarding accommodation and dining, as mentioned several times, there should never be any problems: the food is not spicy, and the accommodation facilities are clean and functional.

To narrow down the choice, we have selected two islands that might particularly satisfy families with children. However, on all the Argosaronic Islands, it is possible to have a great vacation even with young children. It should be noted, though, that the islands closest to the mainland are crowded on weekends, especially during the high season.

Hydra

Particularly suitable for small children because it is traffic-free, although not very lively for kids. However, you can always entertain them with a donkey ride! In case of need, there is also a small hospital.

Aegina

Ideal for holidays with children as it is quickly reachable by sea from Piraeus, quiet, rich in pines and wildlife, with many beaches and shallow waters. For kids who love animals, both on Aegina and the nearby islet of Moni, there are pleasant encounters. The island also has a hospital.

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Most Economical Argosaronic Islands for Those Looking to Save Money

If one of your desires has always been a vacation in Greece but you have always postponed it thinking you couldn't afford it, think again. In the Argosaronic archipelago, you can easily spend a great vacation at affordable prices.

The cost of travel is certainly an important factor, and to evaluate this expense, it is necessary to analyze several items:

• travel by motorcycle/car/camper/bus
• ferries with or without a vehicle
• international flight
• rental of a vehicle on the island
• accommodation
• etc...

In this article you can find details and specific references on the journey by ship from the port of Piraeus to the Argosaronic Islands.

As for accommodation, aside from tents and sleeping bags, the most economical solution remains choosing one of the many “studios” present on all the islands. These are small apartments equipped with a kitchenette and usually family-run.

Assuming that with a bit of research and adaptability, every island offers “low-cost” solutions, we list below the best according to us.

Agistri

A very green island with a beautiful sea, very small and close to the mainland. You don't even need a means of transport because you can get around on foot.

Aegina

Clean sea, beautiful pine forests, fantastic Temple of Aphaia, historical buildings, beautiful beaches, entertainment: a complete island.

Least Touristic and Most Tranquil Argosaronic Islands

In general, the least touristic and most tranquil Greek islands are those in the Argosaronic archipelago, even though during weekends and high season, their proximity to the capital makes them very appealing to Athenians. The least touristic ones are those a bit further from the mainland and with fewer services, but the peace, atmosphere, and lack of tourist crowds compensate for any inconvenience due to limited service offerings. Let’s see some brief suggestions for deciding on which Argosaronic island, among the less touristy ones, to spend a serene and relaxing vacation.

Agistri

For those who love greenery and the coolness of pine forests even by the sea. Being very small, it is perfect for walks and bike rides.

Spetses

Suitable for a somewhat affluent tourism. It is very quiet, cool, and with very limited motor traffic.

Hydra

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is for a somewhat affluent and cosmopolitan tourism. A very picturesque island, frequented by artists and completely traffic-free.

Argosaronic Islands with the Most Beautiful Sea and White Beaches

In Greece, the sea and beaches are generally beautiful. The Argosaronic Islands are not characterized by Caribbean-style white beaches but generally by beautiful sandy and pebble coves with crystal clear sea and pines reaching down to the sand. Forgetting about long white sandy shores, here is where you can find both the most beautiful beaches and the most beautiful sea in the Argosaronic Islands.

Island	Best Beaches
Poros	Russian Bay, Kalavria
Spetses	Vrellos, Aghia Paraskevi, Aghia Anargyri, Aghia Marina
Aegina	Perdika
Salamina	Iliakti, Peristeria
Hydra	Bitsi, Kaminia
Agistri	Mariza, Aponisos, Dragonera, Xekofti

Argosaronic Islands to Explore on Foot or by Bicycle

Some islands in this archipelago are small and with very little motor traffic: perfect for a slow-paced vacation. Let’s see which are the most suitable for a vacation where you can reach the beaches or the most fascinating places on the island, comfortably on foot or by bicycle.

Poros

For cycling enthusiasts, a beautiful scenic road allows you to reach both the beaches and the wooded areas as well as the beautiful monastery of Zoodochos Pighis.

Spetses

Since the use of motor vehicles is reserved for very few, in Spetses you can get around by bicycle along a flat road that circles the island, always staying close to the sea and often surrounded by greenery.

Hydra