Greek Islands Near Athens: Which Ones and Which to Choose?

Are you in the capital, and after exploring it under a scorching sun, do you want to refresh yourself with a nice swim in the sea? No problem. The Greek islands near Athens are perfect, even though they are little known to foreign tourists.

Very popular with Greeks in general and Athenians in particular, especially during weekends and the high season, these islands have always been somewhat overlooked by international tourism. All the islands of the Argosaronic archipelago are easily accessible from the ports near Athens. Additionally, there is the island of Kea, the first of the Cyclades, and the large island of Euboea.

Besides the very busy port of Piraeus, ferries for these islands also depart from Lavrion and Rafina, often providing, in less than two hours of navigation, an authentic Greece with important natural and artistic beauties.

ANGISTRI (ARGOSARONIC)

It is located just 3 nautical miles from Aegina, from where it can be reached in about half an hour. It is 22 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus, which can be reached in 1-2 hours of navigation. The island is tranquil and off the common tourist routes, although in summer it is very popular, especially with Greeks, for its picturesque beaches and proximity to the capital.

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AEGINA (ARGOSARONIC)

The island is 16 nautical miles from Piraeus and can be reached in about 40-75 minutes of navigation. Aegina is also accessible from other Argosaronic islands like Angistri (about half an hour), Hydra, Spetses, and Poros. It is well-developed touristically and has many second homes or villas of Athenians who come here for vacations. Generally, people visit Aegina to see the Temple of Aphaia, for its clean sea, and its beautiful pine forests.

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EUBOEA (SPORADES-EUBOEA)

Euboea is the second largest Greek island, after Crete, and is connected to the mainland by a couple of bridges. It can be reached both by land and by sea (in this case, the route is Rafina-Marmari, 1.5 hours of navigation). From Athens, it takes 1 hour by train, as well as by bus starting from the airport. The island is somewhat neglected by foreign tourism, while it is very popular with Greeks who, in addition to the ease of reaching it, find both the sea and the mountains here in a relaxing environment.

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HYDRA (ARGOSARONIC)

The island is 37 nautical miles from Piraeus, and the navigation time can vary from just over an hour to about three hours. In high season, especially on weekends, Hydra is crowded with mainland Greeks. The island is popular mainly with artists and wealthy tourists: in summer, the port is full of yachts from all over the world. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and motorized vehicles are prohibited on the island. Public transportation along the paved roads is provided by donkeys and mules.

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KEA (CYCLADES)

Kea is the closest Cycladic island to the mainland, reachable only by sea from Lavrio (just 17 nautical miles, 1 hour of navigation) or from some of the nearest Cyclades. Being the closest Cycladic island to the mainland, it is particularly crowded by Athenians during weekends. Among the attractions of the island is its ancient history. It was a prosperous island because it was a center of transit trade and included very advanced cities.

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POROS (ARGOSARONIC)

The island is 32 nautical miles from Piraeus (from 1 hour to 2.5 hours of navigation). It is especially popular with Athenians on weekends, but despite being very lively (also thanks to the presence of a naval school), it offers the possibility of secluding oneself amidst lush nature.

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SALAMINA (ARGOSARONIC)

Very close to Athens, it is reachable only by sea with ferries/catamarans departing mainly from the port of Piraeus (40 minutes), Perama (15 minutes), or Nea Perama (10 minutes). People go to Salamina to relax but also to have fun. It is a lively island but also has pine forests and beautiful beaches. However, its greatest advantage is its close proximity to the capital.

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SPETSES (ARGOSARONIC)

Spetses is 52 nautical miles from Piraeus (2.5 hours of navigation), but it is not allowed to ferry your car to the island. It is an elegant seaside area, tranquil and popular especially with Athenian families and affluent tourists: in summer, the port is full of luxurious yachts, and there are several villas of wealthy seafarers in town. Unlike the other islands in the Argosaronic Gulf, the green Spetses enjoys cool air even in summer.

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