Many first-time visitors end their Athens trip without discovering the nearby islands. Yet combining the city’s ancient wonders with a refreshing swim in the Aegean is one of the best ways to brighten your holiday.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best islands near Athens, explaining who each island is best for, what the sea is like, a bit of history, reasons to visit, and how long it takes to get there.
Since antiquity, the islands around Athens have offered both escape and inspiration and today, they’re just as inviting.
So let’s find out which island is the right one for you!
Travel Tip ✈️
To plan your journey more smoothly, first check out our Athens 3-Day Itinerary to decide which days you’ll spend in the city.
Then, with this guide, you can choose which island fits best into your schedule.
🚢 How to Get There: Islands Near Athens
Island | Best Way to Reach | Travel Time from Athens |
|---|---|---|
Aegina | Ferry from Piraeus | ~40 minutes |
Agistri | Ferry from Piraeus | ~55 minutes |
Poros | Ferry from Piraeus | 5 Days |
Hydra | Ferry from Piraeus | ~1 hour |
Kea (Tzia) | Ferry from Lavrio Port (1 h drive from Athens) | ~1 hour ferry |
Kythira | Direct flight / Ferry from Piraeus | ~45 min flight / 6–7 h ferry |
Mykonos | Direct flight / Ferry from Piraeus or Rafina | ~40 min flight / 2.5–4 h ferry |
Crete | Direct flight / Overnight ferry from Piraeus | ~1 h flight / 8–9 h ferry |
Alonissos | Ferry from Piraeus (summer only) or via Skiathos (flight + ferry) | 5–6 h ferry / 40 min flight + 1.5–2 h ferry |
10 Best Islands Near Athens
1) 🏛️ Aegina – The Historic Island
- Best For: History lovers, culture seekers, and foodies.
- Sea: Aegina’s beaches offer clear turquoise waters with both sandy and pebbly shores. The water is usually warmer than Hydra or Poros, making it great for long swims.
About the Island:
Aegina was one of the most important naval powers in ancient Greece and today is home to the stunning Temple of Aphaia, often called the “sister” of the Parthenon. The island is also famous for its pistachios, considered some of the best in the world. With charming fishing villages, neoclassical houses, and vibrant markets, Aegina combines history and local life effortlessly.
- Why Visit: For a quick cultural getaway close to Athens, Aegina is unbeatable. Ancient temples, delicious pistachios, and authentic tavernas make it an easy favorite for first-time visitors.
Travel Time from Athens: About 40 minutes by ferry from Piraeus, making it one of the fastest island escapes from Athens.
2) 🌊 Agistri – The Tiny Paradise
- Best For: Young travelers, couples, and nature lovers looking for an authentic, laid-back escape.
- Sea: Agistri is known for its exceptionally clear, shallow, and warm waters. Perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxed swims; especially at Aponisos and Dragonera beaches.
About the Island:
Tiny yet captivating, Agistri is only 14 km² but offers lush pine forests, quiet coves, and a relaxed local vibe. Unlike its busier neighbors, Agistri feels untouched and intimate, giving visitors a true small-island experience. It’s also popular with cyclists thanks to its scenic, pine-scented roads.
- Why Visit: For an unspoiled atmosphere close to Athens. Agistri is the kind of place where you can spend the day swimming, cycling, and enjoying fresh seafood without crowds.
Travel Time from Athens: Around 55 minutes by ferry from Piraeus, Athens’ main port.
3) 🌿 Poros – The Green Escape
- Best For: Families and couples looking for a relaxed, nature-filled trip.
- Sea: Poros is known for its warm, calm waters and sandy beaches like Askeli and Love Bay, making it a great choice for swimmers and families with children.
About the Island:
Poros is actually made up of two smaller islands — Sphairia and Kalavria — connected by a bridge. Covered in lush pine forests that almost reach the shoreline, Poros was once home to a sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon in antiquity. The picturesque town, with its iconic clock tower, overlooks the harbor and creates a postcard-perfect setting.
- Why Visit: Poros is the perfect mix of nature and relaxation. With quiet beaches, pine-covered hills, and authentic Greek tavernas, it offers a slower pace of life just a short hop from Athens.
Travel Time from Athens: Around 1 hour by ferry from Piraeus, Athens’ main port, which is easily reached by metro or bus from the city center.
4) 🐴 Hydra – The Car-Free Island
- Best For: Couples, artists, and slow-paced travelers.
- Sea: Crystal-clear and refreshing, slightly cooler than other islands. Ideal for rocky dives and hidden coves.
About the Island:
Hydra is unique for being completely car-free: donkeys and boats are the main forms of transport. Once a naval power in the 18th century, the island later attracted artists and musicians, including Leonard Cohen. Stone mansions, elegant churches, and a charming harbor make Hydra feel like a living museum.
- Why Visit: Come to Hydra for serenity and timeless charm. Its artistic heritage and slow rhythm make it unlike any other island near Athens.
Travel Time from Athens: Around 1 hour 30 minutes by ferry from Piraeus, the main port of Athens (easily reached by metro or bus from the city center).
5) 🌳 Kea (Tzia) – The Hidden Gem
- Best For: Athenians on weekend getaways, hikers, and families looking for a quiet escape.
- Sea: Kea has calm, clear waters with sandy beaches such as Koundouros and Otzias, making it perfect for families and relaxed swimmers.
About the Island:
Known as Tzia by locals, Kea is less touristy than other Cycladic islands despite being so close to Athens. Its history stretches back to the Bronze Age, with ancient sites like Karthea, once one of the island’s four city-states. Kea is also famous for its hiking trails that pass through oak forests and picturesque villages.
- Why Visit: Kea is ideal if you want an authentic, crowd-free island experience. With its mix of ancient ruins, quiet beaches, and charming stone-built villages, it feels like a well-kept secret.
Travel Time from Athens: Around 1 hour by ferry from Lavrio Port, which is about a 1-hour drive from central Athens.
6) 🏖️ Lefkada – The Drive-to Island
- Best For: Road-trippers, families, and beach lovers.
- Sea: Lefkada is famous for its deep turquoise waters, especially at beaches like Porto Katsiki and Egremni, which often appear in lists of the world’s best beaches. The water is clear, slightly cooler, and perfect for swimming.
About the Island:
Known as the “Caribbean of Greece” Lefkada is unique because it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge: no ferry required. Historically influenced by Venetians, it features charming villages, mountain landscapes, and one of Greece’s most beautiful coastlines. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are also very popular here thanks to steady summer winds.
- Why Visit: If you’re looking for breathtaking beaches without a ferry ride, Lefkada is the perfect choice. Its mix of stunning shores, accessible travel, and traditional villages makes it one of Greece’s most versatile islands.
Travel Time from Athens: Around 5 hours by car or bus. Alternatively, fly to Preveza Airport (~1 h from Athens) and reach Lefkada in about 20 minutes.
7) 🏝️ Kythira – The Island of Aphrodite
- Best For: Romantic travelers, explorers, and those seeking hidden beaches and waterfalls.
- Sea: Kythira’s waters are deep blue and crystal-clear, often cooler due to its location at the crossroads of the Ionian and Aegean seas. Secluded coves like Kaladi Beach are perfect for a peaceful swim.
About the Island:
Myth says Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was born from the sea foam near Kythira. Throughout history, the island has been influenced by Venetians, Ottomans, and British rule, leaving behind castles, monasteries, and unique architecture. Its natural beauty includes waterfalls in Mylopotamos and pristine beaches scattered across rugged landscapes.
- Why Visit: Kythira is the perfect blend of mythology, history, and nature. It’s off the main tourist trail, making it ideal for those who want a more authentic and adventurous Greek island experience.
Travel Time from Athens: About 45 minutes by flight from Athens Airport, or 6–7 hours by ferry from Piraeus.
8) 🎉 Mykonos – The Party Island
- Best For: Nightlife lovers, luxury seekers, and beach enthusiasts.
- Sea: Mykonos boasts turquoise, warm waters and sandy beaches like Paradise, Super Paradise, and Psarou. Calm in the mornings, lively in the afternoons with beach clubs and water sports.
About the Island:
Mykonos has been a hub of cosmopolitan glamour since the 1960s, attracting celebrities, artists, and travelers from around the world. Known for its whitewashed Cycladic houses, iconic windmills, and vibrant old town, the island also has cultural gems such as Delos, the sacred island nearby.
- Why Visit: Come for the nightlife, luxury resorts, and famous beach clubs: stay for the beautiful architecture and history. Mykonos offers a mix of fun, style, and culture that few islands can match.
Travel Time from Athens: Around 40 minutes by flight or 2.5–4 hours by ferry from Piraeus or Rafina Port.
9) 🏺 Crete – The Legendary Island
- Best For: History buffs, adventurers, and travelers who want everything: beaches, mountains, and culture.
- Sea: Crete offers golden sandy beaches with warm, crystal-clear waters. From the pink sands of Elafonissi to the exotic lagoon of Balos, swimming here is an unforgettable experience.
About the Island:
Crete is Greece’s largest island and the mythical birthplace of Zeus. It was home to the Minoan civilization, Europe’s earliest advanced society, with highlights like the Palace of Knossos. Venetian harbors, mountain villages, and dramatic gorges like Samaria make Crete a world of its own.
- Why Visit: Crete has something for everyone: ancient history, stunning beaches, hiking, and vibrant towns like Chania and Heraklion. It’s the ultimate all-in-one Greek island experience.
Travel Time from Athens: About 1 hour by flight from Athens, or 8–9 hours by overnight ferry from Piraeus.
10) 🐬 Alonissos – The Eco Island
- Best For: Nature lovers, divers, and travelers seeking tranquility.
- Sea: Alonissos is surrounded by the National Marine Park of the Northern Sporades, making its waters some of the clearest and cleanest in Greece. Perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, especially around secluded coves.
About the Island:
Alonissos is less touristy than other Greek islands, famous for its untouched nature and charming Old Town (Chora). Historically, it was an important base for ancient seafarers and has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Today, it’s renowned for eco-tourism and the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world’s rarest mammals.
- Why Visit: For peace, authenticity, and a chance to connect with nature. Alonissos is perfect if you want quiet beaches, hiking trails, and marine life encounters far from the crowds.
Travel Time from Athens:
- Direct ferry from Piraeus in summer months (5–6 hours).
- Faster option: Fly Athens → Skiathos (~40 minutes) and continue by ferry to Alonissos (~1.5–2 hours).
🌟 7 Travel Tips for Visiting Islands Near Athens
- Book in advance: Ferries and domestic flights sell out quickly in summer. Secure tickets early, especially for weekends.
- Choose the right port: Most ferries leave from Piraeus, but some islands (like Kea) use Lavrio Port, and Rafina is another option for Mykonos.
- Day trip vs. overnight: Closer islands (Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra) are perfect for day trips. Further ones (Crete, Rhodes, Alonissos) deserve at least a weekend or longer.
- Best season: Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) are ideal — warm seas, fewer crowds, lower prices.
- Pack smart: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for ferries, as the wind can be strong on deck.
- Local specialties: Try pistachios in Aegina, seafood in Hydra, and wine in Crete — each island has its own flavor.
- Plan with flexibility: Ferries may be delayed due to weather, so allow buffer time in your itinerary.
🗓️ Islands Near Athens Planning Tips
- If You Have 1 Extra Day
Choose Aegina, Agistri, Poros, or Hydra. All are under 1.5 hours from Athens and perfect for a refreshing day trip. - If You Have 2 Extra Days
Visit Kea (Tzia) or Lefkada. Stay overnight to enjoy beaches, villages, and local cuisine at a slower pace. - If You Have 3 Extra Days
Head to Mykonos or Kythira. Their mix of beaches, nightlife, and history is best enjoyed with more time. - If You Have 4+ Extra Days
Dedicate your trip to Crete or Alonissos, where unique landscapes, culture, and eco-adventures deserve a longer stay.
FAQ - About Islands Near Athens
The closest and most popular island near Athens is Aegina, just 40 minutes by ferry from Piraeus. It’s perfect for a quick day trip with beaches, pistachio groves, and the ancient Temple of Aphaia.
It depends on what you’re looking for. For history and local life, Aegina is ideal. For a romantic escape, choose Hydra. For nightlife, Mykonos is the top pick. For all-in-one experiences, Crete is the most versatile Greek island.
The main islands around Athens belong to the Saronic Gulf: Aegina, Agistri, Poros, and Hydra. Slightly further out you’ll also find Kea (Tzia), Lefkada, and Kythira, plus Cycladic islands like Mykonos.
The classic three islands from Athens included in popular day cruises are Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. These can be visited in one day by organized tour or ferry, making them the easiest island-hopping experience near Athens.
Yes, Aegina is absolutely worth visiting. It’s the closest island to Athens, famous for its pistachios, seaside tavernas, and the Temple of Aphaia, one of the best-preserved temples in Greece. It’s an easy and affordable day trip.
The most popular 3-island day trip from Athens combines Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. These Saronic Gulf islands are close to Athens, each offering a different vibe — from Hydra’s charm to Poros’ greenery and Aegina’s ancient history.
The cheapest island hopping from Athens is between Aegina and Agistri. Ferries are affordable and the distance is very short, making it budget-friendly to explore both in one or two days.
The ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina takes around 40 minutes on a high-speed ferry and about 1 hour 15 minutes on a regular ferry.
Exploring the islands near Athens is the perfect way to balance ancient history with sun-soaked relaxation. Whether you choose a quick escape to Aegina, a romantic getaway in Hydra, or a longer adventure in Crete, each island offers its own charm and story. With the right plan, your Athens trip can transform into a true Greek island experience.
So pack your sunscreen, catch that ferry or flight, and let the Aegean be the final chapter of your Athens journey. Until next time — kalo taxidi (safe travels)! 🌊✨