On March 25th, Greece bursts into a vibrant tapestry of patriotism and springtime jubilation, celebrating an occasion that holds a special place in the heart of every Greek. This day is a significant national holiday, commemorating the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821.
As the country awakens to the fragrant blossoms of spring, there’s no better way to immerse in this festive spirit than by escaping to the idyllic Greek islands. This long weekend offers a perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to revel in the scenic beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality that these islands are renowned for. From the sun-kissed shores of Agistri to the charming alleys of Aegina, this article will guide you through celebrating March 25th amidst the unparalleled backdrop of Greece’s treasured islands, where tradition and natural beauty converge to create unforgettable memories.
If you want an adventure but don’t want to spend too much time on the ferry, this article has the ideal solution! Discover 7 enchanting nearby destinations for the March 25th long weekend that are near Athens, and easy to get to.
Agistri: The Ultimate Oasis of Tranquility
Agistri is a small paradise with dense vegetation and crystal clear waters that is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility away from the noise of the city. With beaches such as Skala and Chalikiadas, it is a perfect choice for swimming, sunbathing, and pure relaxation. If the weather continues to be as good as it is right now, we would suggest you take your first swim of the year here soon. Don’t miss the Lighthouse and the Cave of Thymario. In particular, the Lighthouse of Agistri was built in 1887 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece, while the Cave of Thymario is a cave with stalactites and stalagmites.
The island’s cuisine offers fresh seafood and local delicacies, while the hiking trails reveal its unparalleled natural beauty. More specifically, the Megalochori – Skala trail is 4 km long across the pine forest and offers a panoramic view of Agistri. Walking here is a lovely way to spend the day. On the contrary, the Megalochori – Mikro Vathiou trail is 7km long and is more difficult, leading to the beach of Mikro Vathiou. All year round Agistri is beautiful, but spring and autumn are the ideal seasons to enjoy it without the crowds.
How do I get to Agistri?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Agistri every day. The duration of the trip is 55m – 1h35m and ticket prices start from €13.50.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking and the ferry company you travel with.
Aegina: A Historical Discovery Across From Athens
With its rich historical and cultural past, Aegina is a nearby destination that offers a unique experience to its visitors. If you want to learn more, you should visit one of its fascinating museums. For instance, the one focused on Christian art, the one housing the island’s archaeological discoveries, and even the folklore museum. Another stop you should make while you are here is the Temple of Aphaia, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. The temple was built in the 5th century BC and is dedicated to the goddess Aphaia, the patron goddess of Aegina. The temple is located on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea and offers a stunning view.
Spend some time strolling through the Old Chora which is the previous capital of Aegina. Now it is simply a picturesque village with narrow streets, traditional houses, and many churches. Additionally, its beaches, such as Marathonas, Aeginitissa, Souvala, and Agia Marina, all offer deep blue waters and plenty of sunshine. You don’t have to swim if you don’t want to, but taking a walk by the sea will give you the rejuvenation that you seek. Before you leave this island, we highly suggest that you buy at least one bag of the famous pistachios of Aegina. On Monday, March 25 you can join all the locals in the seaside taverns and savor the many delicious and unique dishes.
How do I get to Aegina?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Aegina every day. The trip duration is 30m – 1h15m and ticket prices start from €12.00.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking and the ferry company you travel with.
Poros: The Green Adventure of the Saronic Gulf
With its rolling green hills and bright beautiful waters, Poros offers an ideal combination of natural beauty and historical heritage. The famous Lemon Forest, with thousands of lemon trees, gives a unique aromatic character to the island. Some of the most beautiful beaches are the Monastery and the Radakino. If adventure is what you are looking for on an island near Athens, hiking the trails of Poros is the right choice. If you want a calmer but equally beautiful walk, visit the picturesque Galata.
Attractions that you can visit around Poros are the Clock which is located on the top of the hill above the town and offers a panoramic view of the island and the Saronic Gulf. Another stop worth making is the monastery of Agios Georgios, a Byzantine monastery located on top of a hill, 2 km from Poros town, another spot where the view will do you justice. Finally, the cave of Poros is located on the east coast of the island, filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and it remains open to those who want to visit it.
How do I get to Poros?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Poros every day. The duration of the trip is 1h – 2h35m and ticket prices start from €17.00.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking and the ferry company you travel with.
Spetses: The Path of Tradition and Luxury
Spetses is an island with a rich history and unique architecture that offers a wonderful experience to its visitors. Its grand mansions and narrow paths take visitors back to another era. If you are looking for a beach with golden sand and crystal clear waters, all you have to do is visit Agios Nikolaos. However, if you are looking for a quiet beach with pebbles and turquoise waters, spend some time at Zogeria Beach.
While you are exploring the far corners of Spetses, you can stop at attractions such as the Andreas and Maria Kapsanis Museum, which is housed in an 18th-century mansion and displays works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Also, the Spetses Art Gallery, houses works of art by Greek and foreign artists. You might not expect it, but this island’s nightlife will not disappoint you at all. This close destination to Athens is ideal for a quick getaway.
How do I get to Spetses?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Spetses every day. The duration of the trip is 2h35m – 2h50m and ticket prices start from €54.00.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking and the ferry company you travel with.
Hydra: A Car-Free Paradise
Hydra, with its strictly protected traditional architecture and ban on cars, offers a unique experience of tranquility and isolation. Its cobbled streets, its picturesque squares, and its traditional cafes invite the visitor to get lost in time. However, the most popular beach on this island with golden sand and crystal clear waters is Mandraki. Eating at one of the taverns next to the sea is a unique option and will help create long-lasting memories. There’s no shortage of incredible places to choose from!
The island of Hydra has historical, religious, and cultural attractions. One of the most important historical sights you will find on the island is the Andreas Miaoulis Museum, housed in the mansion of Andreas Miaoulis, who was a leader of the 1821 Revolution. If you want to learn more you can visit the historical archive of Hydra which hosts many important documents and relics from that time. In addition, the Monastery of Prophet Elias is an interesting place to visit from the 18th century and is located on a hill overlooking the stunning Aegean Sea. Other attractions on the island include the house of the famous poet and singer Leonardo Cohen, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Environmental Education Center which continually organizes events and new programs. This destination is close to Athens and has so much to offer every type of visitor.
How do I get to Hydra?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Hydra every day. The duration of the trip is 1h50m – 2h and ticket prices start from €36.00.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking and the ferry company you travel with.
Ermioni: The Hidden Pearl of the Peloponnese
A small peninsula with a rich history and stunning natural beauty, Ermioni is a special destination for nature and history lovers. It’s one of the destinations near Athens that will enchant you. Ermioni is an ideal place for the destination for hiking and cycling. Among the most popular beaches you can visit in this nearby destination are the Kounoupi, with a sandy shore and crystal clear waters, or Bendeni, with pebbles and turquoise waters. If you find yourself near Ermioni you also need to visit the Franchthi cave. It is one of the most important caves in Greece because it has findings from the Paleolithic era.
Other attractions worth visiting are the Tower of Saint George, a medieval tower built in the 13th century, the ancient theatre which was built in the 4th century BC and is one of the best preserved ancient theatres in Greece. Also, the Naval Museum presents the history of shipping in the region. Make sure to take a stroll through the picturesque alleys of the town and try local delicacies in one of the island’s taverns.
How do I get to Hermione?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Ermione every day. The trip duration is 2h25m and ticket prices start from €44.50.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking and the ferry company you travel with.
Porto Heli: A Place For Cosmopolitan Relaxation
A cosmopolitan destination close to Athens with luxurious resorts and magnificent villas, Porto Heli offers an experience of luxury and relaxation. Its beaches, such as Ververonda and Hinitsa, are ideal for sunbathing and water sports, while its nightlife offers unforgettable moments of entertainment.
Other places worth visiting in this area near Athens are the medieval Tower of Ellie built in the 13th century, the Ververodas Lagoon with its lush vegetation, the chapel of Agios Emilienos built on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea, and the picturesque town of Kranidi with traditional houses and narrow streets. To celebrate March 25th in this area on the mainland, you can find many traditional tavern options open until late in the afternoon.
How do I get to Porto Heli?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Porto Heli every day. The duration of the trip is 3h30m and ticket prices start from €56.50.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking and the ferry company you travel with.
20% Discount on Ferry Tickets to the Saronic Gulf
Get this special -20% offer on round-trip ferry tickets to Hydra, Spetses, and Poros with Alpha Lines when you book a trip from the port of Piraeus. In addition, a 20% discount offer is valid for round-trip ferry tickets to the destinations Aegina and Agistri with Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways. The only condition to secure cheap tickets is to book your return tickets at the same time as you book your departure tickets.
Book your ferry tickets for the March 25 long weekend today!
The March 25 long weekend is the perfect opportunity for a refreshing getaway to one of the above destinations – which are all conveniently located close to Athens. Whether you are looking for adventure, tranquility, cultural experiences, or just a place to relax and enjoy nature, these pretty places offer something special for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity for a quick getaway out of the city. Book your ferry tickets right now using Ferryscanner and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to book your accommodation in advance! March 25 is a popular period to travel around Greece and therefore availability may be limited.