Just a stone’s throw from Athens, the most beautiful Saronic islands are ready to surprise you with their authentic charm and picture-perfect landscapes. Easy to reach by ferry, these pearls of the Saronic Gulf offer unique scenery among picturesque villages, quiet beaches, and crystal clear waters.
If you love to travel, get ready to discover these idyllic destinations that feel light years away from city bustle. In this article, you’ll find all the details for exploring the beautiful Saronic islands, so you can plan your next trip with ease.
Keep reading to get inspired and find out why these islands are among the favorite destinations for travelers around the world!
What Are the Islands of the Saronic Gulf?
Here is an overview of the fascinating Saronic islands, all easily accessible by ferry!
- Aegina: Closest to Athens, this Saronic island is renowned for its pistachio nuts and the impressive Temple of Aphaia.
- Poros: Green and peaceful, it is the perfect Saronic Gulf island for those seeking relaxation and picturesque scenery.
- Hydra: Car-free, this charming Saronic island will captivate you with its white houses and vibrant art scene.
- Spetses: Historic and fascinating, this island in the Saronic Gulf is perfect for exploration by foot or bicycle.
- Agistri: Small and enchanting, this Saronic island is perfect for those who love nature and quiet beaches, a short distance from Athens.
Aegina: The Saronic Gulf Island of History and Pistachios
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Aegina is a charming island in the Saronic Gulf and a must-see destination. Located just a 40-minute ferry ride from Athens, it is famous for its pistachios, considered among the best in the world. The ideal time to visit is spring or early fall when the weather is perfect and there aren’t large summer crowds. The Temple of Aphaia, surrounded by nature, and the monastery of Agios Nektarios are two must-see stops.
Among the most attractive beaches, Marathonas and Agia Marina offer crystal-clear waters and absolute relaxation. Food lovers can enjoy delicious seafood at restaurants overlooking the sea. Among the most beautiful and fascinating of the Saronic islands, Aegina gives you a complete experience of history, nature, and authentic flavors.
How to Get to Aegina by Ferry
Reaching Aegina from the port of Piraeus is quick and easy. Conventional ferries take about 1 hour and 15 minutes, while hydrofoils take you to the island in just 40 minutes. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of ferry you choose: for a conventional ferry, the cost starts at around €10-12, while for hydrofoils the price can go up to €15-20. With frequent departures throughout the year, you can easily find the schedule that best fits your travel plans.
Book a ferry from Piraeus to Aegina
Poros: The Perfect Saronic Island for Relaxation and Culture
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Poros is one of the charming islands of the Saronic Gulf, perfect for those who wish to relax and discover new corners of Greece within easy reach of Athens. With its green-covered hills and quiet marinas, Poros offers wonderful beaches such as Love Bay and Neorio.
For history buffs, the island has the Sanctuary of Poseidon, while the picturesque old town invites a stroll through quaint alleyways.
Local taverns offer delicious fresh seafood dishes to enjoy with a sea view. Poros is one of the Saronic islands in Greece that knows how to enchant with its authenticity and natural beauty.
How to get to Poros by ferry
Reaching Poros is easy thanks to frequent ferry connections from the port of Piraeus in Athens. The trip on a conventional ferry takes about 2 hours, while with a faster hydrofoil, you can arrive in just under an hour. Prices vary depending on the type of ferry you choose: for a trip on a conventional ferry, the cost starts at about €15-20, while for the hydrofoil the price can rise to about €30.
Departures are frequent, especially during the high season, allowing you to easily plan your trip to this fascinating Saronic island.
Book a ferry from Piraeus to Poros
Hydra: The Timeless Island of the Saronic Gulf
Source: Freepik
Among the most beautiful of the Saronic islands, Hydra stands out for its unique and timeless atmosphere. Characterized by the absence of cars, this tranquil island in the Saronic Gulf offers cobblestone streets to walk through whitewashed houses and historic villas. The crystal-clear waters of beaches such as Vlychos and Kamini invite a rejuvenating dip, while the bustling harbor is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at one of the many taverns.
Hydra is the ideal destination for those seeking an authentic experience away from mass tourism, immersing themselves in the culture and natural beauty of the Saronic islands.
How to Reach Hydra by Ferry
Reaching Hydra is convenient thanks to the many ferry connections from the port of Piraeus, Athens. Since the island has no cars, most of the available ferries are hydrofoils, which complete the crossing in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Prices for a hydrofoil trip range between €25 and €35, depending on the company and the season. If you prefer a more relaxed trip, there are also conventional ferries, but these can take up to 3 hours. Departures are frequent, especially in the summer months, making it easy to plan your trip to this fascinating island in the Saronic Gulf.
Book a ferry from Piraeus to Hydra
Spetses: The Elegant Saronic Island
Source: iStock
Among the charming Saronic islands, Spetses is renowned for its refined style and historic traditions. This island in the Saronic Gulf combines elegant neoclassical villas, a lively waterfront, and quiet beaches such as Agia Paraskevi and Vrellos, perfect for a day of relaxation.
Known for its naval history and celebrations of the Battle of Spetses, the island offers a stroll through time, past museums and cobblestone streets. Easy to reach, Spetses is one of the most popular Saronic islands from Athens, especially for those seeking a mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure in an exclusive setting.
How to Reach Spetses by Ferry
To get to Spetses, you can depart comfortably from Piraeus port in Athens, thanks to the many daily ferry connections. Hydrofoils are the fastest choice, taking about 2 hours, with prices ranging from €35 to €50 depending on the season and type of service.
For those who prefer a slower, more relaxed crossing, conventional ferries take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Relatively car-free Spetses is perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle as soon as you disembark. With frequent and fast ferries, this island easily fits into an island-hopping itinerary that stops at the other beautiful Saronic islands.
Book a ferry from Piraeus to Spetses
Agistri: The Perfect Saronic Gulf Island for Nature Lovers
Among the lesser-known pearls, Agistri is an island in the Saronic Gulf that is definitely worth a visit. Small and surrounded by nature, this quiet destination is the ideal place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and relax on pristine beaches. The crystal-clear waters of Dragonera and Aponisos are perfect for swimming or snorkeling, while the trails that crisscross the island offer opportunities to explore its green landscapes.
With an authentic and welcoming atmosphere, Agistri is one of the most beautiful of the Saronic islands for a tranquil and natural getaway.
If you are looking for a corner of peace among the Saronic islands in Greece, Agistri is the right choice.
How to Reach Agistri by Ferry
To reach Agistri, you can take a ferry from Piraeus port in Athens. The trip on a conventional ferry takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while with a faster hydrofoil, you can arrive in less than an hour. Prices vary slightly, for instance with the conventional ferry the cost starts at about €10-12, while for the hydrofoil tickets can cost around €15-20. During the summer there are frequent departures, making Agistri easily accessible for a day trip or short stay.
Book a ferry from Piraeus to Agistri
Set sail to the Saronic Islands via Ferryscanner!
Ready for a trip to the most beautiful Saronic islands? Heavenly beaches and history are waiting for you.
Book your ferry now using Ferryscanner and start exploring the Saronic Gulf. To discover other ideal destinations within walking distance of Athens, check out our article on Greek islands near Athens.
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