The Argo-Saronic Islands allow tourists to appreciate the quintessential Greek Mediterranean lifestyle without having to venture too far away from the mainland. Dotted around the Saronic and Argolic Gulf, ferry tickets to Argo-Saronic Islands from Piraeus are readily available. While the largest island in the archipelago, Salamina, is often considered a suburb of Athens due to its proximity to the capital, the remaining islands are within 2-hours of sailing time.

Aegina, named after the daughter of the river god Asopus, lies to the west of the Attica Peninsula. Many tourists came to Aegina, (Greece‘s capital at the time) from 1827 to 1829, to visit the Temple of Aphaia. An important archaeological site, it forms the ‘Holy Triangle’ along with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.

Spetses and Hydra are both car-free islands to the south of the Peloponnese Peninsula, known for their churches, monasteries, and Venetian mansions. In Spetses, one can travel around on a horse carriage, visit the Old Harbor, and come September, partake in the Armata Festival – a two-week joyous event culminating with fireworks and the burning of a real wooden ship. Discreet Hydra is a favorite with celebrities and slowly emerging as a diving hotspot because of nearby reefs and caves.

Whether it is for a day trip from Athens or an island-hopping vacation around the Greek isles, Ferryscanner can help book your ferry to Argo-Saronic Islands instantly. So, get ready to cycle around Agistri, exploring the village of Limenaria or spending a day at the naturist beach Chalikiada, near the island’s main town Skala. Otherwise, plan for Poros, an aromatic island with thousands of lemon and orange trees; it’s only a short hop away from Galatas. In actuality two islands, Poros is particularly famous for its pine forests, sunsets at the Clock Tower, and Love Bay, arguably the best and most happening beach in the entire region.