Athens Island Hopping Guide: Best Greek Islands You Can Visit Without Flying ✈️

🚢 Quick Overview: Top 5 Islands You Can Visit from Athens

Island	Travel Time	Ferry Price (One Way)	Best For
Aegina	40–75 mins	€10–€15	Easy day trip, pistachios, beaches
Hydra	1.5–2 hrs	€28–€36	No cars, cliff swims, artistic vibe
Poros	~1 hr	€15–€22	Nature, calm water, great seafood
Spetses	2–3 hrs	€35–€45	Weekend glam, bikes, beach clubs
Kea (Tzia)	~1 hr (from Lavrio)	€12–€14	Hiking, hidden beaches, quiet charm

🏝️ 1. AEGINA – The Closest Island Escape

🚢 Ferry from: Piraeus⏱️ Travel Time:

• Fast ferry: 40 minutes

• Regular ferry: ~1 hr 15 mins💸 Price: €10–€15 one way

🎯 What to Do:

• 🏛 Visit the Temple of Aphaia, older than the Parthenon

• 🥜 Try pistachio EVERYTHING — gelato, butter, pastries

• 🏖 Chill at Marathonas Beach or Agia Marina

• 🏛 Explore the Archaeological Museum of Aegina

🍴 Where to Eat:

• Taverna Babis (fresh fish, sunset views)

• Nontas Fish Tavern in Perdika village

💤 Stay (if overnighting):

• Irides Luxury Studios (budget-friendly seaside stay)

• Danae Hotel (mid-range with a pool and view)

🏝️ 2. HYDRA – No Cars, Just Cats, Donkeys & Views

🚢 Ferry from: Piraeus⏱️ Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours (only high-speed options)💸 Price: €28–€36 one way

🎯 What to Do:

• 🧗‍♂️ Hike the path to the Prophet Elias Monastery for stunning views

• 🏊‍♀️ Swim off the rocks at Spilia or Hydronetta Beach Bar

• 🖼 Visit the Historical Archives Museum

• 🎨 Explore galleries and boutiques (Hydra is big on art)

🍴 Where to Eat:

• Techne Restaurant (creative Greek with a view)

• Kodylenia’s Taverna in Kaminia — iconic spot by the sea

💤 Stay:

• Hydra Icons Hotel (boutique and beautiful)

• Bratsera Hotel (converted sponge factory)

🚫 Note: No cars allowed! Be ready to walk or use donkeys to carry luggage.

🏝️ 3. POROS – Chill Vibes & Pine Trees

🚢 Ferry from: Piraeus⏱️ Travel Time:

• High-speed ferry: 1 hr

• Regular ferry: ~2 hrs💸 Price: €15–€22 one way

🎯 What to Do:

• 🧭 Visit the Clock Tower for the best island photo

• 🌲 Swim at Love Bay, surrounded by pine trees

• 🚣 Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a chill afternoon

• 🚶 Hike through Lemon Forest and find hidden beaches

🍴 Where to Eat:

• Oasis Taverna (classic Greek, casual setting)

• Poseidon Taverna (known for seafood and ouzo)

💤 Stay:

• Xenia Poros Image Hotel (amazing views, beachfront)

• Manessi City Hotel (right on the port)

🏝️ 4. SPETSES – A Touch of Island Glamour

🚢 Ferry from: Piraeus⏱️ Travel Time:

• High-speed ferry: 2–3 hours💸 Price: €35–€45 one way

🎯 What to Do:

• 🚴‍♀️ Rent a bike and cycle the coastal road

• 🐎 Ride in a horse-drawn carriage

• 🏖 Lounge at Agia Paraskevi Beach

• 🖼️ Explore the Bouboulina Museum (dedicated to a Greek War heroine)

🍴 Where to Eat:

• Orloff Restaurant (chic with sunset views)

• Patralis Psarotaverna (historic taverna, local seafood)

💤 Stay:

• Poseidonion Grand Hotel (elegance overload)

• Spetses Hotel (great location, classic island style)

🏝️ 5. KEA (TZIA) – A Local Secret Near Athens

🚢 Ferry from: Lavrio Port (about 40–50 mins drive from Athens)⏱️ Travel Time: ~1 hour💸 Price: €12–€14 one way

🎯 What to Do:

• 🧭 Hike to the Stone Lion of Kea, carved into rock

• 🏖 Swim at Koundouros Beach (organized) or Spathi Beach (remote)

• 🏛 Visit the Archaeological Museum in Ioulida

• 🍷 Sip wine under the stars in the main village

🍴 Where to Eat:

• Aristos Taverna (in Vourkari, with fresh seafood)

• To Spiti Sti Hora (amazing local dishes in a courtyard)

💤 Stay:

• Kea Village Suites

• Porto Kea Suites (right on the beach)

🧭 Pro Tips for a Smooth Island Hop

• Ferries are often late — plan buffer time!

• Book high-speed ferries if you're only going for a day

• Go early in the morning, return after sunset to make the most of your trip

• Bring a light sweater or jacket — ferry A/C can be arctic

• Pack cash — not every taverna or beach shack takes card

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FAQs

Can I visit multiple islands in one day?

Yes, with day cruises (Hydra–Poros–Aegina), but you only get 1–2 hours per island. Better to stick to one if you want to explore.

Is island hopping from Athens good year-round?

Spring (May–June) and fall (Sept–Oct) are best — fewer crowds, mild temps, and lower prices.

Should I book ferries in advance?

Yes — especially on weekends and during summer. Use Ferryhopper.com for smooth bookings.

Do I need to stay overnight?

Not required, but highly recommended for Hydra, Spetses, or Kea to enjoy the island after the crowds leave.

Escape the City Without a Plane Ticket

Athens is buzzing — but sometimes, the Aegean is calling. Whether you're chasing pistachios in Aegina, sipping wine cliffside in Hydra, or cycling around Spetses like you're in a romantic indie film, these nearby islands prove you don't need to go far to get pure Greek island magic.

Ferry, flip-flops, and feta? You're good to go.