Island Hopping from Athens: Your Guide to Hydra, Aegina, Agistri & Spetses

🚢 What You Need to Know First

• All ferries depart from Piraeus Port, ~25–30 minutes from Athens by metro, bus, or taxi.

• You can visit 1–2 islands in a single day, or do all four over 3–5 days.

• Ferry prices are budget-friendly, ranging from €5–€50 depending on speed and distance.

• Use Ferryhopper.com to book tickets in advance or compare schedules.

📍 Stop 1: Aegina (⏱️ ~40 min from Athens | 💶 €9–€15)

Closest island to Athens, ideal for a half-day or full-day escape.

🚢 Ferry Options:

• Ferry line: Blue Star Ferries, Aegean Flying Dolphins, Saronic Ferries

• Duration: 35–75 mins (depending on boat type)

• Price:

  • Slow ferry: ~€9 one-way

  • High-speed: €13–€15 one-way

• Frequencies: ~15 ferries/day, year-round

🏖️ What to Do:

• Temple of Aphaia (entry €6)

• Perdika village for lunch & sea views

• Swim at Agia Marina or Marathonas

• Sample pistachios & local sweets in town

📍 Stop 2: Agistri (⏱️ 10–20 min from Aegina | 💶 €5–€10)

A teeny island that’s big on nature and quiet beaches.

🚢 Ferry Options:

• Depart from Aegina (or directly from Piraeus via Flying Dolphins)

• Duration: 10 min from Aegina / 55 min from Piraeus

• Price:

  • Aegina to Agistri: ~€5

  • Piraeus to Agistri: €10–€14

🏖️ What to Do:

• Swim at Aponisos (€5 access fee if using beach loungers)

• Hike or bike through pine forests

• Eat seafood at Scala village

• Snorkel in Dragonera Beach’s crystal water

✅ TraveLab Tip: No car needed—rent a bike or walk the whole island!

📍 Stop 3: Hydra (⏱️ ~1h40 from Athens | 💶 €28–€38)

The most elegant and artistic of the four islands, and completely car-free.

🚢 Ferry Options:

• Operators: Blue Star Ferries, Alpha Lines, Aegean Flying Dolphins

• Duration: 1h30–1h45 via high-speed

• Price:

  • High-speed: €28–€38 one-way

• Frequencies: ~6–8 ferries/day

🏖️ What to Do:

• Watch sunset at Hydronetta Bar

• Walk or water taxi to Kamini or Vlychos Beach

• Visit Historical Archives Museum (€5)

• Stroll through marble streets lined with bougainvillea

🧳 No vehicles allowed—Hydra is best explored on foot or by donkey (rides ~€10–€20)

📍 Stop 4: Spetses (⏱️ ~2h15 from Athens | 💶 €40–€50)

Romantic and green, Spetses is ideal for an overnight or weekend.

🚢 Ferry Options:

• Operators: Blue Star Ferries, Alpha Lines

• Duration: 2h15 by high-speed ferry

• Price:

  • High-speed: €40–€50 one-way

• Frequencies: ~4–6 ferries/day

🏖️ What to Do:

• Visit Zogeria Beach (bike or boat only)

• See the Bouboulina Museum (€8)

• Ride a horse-drawn carriage through the old town (€25–€40 for 30 min)

• Sunset drinks at Kaiki Beach Bar

✅ TraveLab Experience: Sunset wine walk + carriage ride + dinner in a historic mansion courtyard

🗓️ Suggested Itinerary for 3–5 Days

Day 1:

• Athens → Aegina (morning)

• Explore town, temple, beach

• Ferry to Agistri in evening

• Overnight in Agistri

Day 2:

• Swim & relax in Agistri

• Return to Athens or continue to Hydra

Day 3:

• Ferry to Hydra (~1h40)

• Explore, sunset views, overnight

Day 4:

• Hydra to Spetses (via ferry, 1h30)

• Afternoon beach time, dinner in town

Day 5:

• Chill at Zogeria or Dapia

• Ferry back to Athens (~2h15)

🧭 Want to skip the planning? TraveLab handles multi-island logistics, hotels, and ferry bookings.

🧳 What to Pack for Island Hopping

• Lightweight clothing + swimsuits

• Good sandals for walking Hydra

• Sunscreen & hat

• Power bank for ferry rides

• Cash (€) – some beach tavernas are still cash-only

• Waterproof dry bag if kayaking/snorkeling

💡 TraveLab Island Perks

• ✅ Custom ferry schedules & digital tickets sent to your phone

• ✅ Private island tours with locals

• ✅ Overnight combos in boutique hotels

• ✅ Restaurant reservations at hidden gems

• ✅ Photography walks & beach BBQ setups

📅 Best Time to Island Hop from Athens

Month	Weather	Crowds	Highlights
May–June	Warm	Low–Mod	Blossoms, quiet beaches
July–August	Hot	High	Bustling towns, swimming all day
September	Perfect	Moderate	Warm seas, less touristy
October	Mild	Low	Best for Hydra & Spetses escapes

❓FAQs About Island Hopping from Athens

Q: Can I do all 4 islands in one day?

Not recommended—it’s too rushed. Better to split them across 2–5 days.

Q: Can I buy ferry tickets last minute?

Yes in shoulder season. But in July–August, book at least 3 days in advance, especially weekends.

Q: Are the islands kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Aegina and Agistri are especially great for families with calm beaches.

Q: Can I combine this with Peloponnese or Delphi?

Totally—TraveLab builds custom Greece circuits starting from Athens, combining islands + mainland.

🏁Four Islands, One Easy Trip from Athens

You don’t need to hop on a plane or ride ferries for half a day to find island bliss. Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, and Spetses offer beach days, tavernas, history, art, and total escape—all within a few hours of Athens.

Whether you’ve got one day or a long weekend, this is your

Aegean quick-fix done right.

📩 Let TraveLab Build Your Athens Island Hopping Adventure

From ferry tickets and hotel stays to private tours and dreamy meals, we’ll design your ideal multi-island getaway with no stress—just sun, sea, and beauty.

🌊 Ready to sail from city to serenity? Message us now to plan your island escape!