Have you already explored everything that’s in Athens and are looking for one of the best Greek islands near Athens to escape from the hustle and bustle of this big city?

If this is your case, then you are in the right place! All you have to do is to read this article carefully and pick which island suits you most.

Greek islands from Athens

Most of these islands to visit are located within less than 2 hours ferry ride from Piraeus, the main port of Athens and reaching them is very easy.

The other two ports near Athens are Rafina and Lavrion which are located 30 minutes from the city for Rafina and 10 kilometres away from the airport for Lavrion.

1. Aegina

The name comes from the most beautiful of the twenty daughters of the river god named Asopos.

The place is full of beautiful beaches, historical sights and tavernas serving traditional Greek food.

Location and getting there

Part of the Saronic islands, Aegina is the closest island to Athens, only 40 minutes ferry ride from Piraeus port.

There are regular ferries which leave Piraeus to Aegina; some of the ferries transport only passengers while others load cars and motorcycles and the journey lasts 1h and 15 minutes.

What to do on Aegina, greek islands near Athens

• Visit Aegina town and stroll in the little harbour of one of the largest Greek islands from Athens

 

• Check out the Tower of Markellos, a Venetian fortification built in the 17th century
• Visit the Archeological site of Kolona
• Admire the Temple of Aphaia
  

  Temple of Aphaia Aegina Greece Greek islands around Athens

• Visit the Monastery of Agios Nektarios
  

  Aegina Greek Islands closer to Athens Monastery of Agios Nektarios Church

• Swim at Sarpa beach and Klima beach
• Try the local pistachio

Where to sleep

On one of the closest Greek islands near Athens, we recommend you to sleep at Lalibay Resort Spa Aegina , a beautiful 5-star hotel located in the southwestern part of the island, in Perdika.

 

 

 

The newly opened resort welcomes its guests with a private beach, a garden, a bar, a hammam and a pool with a sun terrace.

 

 

 

 

From the terrace and some of the rooms, you have a wonderful view of the sea and the gardens nearby.

 

 

A big plus for this hotel is that most of the island’s attractions are located less than 15 kilometres away.

 

 

So, you’d better rent a car and explore the island by yourself as there are many interesting things to see around.

Get the best price for your car rental today

2. Hydra

The second on the list with Greek islands from Athens is the tiny island of Hydra, another island part of the Saronic group.

 

This ancient greek island was Leonard Cohen’s favourite place where he used to go to clear up his mind and was used as an inspirational place for his songs.

 

 

On this small but charming island cars are forbidden, being the only Greek island where vehicles are not allowed! The only way to move around is on foot, with a donkey or by water taxi.

 

Location and getting there

Ferries depart from Piraeus port daily ( if I remember correctly there were 5 ferries per day) and the journey lasts from about 2 hours.

There are also ferries which connect the Hydra with the nearby islands Poros, Spetses and the entire eastern coast of Peloponnese, making from this place the ideal start point for island hopping.

What to do

• Explore the port area of one of the most beautiful Greek islands near Athens
• Visit the fishing villages of Kamini and Vlychos
• Visit the church of the Assumption
• Go horseback riding
• Take a day trip to Spetses
• Enjoy the views from the Prophet Elias Monastery

 

Where to sleep

Hydrea Exclusive Hospitality Hydra is definitely our choice for this island close to Athens and is located in a 19th-century building, 400 metres from Hydra port.

It offers amazing panoramic views over the port and the scenic town and it is decorated in modern decor.

The hotel combines old-world charm with the luxury and offers luxurious accommodation and relaxation far away from city noise.

3. Spetses

Another close Greek islands from Athens is Spetses also known as the beautiful island of the aromas and is famous for its contribution to the 1821 War of Independence.

The revolution flag was raised here for the first time on 3rd April 1821.

Location and getting there

There are regular ferry connections between Spetses and Athens which departs daily from Piraeus port.

The journey lasts for 3 hours and the route is carried out by a high-speed vessel.

Stay safe while you travel

What to do

• Stroll along the old harbour of one of the most beautiful Greek islands near Athens
• Visit Sperses Museum and Bouboulina Museum
• Explore the cave of Bekiris
• Visit the church of Agia Paraskevi and the Monastery of Agioi Pantes

Where to sleep

My favourite place on this island is Villa Nika Spetses , a luxurious complex with suites and apartments conveniently located in Agia Marina, just 200 metres from the beach and 5 minutes walk from the old port.

Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace and a common pool with a hydro-massage facility.

4. Agistri

Agistri or Angistri is a small little Greek islands from Athens, located close to Aegina, just a short ferry ride from Athens.

 

Agistri is a popular weekend destination for people who live in Athens and in the nearby area as well as for tourists from all over the world.

Location and getting there

The island can be easily reached in about an hour with Flying Dolphin ( the speed ferry) and within 95 minutes with a car ferry.

For those of you who don’t have time to take the regular ferry, we recommend you to take the water taxi from Piraeus.

What to do

• Perfect your tan at Aponisos beach or Dragonera beach
• Explore Skala, Agistri’s main port
• Visit Megalochori, island’s capital
• Book a kayak tour bear Saronic Gulf
• Visit the church of Agioi Anargyroi and the church of Panagia
• Go to a horse riding session

Where to sleep

Oasis Beach Hotel Agistri is our option for this amazing island with a perfect location right near the sandy beach of Skala.

This family-run hotel offers romantically decorated rooms with sea, mountain or pool views, offering a swimming pool and a poolside bar.

Taverns, cafes and shops are located within walking minutes from the hotel, while most of the island’s attractions are located less than 15 kilometres from the hotel.

5. Kea or Tzia

One of the closest Greek islands near Athens is island Kea or Tzia, part of the Cycladic islands which has a particular architecture, different from the rest of the island group.

Location and getting there

There are regular ferries which connect Kea and Athens but bear in mind that ferries do not leave from Piraeus port but from Lavrion port.

The trip from Lavrion port lasts for about one hour and the good news is that Kea is also connected with other islands from the Cyclades like Syros and Kythnos.

What to do

• Stop at the Panagia Kastriani Monastery
• Explore Ioulida, Kea’s main town of Kea, one of the best Greek islands from Athens
• Take a hike along the Old Lion Trail, where you can see a large granite sculpture from the 6th century BC
• Watch the Kea sunset from a cafe
• Perfect your tan at Sykamia beach, Koundouraki and Mavrabeli beaches

Where to sleep

Porto Kea Suites is a great 5-star hotel from Kea located just a few steps away from Korissia beach.

The resort welcomes its guests with a large pool, a beach bar and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.

The rooms are decorated in the island’s style and open to a patio or veranda where you can relax while sipping from a glass of wine.

6. Andros

The 6th on my list of Greek islands near Athens is Andros, a small island from the Cyclades group perfect for hiking enthusiasts, art lovers and water sports fans.

Location and getting there

This small island can be reached from Rafina port, located on the northeastern part of Attica.

There are frequent buses from Athens airport to Rafina port and the ride lasts for about 30- 40 minutes.

What to do

• Explore the island’s main port, Gavrio
• Sip a cocktail in a bar from Batsi, the most popular tourist destination
• Visit the island’s capital, Andros or Hora
• Lay in the sun on the best beaches from the island: Batsi beach, Piso Giala, Fellos, Parponti, Neimporio beach
• Hike in Andros
• Take a boat trip around Andros

 

Where to sleep

Blue Bay Resort Village Andros is the best choice from this island, located just 70 metres away from Delavogias beach.

Tastefully decorated with dark wooden furnishings and wrought-iron beds, the rooms from this resort have AC, a fridge and some of them a fully equipped kitchenette.

7. Poros

One of the best Greek islands from Athens is Poros, a place consisting of two islands, Sferia and Kalavria which are connected by an artificial canal.

Location and getting there

The most popular way to reach the island is by ferry from Piraeus port but also from other islands of the Saronic group.

The ferry ride lasts for about one hour and there is more than 1 journey per day.

What to do

• Explore Poros town separated by the main island by a small canal
• Visit the Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi
• Relax at Vagionia Bay
• Perfect your tan at Askeli beach and Monastery beach
• Practice some outdoor activities like water sports, hiking or riding

Where to sleep

Located just 150 metres from the beach, Nikis Village Poros is our favourite place of Poros, a wonderful place where you can relax after a hard year of work.

Withing walking minutes from the hotels are tavernas, bars and shops where you can eat traditional Greek cuisine and buy some souvenirs before you leave.

Conclusion

These are the most beautiful Greek islands near Athens, ideal places where you can extend your city break in Athens.

They are all extremely easy to reach and offer many attractions for spending some quality time away from home.

Pick the one you like most, pack your bags and book your hotel as Greece is waiting for you!