The 7 easiest islands to visit from Athens

You don’t need to travel far from Athens to find island magic. With so many options just a short ferry ride away, Athens is the perfect base for spontaneous escapes and mini-adventures.

Aegina: the classic day trip

If you ask an Athenian where to go for a quick island escape, chances are they’ll say Aegina. Just 40 minutes by hydrofoil from Piraeus, Aegina is the closest and most popular island for day-trippers.

The main town has a lively harbour, neoclassical buildings, and plenty of cafés and tavernas where you can watch the fishing boats come and go. Don’t miss the pistachios – Aegina is famous for them.

If you’ve got a bit more time, hop on a local bus or taxi to the Temple of Aphaia, one of Greece’s best-preserved ancient temples, or take a dip at one of the island’s beaches. Aegina is big enough to explore but small enough to feel manageable in a day. Frequent ferries and hydrofoils from Piraeus, journey time 40–75 minutes.

2. Agistri: small, green and laid-back

Just a short hop from Aegina (and also reachable directly from Piraeus), Agistri is a tiny, pine-covered island that feels a world away from the city. It’s ideal if you want to swim, cycle or just relax. The beaches are clean and the water is clear—Dragonera and Aponisos are local favourites.

The main villages, Skala and Megalochori, are low-key and friendly, with a handful of tavernas and bars. Agistri is perfect for a lazy day of swimming and sunbathing, and if you decide to stay the night, there are a few simple hotels and rooms to let. Ferries run frequently from Piraeus (via Aegina or direct), journey time 55 – 90 minutes.

3. Poros: pine forests and neoclassical charm

Poros is another favourite for Athenians, especially those looking for a quick getaway with a bit of atmosphere. The ferry ride from Piraeus takes about an hour by hydrofoil, and you’ll arrive in a pretty harbour town with neoclassical buildings stacked up the hillside.

The waterfront is lined with cafés and restaurants, and it’s easy to rent a bike or scooter to explore the island’s pine forests and beaches. Poros is close to the Peloponnese mainland, so you’ll see plenty of boats zipping back and forth. There are regular hydrofoils and ferries from Piraeus, journey time 1 – 2 hours.

4. Hydra: car-free and full of character

Hydra is a little further than the other islands on this list, but it’s still doable as a long day trip or, better yet, an overnight escape. The island is famous for its stone mansions, donkeys (no cars allowed), and artistic vibe. The main town is stunning, with narrow lanes, chic boutiques and a lively harbour.

Swimming spots are dotted along the coast, and you can walk or take a water taxi to reach them. Hydra is pricier than some of the other islands, but it’s unique and well worth the trip if you want something special. There are regular hydrofoils from Piraeus, journey time 1 hour 40 minutes.

5. Kea (Tzia): a Cycladic secret

Kea, also known as Tzia, is technically part of the Cyclades but feels different from the more famous islands. It’s popular with Athenians but much less known to foreign visitors. The island is hilly, green and dotted with traditional villages.

The main town, Ioulida, is charming and unspoilt, and there are several lovely beaches within easy reach. Kea is reached from the port of Lavrio, about an hour’s drive from central Athens, and the ferry trip takes around an hour. It’s a great choice if you want a quieter, more authentic island experience.

6. Kythnos: hot springs and quiet coves

Kythnos is another island served by ferries from Lavrio, making it a good option if you’re based in the southern or eastern suburbs of Athens. The island is known for its natural hot springs at Loutra, as well as its many sandy beaches and peaceful villages.

It’s a bit further than some of the other islands on this list, but still manageable for a one-night stay or a very full day trip. Ferries go from Lavrio, and take about 2 hours.

7. Salamina: the local’s secret

Salamina (Salamis) is the closest island to Athens, just a short ferry ride from Perama (near Piraeus). It’s not a tourist hotspot, but it’s popular with locals for its beaches, seafood tavernas and relaxed vibe.

If you want to see where Athenians go for a swim and a plate of fried calamari, Salamina is worth a look. Compared to Aegina and Agistri, it’s not so well-geared for tourism, but it’s authentic and very easy to reach. Frequent car ferries from Perama, the next area up from Piraeus, journey time 15 minutes.

Tips for island-hopping from Athens

Use the Ferry Hopper website for everything – it’s the best place to check schedules and book tickets; do check schedules as they can change seasonally and some routes are less frequent in winter
Book tickets in advance during summer weekends and holidays, especially for Hydra and Aegina.
Arrive early at the port, as it can be busy and finding your ferry gate can take time.
Pack light if you’re just going for a night – most islands have everything you need.
Stay overnight if you can, especially on Hydra or Kea, to enjoy the quieter evenings after the day-trippers have left