There’s a moment that happens to almost every visitor in Athens — usually around day two, sitting at a café somewhere near the Acropolis, watching the light turn golden over the marble — when someone says, “We should go to an island.” And they’re right. Greece without islands is like a meal without dessert. The good news? Athens is one of the best-launched cities in the world for island hopping from Athens, with ferries, hydrofoils, and high-speed boats leaving from Piraeus and Rafina every single day. The question isn’t whether to go. It’s where, and for how long.
Here’s a local’s honest breakdown.
The Saronic Gulf: Your Best Option for Day Trips
If you only have a day or two to spare, don’t even think about the Cyclades. The Saronic Gulf islands — Aegina, Hydra, and Poros — are sitting right off the coast of Athens like a gift, reachable in under two hours and absolutely worth it.
Aegina: Pistachio Trees and a Perfectly Preserved Temple
Aegina is the closest of the three — about 40 minutes from Piraeus on a fast ferry — and it punches well above its size. The big draw is the Temple of Aphaia, a Doric masterpiece sitting on a pine-covered hill with sweeping views over the Saronic Gulf. It’s less crowded than anything on the mainland and genuinely impressive. Add to that the fact that Aegina is Greece’s pistachio capital (buy a bag, no negotiation), and you’ve got a very full day trip. The port town itself is relaxed and pretty, with waterfront tavernas that serve fresh fish at honest prices.
Take the early morning hydrofoil from Piraeus (before 9am if you can), spend the day exploring, and you’re back in Athens for dinner. Easy.
Hydra: The One Without Cars
Hydra deserves its reputation. There are no motor vehicles on the island — not a single car or motorbike. Donkeys carry luggage. The port is a perfect crescent of stone mansions and bougainvillea. Artists have been coming here for decades, and you immediately understand why.
It’s about 1.5 to 2 hours from Piraeus by Flying Dolphin hydrofoil, and yes, it’s worth every minute. Walk up to the monastery for the views. Swim at the rocks below Spilia bar. Eat grilled octopus at any of the tavernas around the port and try not to plan your move here. Day trip or overnight — both work, but if you’re going to stay anywhere in the Saronics, stay in Hydra.
Poros: Relaxed and Underrated
Poros gets slightly less attention than its neighbors, which is honestly part of its charm. It’s separated from the Peloponnese mainland by a channel so narrow you can practically shout across it. The town climbs a steep hill, there are good beaches accessible by water taxi, and the whole place has a slower, less polished feel than Hydra. Great if you want to actually decompress rather than sightsee.
The Cyclades: Worth the Extra Planning
For the iconic white-and-blue Greece — the stuff of calendars and daydreams — you’re heading to the Cyclades. But let’s be honest about the logistics: these aren’t day trips. You’re looking at overnight stays minimum, and ideally 3–5 days.
Santorini: Earned, Not Just Checked Off
The ferry from Piraeus to Santorini takes roughly 5–8 hours depending on which service you take (high-speed catamarans are faster but book up). It’s a commitment, and during peak summer, Santorini is genuinely crowded. But if you go — especially if you stay in Oia or Imerovigli, explore the caldera villages early in the morning before the day-trippers arrive, and take a boat to the volcanic hot springs — it lives up to it. Just manage your expectations for July and August.
Mykonos: Best Enjoyed Knowing What It Is
Mykonos is a party island that also happens to be beautiful. The old town is genuinely charming, the beaches are excellent, and Little Venice at sunset is as good as advertised. Go knowing it’s expensive and social, and you’ll have a great time.
Naxos and Paros: The Smarter Choice
Honest recommendation for first-timers who want the Cyclades without the crowds and the prices? Go to Naxos or Paros. Naxos is the largest Cycladic island, with a spectacular old town, a giant marble doorway called the Portara standing at the port like a quiet giant, excellent local cheese, and beaches that rival anything in the archipelago. Paros is smaller, more polished, with beautiful villages like Naoussa and Lefkes and a remarkably gentle pace. Both are well-connected to Piraeus.
Practical Notes for Getting There
All major ferry routes leave from Piraeus, which is about 40 minutes from central Athens by metro (Line 1, green line, to the end). Buy tickets in advance online, especially in summer — Hellenic Seaways, Seajet, and Blue Star Ferries all have booking sites. For the Saronics, you can often just show up at the port and buy tickets day-of, but give yourself buffer time.
Rafina port (east of Athens, closer to the airport) is another option, mainly useful for connections to Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros — worth knowing if you’re flying in and want to head straight to the islands without going into the city first.
If you’re using Athens as a base and doing island day trips — which is a genuinely excellent strategy — staying in the city center makes everything easier. Athenian Ascents has apartments in Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psyrri that put you walking distance from everything and a quick metro ride from Piraeus. It’s the kind of setup that makes spontaneous decisions (catch a morning ferry, come back by evening) actually feel easy rather than stressful.
For more on using Athens as your home base while exploring the region, the 3-day Athens itinerary is a good starting point for thinking about how to pace your time between the city and the water.
The islands are out there. Athens makes it easy.
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