SPETSES
Spetsès, the “island of jasmine,” located near Attica’s main port, Piraeus, invites you to take a peaceful and revitalizing break. The island’s port is lined with quaint shops, welcoming cafés, delicious restaurants, and charming shipowners’ houses. Its cobblestone streets wind through the town adorned with marine motifs ,leading you to discover treasures like traditional tavernas and shops offering handmade artifacts.
In Spetsès, exploration is best done on foot or by bicycle, allowing you to fully appreciate the serene setting of its pine forests. The island also retains wild corners where you can explore secluded coves and beautiful beaches like Agia Marina, Agia Paraskevi, and Agii Anargyroi. Don’t miss the trail that leads to the Bekiris sea cave.
At sunset, head to the Profitis Ilias Monastery for a spectacular panoramic view of the neighboring Saronic islands. Moreover, Spetsès serves as an ideal starting point for excursions to the Peloponnese or Athens. The island is easily accessible by ferry from the port of Piraeus.
HYDRA
Hydra, a renowned island for its picturesque port and magnificent 18th-century shipowners’ houses, will captivate you with its timeless elegance and tranquil atmosphere. On this island, cars are prohibited, preserving a unique sense of peace. All transportation is by foot, boat, or donkey, though the latter is now strongly discouraged.
The cobblestone streets overlooking the port are the heart of Hydra’s life, home to around 2,000 residents. Here, you’ll find a setting from another era, with “arhontika,” beautifully preserved mansions of 18th-century shipowners, such as the home of Lazaros Kountouriotis, which houses a historical museum, or the Tombazis mansion.
Hydra is also proud to host the world’s oldest merchant marine academy, which played a crucial role during the Greek Revolution of 1821.
For a swim, dive into the island’s crystal-clear waters: at Mandraki Bay, you’ll find a pebble beach perfect for relaxation, Avlaki offers a platform for swimmers, while Vlychos provides sunbeds and parasols for your comfort. The island is easily accessible by boat from the port of Piraeus.
POROS
This little gem of the Saronic Gulf greets you upon arrival with its neoclassical buildings, traditional tavernas, clock tower, and marinas. However, it is the serenity that reigns supreme here. Poros is best explored on foot or by bike, thanks to its gently sloping terrain. Its streets, lined with whitewashed houses and vibrant purple bougainvillea, stretch from one end of the island to the other.
Visit the archaeological museum, explore the ruins of the former Russian naval supply depot, a classified historical monument, or discover the Temple of Poseidon, built in the 6th century B.C. A walk up to the Ntana lighthouse, overlooking Poros Bay, offers a breathtaking view. This lighthouse, constructed in 1870 by the French Lighthouse Society of the Ottoman Empire, is a must-see site.
Across from Poros, in the Galatas region, lies the Lemon Tree Forest, a vast green carpet extending to the sea, crisscrossed by small streams and dotted with watermills. For beach lovers, there are plenty of options, from well-equipped beaches to more secluded retreats like Askeli, Kanali, or Vagionia.
For night owls, bars and nightclubs invite you to enjoy a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Access to Poros is simple: just drive to Galatas, then take a ferry for a five-minute crossing to the beautiful town of Poros!
AGISTRI
This lush island, located close to Athens, is an ideal destination for a day trip. In no time, you can find yourself at the fishing port of Mylos with its white houses, or in the lively village of Skala. You can also explore the idyllic coves of Skliri, Dragonera, or Chalikiada, the latter being a nudist beach. For hiking enthusiasts, a trail leads from Limenaria to Aponissos, offering an ever-changing landscape while remaining immersed in lush nature. The island is easily accessible by boat from the port of Piraeus.
AEGINA
A landmark island in the Saronic Gulf, Aegina is famous for its unique pistachios and the house of Kazantzakis, where he wrote his famous work, Odyssey. It invites you to savor the tranquility of its cafés and traditional tavernas, where delicious mezze, made with fish and seafood caught in the island’s waters, await you. Don’t miss a visit to the ancient Temple of Aphaia, explore Palaiochora, the island’s former capital, the charming Cycladic-style port of Perdika, and the Monastery of Saint Nectarios, which attracts pilgrims from around the world.
Just 10 minutes by boat from Aegina, the islet of Moni welcomes you with its lush greenery, where you can encounter its native inhabitants: wild hares and peacocks. Aegina offers a multitude of activities for all tastes, such as horseback riding, canoeing, and diving courses. The island is easily accessible by boat from the port of Piraeus.
SALAMINA
Salamina, the largest island in the Saronic Gulf, is just 15 minutes from Perama, a port neighboring Piraeus. Rich in vegetation and steeped in history, this is where the famous naval Battle of Salamis took place. Begin your exploration with the seaside home of the great Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos, with its Cycladic-style architecture, and the archaeological museum of the town.
For swimming, the island offers numerous beaches. Aianteio, a beach equipped with water sports and playgrounds for children, Perani, a vast stretch of sand and pebbles with a small island offshore, and Kanakia, a pebble beach with clear waters, bordered by the island’s pine forest that extends to this charming locality. The town of Salamis, with its picturesque port where boats gently sway with the rhythm of the sea, invites you to relax in a seaside fish taverna and savor its delights while sipping your ouzo.
