Because we don’t like phrases like “back to base” or “Happy winter”, and also because there are many people who still haven’t been on their annual summer holiday, it’s good to keep in mind that there are islands that are very cheap and very easy to reach from Athens.
For anyone wanting to make good use of their last summer break or for whoever didn’t make plans beforehand for their holidays.
Hydra
Hydra was the Greek international jet set capital before Rhodes, before Corfu, before Mykonos. And it’s one of the few places in Greece where you won’t need a car, even if you were planning to use one; simply because it’s forbidden. You take the flying dolphin from Piraeus and you spend the first day exploring the historical and noble town of Hydra. The next day you tour the island on boat and swim at the many beautiful beaches.
How to get there:
Connection between the port of Piraeus and Hydra by ferry (38 km distance, trip duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes). From the Zea Marina in Piraeus to Hydra by flying dolphin (trip duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes).
Aegina
Obviously there’s no one from Athens who hasn’t visited Aegina. However, it’s worth reminding that in 1 hour from the port of Piraeus you can reach another world. Neoclassical buildings, scenic alleys, lovely beaches, and a lively night life for anyone who wants more from their summer destination than just a beautiful landscape. And of course, you’ll eat plenty of pistachios, since in Aegina they’re used in recipes you wouldn’t imagine.
How to get there:
Connection between the port of Piraeus and Aegina by ferry (17 km distance, trip duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes) From Piraeus to Agia Marina by ferry (13 km distance, trip duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes). From Piraeus to Souvala by ferry (11,5 km distance, trip duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes). From Piraeus (Tzelepi coast) to Aegina by flying dolphin (trip duration: 35 minutes).
Agistri
For those who go to Aegina for a few days and want to spend a couple of days in a calmer, greener place, Agistri is always a safe bet. It’s a land that could be a small island somewhere far away in the Aegean Sea, but it’s within reach of Attica. Great waters, easily accessible both on foot and in a vehicle, many good food options. And, of course, if you’re into cycling, Agistri is a flat land with many easy trails, so it’s ideal. Whatever happens, don’t miss the beaches of Dragonera, with the small bays that easily become a “private beach” and of Aponisos with the pine trees and the ‘exotic’ feel.
How to get there:
Connection between the port of Piraeus and Agistri by ferry (19 km distance, trip duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes). Also, from Piraeus through Aegina to Agistri (26 km distance, trip duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes).
Poros
“Coming into Poros gives the illusion of the deep dream…” the great American writer Henry Miller wrote. The island has been called “Bosporus of the Argosaronic Gulf, a name that’s due to the island’s geography: at one point the island is only 350 metres away from the Peloponnese. It’s an ideal place for people who love architecture, (the town of Poros is full of lovely listed buildings), water sports and hiking, and also for those who want to spend their holidays in the Argosaronic Gulf with Poros as their base.
How to get there:
Connection between the port Piraeus and Poros by ferry (31 km distance, trip duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes). From the Zea Marina in Piraeus to Poros by flying dolphin (trip duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes)
Kea
So that you can say you went to the Cyclades but were never longer than an hour away from Athens. The trip to Kea (or Tzia) from the port of Lavrio lasts an hour and takes you to an island that combines luxury, amazing food and nightlife, the very important archaeological site of Karthea, while it’s the only island of the Cyclades that has an oak forest. As for the beaches, there are far too many to mention one to go to.
How to get there:
The easiest way to go to Kea is by boat from the port of Lavrio. There is a connection between Lavrio and Kea all year round. The trip lasts one hour.
Salamina
Known to the locals and the diehard fans as “Sala-Mykonos”. For those who really want to go to an alternative destination that is only 15 minutes away from the coasts of Perama, where you feel as if you’re hundreds of miles away from Athens. It’s not just the lovely beaches, most of them situated on the island’s south side, that create this impression, it’s also the two pine forests that are huge hits amidst the hikers and anyone who visits the island is bound to love them.
How to get there
Connection between the port of Piraeus and Paloukia, Selina, Kamatero by ferry (23 km distance, trip duration: 40 minutes). From Piraeus to Peristeria by ferry (8.5 km distance, trip duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes). From Perama to Paloukia by ferry (1,5 km distance). From Perama to Abelakia by ferry (1,3 km distance, trip duration: 15 minutes). From Neo Perama, Megara, to Faneromeni Salamina by ferry (1.1 km distance, trip duration: 13 minutes).
