The best day trips to islands near Athens

Athens, the Greek capital, is a wonderful destination that offers amazing experiences and unique attractions. If you’re visiting this summer, you can try out island hopping from Athens!

Whether you’re interested in a one-day island cruise from Athens to escape the hustle and bustle, or you’re looking forward to the ultimate Athens island-hopping adventure, the capital city of Greece is a great starting point for your journey. 

So, where can you go on a day trip from Athens? Find the best Athens island-hopping options below and book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper!

View to the port of Piraeus in Athens

Island hopping from Athens: our top suggestions

There are many islands near Athens, with the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades islands being the closest to the Greek capital. There are 3 ports in Athens connecting the city to many destinations with frequent ferry routes. Most ferries to the Greek islands depart from the port of Piraeus, but there are also year-round and seasonal routes from Lavrio and Rafina, making island-hopping trips from Athens easier than ever!

So, what islands can you visit from Athens? You can travel by ferry from Athens to nearby islands such as Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Kea, Spetses, Poros, and Kythnos, as well as other beautiful islands of the Aegean Sea, such as Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Crete, Lesbos, Kastellorizo, and many more!

Whether you’re interested in a short escape to the Greek islands from Athens or a multi-day holiday break (on top of your regular holiday break), these are some of the finest destinations for the best island day trips from Athens:

Hydra, a car-free paradise near Athens

If you want to spend memorable holidays in a cosmopolitan and idyllic setting, then Hydra in the Saronic should be at the top of your list. Leave the Greek capital behind and spend your day enjoying secluded beaches such as Avlaki, exploring the island's impressive mansions and monuments, and soaking in the local culture with concerts, performances and more.

Day trips to Hydra from Athens are easy to plan, with multiple daily ferry crossings year-round. Ferries to Hydra depart from the port of Piraeus in Athens. If you want to include a road trip in your journey, you can also drive to the ports of Ermioni and Porto Cheli in the Peloponnese and catch the ferry from there.

The ferry trip from Athens to Hydra lasts only 1.5-2 hours on average, as it is mainly serviced by high-speed ferries.

Tip: bear in mind that cars and motorcycles are not allowed on the island. Discover more Greek islands for car-free holidays here.

Athens - Hydra from €35

The beautiful town of Hydra

Agistri, a hidden gem for nature lovers 

Agistri is one of the best islands to visit with friends, offering a laid-back atmosphere, stunning natural landscapes, charming tavernas, and beautiful beaches. Here, you can unwind by the sea, explore clothing-optional beaches like Chalikiada—a favorite among camping enthusiasts in Greece—or enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking, and diving!

There are frequent ferries from Athens to Agistri throughout the year. In the summer, there are up to 10 daily sailings to Agistri from the port of Piraeus. High-speed ferries to Agistri arrive at the port of Myloi, while standard ferries travel to the port of Skala.

The duration of the trip with a high-speed vessel ranges from 50 minutes to 1 5. hours.

Tip: if you’re thinking of going camping this year, take a look at Ferryhopper’s camping essentials list.

Athens - Agistri from €13

Aegina, the closest island to Athens

The island of Aegina has long been a favorite day trip destination near Athens, both among locals and visitors! In Aegina, you go for a swim at beaches with visitor amenities, such as Agia Marina, to secluded coasts, such as Portes. Aegina is also known for its local products, including honey and pistachios, making it a thrilling destination for foodies. History enthusiasts will also have plenty to look forward to, with the sanctuary of Aphaia in Aegina being one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Greece!

The best way to travel to Aegina is by ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens. If you’re visiting in the summer, you can catch the ferry from Athens to Aegina daily. There are up to 30 crossings per day from Athens to Aegina, as it’s one of the most popular island day trips from Athens.

Aegina is just 1 hour from Athens, and it’s perfect for weekend breaks, as it is the closest Greek island to Athens. You can travel from Piraeus on ferries by Hellenic Seaways, Saronic Ferries, San Lorenzo Ferries, and Aegean Flying Dolphins.

Athens - Aegina from €9

The virgin islet of Moni off the coast of Aegina

Spetses, the romantic escape from Athens

Spetses is one of the most cosmopolitan islands in the Saronic Gulf and a top destination for couples, making it the perfect romantic escape from Athens.

The island is renowned for its Venetian architecture, elegant mansions, crystal-clear waters, and hidden-gem adventures. While in Spetses, you can explore the charming town by horse-drawn carriage, hike through lush forests, or discover the enchanting Bekiris Cave.

Ferries from Athens to Spetses depart from the port of Piraeus up to 9 times per day. The Athens - Spetses ferry route is mainly operated by high-speed ferries, but there are conventional vessels too.

The ferry crossing duration from the port of Piraeus to the island of Spetses can take as little as 1 hour 45 minutes on a high-speed ferry.

Athens - Spetses from €48

Kea, the Cyclades near Athens

As the closest Cycladic island to Athens, Kea has long been regarded as a top destination for relaxing and peaceful vacations. In Kea, you can enjoy local delicacies such as ksinotiri and loza, visit amazing monuments, such as the Lion of Kea, and discover the island’s nightlife in the villages of Ioulis, Vourkari and Gialiskari. As for the beaches, look no further than Sikamia and Xyla.

The best way to travel to Kea from Athens is through the port of Lavrio. Ferries from Athens (Lavrio) to Kea are usually daily in the summer months. The trip duration from Athens to Kea is just 1 hour, making it one of the top one-day island trips from Athens.

Tip: if you’re looking for more easy-going Greek islands to visit this year, have a look at our favorite Greek islands for relaxing holidays.

Athens (Lavrio) - Kea from €9

The lighthouse of Kea

Poros, the green island with traditional vibes

Poros is an emerald green jewel of an island in the Saronic Gulf. It’s a perfect destination for weekend breaks, as it is easily accessible both from Athens and Peloponnese.

If you’re looking for a Greek island that has a strong traditional character, but also modern amenities, then Poros is for you. Begin your adventure exploring the island's narrow alleys, take the boat to the beautiful lemon tree forest of Galatas or visit the beautiful Love Bay beach, before capping it all off with a drink at one of Poros' lively bars.

Ferries to Poros depart from the port of Piraeus in Athens multiple times per day. Most ferries from Athens to Poros are high-speed, reaching the port in less than 1 hour. The duration of the trip depends on the ferry itinerary.

Tip: from Poros, you can also travel directly by ferry to Hydra and Spetses. This way you can have a multi-day trip from Athens to 3 islands!

Athens - Poros from €13

Kythnos, for an authentic Cycladic experience

If your idea of a day trip involves majestic beaches, impressive nature, breathtaking hiking trails and a relaxing atmosphere, then look no further than Kythnos in the Cyclades. Although the island is close to Athens, Kythnos has managed to retain its authenticity and traditional way of life.

As for the highlights, you can swim at the beach of Kolona, explore the cave of Katafyki, or simply kick back and take in the breathtaking view from the Castle of Oria.

You can travel to Kythnos by ferry from the ports of Piraeus and Lavrio in Athens. The ferry from Lavrio to Kythnos is the most popular option, with daily departures throughout the year. The trip duration is 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the type of vessel.

The Piraeus - Kythnos ferry route is usually active in the summer, with a few crossings per week. The journey from Athens (Piraeus) to Kythnos lasts approximately 3 hours.

Tip: find the latest Greek ferry schedules and Greek ferry ticket discounts to plan your trip this summer.

Athens (Lavrio) - Kythnos from €15

Athens (Piraeus) - Kythnos from €30

View from a ferry departing from the island of Kythnos

You can find more ideas on Greek island day tours from Athens on our Map of ferries. Plan your Athens island-hopping adventure, find travel tips for 3-day island cruises from Athens or island day trips, and book cheap ferry tickets easily!