Islands near athens i can visit in a day

[manos.roudas]

There are several fantastic options for islands near Athens that are perfect for a day trip. They are mostly located in the Saronic Gulf and are easily accessible by the high-speed ferry catamaran from the port of Piraeus, or by powerboats.

Here are the top recommendations, with estimated travel times:

Top Day Trip Islands from Piraeus (Athens' Port)

Aegina: Closest and most popular. Known for the Temple of Aphaia, beautiful port town, and its famous pistachios.40 minutes
Agistri: Small, quiet, and very green, with beautiful beaches and clear waters. Great for relaxing or cycling.50 - 55 minutes
Moni: Small non inhabited island, full of wildlife, deers, peacocks, squirrel. Very close to Aegina, accessible by small boats from Perdika village.
Hydra: Famous aristocratic, car-free island. Beautiful stone mansions, elegant harbor, and you get around by foot or donkey/water taxi.1 hour 20 minutes
Poros: Green island with a picturesque town built amphitheatrically around the port. Separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait.1 hour 5 minutes.

Other Options

Kea (Tzia): Closer to the mainland, but you depart from the port of Lavrio (about an hour's drive from Athens). It's a quieter Cycladic island with a rich history and hiking trails. About 1 hour (from Lavrio).
Kythnos (also sometimes called Thermia) is a beautiful Greek island in the Cyclades archipelago, known for its authentic, laid-back atmosphere, thermal springs, and unique beaches. About 1 and a half hour from Lavrio.

Day Cruises: You can also book a popular 3-Island Cruise that typically visits Aegina, Moni, Agkistri or Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in one long day. This allows you to get a taste of all three, though you'll have limited time on each.

Important Tip: Always check the latest ferry schedules and book your tickets in advance, especially if you plan to travel on a weekend or during the peak summer season, as travel times and frequency can vary. If you have the budget, also consider a private boat tour on a powerboat.

 

[Vangelis]

This is a great list. Thank you. Agistri and Tzia are two islands I haven't been to but are on my todo list.

 

[michaeljamesromt]

That’s a great collection of island ideas! Aegina and Hydra truly stand out for quick day trips from Athens since both combine culture and scenery perfectly. Aegina’s pistachios and the Temple of Aphaia make it ideal for short explorations, while Hydra’s car-free streets and stone houses create such a calm vibe. Poros also deserves attention for its charming port and relaxed energy. I once used a helpful source to plan similar ferry connections, and it made organizing travel much simpler. Have you ever visited Agistri? It seems perfect for a quiet escape close to the city.

 

[jenn]

Great list, @manos.roudas , I totally agree — those Saronic Gulf islands are perfect for day trips from Athens.

When I was there, I visited Aegina and Hydra in one day. Aegina was charming with its pistachios and the Temple of Aphaia, and Hydra was stunning — no cars, just walking around the harbor and enjoying the views. Starting early makes it easy to see both without feeling rushed.

After that, I spent a week on Paros Island with a stopover in Athens, which was amazing. It gave me a good balance of a short city experience plus relaxing island time.

I’d recommend mixing a day trip to one or two Saronic Gulf islands with a longer stay on a Cycladic island like Paros — it’s the perfect combination!