One of the biggest assets of Athens is that it offers its visitors the opportunity of many day trips and particular of excursions on the famous Greek islands. Saronic Islands are located in a very close distance to Athens, while between the islands the distance is also very short. Thus, you can have the ultimate experience of Island Hopping from Athens visiting more than one island. The good news is that you can find amazing ferry deals to get familiar with the Greek Island Hopping on a budget. These are the beautiful Saronic Islands, which are characterised by lovely beaches with crystal clear waters and traditional, neoclassical towns, for unforgettable day trips and excursions from Athens.
Aegina
Located only 45 minutes by ferry from Athens, Aegina is an authentic place that is typically an Athens island, a part of a large city, which however can offer to its visitors everything that an island of the Aegean Sea has to offer. Beaches with white sand and crystal waters, a traditional harbour with beautiful places to walk, shop and eat seafood by the sea. The first picture of Aegina is its town, a lovely harbour with neoclassical buildings, cafés and taverns by the sea, which is the best spot to spend your evenings. However, Aegina has also significant historical and cultural monuments that will impress you.
Poros
Poros is located 1 hour from Athens, and it impresses its visitors with its town, which is built amphitheatrically on a cliff, like on a cart-postal. Colourful neoclassical buildings, verdant nature with pine trees and hospitable locals are the characteristics that make the visit to Poros a must.
Hydra
Hydra is located 1,5 hour from Athens. The picturesque architecture of Hydra Chora, with the huge stone-built mansions and the elegant houses of the traditional and protected settlement, which looks like being hidden in its natural harbour, make you feel like seeing a wonderful painting. The houses are standing amphitheatrically on the cliff, and the harbour is full of lovely sailing boats, local shops, restaurants by the sea and bars with cosmopolitan character. This little oasis is ideal for having a stroll inside its paved streets, buy elegant things and souvenirs, eat seafood, drink your cocktail and generally relax.
Spetses
Spetses is one of the most elegant Saronic Islands, located 2 hours away from Athens. Spetses is considered to be the counterweight to Mykonos, concerning the nightlife, the luxury shops and restaurants and the cosmopolitan character. The old port and Dapia are the perfect places to have a walk on foot or by a carriage with a horse. The scenery is lovely, the neoclassical houses are impressive, well-preserved and beautiful. In the old port, beats the heart of Spetses nightlife, and you can have fun there, in the cozy small bars until the dawn.
