Most beautiful islands near Athens

Greece is home to over 6000 islands, scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Known for their idyllic landscapes, iconic beaches and architectural beauty, most of the islands are only accessible by ferry from the Greek mainland. For those arriving or based in Athens, a handful of these islands are located close enough to the capital for an easy offshore adventure.

Take a ferry from the port of Piraeus, 8km south of central Athens, and you can find yourself in one of the Saronic Islands in less than an hour. You can even reach some of the Cycladic Islands in less than 2 hours from Piraeus, Rafina or Likara Ports. We’ve rounded up the very best of the Greek islands near Athens. Our top picks are close enough for a day trip, but also offer beauty and attractions in spades, making them equally perfect for a longer holiday.

Athens holidays

1. Aegina

Aegina is the second-largest of the Saronic Islands, one of the closest islands to Athens and a short 40-minute ferry ride from Piraeus. Spend the morning in the charming port-capital, Aegina Town, visit the Ancient Temple of Aphaia and enjoy a sunny afternoon on Marathon Beach. Beyond these popular attractions lies a series of secluded coves that the day trippers don't make it to, as well as a smattering of further ancient temples and traditional villages. Take the time to explore this island fully and discover the Aegina most visitors don't see.

Best island for: those looking for a short trip from Athens.

When to go: aim for early or late summer to avoid the crowds.

2. Hydra

Car-free Hydra is the perfect repose to busy Athens, and just under two hours away by ferry. Greek’s answer to Italy’s Capri, it’s an accessible choice for those wanting a tranquil escape from the city. The first thing you see are the 18th-century villas that line the coast around the port of Hydra. The combined scent of flowers, pine and oranges hits you as soon as you disembark, and follows you to the private bays and beaches around the coast. The island's reliance on horses means horse-riding has become a popular activity amongst holidaymakers, as is scuba diving, snorkelling and hiking.

Best island for: those seeking an activity-filled holiday.

Must-see: the protective ‘bastions with cannons’ and the fascinating Ecclesiastical Museum.

Hydra holidays

3. Poros

Just an hour’s ferry ride from Piraeus, Poros is the epitome of vintage Greek glamour. A gorgeous port town is just the starting point of an island abundant in picturesque, sandy beaches, lapped by clear, clean waters and criss-crossed with forested hiking trails. After a day of nature-based activities, finish it off with an al fresco dinner at one of the traditional taverns along Poros Town waterfront. The harbour offers exceptional views of the town of Galatas on the Peloponnese peninsula, which is located just across the narrow strait between the island and the mainland.

Best island for: swimming and hiking.

Island highlights: the Temple of Poseidon and the secluded Love Bay.

Poros holidays

4. Sifnos

The furthest on this list from Athens, it takes a little over two hours to reach Sifnos from the Greek mainland, but it's well worth the journey. Famed for its blend of traditional and cutting-edge cuisine, Sifnos, in the Cyclades, is THE place for those seeking out a Greek food odyssey. The island tends to attract a sophisticated demographic. The best restaurants are found in the small capital, Apallonia, where you can try traditional dishes made in clay pots, such as revithada (chickpea stew) or mastelo (lamb or goat in red wine) and wash it all down with a glass of the island's world-famous wine. Dotted between Sifnoses mountainous terrain you'll encounter traditional whitewashed villages, romantic secluded bays and postcard-perfect monasteries.

Best island for: food and wine connoisseurs.

Don’t miss: the tiny Church of Seven Martyrs and the protective Monastery of Panagia Chrissopigi.

Sifnos holidays

5. Andros

Also in the Cyclades, Andros is just over an hours' ferry trip from Rafina Port. Lauded as the 'greenest' Cycladic island, much of it is covered with thick, lush vegetation, making it hugely popular with hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. Despite its reputation as a nature haven, the capital, Chora Andros, appeals to those who enjoy the genteel side of city life, with its neoclassical architecture, timeless elegance, charming restaurants and upscale bars. Between the wild interior and the charming capital lie a number of traditional villages, lost to time and rarely visited by the daytrippers. Top choices for authenticity include Stenies, Menites and Mesathouri.

Best island for: nature lovers and ramblers.

Be sure to visit: the villages of Stenies, Menites and Mesathouri.

Andros holidays

6. Kea

Architecturally and geologically distinct from the rest of the Cycladic Islands, Kea has more in common with a Croatian or Italian island, thanks to its terracotta-roofed buildings and rocky landscape. Just an hour by ferry from the Port of Lavrio, east of Athens, Kea is one of those rare destinations that ticks every box. Visitors enjoy a wealth of attractions, beautiful landscapes and relatively few crowds, especially in comparison to the mass tourism found on most Cycladic islands. Those in the know, of course (mostly rich Athenians and the yachting crowd) return year on year to enjoy the quiet bays and ancient cities of Kea.

Best island for: those seeking exclusivity.

Top beaches: Koundouros, Kambi and Gialiskari.

Kea holidays

Greece holidays

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