Visit the Saronic Islands, off the coast of Greece

These are the islands closest to the Greek capital: the Saronic Islands are a must-see if you’re lucky enough to be in the region!

An archipelago within easy reach of Athens

The Saronic Islands, also known as the Western Sporades, are made up of 4 main islands, Salamis, Aegina, Agistri and Poros, plus the islands of Hydra, Dokos and Spetses off the Peloponnese. The first 4 are located in the Saronic Gulf, while the latter are part of the Argolic Gulf, a little further down.

The great thing about these islands is that they each have their own unique attractions, making them all worth a visit. If you only have a day or two to visit, it’s up to you to choose the ones you’re most interested in! Here’s a short guide to each of the islands and their characteristics to help you choose.

When to visit the Saronic Islands

The best time to visit the Saronic Islands is between May and September. Summers are hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine and generally daytime temperatures of around 28°C. There can, however, be periods of extreme heat. So this is obviously the ideal season if you want to make the most of the beaches. If you prefer to visit when it’s not so hot, June and September are perfect, with an average temperature of 25°C, and May can also be a good compromise, with an average temperature of 22°C. These months are generally sunny and dry.

In winter, temperatures rarely fall below 10°C. On the other hand, it can be quite rainy, with days alternating between sun, cloud and rain.

What is there to see?

In the Saronic Gulf

1- Aegina – The most visited

This is not the largest island in the archipelago, but it is the most popular with tourists. It is worth remembering that it was once almost as important as Athens: it still reveals some of its ancient architectural treasures. Archaeological sites, then, but also beaches ideal for swimming in summer. A day trip is enough to visit the island, or a weekend if you want to take your time on the beaches. Aegina is also famous for its pistachio production, so you’ll find pistachios everywhere to taste and enjoy!

Must-sees :

• The beaches of Agia Marina, Marathonas, Sarpa and Klima
• The temple of Aphaïa
• The tower of Markellos
• The archaeological site of Kolona
• Aegina Archaeological Museum
• The monastery of Agios Nektarios
• Chora and its port
• The village of Paleohora
• Moni islet

Getting around the island :

By car: the ferries accept cars, so you can bring your vehicle with you and visit the island by car or scooter. You can also hire a car locally, at one of the main seaside resorts.

By bus: there are 3 bus routes on the island, taking you to the beaches and the most popular tourist sites. They don’t run very often (about every hour), but if you plan well, you can see almost everything on the island using this means of transport. Make sure you check the timetables in advance.

On foot: you’ll obviously need several days to discover Aegina on foot, but there are plenty of accessible footpaths linking some of the most popular tourist spots. A great way to discover the island if you have time to spare!

2- Salamis – The largest

This is the largest of the Saronic islands and also the closest to Athens, so much so that it is even considered part of its suburbs. Although not as popular with tourists as Aegina, there are a number of outstanding sites to visit. It is famous for being the site of the Battle of Salamis, which pitted the Greek city-states against the Persian Empire in the fifth century BC. This naval battle marked the victory of the Greeks over the Persians, putting an end to their expansion into Europe. An island with many stories to tell!

Not to be missed:

• The beaches of Saterli, Kolonès, Peristeria and Kyriza
• The Euripidio Theatre
• The ancient theatre of Selinia
• The port of Salamis
• The monastery of Faneromeni
• Panayia Elefthrotria church
• Salamis Archaeological Museum

Getting around the island :

By car: the island is large, so it’s best to have a vehicle to visit it.

3- Poros – The romantic

Thousands of pine trees await you on this island, considered to be one of the greenest in the Aegean. Idyllic beaches, hiking trails in the heart of nature, a lively town where you can spend some festive evenings… This is what Poros, formerly known as Kalavria, is all about. In ancient times, the island was dedicated to the sea god Poseidon. It is thought to have been inhabited since the Bronze Age! A peaceful, historic island with many surprises in store…

Not to be missed :

• The town of Poros (or Hora) and its historic Sfaira clock
• The Poros Archaeological Museum
• Zoodochou Piyis monastery
• The temple of Poseidon
• The beaches of Rossikos, Love Bay, Russian Bay, Kanali, Plaka, Neorio and Askeli

Getting around the island:

By car: you can hire a car when you arrive on the island so that you can visit every nook and cranny.

By bike: Poros is also very easy to cycle around, although bear in mind that the paths can be a little uphill in places.

By bus: If you’re in the town of Poros, you can take the bus to the most beautiful beaches in the area.

4- Agistri – Small but historic

Agistri is the smallest of the Saronic Islands (inhabited), but well worth a day trip. It’s an island full of charm, wilder and more picturesque than Salamis and Aegina, but also less frequented, which makes it all the more authentic. Its unspoilt landscapes of beaches, coves and forests make it a haven of peace. You can also take advantage of this exceptional setting to go horse-riding or try your hand at water sports.

Not to be missed :

• The villages of Skala and Megalochori (or Mylos)
• Skliri cove
• The village of Limenaria
• The port and beach of Aponissos
• The beaches of Chalikadia and Xekofti

Getting around the island :

On foot: Agistri is only 13 km², so you may decide to do it on foot if you’re spending several days there. There are plenty of accessible footpaths to take you from one point of interest to another beneath the island’s pine trees.

By bike: if you want to visit Agistri more quickly, the best option is to do it by bike! You’ll find it easy to hire one on the spot, when you arrive at the port of Skala or Megalochori.

In the Argolic Gulf

5- Hydra – Vintage

Head for the island of Hydra, in the Argolic Gulf, to visit a unique destination. There are no cars or scooters here, and the peace and quiet of the inhabitants and visitors is preserved, just like the magnificent landscapes you will discover on this little piece of Greek land. Instead of vehicles, donkeys and mules make this island even more picturesque. You can easily find great walks along the sea and through the pine forests that make up the island!

Not to be missed:

• The town of Hydra and its port
• The beaches of Limnioniza, Avlaki, Kastello, Vlichos, Bisti and Agios Nikolaos
• The Monastery of the Assumption
• The village of Mandraki
• The house of Lanzaros Koundouriotis
• The archive museum
• The village of Kamini

Getting around the island :

On foot: there are no cars on the island, so you’ll have to walk to explore it. The footpaths are very well signposted and there are more than a dozen of them.

By water taxi: if you want to explore other parts of Hydra’s coastline, take the water taxi to the island’s hidden corners.

6- Spetses – Relax

Hydra’s closest rival, Spetses is considered one of the most beautiful of the Saronic islands. Its picturesque and historic side makes it a very interesting destination: here you will see an authentic island, which only allows motorbikes and taxis. Its shipowners’ mansions are a reminder of its rich historical past, and the crystal-clear waters that surround it are perfect for a dreamy afternoon on the beach. You’re sure to notice a sweet smell of Jasmine wafting through the air, a true emblem of the island.

Not to be missed :

• The town of Spetses
• The beaches of Vrelos, Agii Anargiri, Ligonéri, Kaiki Beach and Paradise Beach
• The Bouboulinas Museum
• The monastery of Saint-Nicolas
• The Bay of Zogéria
• Monastery of Profitis Illias

Getting around the island :

By taxi: although cars are not allowed on the island, there are a few taxis that will take you wherever you want to go.

By scooter: you are also allowed to use a scooter, so you can hire one to get around the island.

On foot: if you don’t want to visit the whole island, you can go on foot and explore the area around the town you’re staying in. There are always hiking trails and beaches nearby.

By bike: this is a very good alternative for visiting Spetses. Cycling around the island is practical and you’ll be able to see a lot more. You can hire bikes (also electric) on site.

7- Dokos – The wild

Looking for a quieter island? Dokos is ideal for those looking for a much less crowded destination. It’s a wild, uninhabited island between Hydra and the Peloponnese, measuring just 13km². Mountainous and rocky, it is characterised by the presence of numerous olive trees that give it all its charm. It is classified as a historic island site.

Not to be missed :

• Wild beaches
• The Byzantine castle
• Dokos lighthouse

Getting around the island :

On foot or by bike : when you arrive on the island, you have no choice but to set off on foot or with your bike if you’ve brought it with you.

How do you get there?

You have to take the boat to the Saronic Islands.

Salamis, Aegina, Poros, Spetses, Hydra and Agisitri are accessible from the port of Piraeus in Athens. Salamis can also be reached more quickly from the port of Perama, around twelve kilometres from the port of Piraeus.

Dokos can only be reached from the ports of Hydra and Spetses by water taxi.

You can choose to take a speedboat, which takes 40 minutes or 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the island, or the cheaper ferry, which takes longer.

You can also opt for a private boat cruise, stopping off at several islands over the course of a day. This is the ideal way to see as much as possible in a short space of time, and depending on which one you choose, you’ll even have the chance to go for a swim.

For total freedom on your island hopping trip, you can also hire a private boat and move around the spots you want to see as you please.