Fasten your seatbelts, everyone. Today, we’re embarking on an epic island-hopping extravaganza departing from the vibrant city of Athens. Discover historic wonders, beach bliss, and hidden gems just a boat ride away from the city. I can’t wait to spill the beans on the most incredible island day trips from Athens, Greece. Let the island adventure begin!
NOTE: THIS POST HAS BEEN SPONSORED AND/OR CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THROUGH WHICH I EARN A COMMISSION AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. SUPPORT A WOMAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (LIKE MINE!) TODAY. (P.S. ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE MY OWN. OF COURSE.)
TABLE OF CONTENTS > Click to open
- How to Get to Greek Islands From Athens
- Best Island Day Trips From Athens
- Aegina: The Island of Pistachios
- Hydra: A Must-Visit Island Day Trip from Athens
- Syros: A Blend of History and Beach Bliss
- Kythnos: Tranquility Meets Authentic Greek Charm
- Poros: Dreamy Landscapes and a Hint of Romance
- Spetses: Where Elegance Meets Island Day Trip
- Agistri: The Hidden Gem of Tranquility
- Kea: The Island of Serendipitous Surprises
- Dive Right Into These Island Day Trips from Athens!
- Did You Find This Post Helpful?
How to Get to Greek Islands From Athens
The easiest way to get from Athens to the islands is by ferry. And there are as many ferry lines as there are islands in Greece, so use Rome2Rio or Ferry Hopper to figure out which line has the best timetable and prices for your budget.
You can get to all or some of the amazing islands listed below from Port of Piraeus in Athens. However, some island day trips will require travel to ports outside of Athens. Alternatively, you can also just book a tour and cruise to multiple islands in one day. I’ve listed a couple here that look pretty solid:
- Cruise Agistri, Moni, and Aegina with lunch and drinks included
- Cruise to Poros, Hydra, and Aegina with lunch included
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…
- Awesome Things To Do on Mainland Greece
- Hidden Gems of Athens Well Worth Exploring (Coming soon!)
- The Best Cruise in the Mediterranean? Celestyal’s 3 Continents
- A Northern Italy Road Trip Itinerary
- Most Beautiful Cities In Italy You’ve Never Heard Of
Best Island Day Trips From Athens
After you’ve run through all the amazing things to do on mainland Greece, embark on an unforgettable island day trip or two. These excursions promise a delightful blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. And offer a perfect getaway from Athens to explore the enchanting Greek islands in just a day.
Aegina: The Island of Pistachios
Hold on tight, folks! Our first stop for our island day trips from Athens, is Aegina, a charming island known for its sandy beaches and—wait for it—the most delicious pistachios you’ll ever taste!
Take a dip in the sparkling azure waters and wander through the narrow streets of the picturesque town. Don’t forget to visit the ancient Temple of Aphaia. Oh, and did I mention the mouthwatering pistachio ice cream? You’ll be in nutty heaven!
- Ferry Duration: 40 minutes
- Estimated Price: $23-$85
Hydra: A Must-Visit Island Day Trip from Athens
Where cars are so last season. Get ready to teleport into a bygone era on the island of Hydra for this day trip from Athens. Cars are as rare as a unicorn sighting here.
Picture this: picturesque harbors, cobblestone streets, and pastel-colored mansions. This car-free paradise is the perfect place to channel your inner explorer. Grab a donkey ride, browse through art galleries, and soak up the sun on Hydra’s pristine beaches. Trust me, it’s a magical escape from the daily hustle!
- Ferry Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours
- Estimated Price: $27 to $90
Syros: A Blend of History and Beach Bliss
Syros, a hidden gem in the Cyclades, offers a delightful mix of history and stunning beaches.
Explore the charming streets of Ermoupoli, the island’s capital, with its neoclassical architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Discover the rich cultural heritage at the Archaeological Museum and indulge in local delicacies at traditional tavernas.
Head to the sandy shores of Galissas or Vari to bask in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy a relaxing beach day. Syros’ unique blend of history and beach bliss makes it an enticing destination for a memorable island day trip from Athens.
- Ferry Duration: 4 hour
- Estimated Price: $29 to $90
Kythnos: Tranquility Meets Authentic Greek Charm
Venture off the beaten path with me as we uncover the tranquil island of Kythnos, one of Athens’ best-kept secrets, where tranquility meets authentic Greek charm.
Kythnos invites you to relax on its unspoiled beaches, wander through traditional villages, and witness breathtaking sunsets over the Aegean Sea. Explore the island’s therapeutic thermal springs, steeped in ancient history and healing properties.
Kythnos, the epitome of tranquility, offers a rejuvenating day trip from Athens, promising an unforgettable experience on your island-hopping adventure. So pack your bags, soak up the serene vibes, and let Kythnos weave its magic on your Greek island getaway!
- Ferry Duration: 3 hours
- Estimated Price: $31 to $73
Poros: Dreamy Landscapes and a Hint of Romance
Welcome to Poros, the idyllic island day trip from Athens that effortlessly combines dreamy landscapes with a dash of romance. Prepare to be enchanted by its charming town, mesmerized by the delightful beaches, and captivated by the iconic Clock Tower that stands tall as a symbol of timeless beauty.
As you stroll along the picturesque waterfront, indulge in the tantalizing flavors of local delicacies that will be such a treat to your taste buds. And when the sun begins to dip below the horizon, don’t forget to capture that perfect sunset shot, as Poros’ undeniable allure will leave you swooning with every passing moment.
Get ready to embrace the magic of Poros, where every step is a journey into the heart of romance and adventure.
- Ferry Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Estimated Price: $25 to $85
Spetses: Where Elegance Meets Island Day Trip
Prepare to be transported to an island where elegance meets laid-back island life – Spetses. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn as you explore this captivating place filled with elegant mansions, pristine beaches, and a lively atmosphere.
Rent a bicycle or hop on a horse-drawn carriage to discover hidden coves, indulge in a seafood feast by the sea, and dance the night away under the starry sky. Spetses, the epitome of island sophistication!
- Ferry Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Estimated Price: $30 to $95
Agistri: The Hidden Gem of Tranquility
Seeking tranquility? Agistri is your answer, my friends! This unspoiled gem will captivate you with its crystal-clear waters, untouched beaches, and a sense of serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Agistri is one of the best island day trips from Athens. Rent a bicycle or a scooter and explore the island’s natural beauty, bask in the sun on secluded beaches, and revel in the slower pace of life. Agistri is a tranquil haven just a stone’s throw away from Athens.
- Ferry Duration: 1 hour
- Estimated Price: $24 to $85
Kea: The Island of Serendipitous Surprises
Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by Kea, one of the closest islands to Athens. Kea offers an array of adventures, from stunning beaches and traditional villages to exhilarating hiking trails.
Explore the ancient site of Karthea, lose yourself in the narrow streets of Ioulis, and reward yourself with breathtaking views from the island’s highest peak. Kea, a treasure trove of hidden surprises!
To make this a day trip, you will have to travel to Lavrio Port in Laurium, a little over an hour from Athens.
- Ferry Duration: 1 hour
- Estimated Price: $14
Dive Right Into These Island Day Trips from Athens!
So, fellow wanderlusters, are you ready to embark on this island hopping adventure? These island day trips from Athens will fill your heart with memories to last a lifetime. So, seize the moment and let the island vibes guide you. Your captivating journey awaits! Stay tuned for more travel tales and escapades as we continue to explore the world, one island and one adventure at a time.
Did You Find This Post Helpful?
Support my coffee addiction and my blogging habit all in one fell swoop. Chip in with a one-time amount of your choosing. (Forever in gratitude, hugs in advance.)