10 Best Islands Near Athens

Hydra is a paradise for hikers, beach lovers and anyone looking to unwind while enjoying the chic and bohemian way of life on the island. Hydra’s laid-back ambience attracts slow tourism enthusiasts from jetsetters to backpackers.

Visit the remote beach of Avlaki for a perfect day in the sun or head to the hiking trails that lead to the hills and wild, unspoiled nature. You can spend the day marvelling at the cosmopolitan port town with its atmospheric taverns and snug shops. As no cars are allowed, you can take your time to discover the island on foot or riding on a donkey. Only about 2 hours from Athens by boat, it’s an excellent escape from the bustle of the city.

Agistri, about an hour from Athens by boat, offers beautiful bays and hidden coves, pristine nature and snug seaside taverns. You can find rest and relaxation on the pebbly beaches of Aponissos and Dragonera. Skala charms visitors with a sandy beach and shallow shores, ideal for families with small children.

To get away from the concrete jungle of Athens and reconnect with nature, put on your hiking boots and wander amid the tall pines. When it’s time to grab a bite, stop by one of the small tavernas in the ports of Scala and Megalochori. The compact Agistri is ideal for a day trip, but its emerald waters might tempt you stay a bit longer.

Poros is an exciting combination of traditional and modern Greece. Take a stroll along the scenic alleys, have fun at the lively bars and tavernas or sunbathe on the lovely beaches. In the port town, you’re greeted by impressive historic homes and a clock tower that has the perfect view of the area. To learn about Poros’ history, visit the Archaeological Museum and the Poseidon Temple Ruins.

To get to the most secluded beaches, rent a bike and enjoy a refreshing day away from the crowds. In Galatas, you can find an enchanting lemon tree forest with a waterfall and traditional watermills. Poros is perfect for weekend breaks as it’s only an hour and 15 minutes away from Athens.

Spetses is a charming green island famous for its neoclassical houses, fascinating history and remote beaches. Cars aren’t allowed here, so rent a scooter or take a bus to explore this paradise island. Drive up to the Agia Anargiri and Agia Paraskevi beaches and dive into the clear blue waters. To explore the history of Spetses, visit the Spetses Museum or Bouboulina Museum.

To appreciate the port town’s beauty, walk along the waterfront past the handsome mansions to the Old Harbour with its traditional boatyards. Nothing says ‘holiday’ more than a refreshing drink and some people-watching in one of the cafes or bars in the trendy Dapia neighbourhood. The high-speed ferry to Spetses takes around 2.5 hours.

The clear waters around Aegina, delicious local pistachios in all forms and the charming, winding alleyways attract visitors for a day trip from the nearby Athens. The town of Aegina invites you to explore its lanes, brightly painted houses and old-world tavernas either on foot or in horse-drawn carriages. For the perfect sunset vista, make your way to Perdika, a picturesque town known for its whitewashed homes and wonderful views.

To unwind, head to one of the gorgeous beaches in Marathon and Souvala where the swimming season lasts until late autumn. Must-sees for history enthusiasts are the ancient temple of Athena Aphaia and stone-built Byzantine churches. Aegina is only 40 minutes by hydrofoil from the port of Piraeus.

In Kythnos, you’re surrounded by wild natural landscapes, amazing beaches and traditional villages. Take a stroll along the narrow lanes and discover gardens full of flowers and tiny chapels that pop up around every corner. The breath-taking hiking trails lead you to the most secluded beaches. Swim and sunbathe at Kolona with fine, golden sand or explore the cave of Katafyki. For an amazing view and best holiday photos, climb up to the Castle of Oria.

Even though it’s just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Athens, Kythnos is still pretty authentic and unspoiled, one of the lesser-known and least explored of the Cycladic Islands. Here you can feel the local way of life, away from the crowds.

Kea (or Tzia) invites you to take it slow and watch life go by on its tranquil narrow streets with nothing but the Aegean Sea on the horizon. In the spectacular Ioulida, the capital of the island, you can wander around the alleyways for hours, only to stop at welcoming restaurants for refreshing drinks and local delicacies. The attractive villages of Otzias, Korissia and Vourkari are also worth a visit.

If ‘Indiana’ and ‘Jones’ are your middle names, you’ll have a field day at the excavations at the Ruins of Ancient Karthea and at the archaeological museum. For the best beaches, visit Sikamia and Xyla. The Cycladic Island of Kea is only an hour from Athens by boat.

Put on your hiking shoes and get back to nature on the inviting trails crisscrossing the Cyclades Island of Andros. You’re rewarded with stunning views and the wonderful scent of herbs as you make your way to the next picturesque village or cosy taverna. The island capital, Chora, invites you to admire its unique architecture, walk along the narrow alleys and visit the many museums and galleries.

If you want to spend a day at the beach, you have plenty to choose from. The most popular ones are Golden Beach and Agios Petros. The beaches of Ahla, Vitali and Vlychada are only accessible by a track road and offer more privacy. If you love windsurfing, head to Ormos beach.

In Syros you can combine a luxurious city break and a relaxing beach holiday, feast on the local delicacies and dive into the rich cultural tradition of the island. To reach the best beaches easily, book a room in one of the small villages and you’ll have the most gorgeous beaches right at your doorstep. In Galissas, the spectacular beach with crystal-clear water is tucked away in a beautiful bay. Galissas also boasts lovely cafes and a glorious view over the Aegean Sea from the village church.

The lively capital of Syros, Ermoupoli, takes you back in time. Here you’ll find neoclassic architecture, romantic hotels and cafes and restaurants with authentic interiors from the beginning of the 19th century.

The stunning Santorini with its unique architecture, epic sunsets and cosmopolitan vibe is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you really must see. For the perfect holiday selfies, head to the village of Oia, famous for its magical sunsets and fairy-tale landscape with whitewashed houses, bright blue doors and traditional windmills. Here you can hobnob with jetsetters in luxury hotels and admire the striking view of a volcano.

The capital Firá, perched on the top edge of the Caldera, offers breath-taking views of the Aegean Sea. To learn about the history of Santorini, visit the Archaeological Museum or the magnificent Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Santorini is about 5 hours from Athens by high-speed ferry or an hour by plane.