Saronic Islands
Photo: Darja B / Pexels
The Verdict
The easiest island taste from Athens — but easy, not necessarily the best Greece has to offer.
Why go
For the shortest possible island detour from Athens — car-free Hydra in particular is genuinely beautiful.
Understand the place
The islands closest to Athens — Hydra, Spetses, Aegina, Poros — easy day trips or short stays from the capital.
Where to swim
Beaches
The old world
History & archaeology
Beyond the built
Outdoors & nature
Spilia & Hydroneta
Twin swimming platforms of flat rock and concrete steps just west of Hydra harbour, where the town swims.
“Hydra's swimming is rock, not sand, and this is where the town does it: a ladder, deep clear water and a bar above the rocks.”
The Hydra Coastal Path
The coastal path heading east from the main port leads past bare rock and small swimming coves. Without cars to disrupt the silence, the walk toward Vlichos is the main incentive to stay overnight instead of leaving at sunset.
“Skip the crowded port area and walk the coast to find actual space to swim.”
Places within
Hydra Town
A car-free stone port town in an amphitheatre around its harbour, with captains' mansions from the island's shipping fortunes.
“It empties completely at five, when the day boats leave. That silence, and the swimming rocks beyond the port, are what you are paying for.”
Hydra
A car-free Saronic island of stone mansions and no motor traffic — the most beautiful island within reach of Athens.
“The one Saronic island genuinely worth a short stay — car-free, stone-built, and a fast trip from Athens.”
Keep reading
All Greek islandsMore related places in Greece
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