Argo Saronic islands are an ideal option for Greece holidays. A popular destination among Athenians looking for a weekend escape, the islands of Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses feature picturesque harbors, museums and Neoclassical mansions, narrow, winding streets, charming beaches and unspoiled, natural beauty.
SARONIC ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE
The Saronic islands are very popular Greek islands for summer holidays and weekend breaks. This is because there are the closest Greek islands from Athens. Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses have developed a lot in tourism over the last years, while Agistri is not that famous but remains a true gem to explore. The crystal water, the relaxing atmosphere, and the long history are the most distinctive characteristics of Saronic Greece, which have a different character each. Poros is great for sailing, Hydra has amazing architecture, Spetses stands out for the elegant mansions and Aegina is ideal for family vacations.
WHERE IS SARONIC ISLANDS
Due to their close distance to Athens and the short ferry ride, the islands of the Saronic Gulf are ideal destinations for short holidays and weekend breaks. They all have something special in their style and a truly relaxing atmosphere.
HYDRA
The jewel of the Saronic Gulf, Hydra is a popular destination since the 1960s, when it became a highly artistic centre and a meeting spot for renowned writers, painters and actors of that time. This is an island with both cosmopolitan and traditional vibe, elegant mansions, picturesque coves and many hiking trails.
- Why Hydra: Small island, great architecture, hiking, museums, culture, vintage, aristocratic, picturesque, cosmopolitan, car free, proximity to Athens, quick getaway.
- Highlights: Bastions, Koudouriotis mansion, Kaminia beach, Hydronetta beach.
- Tips: Suggested stays: 1-2 nights, cars are not allowed, ideal island hopping to: Spetses, Poros.
- Where is Hydra: Hydra belongs to the Saronic islands group and is in short distance from Athens.
- How to get there: There are frequent ferries from Athens (Piraeus) & from Metoxi in Peloponnese every day.
SPETSES
An island with vivid traditional architecture, Spetses is a great for relaxing holidays. A walk around the main town will bring you to elegant mansions, intereating churches, ample squares and spots with beautiful view to the sea. Cars are prohibited in the town and transport is done on foot, by bicycle or with the lovely horse carriages. Do not miss the museum of Bouboulina, a heroine of the Greek Revolution, just above the port.
- Why Spetses: Small island, architecture, hiking, museums, culture, vintage, aristocratic, picturesque, ccosmopolitan, nightlife, car free, proximity to Athens, short getaway.
- Highlights: Old Harbor, Church of Agios Nikolaos, Bouboulina Museum, Agioi Anargiri beach.
- Tips: Suggested stays: 1-2 nights, cars are not allowed, ideal island hopping to: Hydra, Poros.
- Where is Spetses: Spetses belongs to the Saronic islands group and is in short distance from Athens.
- How to get there: There are frequent ferries from Athens (Piraeus) & from Ermioni or Port Xeli in Peloponnese every day.
AEGINA
Very close to Athens and with regular ferry connection, Aegina island is small charming island, ideal for family holidays. The beaches in Aegina are organized and shallow, which makes them safe for children. Also the picturesque seaside villages provide romantic background for promenades. In Aegina, do not miss the Ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia in the centre of the island.
- Why Aegina: Small island, proximity to Athens, quaint, nice tavernas, short getaway.
- Highlights: Temple of Athena Aphaia, Tower of Markellos, Moni islet, Perdika beach.
- Tips: Suggested stays: 1-2 nights, Car rental is optional, ideal island hopping to: Agistri, Poros.
- Where is Aegina: Aegina belongs to the Saronic islands group and is in short distance from Athens.
- How to get there: There are many ferries from Athens (Piraeus) everyday.
POROS
Due to its close distance to Athens and its small size, Poros island is popular as a weekend destination. The lovely coves with blue green water, the verdant background and the picturesque town gives Poros a relaxing atmosphere. The island is also used as a base for sailing trips around the Saronic Gulf. The most popular beaches in Poros are Askeli and the Love Bay.
- Why Poros: Small island, picturesque, lovely town, lush vegetation, proximity to Athens, quaint, short getaway.
- Highlights: Clock tower, Russian dockyard, Love Bay beach, Askeli beach.
- Tips: Suggested stays: 1-2 nights, car is optional, ideal island hopping to: Spetses, Aegina.
- Where is Poros: Poros belongs to the Saronic islands group and is in short distance from Athens.
- How to get there: There are frequent ferries from Athens (Piraeus) & Galata in Peloponnese every day.
AGISTRI
A small island in close distance to Athens and Aegina , Agistri island attracts visitors with the calm ambience and the crystal beaches. Skala is the most popular resort of Agistri, while a tour around the island will bring you to many nice coves with blue green water. Few of these coves are naturist places. The evenings in Agistri are romantic and great for walking under the moonlight.
- Why Agistri: Small island, proximity to Athens, quaint, nice tavernas, short getaway.
- Highlights: Chalikiada beach, Aponissos beach.
- Tips: Suggested stays: 1 night, no car needed, ideal Island hopping to: Aegina.
- Where is Agistri: Agistri belongs to the Saronic islands group and is in short distance from Athens.
- How to get there: There are frequent ferries from Athens (Piraeus) everyday.
WHERE TO STAY IN SARONIC ISLANDS
On average, 3-star hotels in Saronic Islands cost $113 per night, and 4-star hotels in Saronic Islands are $147 per night. If you’re looking for something really special, 5-star hotels in Saronic Islands cost around $346 per night. View all hotels in Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Hydra and Spetses.
