Closest Islands To Athens For A 24-Hour Day Trip

Think you need a whole week to squeeze in some island time? Think again. Some of the Aegean’s prettiest escapes are surprisingly close to Athens, making them perfect for a spontaneous 24-hour break when the city starts to feel a little too much.

The Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses are among the easiest islands to reach from Athens, with frequent ferries departing from Piraeus and journey times ranging from under an hour to around two and a half hours, depending on the island and the boat. In other words: very little logistics, very little planning, and a lot of sea.

For anyone short on time, they are an ideal way to get a taste of island life without committing to a long journey.

If you want the easiest possible island day trip from Athens, start with Aegina. 

Just around 40 minutes away by fast ferry, it is about as straightforward as island hopping gets.

Aegina has a little bit of everything: a pretty seaside town, family-friendly beaches, beautiful scenery and plenty of history, including the spectacular Temple of Aphaia. And; of course, there are the pistachios. Aegina’s famous nuts appear everywhere, from ice cream and pastries to savoury dishes, and are very much worth making room for in your day.

The island is wonderfully laid-back and easy to explore, whether you stick around the waterfront or hire a scooter and venture further afield.

And if you have time for a little detour, hop on a boat to Moni, a tiny island known for its crystal-clear waters, curious deer and peacocks. It is the sort of place where a quick swim can very easily turn into several hours.

Then there is Hydra, perhaps the most effortlessly romantic of the islands near Athens. Around 1.5–2 hours away by high-speed ferry, it feels considerably further from the capital once you arrive, in the best possible way.

There are no cars here. Instead, Hydra’s steep cobbled streets are navigated on foot, with donkeys still part of the island’s everyday rhythm. Elegant stone mansions line the harbour, little boats bob in the water and the whole place has a wonderfully timeless atmosphere.

During the day, take a water taxi to one of the more secluded swimming spots, then return to wander around the old town as the light starts to soften.

It is particularly lovely if you are travelling as a couple, but photographers, art lovers and anyone who simply enjoys beautiful places will find plenty to love here.

If Hydra feels a little too glamorous and Aegina a little too busy, Poros sits somewhere comfortably in between. Around 1.5–2 hours from Athens, this small, green island is wonderfully easy to explore at a slower pace.

Its charming port town is made for wandering, with waterfront cafés, little streets and plenty of spots to stop for a coffee or a long lunch. Beyond the town, pine-covered hills and calm beaches make it easy to escape into nature for a few hours.

Poros is one of those islands where you do not necessarily need a packed itinerary. Walk, swim, eat something good, watch the boats come and go, and suddenly it is time for the ferry home.

A little further out, Spetses takes around 2–2.5 hours by high-speed ferry, but it is still one of the most accessible islands from Athens.

Known for its neoclassical architecture, stylish cafés, restaurants and clear-water beaches, Spetses has a more refined feel than some of its neighbours. There is also plenty of history woven into the island, making it a good choice if you like your beach days with a side of culture.

It is particularly suited to couples or anyone looking for a slightly more polished island escape, and, with its beautiful old buildings and atmospheric streets, it is rather easy to see why.

And then there is Agistri, a tiny, wonderfully green island that is often overlooked despite being exceptionally close to Athens. The journey takes around 55 minutes from Piraeus when travelling via Aegina, making it another excellent option when all you have is a day.

Think turquoise waters, pine trees, cycling routes and a distinctly relaxed atmosphere. It is also generally more affordable than some of the better-known Saronic islands, which has made it particularly popular with younger travellers and anyone travelling on a budget.

If your ideal island day consists mostly of swimming, cycling, eating something simple by the sea and doing absolutely nothing else, Agistri may be calling your name.

The easiest part is getting there. Most ferries to the nearby islands leave from Piraeus, which is connected to central Athens by metro and is also easy to reach by taxi or bus. Services are particularly frequent during spring and summer, so you can often build your island day around the ferry rather than the other way around.

And you do not necessarily have to choose just one island! Several organised day cruises from Athens combine stops around the Saronic Gulf, for example, itineraries taking in Aegina, Moni and Metopi, or combinations such as Hydra, Poros and Aegina. They are a good option if your priority is seeing as much as possible in a single day rather than settling into one island.

Whether you have 24 hours, a free Saturday or simply a sudden craving for salty air, these islands prove that a Greek island escape can be much closer to Athens than you might think.