There are several charming Greek islands that can be reached by ferry from a port near Athens. Mostly they depart from Piraeus port, however, you can also catch ferries from Rafina and Lavrio too. Both of these ports are less than 30 minutes’ drive from Athens airport, with Piraeus taking a little longer, due to the need to get around Athens.
Whichever port you start from, you are sure of a great island-hopping experience en route to your dream island in the sun. Plus, if you choose to live in Athens, you can easily take weekend breaks. Here are seven of our favourite islands less than two hours by ferry from Athens.
1. Aegina
The closest island to Athens is Aegina, located in the Saronic Gulf, just 50 kilometres from Athens. The island has kept its authentic Greek charm and doesn’t feel too touristy. The inhabitants, who number around 10,000, mainly make a living from agriculture, especially pistachios. Due to the availability of fresh local produce, the island is great for those who enjoy a good healthy diet.
Aegina is also ideal for those who like history. The famous Battle of Salamis was fought here and there are several historical sites around the island. For example, the Temple of Aphaea, which is considered one of the best-preserved Doric temples in Greece.
The most popular beach is in the resort town of Agia Marina, on the eastern side of Aegina. Here you can relax and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride along the seafront. There are also pretty fishing villages at Persika and Souvala.
Traditional fishing boats, Aegina
Ferries from Athens to Aegina
Aegina is just 1 hour 10 minutes from Athens or 40 minutes on the Aegean flying dolphin. Ferry tickets start at €10.50 and you can travel from Piraeus with the ferry companies of Hellenic Seaways, Saronic Ferries and San Lorenzo Ferries.
Property on Aegina
A two-bedroom property in Agia Marina costs in the region of €250,000. A house in the historic centre of Aegina town, needing renovation can cost around €220,000
2. Methana
Looking on the map, Methana appears to be an ordinary island. However, it is actually a volcano that emerged from the sea, creating an area of land tagged onto the Peloponnese. Therefore, you can actually drive onto it, as well take a ferry.
The volcanic landscape has dense vegetation, with diverse flora and fauna. You can even climb up to the crater of the volcano. Although the population is only around 1,352, the area does attract visitors from many countries, due to the popularity of its spas and hot springs.
On the southeast side is the spa town of Methana, with a marina. This is where the flea market, carnival, boat show and other festivals take place. On the northeast side are the famous thermal springs at the Baths of Pausanias. There are also several traditional villages, such as Kameni Hora.
Ferries from Athens to Methana
Hellenic Seaways go from Piraeus to Methana in 1 hour 20 minutes, costing from €21.00 one way.
Property on Methana
A two-bedroom house with sea views can cost as little as €205,000. A block of apartments over 350 square metres can cost just €350,000.
3. Agistri
Agistri (Agkistri or Angistri), is the smallest and least populated island in the Saronic Gulf. The largest village Limeraria only has 130 inhabitants. Agistri is a beautiful haven covered with pine trees and nature. Despite its small size and lack of historical sites, it does have some amazing tavernas and beautiful beaches, such as the sandy beach at Skala.
To get around the island, you only need a scooter or bike. It’s a great place to go hiking, cycling, kayaking and diving. And for that special photo opportunity, you can’t miss the blue domes on the cathedral of Agioi Anargyroi in Skala.
Ferries from Athens to Agistri
There are frequent ferries from Athens to Agistri throughout the year. In the summer, there are around six daily sailings to Agistri from the port of Piraeus. High-speed ferries to Agistri arrive at the port of Myloi, while standard ferries travel to the port of Skala.
The duration of the trip with a high-speed vessel ranges from 55 minutes to 1 hour 35, with ferry tickets costing from €13.50. The route is served by Hellenic Seaways, Saronic ferries and Aegean flying dolphins.
Property on Agistri
Two-bedroom houses on Agistri cost from €250,000. Two-bedroom apartments cost from €170,000.
4. Poros
Poros is made up of two islands joined by a narrow isthmus. The smaller island is only 300 metres off the shoreline of the Peloponnese at Galatas, and this is where Poros town is located. The larger island is greener, more natural and largely uninhabited.
The ferry stops at Poros town, which is very picturesque, with traditional white buildings and terracotta roofs. There are restaurants and tavernas right on the waterfront, which make this the perfect location for a romantic holiday home. Poros has a lot of character, with charming alleyways and lively bars.
Poros town at sunset
Ferries from Athens to Poros
Ferries to Poros depart from the port of Piraeus in Athens multiple times per day. Most ferries from Athens to Poros are high-speed, reaching the port in less than 1 hour 10 minutes. Tickets for the Pireaus-Poros ferry crossing cost about €34.
Property on Poros
An old two-bedroom house needing some modernisation can cost from €170,000. A small two-bedroom maisonette with sea views can cost from €200,000. A large villa costs in the region of €500,000.
5. Hydra
If you dream of a place with no traffic, Hydra (Idra) is the island for you. Cars and motorbikes are not allowed here. Hydra is located in the Saronic Gulf, only 25 minutes by boat from the Peloponnese town of Ermioni.
Hydra has its own unique character. You can enjoy relaxing walks and stunning sunsets and see donkeys and boats, pine forests and lemon trees. The majority of the island is rocky and uninhabited, with little more than 2,000 permanent residents.
Hydra harbour (Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com)
There are some small beaches, mostly pebble, but there are also some pretty swimming spots with just a pier and ladder to get in and out of the sea. Mandraki is one of the trendiest sandy beaches, loved by yacht owners.
Day-trippers rarely venture far past the port, as it is such a fascinating place to just sit and watch the boats. But the locals know all the best places to go. It’s wonderful to explore the narrow streets of the upper town and take a romantic sunset walk along the lit path that leads to Vlychos. In fact, there are many good footpaths and hiking trails on Hydra.
Ferries from Athens to Hydra
The ferry trip from Athens to Hydra lasts between 1 hour 20 minutes to two hours, depending which ferry you travel on. The route is mainly serviced by high-speed ferries, with Magic Sea Ferries being the fastest. Ferry tickets from Athens to Hydra start at €38. Once on the island you can only get around on foot, by donkey or water taxi.
Ferries to Hydra depart from the port of Piraeus in Athens. If you are located in the Peloponnese you can also drive to the ports of Ermioni or Porto Cheli and catch the ferry from there.
Property on Hydra
As there isn’t much space for new buildings, the existing houses are in great demand and therefore can be fairly expensive. However, the houses are generally of a good strong construction and brimming with character. A quaint two-bedroom cottage can cost upward of €500,000. A three-bedroom traditional Hydrean house sells for more than €650,000.
6. Kea
Kea (or Tzia) is the closest Cycladic Island to Athens, and a popular location for relaxing holidays. This charming island has an interesting history and cultural traditions. The pretty port of Kea is at Korissia, also known as Livadi. Korissia is a picturesque village, with many shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and lovely sandy beaches.
There are some gorgeous coves and beaches on the island, particularly at Sikamia and Xyla. Divers love discovering the underwater world of sealife and shipwrecks around Kea. One of which is the sister ship of the RMS Titanic, the HMHS Britannic.
In addition, the inland landscape is equally beautiful. You can see large oak forests, green fields, olive groves, vineyards, hills and ravines. There are also caves and hiking trails to explore. On Kea, you can also enjoy delicious meals and marvel at wonderful monuments, such as the “Lion of Kea”.
At the centre of the island is the capital town, Chora, built on the grounds of the ancient town of Loulida. Being in an elevated position, many properties here have spectacular views across the island right to the sea. It’s a charming little town, with stone paved streets, terraces and steps. Near the main square is a museum displaying finds from archaeological sites around the island.
Ferries from Lavrio to Kea
The best way to travel to Kea from Athens is through the port of Lavrio. The ferry crossing from Lavrio to Kea is just one hour, making it one of the top day-tripper islands from Athens. Tickets for the crossing are normally between €11.50 and €14.00. The route is covered by Hellenic Seaways, Triton ferries and Karystia travel.
Property on Kea
On Kea the price of a traditional old stone house can start at around €150,000. A two-bedroom house in Loulida, with spectacular panoramic views can cost in the region of €370,000. Prices vary greatly, depending on location, condition and whether the property has sea views.
Detached house for sale in Karistos
7. Karystos, on Evia
Evia (Euboea) is Greece’s second-largest island and is very close to the mainland. One of its highlights is the district of Karystos. Karystos (or Carystus) is a small coastal town in an area which boasts castles, ancient sites, beautiful beaches and charming mountain villages.
Karystos and the area around Mount Ohi are included in the NATURA 2000 EU program for the protection of natural habitats. Therefore, everyone can enjoy the sight of birds and trees, streams and gorges. Hiking trails pass old stone bridges and a roman aqueduct.
The town of Karystos may only have a population of around 5,000, but it has everything you need. This is an authentic Greek working town with some good cafes along its waterfront. East of the port is a small fort and there are beautiful beaches nearby. Some of these beaches are within easy walking distance of the town centre.
Ferries from Rafina to Marmari
The port of Rafina is only a 20-minute drive from Athens airport. The ferry crossing from Rafina to Marmari, takes one hour and costs from €12. Karystos is about 16 minutes’ drive from the port. If strong winds stop sailings, you can still reach Evia by crossing the Halkis bridge at the middle of the island.
Property in Karystos
Two-bedroom apartments and maisonettes with a seafront view cost in the region of €250,000. A two-bedroom house on the inland side of town costs around €280,000. Property for sale in Karystos can be seen on Your Overseas Home.
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