Créé par Romane, le 20 juin 2026
Votre guide Ryo
Visit the Saronic Islands, off the coast of Greece
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These are the islands closest to the Greek capital: the Saronic Islands are a real must-do if you have the chance to visit the region!
An archipelago within reach of Athens
The Saronic Islands, also called the Western Sporades, consist of 4 main islands, Salamina, Aegina, Agistri and Poros, to which we add the islands of Hydra, Dokos and Spetses located off the Peloponnese. The first 4 are located in the Saronic Gulf while the last ones are part of the Argolic Gulf, a little further south.
What's great about these islands is that they each have their own assets and are therefore all interesting to visit. If you only have a day or two to visit, it's up to you to choose the ones you're most interested in! Here's a little guide that covers each of the islands and their characteristics to help you choose.
When to visit the Saronic Islands?
The best time to visit the Saronic Islands is between May and September. Summers are hot and dry, very sunny and generally with daytime temperatures that remain around 28°C. There can still be some periods of intense heat. This is obviously the ideal season if you want to make the most of the beaches. If you prefer to visit when it's cooler, the months of June and September are perfect, with an average temperature of 25°C, and the month of May can also be a good compromise since it averages 22°C. They are generally sunny and dry.
Note that in winter, temperatures rarely drop below 10°C. However, it can be quite rainy, with days alternating between sun, clouds and rain.
What to see?
In the Saronic Gulf
1- Aegina – The most visited
It's not the largest island in the archipelago, but it is the most touristic. You should know that it once had a place almost as important as Athens: it still reveals some of its ancient architectural treasures from Antiquity. Archaeological sites, therefore, but also beaches ideal for swimming in summer. One day may be enough to visit the island, or a weekend if you want to take your time on the beaches. Aegina is also renowned for its pistachio production, so you'll find them everywhere to taste or enjoy!
Must-sees:
- The beaches of Agia Marina, Marathonas, Sarpa and Klima
- The Temple of Aphaia
- Markellos Tower
- The archaeological site of Kolona
- Aegina Archaeological Museum
- The Monastery of Agios Nektarios
- Chora and its port
- The village of Paleohora
- Moni islet
Getting around the island:
By car: ferries accept cars, so you can bring your vehicle with you and visit the island by car or scooter. You also have the option of renting a vehicle on site, in one of the main seaside resorts.
By bus: there are 3 bus lines on the island, which take you to the beaches and most tourist sites. They are not very frequent (about every hour), but if you organize well, you can see almost everything on the island with this means of transport. Remember to check the schedules in advance.
On foot: you will obviously need several days to discover Aegina on foot, but many accessible hiking trails allow you to connect some of the most touristic points. A beautiful way to discover the island if you have time!
2- Salamina – The largest
It's the largest of the Saronic Islands but also the closest to Athens, so much so that it's even considered part of its suburbs. Less touristic than Aegina, it nevertheless presents several exceptional sites to visit. It is known for hosting the Battle of Salamina, opposing the Greek city-states to the Persian Empire in the 5th century BC. This naval battle marks the victory of the Greeks over the Persians, who put an end to their expansion in Europe. An island that has many stories to tell!
Must-sees:
- The beaches of Saterli, Kolonès, Peristeria and Kyriza
- Euripidio Theatre
- The ancient theatre of Selinia
- The port of Salamina
- Faneromeni Monastery
- Panayia Elefthrotria Church
- Salamina Archaeological Museum
Getting around the island:
By car: the island is large, so it's better to have a vehicle to visit it.
3- Poros – The romantic
Thousands of pines await you on this island considered one of the greenest in the Aegean Sea. Idyllic beaches, hiking trails in the heart of nature, a lively town where you can spend beautiful festive evenings... That's what Poros is made of, formerly called Kalavria. The island was dedicated, in Antiquity, to the sea god Poseidon. It is said to have been inhabited since the Bronze Age! A historic and peaceful island that holds many surprises...
Must-sees:
- The town of Poros (or Hora) and its historic clock Sfaira
- Poros Archaeological Museum
- Zoodochou Piyis Monastery
- The Temple of Poseidon
- The beaches of Rossikos, Love Bay, Russian Bay, Kanali, Plaka, Neorio and Askeli
Getting around the island:
By car: you can rent a car upon arrival on the island to visit every corner.
By bicycle: Poros can also be done very well by bike, even if you have to take into account that the paths can climb a little in some places.
By bus: If you are in the town of Poros, you can take the bus to reach the most beautiful surrounding beaches.
4- Agistri – Small but historic
Agistri is the smallest of the (inhabited) Saronic Islands, but it's worth a day's visit. It's a charming island waiting for you, wilder and more picturesque than Salamina and Aegina, but also less crowded, which makes it all the more authentic. Its preserved landscapes composed of beaches, coves and forests make it a true haven of peace. You can also enjoy this exceptional setting for a horseback ride or try water sports.
Must-sees:
- The villages of Skala and Megalochori (or Mylos)
- Skliri cove
- The village of Limenaria
- The port and beach of Aponissos
- The beaches of Chalikadia and Xekofti
Getting around the island:
On foot: Agistri is only 13 km², so you can decide to do it on foot if you spend several days there. The hiking trails are numerous and accessible and will take you from one point of interest to another under the pines that populate the island.
By bicycle: if you want to visit Agistri more quickly, the best option is to do it by bike! You can easily find rental services on site, upon arrival at the port of Skala or Megalochori.
In the Argolic Gulf
5- Hydra – The vintage
Head to the island of Hydra, located in the Argolic Gulf, to visit a unique destination. Here, no cars or scooters, the tranquility of residents and visitors is preserved, as much as the magnificent landscapes you will discover on this small piece of Greek land. Instead of vehicles, donkeys and mules make this island even more picturesque. You can easily find beautiful walks along the sea and in the pine forests that compose it!
Must-sees:
- The town of Hydra and its port
- The beaches of Limnioniza, Avlaki, Kastello, Vlichos, Bisti and Agios Nikolaos
- The Monastery of the Assumption
- The village of Mandraki
- The residence of Lanzaros Koundouriotis
- The archives museum
- The village of Kamini
Getting around the island:
On foot: there are no cars on the island, so you'll have to walk to discover it. The trails are very well marked and there are about ten of them.
By water taxi: if you want to discover other coastal areas of Hydra, take the water taxi, it will take you to the hidden corners of the island.
6- Spetses – The relaxed
Great rival of Hydra, Spetses is considered one of the most beautiful Saronic Islands. Its picturesque and historic side makes it a very interesting destination: you will see here an authentic island, which only allows motorcycles and taxis. Its shipowners' mansions recall its rich historical past and the crystal-clear waters that surround it are perfect for a dreamy afternoon on the beach. You will certainly notice a sweet scent of jasmine floating in the air, the true emblem of the island.
Must-sees:
- The town of Spetses
- The beaches of Vrelos, Agii Anargiri, Ligonéri, Kaiki Beach and Paradise Beach
- The Bouboulinas Museum
- Saint Nicholas Monastery
- Zogéria Bay
- Profitis Illias Monastery
Getting around the island:
By taxi: while cars are forbidden on the island, there are still a few taxis that can take you wherever you want to go.
By scooter: you also have the right to travel by scooter, so you can rent one to explore the island.
On foot: if you don't want to visit the entire island, you can go on foot and discover the surroundings of the town where you are staying. There will always be hiking trails or beaches nearby.
By bicycle: it's a very good alternative to visit Spetses. It's convenient to get around the island by bike and you'll be able to see more things. You can rent bikes (electric too) on site.
7- Dokos – The wild
Are you looking for a quieter island? Dokos is ideal for those seeking a much less crowded destination. It's a wild and uninhabited island located between Hydra and the Peloponnese and is only 13 km². Mountainous and rocky, it is characterized by the presence of numerous olive trees that give it all its charm. It is classified as a historic site island.
Must-sees:
- The wild beaches
- The Byzantine castle
- Dokos lighthouse
Getting around the island:
On foot or by bicycle : when you arrive on the island, you have no choice but to go on foot or with your bike if you brought it with you.
How to get there?
You need to take a boat to reach the Saronic Islands.
Salamina, Aegina, Poros, Spetses, Hydra and Agistri are accessible from the port of Piraeus, in Athens. Salamina is also accessible more quickly from the port of Perama, located about twelve kilometers from the port of Piraeus.
Dokos is accessible only from the ports of Hydra and Spetses by water taxi.
You have the choice between taking a fast boat that takes you there in 40min/1h30 depending on the island or the ferry, cheaper, which takes more time.
You can also opt for a private boat cruise that will stop at several islands for a day. This solution is ideal for seeing as much as possible in a short time and you will even have the opportunity, depending on the one you choose, to swim.
To be completely free during your excursion to the islands, you also have the option of renting a private boat and moving around as you wish to the spots you want to see.