Saronic Islands
Lying south of Athens and to the east of the Peloponnese, these islands are within easy reach of the capital, with regular ferry and hydrofoil services running from the port of Piraeus. Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Salamis and Spetses are the most popular islands, with Hydra as the indisputable highlight.
(Perama, 1 nautical mile.) Closest to the mainland, Salamis (Salamina) can be reached from both Piraeus and Perama. There are reasonable sandy beaches at Iliakti, Kanakia, Moulki and Peristeria, though the island’s natural beauty is somewhat spoilt by the proximity of heavy industry. The island has good roads and a network of bus and taxi services.
(Piraeus, 17.5 nautical miles.) Famed for pistachios and ceramics, Aegina (Egina) makes a perfect daytrip from Athens, thanks to its excellent beaches, clear seas and proximity to Piraeus. Boats arrive at the main port, Aegina Town. East from here, on top of a wooded hill offering panoramic views, stands the Temple of Aphaia made up of 22 Doric columns erected in the fifth century BC. On the coast, below the temple, Agia Marina is the island’s most popular resort, thanks to its long sandy beach. South of Aegina Town lies Perdika, a pretty fishing village with a good sandy beach and boat trips running to the small wooded islands of Angistri and Moni. Aegina is relatively flat. Bicycles are available for hire, and it is possible to take a ride in a horsedrawn carriage. The island is also served by buses and taxis.
(Piraeus, 35 nautical miles.) Poros is a thickly wooded island separated from the Peloponnese by a very narrow channel. Regular boats cross the channel from Galatas, on the Peloponnese mainland. There is also a service from Piraeus. The island was formed through the union of two smaller islands, Kalavria and Sphaeria. The chief settlement, Poros Town, is known for its white buildings with blue woodwork, typical of Greek island architecture. Close by lie the remains of the Sanctuary of Poseidon, built in the sixth century BC. The best sand beaches lie at Askeli and Neorio.
(Piraeus, 42 nautical miles.) A barren, rocky, car-free island, Hydra (Idra) is popular with artists and jet-setters, primarily for the beauty of its chief settlement and port, Hydra Town. Built into the hill overlooking the harbour, Hydra Town is a labyrinth of steep cobbled streets, filled with chic bars, restaurants and art galleries. 500m (1640ft) above town stands a monastery, offering fantastic views out over the sea. There are a number of small hotels and private rooms to rent, though visitors should make reservations well in advance as Hydra is extremely busy through high season. Being so rocky, there are few good beaches, but it is possible to swim south of town at Kaminia, Molos and Vlichos, and north of town at Mandraki.
(Piraeus, 35 nautical miles.) Located at the southern extremity of the Saronic Gulf, Spetses has long been a popular holiday retreat for wealthy Athenians, who are attracted here by good beaches, beautiful pine woods and fresh air. Cars are forbidden, except to residents. Bicycles are available for rent, and the island is served by buses and taxis. There are plenty of good hotels and entertainment facilities in the chief settlement, Spetses Town. The best beaches lie at Agia Anangiri and Agia Pasaskevi.
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