Islands near Athens: 7 options for a quick getaway by ferry

The islands near Athens solve your weekend dilemma: a one-hour trip transports you to a different landscape, without needing a plane or a lengthy ferry journey. The Saronic Gulf is the obvious choice, but there are also quieter options for those willing to drive a bit further.

See how far each one is, how to get there with or without a car, and which accommodations stand out.

Summary table: distances, times, and costs

Before diving into the details, here's a consolidated view of what each destination means in terms of kilometres, hours, and euros. The table helps you quickly choose based on your time and budget.

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one-way)	Return cost*
Aegina	by ferry	45 minutes	—	ferry tickets
Poros	155 km	2 hrs	6,40 €	55 €
Hydra	175 km	2 hrs 15 min	6,40 €	60 €
Spetses	195 km	2 hrs 30 min	6,40 €	65 €
Evia	165 km	2 hrs 25 min	1,90 €	48 €
Kythira	340 km	4 hrs 20 min	9,40 €	110 €
Elafonisos	355 km	4 hrs 25 min	9,40 €	114 €

*Estimate based on petrol at 1,92 €/litre, consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, and tolls for both directions. Toll and fuel prices change — use these figures as a guide.

The destinations one by one

1. Aegina

The first destination we recommend is Aegina. From Athens, you will drive a few minutes to the port and continue by ferry: Piraeus – Aegina, 40-60 minutes.

• The Temple of Aphaia and Palaiochora
• Aegina pistachios on the waterfront
• Beaches of Marathonas, Agia Marina, Perdika

For dining, the local “rule” is simple: pistachios, fresh fish in Perdika. Ideal for a day trip by ferry without a car. Tip: the flying dolphin takes 40 minutes from Piraeus, the conventional ferry takes one hour.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Danae Hotel, Aegina Dream Suites, Rastoni Hotel. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Aegina.

2. Poros

If you want something that works all year round, add Poros to your list. From Athens, you will drive 155 km (approximately 2 hrs) and continue by ferry: Galatas – Poros, 5 minutes.

• The clock tower with a view to Galatas
• The Lemon Forest opposite
• Nearby beaches Askeli and Love Bay

For dining, the local “rule” is simple: meze tavernas along the waterfront of Poros. Ideal for an affordable getaway near Athens. Tip: the ferry from Galatas takes 5 minutes and runs continuously.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include The White Rose Hotel, Brisot, Dionysos Hotel. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Poros.

3. Hydra

One of the most reliable choices is Hydra. From Athens, you will drive 175 km (approximately 2 hrs 15 min) and continue by ferry: Metochi or Ermioni – Hydra, 20-30 minutes.

• An island without cars, only donkeys and boats
• Captain's mansions around the harbour
• Swimming in Vlychos, Kaminia and Bisti

For dining, the local “rule” is simple: seafood and Hydra almond sweets. Ideal for a romantic weekend without a car. Tip: leave your car in Metochi or Porto Cheli and cross with a small ferry.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Bratsera Boutique Hotel, Bellevalia Hydra, Hydroussa Hotel Hydra. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Hydra.

4. Spetses

A little further, but perfectly feasible, is Spetses. From Athens, you will drive 195 km (approximately 2 hrs 30 min) and continue by ferry: Kosta – Spetses, 10 minutes.

• The Old Harbour and Bouboulina's mansions
• Island tour by bicycle or moped
• Beaches of Agia Paraskevi and Agioi Anargyroi

For dining, the local “rule” is simple: fish baked in clay, the classic Spetsiot dish. Ideal for a cosmopolitan weekend. Tip: private cars are not allowed on the island — factor in parking at Kosta.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Poseidonion Grand Hotel, Hotel Roumani, Spetses Hotel. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Spetses.

5. Evia — 165 km, 2 hrs 25 min

For something different, try Evia. The distance from Athens is 165 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 25 min, with 1,90 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 48 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The thermal baths of Edipsos
• The Drimonas waterfalls and the forests of northern Evia
• Endless beaches such as Hiliadou and Agios Dimitrios

For dining, the local “rule” is simple: fresh seafood and local fir honey. Ideal for a weekend with swimming, mountains, and thermal springs. Tip: Northern Evia requires at least two days, as distances within the island are considerable.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Elaia Apartments, Lou Apartments & Hostel, Ritsoni Studios. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Evia.

6. Kythira

Among our favourite destinations is also Kythira. From Athens, you will drive 340 km (approximately 4 hrs 20 min) and continue by ferry: Neapoli – Diakofti, 75 minutes.

• The Neraida waterfall in Mylopotamos
• Chora with a Venetian castle
• Beaches of Kaladi and Firi Ammos

For dining, the local “rule” is simple: fatourada and local honey. Ideal for a slow holiday away from the crowds. Tip: the island requires a car — distances are long and buses are infrequent.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Provenza House, Studio Gaia, Eden Kythira. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Kythira.

7. Elafonisos

It's also worth considering Elafonisos. From Athens, you will drive 355 km (approximately 4 hrs 25 min) and continue by ferry: Pounta – Elafonisos, 15 minutes.

• Simos, one of Greece's most famous beaches
• Small harbour with tavernas
• Sand dunes and shallow waters

For dining, the local “rule” is simple: fresh fish and lobster spaghetti. Ideal for summer holidays with exotic beaches. Tip: the ferry from Neapoli takes 15 minutes and also carries cars.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Berdoussis Hotel, Hotel Elafonisos, Ammos Boutique Rooms-Seafront Stay in Elafonisos. For all areas in detail, see our guide where to stay in Elafonisos.

Practical advice for travel by car

Travelling by car from Athens has a big advantage: freedom. You are not dependent on schedules, you can stop wherever you like, and the cost is shared. However, there are also some points worth considering in advance.

• Tolls: on Greek motorways, you pay per station. For long journeys, we're talking about 10-22 € each way, so double that for a return trip.
• Fuel: with petrol around 1,92 € per litre, an average car spends about 13-14 € per 100 km.
• Times: the times we provide are without stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and fuel, and more on bank holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountainous destinations, keep snow chains in the boot and check road conditions before you set off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and long weekends, book your room at least 3-4 weeks in advance — in popular destinations, the good options are snapped up first.

Which season suits each destination

The same destination changes character completely depending on the month. Coastal options are at their best from mid-June to mid-September, when the sea is warm and beach bars are open. In spring, these same areas are quieter and much cheaper, ideal for walking and dining without queues.

Mountain villages work in reverse: from November to March, they offer fireplaces, snow, and the highest demand, while in summer they provide coolness, hiking, and significantly lower prices. Autumn is the most underrated season for day trips: the colours in the forests, high-level lakes, and empty roads make every journey more enjoyable.

If you have children, prefer to leave in the morning to avoid traffic and choose destinations within two hours: time in the car is the first thing that tires them. For couples, mountain weekend breaks outside of bank holidays offer better prices and a much calmer atmosphere.

How to organise your excursion

Start backwards: first decide how many hours you can tolerate in the car, then choose a destination from the table. It's the surest way to avoid regretting it halfway through the journey. Second step, book accommodation before worrying about dining and activities: in popular destinations, good places to stay sell out first, and prices rise as the date approaches.

Third, create a relaxed schedule with two fixed points a day — one sight and one meal — and leave the rest open. The best moments on these kinds of getaways often come from spontaneous stops in villages and at views you hadn't anticipated. Finally, always check your tyres, oil, and pressure before journeys over 200 kilometres.

What to bring with you

For short getaways, one small bag per person is usually enough, but some items make a difference. Comfortable walking shoes are essential: even in a town, navigating cobbled streets and inclines can be tiring with the wrong footwear. A light windbreaker is useful almost all year round, especially in mountainous and coastal destinations where the temperature drops significantly in the evening.

Practical items: power bank, car charger, reusable water bottle, a small first-aid kit with pain relievers and plasters, and sunscreen regardless of the season. If travelling with children, add snacks, wet wipes, and a toy or tablet for the journey.

In winter, for mountain routes, keep snow chains or snow socks, an ice scraper, and a blanket in the boot. You won't need them most of the time, but the one time you do, they will save your day.

How to book accommodation at the right price

Accommodation prices in Greece are dynamic, so the timing of your booking matters more than the choice itself. The rule that works: for summer islands, book from February to April; for mountainous destinations, October to November; and for long weekends, at least six weeks in advance, because demand skyrockets then.

Always read recent reviews, not just the overall rating. A property with an 8.6 and recent comments about cleanliness and quiet rooms is a better choice than a 9.2 with three-year-old reviews. Focus on three points: soundproofing, breakfast, and parking — these are the three that aren't obvious in photos.

Finally, choose an option with free cancellation even if it's a few euros more expensive. On road trips, the weather often changes plans, and flexibility is worth more than the small discount of a non-refundable rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the closest destination from Athens on this list?

It's Aegina, with approximately a 45-minute journey.

How much does the most economical route cost?

The cheapest option is Evia: approximately 48 € for a return trip in petrol and tolls, an amount that can be shared among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The most distant is Elafonisos, with approximately 4 hrs 25 min of driving. For this, we recommend at least an overnight stay.

How much will I pay in total for tolls?

It depends on the destination: on our list, tolls range from zero to 9,40 € per direction. Always double that for the return journey.

Which island near Athens is the fastest to reach?

Aegina. By speedboat from Piraeus, you arrive in 40 minutes, while the conventional ferry takes about an hour.

Can I take my car to the Saronic islands?

Yes, to Aegina and Poros. In Hydra, it is completely forbidden, while in Spetses it is only allowed for permanent residents — leave your car in Kosta.