BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide
Boat trip from Athens: the Saronic Gulf
Aegina, Poros, Hydra: the Saronic Gulf islands reachable in a day from Athens, and what sets each of them apart.
Few European capitals offer such quick access to genuine Greek islands: from Athens (Flisvos marina or the port of Piraeus), the Saronic Gulf lines up three iconic islands just a few hours by sea.
Aegina, the closest
Aegina is the second-largest island in the gulf, right after Salamis. Its harbour and lanes are easy to explore in a few hours before heading back out to sea.
Poros, the green one
Poros stands out for its dense vegetation and pine forests reaching down to the shore — a sharp contrast with the drier landscapes of the Cyclades.
Hydra, car-free
Hydra, nicknamed the queen of the Saronic Gulf, is famous for one particular feature: no cars circulate on the island. Getting around means walking or riding a donkey, which preserves a rare charm for an island so close to Athens.
Planning your trip
These three islands can be visited in a single day by RIB or by sailboat with a skipper, in generally sheltered waters. See our guide to choosing a skipper to plan your trip, and the Athens listing page on Boat-Comparator to compare available offers.
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