Relaxed, unspoiled, and each with its own quiet kind of magic – these are the best Greek islands to visit close to Athens!
In under two hours from the capital, you could be swimming in clear, postcard-perfect waters, savouring freshly caught seafood, or lying beneath a shaded pine tree, turning the page of a book you can’t put down.
What makes these getaways even better? No airport lines, no connecting flights – all you need to do is throw a few things in a bag, hop on a ferry, and you are ready to go!
Hydra
On weekends, stylish Athenians drift in to disconnect and people-watch along Hydra’s harbour. You’ll most likely find them in crisp white linen and a chilled drink in hand. The scene is laid-back but always chic- think perfectly grilled octopus and a Negroni at Omilos Restaurant during golden hour, or Hydronetta for a swim, a spritz, and maybe a little dancing as the sun goes down.
Travel time: Around 1.5 from Piraeus with the fast ferry
Spetses
With a relaxed, Riviera-style energy, Spetses is known for its elegant old mansions, pine-scented trees, and a lively little harbour where there’s always something happening. It’s another favourite weekend spot for locals – expect cobblestone alleyways, secluded swimming coves, beautiful boutique hotels and good places to eat and drink. Our tip: make time for an aperitivo at Bikini Bar.
Travel time: 2 hours from Piraeus
Andros
With a mix of neoclassical buildings, and a small selection of cool bars and boutiques spread throughout the town, the real joy of Andros lies in its untouched charm. Here you can discover remote swimming spots, hidden waterfalls, great hiking trails, as well as picturesque villages where you’ll find authentic family-run tavernas serving up local flavours.
Travel time: Just under 2 hours from Rafina
Kea
Earthy and under-the-radar, Kea (closest Cycladic island to Athens) offers good walking trails, and small coves worth the effort to find. If you love rugged landscapes and laid-back vibes, this island should be on your radar. Spend your day savouring authentic cuisine, take a swim at Sikamia Beach, then watch the sunset from Ioulida overlooking the Aegean.
Travel time: 1 hour from Lavrio
Aegina
The closest island to Athens (and yes, you can absolutely just visit for the day), Aegina is low-key, calm, and full of friendly locals. There’s a touch of history (the Temple of Aphaia is stunning), spirituality (Holy Monastery of Agios Nektarios is a must), and simple pleasures- such as quiet swims in secluded bays and the best pistachio gelato you’ll ever taste. After all, the island is full of pistachio trees!
Travel time: 40 minutes from Piraeus
Agistri
Tiny, unspoiled, and surrounded by clear waters, Agistri is the definition of slow living. You can rent a bike, swim off the rocks, and eat lunch barefoot at a taverna. It’s not fancy, and that’s the whole point. Here, you can switch off knowing the hardest decision of the day is what to eat and where to swim next.
Travel time: 1 hour from Piraeus
Main Image by One&Only Kea
