The Saronic islands are very popular Greek islands for summer holidays and weekend breaks. This is because there are the closest Greek islands from Athens. Aegina, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses have developed a lot in tourism over the last years, while Aggistri is not that famous but remains a true gem to explore. The crystal water, the relaxing atmosphere, and the long history are the most distinctive characteristics of Saronic Greece, which have a different character each. Poros is great for sailing, Hydra has amazing architecture, Spetses stands out for the elegant mansions and Aegina is ideal for family vacations.
Aegina
Aegina is an idyllic Greek island very close to Athens, thus a very popular destination for quick getaways. Belonging to the Saronic group of islands, Aegina Greece has many archaeological monuments, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches!
The center of the island is Aegina Town, the picturesque capital of Aegina. Boasting elegant neoclassical buildings, narrow alleys and a bustling seafront promenade, Aegina Town is perfect for summer strolls!
Aegina is also an island with a glorious historical past, as it used to be one of the most important islands of ancient Greece, so it’s not a surprise that sightseeing is one of the best things to do in Aegina! The most impressive archaeological site of the island is the Ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia, dating back to the 6th century BC.
Poros
Poros is a little island in the heart of the Saronic Gulf, close to Aegina and Agistri. Thanks to its proximity to Athens -just 1-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port- it is one of the popular Greek islands, especially for weekend getaways from the capital.
Perched on the slopes a hill, overlooking the vast Aegean sea and the opposite Galatas, Poros Town is the center of the island’s activity. What’s more, in the picturesque Poros Town, you’ll find a great selection of Poros hotels, shops, cafes, restaurants, and taverns!
Its proximity to the rest of the Saronic islands also makes Poros island Greece the perfect base for island hopping in Greece! So, your best bet is to combine your Poros holidays with getaways to Aegina, Aggistri, and Hydra, for the ultimate Saronic experience!
Hydra
Hydra, one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, is located in the heart of the Argo Saronic Gulf. One of the main reasons why Hydra is a popular destination is its proximity to Athens, as a ferry from Athens to Hydra, will get you to the beautiful island in just 2 hours. It’s the perfect option for a quick getaway!
Having been a filming location of “A girl in black” and “Boy on a dolphin” movies, as well as a holiday destination for Leonard Cohen, Hydra stands out for its classy beauty!
On Hydra Island, you won’t see any cars! Everyone uses their foot, boats or donkeys to get around the island. The cars ban, along with the elegant stone mansions of the island, create a charming atmosphere and make the island one of the most serene destinations near Athens.
Spetses
Spetses Island is one of the popular Greek islands not only for the Greeks who crave a weekend getaway but also for international travelers! Spetses has an arguably elegant atmosphere, mainly thanks to the Venetian mansions of its Town, which emit a vintage aura.
Spetses Town, the picturesque capital of the island is perfect for endless strolls, while there’s luscious swimming to be had at the secluded Spetses beaches. A selection of yacht marinas, boutique hotels, and sophisticated restaurants complete the unique atmosphere of Spetses.
Overall, Spetses Greece is an ideal destination for those who want to unwind and relax close -yet so far- from the Greek capital.
Agistri
Being less than an hour away from Athens, Agistri Island is one of the popular Greek islands for weekend getaways from the country’s capital. Agistri Greece belongs to the Saronic group of islands, along with Poros, Aegina, Spetses, and Hydra. Its relatively close distance to these islands makes it a perfect base for island hopping between the Saronic islands.
Thanks to its extraordinary natural setting and the mesmerizing Agistri beaches, Agistri Island Greece is a popular destination for Athenians. You can find Agistri hotels to restaurants, taverns, and organized beaches. Moving from Skala, where one of the island’s ports is also located, you’ll come across the best Agistri beaches, Aponissos and Dragonera. Backed by lush nature, they offer the perfect ambiance for relaxing days at the beach!
Have you chosen your combination for your Saronic Island’s getaway??
Source: greka.com
