Nowadays, we have many possibilities to take a low-cost trip to Athens from anywhere in Europe, so the idea of spending a holiday on a Greek island near the antique capital is more and more enjoyable. You can fly, then board a ferryboat in Piraeus to enjoy the dream setting of islands like Hydra, Spetses, Poros, or Agistri for several days. We propose the following seven Greek islands near Athens, perfect for a dreamy holiday:
1 Hydra
The aristocratic island of Hydra invites you to a superb setting that has previously delighted famous artists such as Chagall and Picasso but also renowned musicians such as Leonard Cohen. The port city is cosmopolitan and elegant, with houses from the 18th century, ships “captains” homes, and the old churches and cobbled streets that carry you back in time.
2 Poros
Poros is an island loved by Seferis, the Greek Nobel Prize winner, and the famous writer Henry Miller. The wild nature, the vintage charm, and the quiet ambiance make Poros a magical place that does not lack taverns, yacht harbors, neoclassical buildings, pine forests that stretch to the seashores, and a clock tower. Everything is just 58 km away from Piraeus.
3 Aegina
An hour’s drive from Piraeus, Aegina is the closest island to Athens. Here you will enjoy the presence of ancient temples, Byzantine basalt churches, the vintage harbor, and gastronomic delights, plus a climate that allows you to spend your holiday until the end of autumn. Many tourists worldwide fell in love with Aegina and bought a holiday home here.
4 Agistri
Agistri is a small island, five minutes from Aegina and almost an hour from Piraeus, offering superb views of pine forests, charming bays and secret caves, hiking trails, and bicycle paths together with the picturesque taverns on the seashore. Perfect ingredients for a more “different” holiday.
5 Spetses
“The Captains’ Island”, as it is also called, Spetses promises a holiday in the “la dolce vita” style. Be it a weekend or a whole summer. Drink a coffee in Dapia, watching and thinking of the sea stretches, to Kosta or Porto Heli. Walk on the seafront, admire the houses near the beautiful church of St. Nicholas, then head to the Old Harbor, eat something at a tavern there, and go ahead to visit the museums of Bouboulina (remember Zorba the Greek?) and Hatzigiannis-Mexis.
6 Kythnos
Kythnos is an island that will heal you with modesty and hospitality, going itself uncovered as a beautiful countryside girl. Picturesque villages overflow their cobbled streets and flowery gardens on this island, 100 km from Piraeus. There is so much “hidden” beauty in Kythnos that it is a pity not to discover it, mainly because the island has a long history, which has left “traces,” starting with the Mesolithic period.
7 Tzia/Kea
Tzia is an island made for those who love walks in nature and quickly discover ancient ruins or beautiful sea caves. Half an hour away from the port of Lavrio, Tzia/Kea will delight you with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, unique beaches of rare beauty, and one of the best trekking road networks in the Greek islands. The restaurants in Tzia are also excellent.
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