There are so many stunning Greek islands that are easy to visit from Athens. While the lively capital is full of history and charm - home to iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and scenic viewpoints with panoramic views - it also makes a wonderful base for going out and exploring the surrounding islands.
In this article, we share the best Greek islands to visit from Athens to help you plan the most incredible adventure to this beautiful archipelago.
1. Syros
Syros is the best Greek island to visit from Athens. Despite being known as the Queen of the Aegean, it’s often overlooked in favour of the more famous islands in the archipelago.
It lies 78 nautical miles from Athens and feels a world away from the hubbub of the capital, offering a peaceful, quiet escape, for travellers looking to experience Greece at its most authentic.
Syros’ coastline is nothing short of breathtaking, with turquoise waters and soft, golden sands. Plus, since Syros is still off most tourists’ radar, you’ll often have the beautiful beaches all to yourself.
The island is also known for its rich cultural scene, excellent range of bars and restaurants, and vibrant sunsets. To get to Syros from Athens, you can catch a high-speed ferry and get here in just two hours, or take a normal ferry from the port of Piraeus.
Alternatively, go on a Circle of Athens island-hopping trip and tick off Syros, along with Tinos and Andros, two more of the best Greek islands to visit from Athens, all on one incredible trip.
2. Tinos
Tinos is one of the most picturesque islands to visit from Athens by ferry. This beautiful landmass is 62 nautical miles from the capital and can take between two and four hours to reach, depending on which ferry you get.
The island is famous for its stunning landscapes, from rugged mountains to lush valleys, which offer wonderful opportunities for outdoor hiking adventures.
Tinos is also home to the famous Panagia Evangelistria Church, a major pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians. Many visitors come here to witness the religious devotion and to admire the beautiful architecture.
For beach lovers, Tinos has lots of super beaches, ranging from secluded coves to wide, open bays.
3. Mykonos
Mykonos is another of the best islands to go to from Athens. This cosmopolitan island is world-renowned for its gorgeous beaches, lively nightlife scene and idyllic whitewashed villages.
Despite lying around 85 nautical miles from Athens, Mykonos is easy to get to from the capital because it is very well-connected. You can reach here by taking a ferry or a flight from Athens International Airport.
Mykonos has a picture-perfect village centre, where you can stroll along quaint alleyways lined with the classic Cycladic architecture. Little Venice, a charming waterfront district, is one of the most iconic spots on the island, known for its colourful houses perched above the sea and stunning sunset views.
Mykonos is also a foodie paradise. The island is brimming with both traditional Greek tavernas and upscale restaurants serving fresh seafood and local delicacies. On our Aegean Adventure trip, you can tick off Mykonos, along with Andros, another of the top Greek islands to visit from Athens.
4. Andros
Andros is one of the cheapest and easiest islands to get to from Athens. Just hop on a quick one-to-two-hour ferry from Rafina - the city’s second busiest port - to reach this gorgeous, laid-back island.
Known as the greenest island in the Cyclades, Andros is full of natural beauty and is a great place for hiking. Set off on treks by cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear springs, enchanting forests and flourishing valleys, while exploring this picturesque island.
Andros is also the second-largest island in the Cyclades, so there’s no shortage of things to see and do here. Visit the impressive Venetian fortress in Chora and the Cyclades Olive Museum in Ano Pitrofos, where you can learn all about the island’s fascinating olive-growing heritage.
Andros is also one of the best islands to visit from Athens if you’re looking for postcard-perfect coastlines. It has over 170 beaches to discover, including rocky coves perfect for fishing and sandy bays ideal for swimming.
Another great thing to do on Andros is explore the island’s tiny, charming towns and villages, where you can grab some traditional food surrounded by locals. If you’re looking for an island near Athens that is authentic and great for outdoor activities, Andros is the place to be.
5. Aegina
Aegina is one of the easiest Greek islands to get to from Athens as it is located just 16 nautical miles from the capital. You can reach here in only 40 minutes by taking a high-speed ferry or jump aboard a regular ferry and you can be here in an hour.
If you’re looking for day trips from Athens to nearby islands that are quick and easy to reach, Aegina is perfect. The island is famous for its pistachios, which are considered among the best in the world.
Spend your stay sampling pistachio-flavoured everything – from ice cream to sweets. History buffs will love the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia, which forms an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
Along with its fascinating history, the site also provides the most incredible views across the Saronic Gulf. Aegina Town is another highlight, with its colourful neoclassical buildings and lively waterfront promenade.
Beach lovers can also explore the many flawless sand beaches around the island. Marathonas is one of the best on Aegina. This quiet bay lies hidden away in a tiny fishing village and boasts pristine golden shores and turquoise waters. There are also watersports available at Marathonas including scuba diving and snorkelling.
6. Spetses
Spetses is one of the most luxurious Greek islands to visit from Athens. You can reach here in about two-to-three hours on a high-speed ferry from Piraeus port. One of the best things about Spetses is that it has a ban on most motor vehicles.
Instead, horse-drawn carriages and water taxis provide charming transportation options around the island. Walking and cycling are also popular ways to explore Spetses’ pine-scented landscapes and hidden coves.
The lack of vehicles allows the island to retain a peaceful atmosphere so you can really relax and recharge, with only the sounds of horses trotting, local hubbub and crashing waves to distract you.
Spetses Town is impressive, with its grand captain's mansions and elegant squares, while the Old Harbor area bubbles with activity and is home to excellent restaurants and cafés with sea views.
The Museum of Spetses is another great place to visit on the island. Its building is the former mansion of local heroine Bouboulina and the museum tells the fascinating story of the island's maritime history.
Spetses is known for its beautiful coastline, with beaches like Agia Marina and Zogeria offering crystal-clear, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. If you’re seeking a more peaceful experience, head to Agioi Anargyroi Beach. Tucked away and surrounded by pine trees, it offers a quiet, secluded escape from the summer crowds.
Whether you’re looking for history, beaches or amazing food, Spetses is one of the best Greek islands to visit from Athens.
7. Hydra
Hydra takes Spetses’ motor policies one step further by banning motor vehicles altogether. Mules, donkeys and water taxis are the primary modes of transport on this unique island.
Hydra has a unique charm that feels like stepping back in time, which is why it has been a favourite of artists and celebrities for decades. Despite feeling a world away from the Greek capital, it is actually one of the closest islands to Athens.
The island sits just 37 nautical miles from Athens in the Saronic Gulf and can be reached in as little as an hour and a half on a high-speed ferry from Piraeus port.
There is a lot to see on Hydra. The main town on the island, Hydra Port, cascades down the hillside around a horseshoe-shaped harbour filled with fishing boats and yachts.
Here you’ll find stone mansions and narrow cobblestone streets offering a wonderful display of traditional island architecture at its finest. Hydra also has many galleries where you can delve into the island’s rich artistic heritage.
One of the most peaceful Greek islands near Athens, Hydra is the perfect getaway for those looking for a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
8. Agistri
Lying just 23 miles from the capital, Agistri is the smallest inhabited island in the Saronic and one of the nearest islands to Athens. You can reach this verdant paradise in only one hour by catching a ferry from Piraeus port.
The short journey makes Agistri perfect for spontaneous day trips to islands from Athens. This quiet paradise boasts a stunning, unspoilt coastline, with golden beaches framed by lush vegetation.
In fact, much of the island is covered by dense pine forests, making it an excellent destination for hiking. There are several scenic trails that lead you through the rugged landscape, all the while treating you to breathtaking sea views.
Skala is the main village on Agistri and it is known for its beautiful beach and great waterfront tavernas where you can enjoy delicious, fresh seafood.
Chalikiada and Dragonera are two of the best beaches on the island and boast some of the clearest waters in the Saronic Gulf. For water sports enthusiasts, the crystal-clear waters are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkelling, with underwater visibility often reaching over 20 metres.
9. Poros
Poros is one of the most picturesque islands that you can go to from Athens by ferry. It lies 31 nautical miles from the capital and can be reached in just one hour aboard a high-speed ferry boat, or two hours on a classic ferry from Piraeus port.
The landmass comprises two separate islands connected by a narrow strait and offers incredible natural scenery. Much of Poros is carpeted by lush pine forests, which offer a stunning contrast to the island’s electric-blue waters.
Poros Town has a buzzing waterfront where you can people-watch and gaze over at ferries drifting in and out throughout the day. The Russian Bay area features historical landmarks from the 19th century, offering plenty of architectural eye candy alongside its beautiful swimming spots.
One of the best ways to explore the whole of Poros is to rent a bicycle or scooter and explore the island on two wheels. The scenic coastal road offers spectacular views across to the Peloponnese mainland.
10. Santorini
While not one of the closest islands to Athens, Santorini is still one of the top places to visit from the capital. This iconic destination is absolutely breathtaking; a tapestry of colourful cliffscapes and golden-sand beaches.
Santorini is also famed for its gorgeous whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and vibrant culture. Not to mention, awe-inspiring views of the famous Caldera of Santorini, featuring black lava rocks, a volcanic crater and striking cliffs.
The island is situated 127 nautical miles from Athens in the southern Aegean Sea and can be reached by ferry between five and eight hours from Piraeus port. If you’re strapped for time and still want to tick off this sought-after Greek island, you can always catch a 45-minute flight as the island has its own airport.
While not the closest islands, the magical scenery and architecture in Santorini means it is absolutely one of the best islands to go to from Athens.
Summary
As you can see, it’s not a question of what islands you can get to from Athens, but how many you can fit into your trip. While the capital has so much to offer, you also don’t want to miss out on the stunning landscapes, awe-inspiring coastlines and gorgeous architecture of the islands.
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