Here’s something that surprised me about Athens: you can be sitting on a Greek island, swimming in turquoise water, eating fresh seafood by a harbor — and be back in your Athens hotel by dinner. The Saronic Islands are that close.
Aegina, Poros, and Hydra sit in the Saronic Gulf, between 40 minutes and two hours from Athens by ferry. They’re the easiest island escape you’ll find, and they’re completely different from each other. One has a famous temple and the best pistachios in Greece. One is covered in pine forests and smells like a candle shop. And one has banned cars entirely and replaced them with donkeys.
Here’s how to do a Saronic Islands day cruise from Athens — whether you want all three islands in one day or just one done right.
Quick Comparison#
| Option | Islands | Duration | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Islands Cruise | Aegina, Poros, Hydra | 11-12 hours | €110-130 | First-timers, variety |
| Aegina Day Trip | Aegina only | 6-8 hours | €50-80 | Temples, pistachios, beaches |
| Hydra Day Trip | Hydra only | 8-10 hours | €70-100 | Car-free charm, upscale vibes |
| DIY Ferry | Your choice | Flexible | €15-35 per ferry | Budget travelers, freedom |
The Classic: Three Islands in One Day#
This is the most popular option, and for good reason — you get a taste of three very different islands without any logistics headaches. A big cruise ship picks you up from the port, feeds you lunch, entertains you with live music, and drops you at each island for 1-2 hours of free time.
Is it rushed? A little. You’re not going to deeply explore any single island. But as a sampler platter of the Greek islands? It’s hard to beat. I went in expecting it to feel too touristy, and I left thinking it was one of the most fun days of my trip.
Saronic Islands Day Cruise: Hydra, Poros & Aegina
Full-day cruise visiting all three Saronic Islands with buffet lunch, live Greek music, and free time on each island. Running since 1965, this is the original and most popular day cruise from Athens.
Also on Viator: Book this cruise on Viator →
What’s Included#
- Round-trip cruise from Piraeus port
- Buffet lunch on board (decent Greek food — better than I expected)
- Live music and traditional dancing on the return trip
- 1-2 hours free time on each island
- Optional guided tours on Aegina and Hydra (small extra fee)
What’s Not Included#
- Port transfers (you’ll need to get to Piraeus — metro or taxi)
- Drinks beyond water (bar on board, reasonable prices)
- Entry fees for the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina (€8)
- Tips (€5-10 for the crew is appreciated)
What to Expect#
7:00 AM — Meet at Piraeus port (the early start is worth it, trust me) 8:00 AM — Depart for Poros 9:30 AM — Arrive at Poros, 1 hour free time 11:00 AM — Arrive at Hydra, 1.5 hours free time 1:00 PM — Depart for Aegina, lunch served on board 2:30 PM — Arrive at Aegina, 2 hours free time (optional temple tour) 4:30 PM — Depart for Athens with live music and dancing 6:00 PM — Back at Piraeus
The Islands: What Makes Each One Special#
Aegina — The Closest & Most Underrated#
Ferry time: 40 minutes (hydrofoil) or 1 hour 10 minutes (regular ferry)
Aegina gets overlooked because it’s the closest island to Athens, and people assume “close” means “nothing special.” Wrong. This island has a 2,500-year-old temple that predates the Parthenon, the best pistachios in the Mediterranean (this is not an exaggeration — Aegina pistachios are famous throughout Greece), and a laid-back port town where fishermen still sell the morning catch from their boats.
Don’t miss:
- Temple of Aphaia — Stunning hilltop temple with sea views in every direction. One of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, and you’ll probably have it mostly to yourself.
- Aegina Town Harbor — Colorful neoclassical buildings, fresh fish tavernas, pistachio shops everywhere
- Agia Marina Beach — Sandy beach on the east coast, good for swimming
- Pistachio everything — Ice cream, pastries, brittle, liqueur. Buy a bag to take home.
Best for: Foodies, temple lovers, anyone who wants an easy half-day escape
Athens: Guided Day Trip to Aegina Island
Full-day guided trip to Aegina with visits to the Temple of Aphaia, pistachio tasting, swimming stop, and free time in Aegina Town. Small group with expert guide.
Hydra — The Car-Free Gem#
Ferry time: 1.5 hours (hydrofoil) or 2 hours (regular ferry)
Hydra is the island that makes people rethink their life choices. As in: “Maybe I should just move here and never come back.” No cars. No motorbikes. No buses. Just donkeys, boats, cobblestone paths, and a harbor so perfect it looks staged.
Leonard Cohen lived here in the 1960s. Artists and writers have been drawn to the island for decades. The vibe is upscale but never pretentious — stone mansions line the harbor, excellent restaurants tuck into back alleys, and the water is the kind of clear where you can see the bottom from 10 meters up.
Don’t miss:
- Hydra Harbor — Just sit here with a coffee and watch the scene. Donkeys carrying luggage, fishermen fixing nets, cats sleeping on boats. It’s hypnotic.
- Walk to Kamini — 20-minute coastal walk to a tiny fishing village with a rocky beach and great tavernas
- Mandraki Beach — 30-minute walk east, the best swimming on the island
- Lazaros Kountouriotis Historical Mansion — Beautiful stone house-turned-museum
Best for: Couples, photographers, anyone who wants to slow down completely
Hydra Island: Full Day Trip from Athens
Spend a full day on Hydra with guided walking tour, swimming at a hidden beach, and free time to explore at your own pace. Ferry tickets and guide included.
Poros — The Quiet One#
Ferry time: 1 hour (hydrofoil) or 2.5 hours (regular ferry)
Poros is the smallest and least-visited of the three, which is exactly its charm. The island is covered in pine forests and lemon groves — it literally smells amazing — and the narrow strait separating it from the Peloponnese mainland is one of the most scenic spots in the Saronic Gulf.
On the three-island cruise, you typically get about an hour here. That’s enough to walk from the port up to the clock tower for a panoramic view, grab a coffee, and soak in the quiet. If you visit independently, there’s more to discover — ancient ruins, secluded coves, and hiking paths through the pines.
Don’t miss:
- Clock Tower viewpoint — Short uphill walk from the port, panoramic views of the strait and Peloponnese
- Love Bay (Askeli) — Pine-fringed beach with clear water
- Lemon Forest — Wander through 30,000 lemon trees (spring is peak fragrance)
Best for: Nature lovers, anyone who wants an island without the crowds
DIY: Visiting the Islands by Ferry#
If you prefer doing things your own way, the Saronic Islands are some of the easiest Greek islands to reach independently. Here’s how:
From Piraeus Port#
| Island | Ferry Type | Duration | Price (one-way) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aegina | Regular | 1h 10min | €8-10 | Every 1-2 hours |
| Aegina | Hydrofoil | 40 min | €14-16 | Every 1-2 hours |
| Poros | Hydrofoil | 1 hour | €16-18 | 4-5 per day |
| Hydra | Hydrofoil | 1.5 hours | €28-32 | 4-5 per day |
How to get to Piraeus: Metro Line 1 (Green) to Piraeus station, then a 10-minute walk to the ferry terminal. Or take a taxi from central Athens (€15-20, about 30 minutes).
Suggested DIY Itineraries#
Half-day escape (Aegina): Take the 9 AM ferry to Aegina, visit the Temple of Aphaia, have a seafood lunch at the harbor, buy pistachios, and catch the 3 PM ferry back. Total cost: about €25-30 including ferry and lunch.
Full-day island hop (Hydra + Aegina): Early morning hydrofoil to Hydra (8 AM), spend 4 hours exploring, take the midday hydrofoil to Aegina (it stops there on the way back), spend 2-3 hours, ferry back to Piraeus. Total cost: about €60-70 including ferries.
When to Go#
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| April-May | Warm, breezy | Light | Excellent — wildflowers on Poros, comfortable walking on Hydra |
| June-August | Hot, sunny | Heavy | Book ahead — peak season but the swimming is perfect |
| September-October | Warm, calm seas | Moderate | My favorite — warm water, thinner crowds, golden light |
| November-March | Cool, some rain | Minimal | Fewer services, some restaurants closed, but atmospheric |
Tips for Your Saronic Islands Trip#
Start early. Three-island cruises leave around 8 AM from Piraeus. If you’re doing DIY, the first ferries are around 7-8 AM and beat the midday heat.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Hydra especially is all hills and cobblestones. Flip-flops won’t cut it for exploring.
Bring swimwear. Every island has swimming spots, and every cruise includes at least one swim stop. Pack it even if you don’t think you’ll swim — you will.
Carry cash. Smaller shops and some tavernas on the islands are cash-only. ATMs exist but can have lines in summer.
Pack sunscreen and a hat. Shade is scarce on boat decks and island walks. The Aegean sun is no joke, even in spring.
Eat seafood. Every island has harbor-front tavernas with fish that was swimming that morning. Aegina’s octopus and Hydra’s grilled fish are highlights.
Bring a dry bag. Protects your phone and wallet during swim stops and splashy ferry rides.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Which Saronic Island is the best?#
Depends what you want. Hydra is the most beautiful and unique (no cars!). Aegina has the best food, temple, and is easiest to reach. Poros is the quietest and most nature-focused. If I had to pick one for a full day: Hydra for couples, Aegina for families.
Is the three-island cruise worth it?#
Yes, if you want variety and don’t want to deal with ferry logistics. You trade depth for breadth — you won’t deeply explore any island, but you’ll see three very different places in one day with food and entertainment included. It’s a fun, easy day.
Can I do the islands without a cruise?#
Absolutely. Ferries run frequently from Piraeus, especially to Aegina. It’s cheaper and gives you more time on each island. The trade-off is you handle your own logistics and won’t get the onboard entertainment.
How far in advance should I book?#
For the three-island cruise: 2-3 days ahead is usually fine, but book a week ahead in July-August. For DIY ferries: no booking needed for Aegina (just show up). Hydra hydrofoils can sell out on summer weekends — book a day or two ahead.
Are the islands good for kids?#
Great for kids. Aegina has sandy beaches, Hydra’s donkeys are a guaranteed hit with children, and the three-island cruise keeps everyone entertained with food and music. Just bring sun protection and swimwear.
What’s the best time of year?#
September is the sweet spot — warm water, fewer crowds, golden light. May-June and October are also excellent. July-August is peak season (hot, crowded, but maximum services). Winter is quiet with some things closed, but atmospheric.
The Bottom Line#
Want the full experience with zero planning? Book the three-island cruise. You’ll see Aegina, Poros, and Hydra in a single day with lunch and entertainment included. It’s the most popular day trip from Athens for a reason.
Want to go deep on one island? Take the ferry to Hydra for an unforgettable car-free day, or Aegina for temples, pistachios, and beaches without the hassle.
On a budget? DIY ferry to Aegina — €20 round trip, incredible value, and you can spend the whole day there at your own pace.
The Saronic Islands were the part of my Athens trip I almost didn’t do. “We only have a few days, let’s stay in the city.” Glad I didn’t listen to that instinct. Getting out on the water, seeing those island harbors, eating fish by the sea — it’s what makes Greece, Greece.
Planning your Athens itinerary? Check out our 3-day Athens itinerary, best day trips from Athens, and sunset cruise guide.
