just a stone's throw from Athens.
The Saronic Gulf lies to the south of the Greek capital, Athens, providing a quick yet satisfying getaway from the busy city. It is situated between the northeastern shoulder of the Peloponnese and the Attic Coast, on which Athens and its main port of Piraeus are located. The Saronic islands include beautiful small harbors and coves, and their proximity to Athens makes them ideal for day trips and overnight stops, even in the winter.
Many mainland Greeks own holiday homes in the Saronic Gulf. Its islands are small havens close to Athens and are steeped in ancient tradition. Visitors to the Saronic Gulf will enjoy its natural beauty, historical treasures, unique architecture, and glamorous yet romantic atmosphere, which is suitable for families and jet-setters alike.
Visitors to the Saronic Gulf will enjoy
its natural beauty, historical treasures,
unique architecture, and glamorous
yet romantic atmosphere.
wonders on Athens' doorstep.
Aegina's main port is a cosmopolitan miniature town with charming little shops in narrow backstreets, elegant cafes, and seafood tavernas along the waterfront. One of the best-preserved Doric temples in Greece is the Temple of Aphaia, located above Agia Marina—a must-see for lovers of ancient Greece.
The views of the Saronic Gulf from up there are stunning. Don't miss the sunset from Perdika, a charming fishing village to the southwest of the island with seafront tavernas and bars. Because of its proximity to Athens, Aegina retains its distinct Greek character and avoids mass tourism, making it an ideal getaway even during the winter.
A jet-setter's haven, Hydra has been home to Leonard Cohen and other celebrities. This island's jet-set reputation is second only to Mykonos. In the summer months, Hydra is bustling with a vibrant nightlife, good restaurants, bars, and cafes on the waterfront. The town is well-preserved, and the prosperity of its inhabitants from the 1800s is still evident in its graceful architecture.
The island is car-free; only donkeys and water taxis are used for transportation. While 'proper' beaches are rare, you will surely enjoy swimming from the rocks into the crystal-clear water. This island appeals equally to nightlife lovers and families and provides a good base for organized excursions to ancient Mycenae, Epidaurus, and the beaches of the Peloponnese.
with its own distinct charm.
If a more unspoiled island with sandy beaches is what you are after, then the small island of Agistri, just west of Aegina, will surely appeal. This verdant, little-visited paradise is known for being one of the first Greek islands to welcome nudism on its beaches.
The island of Poros is less than five minutes away from the Peloponnese mainland and its attractions like Nafplion, Mycenae, and Epidaurus. This island boasts lush forests that reach right down to the beach, as well as nice restaurants and organized watersports facilities.
The old harbor of Spetses is a nightlife attraction, but the island's lovely beaches and pine-covered hills will not disappoint nature lovers. Get to know the island by bicycle or water taxi, or catch an excursion boat to one of the nearby beaches. Nafplion and the Peloponnese are only minutes away by boat.
