Islands near Athens by ferry: Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Kea and more
From Aegina, under an hour away, to Tinos: all the islands near Athens, which port to use, how long the crossing takes and what it costs.
- Aegina is the closest: under an hour by fast boat from Piraeus.
- Hydra, Poros and Spetses in the Saronic Gulf; Kea from Lavrio; Andros and Tinos from Rafina.
- For a day trip: Aegina and Agistri; for the rest, stay at least a night.
With a free day in Athens, Aegina is the easy choice. For a quiet weekend try Kea or Hydra, and book ahead in summer.
Which island is closest to Athens?
The closest and easiest is Aegina, under an hour by fast boat from Piraeus, with many sailings a day. It works as a day trip. Next come Poros, Hydra and Spetses in the Saronic Gulf, Kea from Lavrio, and Andros and Tinos from Rafina.
Table: islands near Athens by ferry
| Island | Port | Crossing time | Adult fare (from) | Day trip? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aegina | Piraeus | under 1h (fast) to about 1h25 | about €9 | yes, ideal |
| Agistri | Piraeus / Aegina | short hop from Aegina | – | yes |
| Poros | Piraeus | about 55 min (fast) to about 2h45 | about €17 | possible |
| Hydra | Piraeus | 1h10 to 2h | about €38–52 | possible, better overnight |
| Spetses | Piraeus | from 1h30 | about €38 | better overnight |
| Kea (Tzia) | Lavrio | 40 min to 1h10 | about €11.50 | better for a weekend |
| Andros | Rafina | 50 min to about 2h | about €17.50 | better overnight |
| Tinos | Rafina | 1h30 to almost 4h | about €24.50 | no, stay at least a night |
According to Ferryhopper and Greeka, October 2026. Prices and times vary by company and season; check when you book.
Aegina and Agistri
Aegina is famous for its pistachios and the Temple of Aphaia, one of Greece's best-preserved ancient temples. Popular beaches are Agia Marina and Perdika. Little green Agistri, with pine forest and clear water, is right next door. Full details in the ferry from Athens to Aegina.
Poros, Hydra and Spetses
- Hydra: car-free. No vehicles, not even bicycles: you walk, ride a donkey or take a water taxi. Don't bring a car.
- Poros: the closest of the three, just off the Peloponnese coast.
- Spetses: an elegant island of stone mansions and beaches.
You can build a loop: Piraeus, Poros, Hydra, Spetses. See the ferry from Athens to Hydra.
Kea (Tzia)
Kea is the closest Cycladic island to Athens. Ferries leave from Lavrio in south-east Attica, with up to 8 sailings a day in season and year-round service. Athenians love it for weekends, so in summer book ahead, especially with a car.
Andros and Tinos from Rafina
Rafina is about 33 km from central Athens and closer to the airport than Piraeus. Andros is green and good for walking; Tinos is known for the church of Panagia Evangelistria and its marble villages. See the ferry from Rafina to Andros and Tinos.
Getting to the ports
- Piraeus: metro line 1 or 3 from the centre, or line 3 straight from the airport. The port is huge; check your gate on the ticket.
- Rafina: about half an hour by car from the airport, with KTEL buses too.
- Lavrio: in south-east Attica, easiest by car.
Details in from Athens airport to the city centre.
Tips
- In July–August book ahead, especially at weekends.
- Seafarers' strikes happen from time to time; check today's strikes.
- Wind: on strong meltemi days fast boats are sometimes cancelled. Keep a flexible day.
FAQ
What is the closest island to Athens? Aegina: under an hour by fast boat from Piraeus, with many sailings a day.
Can I do a day trip to an island from Athens? Yes. Aegina and Agistri suit it best; Poros and Hydra are possible if you don't mind a long day.
Which island doesn't allow cars? Hydra: vehicles, including bicycles, are not allowed.
Which port do ferries to Kea leave from? Lavrio, in south-east Attica: 40 minutes to 1h10 at sea.
