The islands of the Argo Saronic Gulf

The Saronic islands located between Attica and the north-eastern coasts of the Peloponnese, scattered around the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs.

Due to its close distance from Athens and the many options it offers to its visitors, it is a popular destination for thousands of holidaymakers from Greece and abroad. During the summer months it is a pole of attraction for hundreds of boats and sailboats, due to the uniqueness and authenticity of their landscape.

The Saronic islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times and played an important role both in ancient and modern times. Their contribution to the revolution of 1821 was decisive and their development was mainly linked to shipping and trade.

The Argosaronic islands combine the modern cosmopolitan face with their traditional character. The rich history with the unique archaeological sites, museums and Byzantine churches. The monasteries and the numerous churches and chapels are architectural and historical monuments with a multitude of historical relics, testifying to great civilizations, with great naval and military power.

The picturesque settlements with the narrow streets full of flowers, the imposing buildings and the mansions with the special architecture, take us on a journey to the glorious moments of the history of the islands.

The beautiful natural landscapes, the picturesque coves, the beautiful harbors and the lacy shores with the blue-green waters are impressive. The beaches with pebbles or sand, with shallow or deep water, with vegetation or without, organized or free, popular or isolated, small or large, offer moments of peace and carefreeness in a landscape of incomparable beauty.

The islands of the Argosaronic Sea have plenty of options for picturesque tavernas, fish taverns and restaurants on the sea to taste fresh fish and seafood delicacies, local flavors, but also local sweets of unique quality and taste.

Don’t forget to get the excellent quality local traditional products, such as herbs, wine, oil, honey and cheeses (pistachios and retsina of Aegina, almonds of Spetses and Hydra, retsina blue and traditional lemonade of Poros, diples, pies and curries of Methanon.

The Argosaronic islands offer unlimited possibilities for sports activities, water sports and diving to explore the seabed. Sports events that attract visitors from Greece and abroad. Cultural evenings under the starry sky. Vibrant nightlife with a variety of options for all tastes and ages. Destinations of particular touristic interest for hiking and mountaineering routes, among ancient stone paths, abandoned villages, volcanic craters, valleys, hills and low plateaus.

The Argosaronic islands have an excellent tourist infrastructure and a multitude of options for accommodation for all financial possibilities. All the Argosaronic islands have daily regular itineraries from the port of Piraeus, offering visitors the possibility to enjoy excursions on weekends as well.

These are small earthly paradises, which make up an island complex of incomparable charm, each of which has its own incredible beauty, its own special color and special character, which invites you to indulge in its charm.

The Argosaronic Islands are dominated by the islands: the romantic Agistri, the peanut-flavored Aegina, Methana with its volcanic landscape, the stately Poros, the historic Salamina, the cosmopolitan Spetses and Hydra with its mansions. Many other smaller picturesque islands and beautiful islets stretch from the Saronic Gulf to the entrance of the Argolic Gulf.

Agistri

Tiny and lush, it looks like a “floating pine forest”. In the heart of Argosaronicos, it is located 55 minutes from Piraeus and just 5 minutes from Aegina! It is equally suitable for families looking for a low-profile destination for budget holidays as it is for fans of free camping, thanks to its beautiful bays and beaches.

The port of Skala is the most “worldly” place and its sandy beach – without being the most beautiful – is suitable, due to its shallow waters, for families. Its best beaches are the “exotic” Aponissos with its seaside taverna, the pebbly Dragoonera with its canteen and few sunbeds, and Halikiada with its steep rocks and nudists. In fact, diving along the western coastline, you will spot ancients on the seabed.

The dense pine forest is present wherever you are. The hike up to Panagia in Metohi is also enchanting, where a great festival is held on the fifteenth of August. An ideal way of moving for those who can stand the upright pedals on the uphills, is the bicycle. If you don’t have your own, you will find rentals at the port.

Aegina

A classic solution for a last minute weekend for Athenians or for a low budget excursion (even one day), Aegina is only 35 minutes away by flying dolphin from Piraeus. As picturesque as the promenade on the waterfront is with the carriages, neoclassical, floating greengrocers, cafes and taverns around the fish market, don’t just stop at it.

Look for the lesser-known among the many imposing public buildings of the Kapodistrian era (such as the Government House). The hinterland is rich in archaeological and religious attractions and beautiful landscapes – from the pine-lined route to the classic beach of Agia Marina to the more “Cycladic” route that connects the port with the village of Anitsao.

Portes with its fish taverns. If you stay more than one day, transportation is necessary to get around the island. Pedal fans take your bike with you or rent one – the beach is suitable for cycling.

Poros

This is the island that is located just 5 minutes away from the mainland and specifically from Galata. By boat or ferry, one can cross over to the lemon grove, which becomes intoxicating in May, when the trees are in bloom and the scent of citrus wafts across the canal on the breeze.

Poros is usually characterized as a family island, but the other side of the “coin” says a favorite sailing destination. Crystal clear waters, pine-covered beaches and delicious taverns are the main characteristics of the island, which has a promenade for endless frolics and afternoon walks, as well as an interesting nightlife.

Hydra

One of the most picturesque and atmospheric islands of the Argosaronic Islands, ideal for romantic and art weekends. The architectural shell of the once prosperous and historic maritime state of the early 19th century has been preserved intact and within it has been built a sophisticated tourist resort with beautiful guesthouses and timeless meeting points.

The high-rise mansions, some of which can be visited, are impressive. The port is the heart of the island and essentially the only settlement. Around it and in the back alleys you will find nice cafes and restaurants as well as arty boutiques.

Starting from Chora, you can take various nice walks: the two most classic options are either to the Historical Archive and the Port Authority or to Kiafa with the mansions of the Kountouriotis and from there, along the beaches, to Spilia, Mylos and Kamini.

If you are not good with walking and stairs, it is better to choose another island, as there are no cars and the routes are either on foot or by water taxi. In addition to the mansions and museums that can be visited, Hydra has a strong artistic movement and every summer a series of contemporary art exhibitions are held here, the most famous of which are organized by Daki Ioannou in the Old Slaughterhouses and Dimitris Antonitsis in the Old Gymnasium.

The churches are also interesting: the Dormition Monastery in the harbor and the churches of Agios Ioannis the Fasting with 18th century frescoes and of Agios Constantine the Great made of hewn stone.

Spetses

Nearby, stately, cosmopolitan, Spetses is one of the classic weekend islands – and not only that. Commercial center and soul of the island is Dapia, the square of the Revolution, where the artillery of the island was located, with the cannons, the neoclassical mansions and the streets paved with pebbles in elaborate designs.

Around the square are, in addition to most shops, the port where the dolphins arrive and the most important museums. Beyond the classic walk to the old port with its tarsanas, it’s worth a walk to Kastelli, which feels like a village – although it’s only minutes away from worldly Dapia.

Cars are not allowed on the island, but you can rent a motorbike or bicycle. The beaches on the north side, which are the best, can be reached by boat or water taxi from the port or by your own means. Closer to the center is the beach of Agia Marina with the organized beach.

Opposite is the famous Spetsopoula, the island of Niarchos. The old port and Kounoupitsa, east and west of the port respectively, are the two main attractions beyond Dapia. The route to the old port, the center of nightlife with good restaurants and popular clubs, is particularly picturesque with imposing mansions.

Near it are the chapel of Panagia of Armata and the Garden of the Cannon Station of Mexi Hatzigiannis, which is suitable for a walk. In Kounoupitsa again, in a pine-covered area, dominates one of the most famous schools of the country, Anargyreios and Korgialeneios.

The internal road that starts from Dapia leads to Kastelli, from where hiking lovers will walk in the so-called forest of Spetses enjoying the natural landscape and the view of the Argosaronic Sea.