The Saronic Islands include the islands of Aigina, Angistri, Poros, Spetses, and Hydra. Also the exciting volcanic peninsula of Methana is located here.

The Saronic Islands are too small to have their own airport. However, you can reach them via Athens Airport fairly quickly and with minimal effort.

You can reach the islands of Aegina and Poros as well as the Methana peninsula from Athens by car ferry or high-speed ferry.

If you would like to go to Hydra or Spetses from Athens, you can only do so with the high-speed boats.

If you want to go to Spetses by car, you will first have to go to the Peloponnese. Near Porto Heli lies the small ferry port of Kosta. From there you can take the car ferry Katerina Star to Spetses.

To Agistri you can only get with a small ferry from Aigina. Here you can find most connections and book them online: Ferry tickets.

The Saronic Islands have a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers. Seaside holidays are recommended to you especially in the summer months. However, the sea is almost as warm in autumn as it is in summer. Therefore, we can recommend a visit to the Saronic Islands also in September and October.

If you want to get around by bike or on foot, spring and autumn offer optimal conditions without being too hot. However, due to their proximity to Athens, the Saronic Islands don’t really hibernate even between November and March. Therefore, a trip there is also worthwhile in the ”cold” season.

Best of all, during these months you share the islands and the sights only with locals and weekenders from Athens. You can therefore look forward to a very authentic island experience.

The mini-island of Angistri is known as the ‘beach of Aigina’, and rightly so: The small island has wonderful sandy beaches and is therefore worth visiting for at least a day. You can also find beautiful sandy beaches on Spetses and on the Methana peninsula. If you prefer a rocky backdrop for swimming, then Hydra is the island for you!

The Saronic Islands have so far been completely spared from international mass tourism. Therefore, you will find wonderfully authentic tavernas serving the traditional food and drinks of the region almost everywhere.

These include delicious meat and fish dishes, which you may enjoy together with excellent wines from the Peloponnese. The citrus fruits that grow abundantly in the fertile coastal regions of the Peloponnese have also found their way into the local specialities. Don’t miss to taste the extremely creative orange and lemon sauces. Both transform savoury and sweet dishes into delicious delights.

Aigina’s biggest export is all kinds of pistachio products. Whether salty, sweet or completely natural, whether in chocolate or honey or made into ice cream: You will most likely not leave Aigina without securing large quantities of the delicious nuts.

The speciality from the island of Spetses is amygdalota. This is a type of marzipan made from almonds, that is loved not only by the Greeks. The little balls rolled in icing sugar are a true culinary delight.

If you are particularly interested in culture, Aigina is the place to be. Here you will find several exciting archaeological sites. Right next to the harbour is an impressive prehistoric settlement with a temple of Apollo built high above it.

Under no circumstances you shouldn’t miss a visit to the famous Temple of Aphaia which is arguably Aigina’s chief attraction. The temple was built in the 5th century BC at the only place on the island where the sea can be seen on both sides.

If you would like to visit the sanctuary of Zeus on Oros, Aigina’s highest mountain, you will have to be prepared for the climb. And if you’re interested in the Middle Ages, you can take a long hike on the Byzantine chapel hill of Paleochora.