From the heart of the ancient capital of Athens, a wide choice of organised tours connect visitors to the many enticing islands surrounding Greece.
(Photo: GetYourGuide)
Many of the guided island tours on offer cater to travellers who want to enjoy their independence rather than conform to a strict regime of organised activities. For such tours, transport and accommodation tends to be fixed, leaving guests to spend their time in each stop-off as they please. If you’re visiting Athens and would like to book an island tour during your stay, we’ve selected four of the best currently available.
Day Cruise of the Saronic Islands
Despite their proximity to Athens’s Piraeus port, across the Saronic Gulf, the Saronic Islands exist at a completely different pace. This full-day tour takes in three of the main islands of the group, each one offering something different and unique to visitors: Hydra, with its timeless fishing villages scattered up craggy slopes; the serene forests and lemon groves of Poros, with its charming little town; and the stunning beaches of Aegina, backed by groves of pistachios and historic Ancient Greek temple. Each stop allows at least an hour of exploration, with an extra 30 minutes for Aegina. Lunch is provided in the price, with hotel pickups and transfers to the port from which the boat disembarks also included. From $170 per person.
Agistri and Aegina Yacht Tour with Lunch & Swimming
(Photo: GetYourGuide)
If you’d prefer to spend less time on a boat and more time exploring the islands, then this two-island-stop tour takes in Aegina and Agistri islands, both of which lie closer to Athens than some of the other Saronic Islands. Agistri is also known for its pistachio groves and there’ll be plenty of opportunity to try the desserts and treats that make full use of them. On board the boat, an archaeologist guide provides valuable insight into the islands’ pasts as well as advice on where to go to best spend your three or four available hours on each island, be it swimming in the clear seas, spending time on secluded beaches or exploring ancient ruins. From $130 per person.
Hydra, Poros and Egina Day Cruise
(Photo: Viator)
Cruise to three Greek Islands: Poros, Hydra and Aegina on this full-day tour. Each island is enjoyed independently with the tour organising transport, hotel pick-up and drop-off as well as proving a Greek lunch aboard your boat. For an additional cost, tours of the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina Island are offered to guests. During the return journey, relax with entertainment of Greek folklore, traditional music and dancing. There is the opportunity to upgrade this tour, and enjoy the comfort of the boat’s VIP lounge and unlimited refreshments. From $157 per person.
Mykonos Day Trip with Ferry Tickets
(Photo: GetYourGuide)
Best known as a hedonistic party island, Mykonos also has plenty to see and do during daylight hours. On this one-day tour of the island, you’ll get to delve under the skin of the island by walking the streets, venturing up to the hills to soak up 360-degree views, and indulging in some upscale retail therapy for which the island also has a reputation. Other highlights include the chance to check out one of the island’s most familiar landmarks – its hillside windmills – stop for lunch at a local eatery and take a dip in the azure waters surrounding the island. The tour price includes your return ferry from Athens, with a sailing time of around 3.45 hours each way. From $214 per person.