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Salamina
Salamis (Greek: Salamina) is the largest of the Saronic Gulf Islands, lying just off Piraeus in the shadow of Athens. It is far more a busy, largely residential commuter island than a polished tourist resort, but its name is written into history as the site of the decisive naval Battle of Salamis in 480 BC.
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Aegina
Close to Athens, Aegina offers short ferry crossings, the well-preserved Temple of Aphaia and pistachio orchards. Day-trippers and weekenders come for seaside tavernas, archaeological sites and calm beaches.
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Poros
A small island opposite the Peloponnese with a crescent harbour, pine-clad hills and neoclassical houses. Ferries from Piraeus bring day-trippers for beaches, sailing, seafood tavernas and short coastal walks.
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Ýdra
Stone mansions ring a cosmopolitan harbor where donkeys and water taxis still rule. Visitors arrive for clifftop walks, museums in restored merchant houses, and seafood tavernas that open onto small mooring-lined bays.
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Spétses
A Saronic isle with pine slopes and mansions, Spétses lures sailors, day-trippers and food hunters: seaside tavernas, horse-drawn carriages, the naval museum and sheltered harbors make it an easy stop from Athens.
Top Places in Saronic Gulf Islands
Saronic Gulf Islands at a Glance
The Saronic islands are Athens’s weekend playground - close, pretty and easy, from car-free Hydra to pistachio-scented Aegina.
Why go / don’t miss: the car-free stone town and donkeys of Hydra, the Temple of Aphaia and pistachios of Aegina, the pine-clad Poros, and chic Spetses.
Areas: Aegina and tiny Agistri nearest Athens; Poros, Hydra and Spetses further south.
Getting around: fast ferries and hydrofoils run from Piraeus in under two hours; no cars needed (Hydra bans them).
When to go: great as day trips or short breaks year-round; loveliest in spring and autumn.
Where to stay: Hydra or Spetses for an overnight; Aegina for a quick day trip.
Dining: Aegina pistachios, fresh seafood and simple taverna cooking.
Local tips: Hydra allows no cars or bikes - transport is by donkey, water taxi or on foot.
Best Things to Do in Saronic Gulf Islands
Temple
Parthenon
Ancient Doric temple on Athens' Acropolis
Museum
Acropolis Museum
Modern museum housing artifacts from the Acropolis
Temple
Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens
Massive ancient temple ruins near central Athens
Archaeological Site
Acrocorinth
Fortified acropolis dominating the Corinthian isthmus
Museum
National Archaeological Museum, Athens
Major museum housing Greece's largest ancient artifact collection
Archaeological Site
Epidaurus
Ancient theatre renowned for exceptional acoustics and sanctuary
Archaeological Site
Ancient Agora of Athens
Ancient marketplace and civic center of classical Athens
Archaeological Site
Mycenae
Mycenaean citadel famed for Lion Gate and tombs