15 Islands near Athens – An hour or two from Athens by ferry

The closest island to Athens with a regular ferry service — ideal for a family holiday or day trip. Organized and shallow beaches are safe for children, and the ancient temple of Athena Afaia in the center of the island is one of the most beautifully preserved ancient buildings in all of Greece. Car rental is optional. Tour of Agistria and Poros.

A small island near Athens and Aegina with a peaceful atmosphere and crystal clear beaches. Skala is the most popular resort, and a tour of the island leads to beautiful coves with blue-green water — some of them are nudist spots. A car is not required. The evenings are romantic and great for a walk under the moonlight.

A secret gem, just an hour from the port of Lavrion, still undiscovered by foreign visitors. Traditional atmosphere, barren landscape and clean beaches. The stone lion, the Panagia Kastriani monastery and the ancient Kartea are the most important attractions. Ideal for relaxation and privacy all year round. Recommended stay: 2 nights.

Popular since the 1960s when it became a highly artistic center and a meeting place for famous writers, painters and actors. Cosmopolitan and traditional atmosphere, elegant villas, picturesque bays and hiking trails. Cars are not allowed — transport only on foot or by donkey. Recommended stay: 1–2 nights.

Popular as a weekend destination due to its proximity to Athens and small size. The beautiful bays with blue-green water, the green background and the picturesque town give it a relaxing atmosphere. The island is also used as a base for sailing around the Saronic Gulf. A car is optional. Ideal for a tour of Speces and Aegina.

Two hours from Athens, it is by no means a tourist island — Athenians mostly visit it during summer weekends. The two picturesque villages of Chora and Dryopida and the beach of Kolona — a narrow strip of land that divides the sea into two sides — are some of the most unusual sights in the Cyclades. A car is not required. Recommended stay: 2 nights.

Despite its proximity to Athens, it retains its quiet family atmosphere in the summer. The narrow cobbled streets of Hora, the incredible view of the Aegean Sea and the elegant villas are the most characteristic. The Goulandris Museum of Modern Art and the Katakilos Waterfalls are unmissable. Only accessible by ferry from Rafina. Recommended stay: 4 nights.

An island with colorful traditional architecture and aristocratic style. Cars are prohibited in the city — transportation is by foot, bicycle or beautiful carriages. Don't miss the museum of Bubulina, the heroine of the Greek Revolution. Ideal for visiting Hydra and Poros. Recommended stay: 1–2 nights.

Known for the miraculous church of the Virgin Mary, but also for the beautiful beaches and impressive dovecotes scattered throughout the interior. The mountain villages of Pyrgos and Kardiani are unusually beautiful. Ideal for visiting Andros, Mykonos and Syros. Recommended stay: 4 nights.

A gem that foreign tourists have not yet discovered, and is mostly visited by Greek guests. A stroll through Ermoupolis will take you to elegant villas, beautiful churches and large squares that come alive in the evening. The beaches are beautiful and clean. Tour of Mykonos, Andros and Tinos. Recommended stay: 3 nights.

Untouched by mass tourism, with a picturesque village built on top of a hill and clean beaches. Although it's only two hours from Athens, it's not crowded in the summer — the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing vacation. In the evening, head to Hora for a drink. Tour of Milos, Sifnos and Kythnos. Recommended stay: 4 nights.

One of the most cosmopolitan Cycladic islands with Cycladic architecture, wonderful beaches and lively nightlife. The Golden Beach is famous for windsurfing, and driving around the island reveals traditional villages with houses made of white sugar. An ideal trip to Naxos, Koufonisia and Amorgos. Recommended stay: 5 days.

Known for its exotic beaches and crazy nightlife. Relax on Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach during the day, and head to Hora in the evening — the Little Venice sunset and all-night bars make Mykonos an unforgettable destination. Recommended stay: 5 days.

An authentic island that has retained its family style despite its popularity. Amazing beaches on the west side with exotic water and soft sand and picturesque mountain villages inland. Mikri Vigla is one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in the Cyclades. Recommended stay: 7 days.

A beautiful island of the western Cyclades with a volcanic background that maintains a peaceful atmosphere even in the height of the season. Don't miss the fishing village of Clima with colorful boat garages and a boat trip to the Kleftiko Caves — an amazing place with rocks in the middle of the sea and exotic water. Recommended stay: 5 nights.