If you want to get away from the city for a few days, there are 3 islands that are just a couple of hours away boat trip, that I can recommend.
Poros, Spetses and Hydra are all very easy to reach from Athens with boat services running several times a day. The ferry companies that operate this route include Hellenic Seaways and Alpha Lines.
Spetses
I would start with Spetses and move closer to Athens from there. Spetses is the more remote island, so it will take you a couple of hours to get there. You can spend a night or two there, then you can head over to Hydra or Poros, depending on your budget.
Both high-speed and regular ferries operate on this route. The earliest ferry departs from the port of Piraeus at 09:30, arriving at the port of Spetses around 11:35. The last departure from Piraeus to Spetses is usually at 16:15, with the ferry arriving after 18:00. As for ticket prices, the Athens to Spetses ferry fares range from €50.00 to €62.00 on average but prices may vary, so you can check this prior to your departure. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely journey or a quick transfer, the Athens-Spetses ferry route offers a convenient way to explore the beautiful Saronic Gulf islands. The Piraeus port is easy to get to by public transport, underground (metro) being the fastest and cheapest option. A taxi ride could be a long affair, due to the heavy traffic in the centre, so I would avoid it.
Hydra is the most picturesque, but also, the most expensive of the three, so if you don’t want to splash too much, it can be just a few hours stop on the way. In my case, I made the stop on my way back. I posted this article about my day in Hydra, which was certainly the highlight of my short trip. I decided not to spend the night there, since I couldn’t find any accommodation below €200 and instead, I booked a hotel in Poros, the next stop on my trip. It’s just over an hour away with the ferry, which I took around 7pm, so I spent most of the day in Hydra and had enough time to walk around and explore. It’s not that big, but it has lots of uphill paths, which meant I wasn’t going to drag my bags around with me. I just asked to leave them at the bar where I had some drinks and they were happy to oblige.
Spetses is the island that has more activities to offer, from a horse carriage ride along the north side, to the multitude of boutiques, bars, clubs and restaurants to keep your hands (and belly) full.
I definitely would go there again and I think 3 or 4 days are ideal for a more relaxed and time-worthy break away from the city. The beaches are not huge, but there are several that offer nice, sandy shore and the sea water is really clear. The shopping experience is really good here. Not just the typical souvenirs that you’ll find everywhere, but I saw several niche shops with great selection of items both useful and collectible, so I was impressed. The food is always good in Greece, wherever you are, so no need to make any specific comments on it.
Overall, Spetses is great for a few days and then you have to make a stop at Hydra. In terms of scenery, it’s definitely not to be missed. Being a less developed island, the infrastructure is centred around the main port and the coastline in a short radius. This makes is easy to explore in just a day or two at most. Prices are not too high in restaurants or bars, but accommodation is scarce, and as such, it is overpriced. You’re looking at minimum 200 euro per night (cheapest option) and upwards.
Hydra
Idra for me is a place where I find everything I want for a couple of days break, so it’s definitely one I would be going more often to. But I wouldn’t stay there for a week. It’s better to hop to the other islands nearby too. Dokos and Poros are close by. Poros is much more developed and has large beaches, bigger hotels, I saw many families with kids there, so it’s obviously the one they prefer for package holidays (not really appealing to me) and it’s the cheapest of them all. This could be your last stop before coming back to Athens. It’s how I did it too and it’s the most practical way.
Hydra is by far the one with the most scenic views and it’s ideal for taking some great photos for your social media. The rocky shore is providing some cool spots for swimming, though, not too many. Bars and restaurants with amazing views are not to be missed. I found a great spot at the Spilia Beach Bar, where I spent the afternoon. Prices are very reasonable for such a scenic spot, which was a pleasant surprise. Their Salmon club sandwich is great too and it goes perfectly with a Bellini, so that’s one suggestion. You can also walk over the whole island in a day and see pretty much everything it has to offer. However, doing it all in just one day might be a little too rushed, so two days would be better in my opinion.
Hydra has a unique Bohemian feel that has attracted artists, musicians, and writers over the years. Leonard Cohen, the Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd have all found inspiration here. This is why it’s a little more upscale and unfortunately, accommodation in Hydra is quite expensive. I didn’t find anything below €200 a night, so bear this in mind. Perhaps if you’re booking in advance, you might be able to find some more affordable deals, but I was very much last minute this time around.
Poros
This island has a nice old town where the port is, with lots of shops and restaurants, albeit, not as artsy as those in Spetses. You could also just stay in Poros and do one day trips to the other islands, perhaps even hiring smaller, private boat rides (if you’re a group, that would be reasonable). I can’t give you a price quote, because this changes year to year and I was there in 2023, but this is something you will easily find once you get there. Worst case scenario: the commercial boat is every 4 hours, several times a day and that was around 20-30 euros, depending on where you’re going.
Poros is known for its lush greenery, making it a refreshing retreat. The island’s pine-covered hills and serene landscapes provide a tranquil atmosphere. Explore Poros Town, with its charming alleys, neoclassical buildings, and waterfront cafés. It’s not as scenic as Hydra, but it’s less crowded and just as enjoyable.
Overall, for a couple of hundred euros you can have a short getaway from the city noise and pollution of Athens, so it’s something to think about. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer vacation, these islands offer a delightful blend of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation. Fast ferries from Piraeus make it easy to explore them. So pack your sun hat, embrace the Aegean vibes, and set sail for a memorable island getaway!
Oggs' Earth 
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