Island-hopping from Athens how to, plus the best trips to the mainland
Island-hopping from Athens and trips to the Greek mainland are arguably some of the best things to do during your stay at the Greek capital!
Either you opt for a quick excursion to the Saronic islands, a complete island-hopping itinerary to the Cyclades islands or a quick getaway to the Greek mainland, we’re going to give you all the essential information to do it like a pro!
So, keep reading to find out the best destinations for island-hopping from Athens and mainland excursions from Athens!
Island-hopping from Athens
If you’re planning on visiting Greece in summer, then island-hopping from Athens is something you should consider! Athens is the best starting point for island-hopping to the Greek islands because it is where Piraeus, the biggest port in Greece, is located. Multiple conventional and high-speed ferries depart from Piraeus to the Greek islands daily. Another port in Athens that has many ferry connections to the Greek islands -especially in summer- is Rafina. Depending on your location, you can choose the port that serves you the best!
Island-hopping from Athens to Poros
Island-hopping from Athens to Poros and the rest of the Saronic islands is a must. Thanks to its proximity to the Greek capital, Poros is one of the most popular destinations for quick getaways.
Poros island is just 1-1.5 hours away from Athens, so it’s perfect for a day cruise. It is a tiny island that has lush vegetation, beautiful beaches, and a picturesque main town. Poros is a relatively quiet island, even during the peak season. However, it tends to get crowded on the summer weekends.
Ferries to Poros depart from Piraeus every day throughout the year. In summer, there are frequent connections (4-6 per day) between Poros and Athens, Hydra, Spetses, Porto Heli, Hermione, and Metochi. The types of ferries that sail from Athens to Poros are conventional ferries, flying dolphins, and small catamarans.
Island-hopping from Athens to Santorini
Well, this is one of the most popular island-hopping itineraries in Greece, especially during the summer. Santorini is connected to Athens via the Piraeus and Rafina ports.
Santorini is 5-8 hours away from Athens, depending on the type of ferry you’re traveling with (conventional or high-speed/ catamaran). Worldwide famous for its breathtaking sunset, dramatic caldera, and lunar landscape, Santorini is a picture-perfect island. It attracts millions of tourists and honeymooners every summer, so it can get crowded in peak season. If you want to avoid the crowds, we suggest that you visit the island in May or September/October.
Ferries to Santorini depart from Piraeus port every day throughout the year. In low season, there are 1-2 ferry connections per day, while in peak season more than 5. The types of ferries that sail from Athens to Santorini are conventional and high-speed/catamaran ferries. A conventional ferry needs 8 hours to get to Santorini, while a high-speed approximately 5.
Recommended tour: Athens to Santorini
Island-hopping from Athens to Paros
Paros is one of the up-and-coming islands of the Cyclades island complex! Known for its vivid party scene, gorgeous beaches, traditional Cycladic architecture, and water sports activities, Paros is a must destination, especially for young people. You can visit Paros directly from Athens, or as a part of an island-hopping itinerary to the Cyclades. Other popular destinations for island-hopping from Paros are from Paros to Naxos, Santorini, and Mykonos.
Ferries from Athens to Paros depart daily from Athens throughout the year. In peak season, there are approximately 4 ferry connections per day, while in the low season 1-2. The duration of the trip is 3-4.5 hours depending on the type of the ferry (conventional or high-speed).
Island-hopping from Athens to Naxos
Naxos is a beautiful Cycladic island very close to Paros, Mykonos, and Santorini. Popular for its beautiful natural landscape, traditional architecture, archaeological sites, and delicious cuisine, Naxos is an island that somehow manages to have it all! The largest as well as the greenest island of the Cyclades island chain, Naxos offers plenty of options of things to do as well as diversity of landscapes!
There are daily ferries from Athens to Naxos all year long. The ports that serve the route from Athens to Naxos are Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrion. However, most ferries depart from Piraeus port. The duration of the trip from Athens to Naxos is 3.5 hours with a high-speed/ catamaran ferry and 5.5 hours with a conventional ferry.
Trips from Athens to the mainland
Trips from Athens to the mainland are great for exploration during the winter and autumn, when the weather doesn’t permit excursions to the islands. Besides, Athens boasts an ideal location, as it is close to many beautiful towns like Nafplion, Delphi, Epidaurus, and Meteora!
Trip from Athens to Nafplion
Nafplion is one of the most popular destination for day trips from Athens! Located in Argolis, Peloponnese, Nafplion is a picturesque coastal town that never fails to enchant visitors. Famous for its traditional architecture, archaeological sites, and Medieval aura, Nafplion is one of the most beautiful towns of Argolis. What’s more, it lies just 137 km away from Athens, which means it’s very easily accessible by a car or a bus.
Since Nafplion is close to the archaeological sites of Delphi and Epidaurus, we recommend renting a car from Athens and embarking on a road trip to Argolis. During your road trip, you’ll get the chance to visit not only Nafplion but also other sites of great historical value!
Trip from Athens to Delphi
If you are a history lover, a trip from Athens to Delphi is an absolute must! Also known as the navel of the earth, Delphi is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. That’s because of the oracle of Delphi, which is located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and was famous in the ancient world. Some of the monuments you’ll find at the archaeological site of Delphi are the Temple of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Ancient Theater, and the Stadium.
Delphi is just 2-2.5 hours away from Athens, so you can easily reach it by car or by bus. Renting a car is the best way to get to Delphi, because this way you can combine your visit to Delphi with a visit to the nearby Nafplion and Epidaurus.
Recommended: Delphi Day Trip from Athens
Trip from Athens to Meteora
Meteora is an amazing place to visit -nothing less than a natural wonder. Meteora is a complex of towering rocks on the top of which stand traditional monasteries. The combination of the wild natural surroundings with the enormous rocks creates a breathtaking and super-photogenic scenery! What’s more, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora is the perfect place for nature exploration, climbing, and hiking.
Just 4-5 hours away from Athens, Meteora can be easily reached by car or by bus. Many travelers choose to visit Meteora after visiting Delphi, as a part of a road trip to the mainland. Whatever you choose to do, we recommend staying at Meteora for at least a couple of days, so that you can explore the area to the fullest!
Recommended tour: 2-Day trip to Delphi and Meteora from Athens
To sum up, there’s plenty of option when it comes to island-hopping from Athens and trips from Athens to the mainland! No matter if you’re staying for a couple of days or more, there are many destinations for excursions to the Greek islands and the mainland. Don’t miss the chance to explore them!
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