Just an hour and a half away from the port of Piraeus, Athens, in the Saronic gulf, a trio of little islands makes up for the perfect weekend escapade away from the crowded capital. Although Hydra, Spetses, and Poros are only half of the gulf’s islands, they are more than enough to help one unwind and change scenery through the unique components of each destination. At the same time, they are also perfect for island hoppers that feel like combining more than two islands on their trip.
Discover Poros
The first island we are going to talk about is Poros, as it is the largest of the three and the one closer to Athens. Located on the eastern side of the Peloponnese peninsula, it is one of the most talked about islands because of its adequacy for yachters as the port is fully equipped with water and energy supply for any yachter that wishes to leave their boat to tour the island. The island’s landmark is the beautiful and unique capital town because of its elegant architecture and neoclassical buildings along with the Clock tower that stands out even before setting foot on the island. Once arriving at Poros, the visitor first beholds the picturesque port and its promenade with a line-up of quaint taverns and souvenir shops, followed by the charming neoclassical building of the Archaeological Museum of Poros. Lastly, Poros is known for its sandy but vegetatious beaches, Love Bay being at the top of the list followed by Askeli and Neorio beach.
Discover Hydra
Second on the list is the famous Hydra. Its the island that is the second furthest from Athens, likewise located on the eastern side of Peloponnesos. Hydra’s unique characteristic lies on the fact that the sole means of transport of the island are donkeys, as even bicycles are banned. The harbor is small and inviting located almost perfectly in the middle of the amphitheatric shaped village, that consists of th most beautiful 18th century white mansions and curt, marble streets. Unlike the rest of the Argosaronic islands, Hydra is famous for its marvellous, although mostly pebbled, beaches with crystal clear waters. Some are within walking distance of Hydra town, like Hydroneta beach, while others can only be accessed by yachts, like secluded Bisti beach.The aura of Hydra is nothing like any other island’s as, like most people confess, there is nothing better than spending the day in the island’s beautiful beaches followed by a visit to a local tavern for a greek coffee or a sip of ouzo. Hydra is also perfect for hiking enthusiasts, the most popular route being the zigzag three-mile path to the hilltop Moni Profiti Elis monastery. Once one gets to the top they can admire not only the stunning views, but also the huge library the monastery has to offer.
Discover Spetses
The third and last island we are going to talk about is the magnificent and frenetic Spetses. With its magical beaches, its abundant history and culture, and the cosmopolitan nightlife, Spetses is an ideal destination for a quick break or even a long vacation throughout the year. Spetses’ old and full of culture town is called Dapia and mainly consists of whitewashed Venetian mansions, steep and maze-like streets filled with small coffeeshops, tavers, restaurants and bars. Prepare not to be surprised by the lack of cars as they are similarly banned from the island, like in Hydra. Although unalike Hydra, bicycles and motorcycles are an option for anyone you wishes to rent one. Have in mind, though, that during the summer time using a motorcycle on the costal road is forbidden in certain hours of the day. You should contact the Tourist Police or the Municipality of Spetses for more information , if you’re thinking of using one. The island has plenty of marinas on its eastern side, that makes it ideal for yachters to rest and spend their day roaming through the island or visiting secluded pebbled beaches, like Zogeria, Agia Marina and Agii Anargiri. Besides the vivid nightlife, Spetses is also known for the Bouboulina museum, that is, obviously, dedicated to Laskarina Bouboulina, and infamous heroine of the Greek Independence war of 1821-1828, that is quartred in her former home.
