Three of the largest islands of the Argosaronic- Salamis, Aegina, and Poros- are located within the Saronic Gulf, the gulf coming between the coasts of Attica and the Peloponnese.
Hydra along with the islet of Dokos, today uninhabited, is located between the Saronic and Argolic gulfs whilst Spetses is at the entrance of the Argolic Gulf, a gulf that is exclusively a part of Peloponnese.
Of all the islands Hydra is the most artistic island. In the 60s, the island became a place where famous writers, actors, and artists gather. The island is both cosmopolitan and traditional, has very nice architecture, and is completely car-free. Highlights of the island are Bastions, Kountouriotis mansion, Kaminia, and Hydronetta beach.
The one closest to Piraeus is historic Salamis, which is also the most densely populated. Leaving Perama in Attica, in a quarter of an hour you will find yourself at Paloukia and from there you can go wherever you want by car.
Further south is beautiful Aegina, with its pine groves, sand beaches, and the renowned temple of Aphaia which is only one hour away from Piraeus by boat.
Aegina is a very picturesque island with beaches with shallow water. A must-visit is the Ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia. Worth the visit is also the Tower of Markellos, Moni islet, and Perdika beach.
Further south is picturesque Poros, opposite the shores of the Peloponnese and still further famous Hydra with its traditional architecture.
Finally, just a bit further south, at the entrance to the Gulf of Argos, lies Spetses, picturesque and verdant. With a naval tradition as long as that of Hydra it played with its fleet and experienced sailors a crucial role in the uprising of the nation against the Turks in 1821. Spetses is a great location for a relaxing holiday.
Cars are not allowed in the town and transportation is done by bicycle, on foot or horse carriage. The highlights of the island are the church of Agios Nikolaos, Old Harbour, Bouboulina museum, Agioi Anagiri beach.
No more than four hours separate Spetses, the furthest island, from Piraeus by boat. If this journey is made with the swift “Flying Dolphin” hydrofoils that have schedules to all these islands (except Salamis) then the time is cut in half.
Besides the five main islands, there are also smaller ones which come to more than 100 if you count the rocky outcroppings. Only 11 of these are inhabited.
Those that are uninhabited may provide you with pleasant surprises if you visit them with your own boat.
These islands are also a perfect destination for one-day trips from Athens. During summer they became very popular especially with the Athenians who like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The popularity of the islands contributed to the development of tourism over the last decade