A short distance from Athens, these heavenly islands offer stunning seaside landscapes, beautiful beaches, historic monuments, stately buildings and one-of-a-kind hospitality. Explore these heavenly islands close to Athens.
They consist of Aegina, Hydra, Agistri, Spetses, Salamina, Poros and Methana.
Aegina is the largest island of Argosaronikos and the closest to the port of Piraeus while Spetses, Poros and Hydra are farther but the distance between them is small. The islands have wonderful beaches ideal for summer excursions and not only.
Their colors are blue and white like the Greek flag. The islands come in all sizes and, though the ingredients are the same – incomparable light, translucent water, heavenly beaches, lustrous white buildings and bare rock, each one has its own distinct character. The group’s stars, Mykonos and Santorini, need no introduction but the lesser-known islands, big and small, are just as rewarding. For starters, try aristocratic Syros, cosmopolitan Paros, the sculptors’ paradise of Tinos, bountiful Naxos, exotic Milos and historic Delos, not to mention the ‘hidden gems’ that adorn the Aegean, such as Tzia/Kea, Kythnos, Sifnos, Serifos, Amorgos, Sikinos, Anafi and Folegandros. Whether you’re travelling with your family, friends or sweetheart, you’re bound to find your summer paradise in the sun in the Cyclades.
A cluster of twelve islands in the southeastern edge of the Aegean, jewels of all sizes decorating the big blue sea: the Dodecanese form a bridge between Europe and the East and everywhere you’ll see traces of peoples and cultures that made their mark over the centuries: Ionians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans and Italians.
Each island has a character all its own and all offer a plethora of opportunities for relaxation, sightseeing, adventures and gastronomical pleasure – with a backdrop of stunningly beautiful beaches.
All of these holiday destinations are wonderful. The major islands of the Ionian (Kefalonia, Corfu, Zante, Lefkada, Ithaca, and Paxi) lived for centuries under Venetian rule and it shows in their castles and churches. Carpeted with olive trees, pines and vineyards, they are fertile and green, a stunning setting for their award-winning white-sand beaches and peacock-blue waters. You’ll also find that the hospitable citizens have music in their souls.
On land, you’ll want to explore the monasteries and mountain villages and seek out waterfalls, hiking trails and scenic routes by car or motorbike. Nature lovers can retire to the wetlands for birdwatching or the marine parks for glimpses of elusive monk seals and Loggerhead turtles.
Each island in the North Aegean has its own identity. Each is a destination with unique wild beauty and rich cultural heritage. Largely unexplored, this cluster of islands may not be tourist-magnets but that is exactly what gives them their charm. Kick back and relax beachside or go exploring in these unspoilt and seductive treasures on this side of the Aegean: Lesvos (Mytilini), Chios, Samothrace, Thasos, Limnos, Ikaria, Samos, as well as Agios Efstratios, Fourni, Psara and Innouses.
Magnificent sandy beaches with crystalline water, picturesque mountain villages, dramatic coastlines, delicious food, rich history and rare natural beauty make these islands ideal holiday destinations for those in search of seaside escapes, local traditions and unforgettable historic sites. The larger islands, such as Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Ikaria and Thasos are especially perfect for families, couples and groups of friends, while the smaller ones, like Agios Efstratios, Fourni, Psara and Inousses, are paradise for sailors and intrepid travelers.
Athens. The city that gave birth to democracy, the sciences and fine arts. The center of ancient civilization with Parthenon, Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. This mighty city has contributed to world history and culture time and again, making itself immortal; an actor beyond the constraints of time’s usual boundaries. At the same time a modern, vibrant city, full of energy, flavor, desire and pleasures day and night. Walk from Syntagma Square to Plaka, from Monastiraki to Psyrri and Gazi area and you will discover a city that belongs to humanity and Mediterranean light. A city that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
The southern suburbs of Athens invite you to travel to the big blue – here the summer never ends
A few kilometers outside Athens, the urban landscape gives way to a unique seaside resort. This gorgeous stretch of coastline with its green-blue water, organized beaches and rocky coves is teeming with five-star resorts, spas, esplanades, marinas, windsurfing and sailing. Combined with the ideal climate, the Athens Riviera makes you feel as if you’re on an endless summer holiday.
Your excursion to the southern suburbs begins from Faliro and reaches Sounion. The tram connects Athens – from Syntagma Square – with the southern suburbs, and is a leisurely way to get to the coast. Along the way, you’ll encounter seaside neighborhoods and destinations full of temptations for you to stop and check out: Alimos, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Lagonissi, Saronida, Anavyssos are all perfect for swimming or a stroll, with shopping, dining and more.
The Peloponnese is a destination for all seasons, with a rich history and a rich landscape. Destinations of authentic natural beauty, each with their own distinctive characteristics, eager to welcome you all year long; Messinia, Elafonisos, Monemvasia, Mani, Porto Heli, Kalavryta, Nafplio and the ancient theatre of Epidaurus. It’s the land of ancient Sparta, home of the holy olive grove and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. War, peace and culture saturate the cities and countryside of one of the most beautiful destinations of mainland Greece, the Peloponnese. Here, ancient monuments and impressive attractions are scattered throughout the landscape.
On the south side of the Aegean is an island that is mystical, warm and welcoming, pure and generous. Crete captures the spirit of Greece, and enchants everyone who visits it.
Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Malia, Hersonissos, Sitia, Sfakia.
An island with numerous destinations and thousands of vibrant images.
Crete captivates and seduces the senses with its impressive and majestic landscape, with its open-hearted and vivacious spirit, its rich history, its world-famous cuisine and its hospitable people.
Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros. Four lush green enchanting islands with stunning beaches. Among them, the famous sea park of the Northern Sporades.
Discover Skiathos, the birthplace of Alexandros Papadiamantis, and enjoy a relaxing swim in Koukounaries, one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
On Skopelos, where “Mamma Mia” was filmed, you will admire the unique architecture of its capital town (“Hora”).
On Alonnisos’ hiking trails, you will explore the beauty of unspoiled nature.
The beautiful Evia is the second largest island of Greece after Crete.
When you cross it, you forget that you are on an island, as it looks like a part of mainland Greece.
Discover an island steeped in myth and riddled with ancient riches, history, culture and traditions, full of wonderful experiences just waiting to be enjoyed. Whatever the season, Cyprus provides ample opportunity to experience something new, interesting and exciting, including activities, events, customs and places that are unique and special to the island. Cyprus: The center for the cult of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, a modern island nation that retains an essentially Mediterranean character.
Turquoise water, dense pine forests, dreamy hotels, small coves with fish tavernas and cafes, beach bars, archaeological sites, traditional villages in Sithonia, the Petralona Cave in Kassandra. A microcosm of miracles. Explore it with all your senses.
Pine trees that reach right up to the water’s edge, white sand, beautiful bays, crystal-clear water, hidden coves. Halkidiki’s beaches are so great in number that you can’t possibly count them all, but take out a map and have a go all the same; Kavourotripes, Mikro (small) and Megalo (large) Karidi, Kalogria, Kriopigi, Agios Mamas, Sani…do you give up yet? Just make it easy for yourself and dive into all its stunning beauty.
