About this activity
Editor's Note
I’ve spent years watching the big cruise lines fight over occupancy rates and RevPAR, but they often miss the point of what travelers actually want: a breath of fresh air without the logistical nightmare of island hopping. Honestly, the industry loves to sell you on ten-day marathons that leave you more tired than when you started. That's why I like this specific Saronic run; it’s a high-yield experience for your time. You aren’t stuck waiting for a ferry lead that may or may not show up on time—you just get on the boat, eat some decent food, and see the islands that actually have character. It’s a bit of a "greatest hits" reel, sure, but sometimes the classics are classics for a reason, and you don't even need a hotel reservation to pull it off.
About the Tour
If you're looking to escape the concrete heat of Athens but don't have a week to burn, sailing into the Saronic Gulf is the smartest move you can make. This day cruise isn't about rushing; it’s about tactical relaxation. You’ll swap the city’s noise for the rhythmic sound of the Aegean as you visit three distinct islands, each with its own "vibe" and history.
What to Expect on the Islands:
- Hydra: This is the showstopper. There are no cars here—just donkeys, cobblestones, and red-tiled roofs. It’s the kind of place where you just want to get lost in the backstreets with a camera.
- Poros: Smaller and incredibly charming, Poros is the spot for a bit of retail therapy or a quick coffee by the clock tower. The lush greenery here is a sharp contrast to the rocky shores of its neighbors.
- Aegina: The largest of the three. You can head straight for the Temple of Aphaia, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in Greece, or simply hunt down the world-famous local pistachios. Trust me, buy two bags; one won't last the boat ride back.
The On-Board Experience
Forget about hunting for a taverna with an open table at noon. The cruise includes a fresh Greek buffet lunch served right on the water. Between stops, you can lounge on the deck, soak up the sun, and watch the coastline shift from urban sprawl to island bliss. To make the logistics even smoother, transfers between Athens hotels and the port are available, so you don't have to navigate the local bus system at 7:00 AM.
It’s an easy, well-oiled machine of a tour that delivers exactly what it promises: more Greece, less stress.
Highlights
- Soak up some sun on the spacious deck as you sail to the Saronic Islands
- Have the freedom to explore with free time the islands Poros, Hydra, and Aegina
- Sit back and savor a delicious buffet lunch with chicken, fish, pasta, and salad
- Upgrade to include transfers from select hotels and port pickup points
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting/pickup location
Depends on the selected option
Sightseeing cruise
(3 hours)
Hydra, Greece
Free time, Shopping, Sightseeing, Walk, Self-guided tour, Scenic views on the way (105 minutes)
Sightseeing cruise
(1 hour)
Saronic Islands
Lunch, Meal onboard (45 minutes)
Poros
Visit, Free time, Shopping, Sightseeing, Walk, Scenic views on the way (1 hour)
Sightseeing cruise
(80 minutes)
Aegina
Photo stop, Visit, Free time, Sightseeing, Walk, Scenic views on the way (2 hours)
Sightseeing cruise
(1 hour)
37 drop-off locations:
Key Tours Hellas S.A, Candia Hotel, Dorian Inn, Academias Hotel, Autograph Collection, The Margi, Attalos Hotel, Acropolis Select Hotel, President Hotel Athens, InterContinental Athenaeum Athens, an IHG Hotel, Jason Inn, Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens, Novotel Athenes, The Athenian Callirhoe Exclusive Hotel, Grand Hyatt Athens, NEW Hotel, Athens Avenue Hotel, ATHINAIS HOTEL, Kubic Athens, a member of Brown Hotels, King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens, Golden City Hotel, Divani Caravel Hotel, A for Athens, Acropolis Museum Boutique Hotel, Brown Acropol, Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, The Golden Age Hotel of Athens, The Stanley Hotel, Achillion Hotel, Evermore Cruises, Divani Palace Acropolis, NJV Athens Plaza, Meliá Athens, Arethusa Hotel, Titania, Athenaeum Grand Hotel, Wyndham Grand Athens, Herodion Hotel See more