Three Greek islands in a single day -- the Saronic Islands cruise is one of the most popular day trips from Athens. You board a ship in the morning, visit Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, and you're back by evening. It's the fastest way to experience Greek island life without booking ferries or hotels.
In this guide
The cruise departs from the Athens coast (usually Flisvos Marina or Marina Delta Kalitheas) and loops through the Saronic Gulf, stopping at each island for 1-2 hours of free time. It's a well-oiled operation that's been running for decades, and it's consistently one of the top-rated activities in Athens.
How It Works
The Typical Schedule
- 07:00-07:30 -- Embarkation at the marina (some operators offer hotel pickup for an extra fee)
- 08:00 -- Departure
- 10:00-11:30 -- Hydra (approximately 1.5-2 hours free time)
- 12:30-13:15 -- Poros (approximately 45 minutes)
- 13:30 -- Lunch on board
- 15:00-17:00 -- Aegina (approximately 1.5-2 hours, optional bus tour to Temple of Aphaia)
- 17:00 -- Departure from Aegina
- 19:00-19:30 -- Return to Athens marina
Times vary by operator and season. Some reverse the order (Poros first, Aegina last).
What's Included
Most standard tickets include: - Round-trip cruise - Buffet lunch on board - Live Greek music and dancing on the return leg - Multilingual commentary
Not usually included: drinks, monastery/temple entrance fees, optional island tours.
Pricing
| Ticket Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard | 100-120 EUR |
| VIP | 140-170 EUR |
VIP typically adds: priority boarding, VIP lounge, welcome drink, upgraded lunch, sun deck access, Wi-Fi.
Children under 5 are usually free. Children 6-11 get a discount (roughly 50%).
Book through GetYourGuide, Viator, or direct with operators. Booking in advance is recommended in summer.
What You'll See
Hydra (1.5-2 hours)
The highlight for most people. Hydra's crescent-shaped harbour is stunning from the deck as you pull in. Stone mansions climb the hillside, donkeys wait at the dock, and there isn't a car or motorbike in sight.
What to do with your time: - Walk the waterfront and harbour - Browse the narrow lanes and art galleries - Grab a coffee or drink at a harbourside cafe - Quick swim at Spilia (rocks, 5 minutes' walk west)
1.5 hours is enough for the harbour and a coffee. Not enough for beaches or serious exploration -- for that, visit Hydra independently by ferry.
Poros (45 minutes)
The shortest stop. Poros is a small, green island separated from the Peloponnese coast by a narrow strait. The town climbs a hill topped by a clock tower.
What to do with your time: - Walk the waterfront - Climb to the clock tower for views (if you're quick) - Browse the small shops
45 minutes is tight. You're essentially getting a taste rather than a visit. Some cruises give up to an hour here.
Aegina (1.5-2 hours)
The largest and most varied of the three islands. Aegina town has a working harbour, neoclassical architecture, and pistachio shops everywhere.
What to do with your time: - Walk the harbour and town - Buy pistachios (this is the place -- Aegina pistachios have PDO status) - Optional bus tour to the Temple of Aphaia (usually 10-12 EUR extra, booked on board). The temple is one of the best-preserved Doric temples in Greece, but the bus tour takes about 1 hour of your island time.
Is It Worth It?
The honest assessment:
Pros: - You see three islands in one day with zero logistics - The cruise itself is pleasant -- good food, music, scenic sailing - Hydra's harbour arrival is genuinely impressive - Good value compared to booking separate ferries and managing your own schedule - Works well for people with limited time in Athens
Cons: - Time on each island is short, especially Poros (45 minutes isn't much) - You're with hundreds of other passengers -- this isn't an intimate experience - The islands feel sampled rather than explored - Lunch on board is decent but not remarkable - You could visit any of these islands more deeply on your own by regular ferry for less money
The verdict: If you have one day and want to see multiple islands with minimal planning, this cruise delivers. If you have more time, pick one island (Hydra or Aegina) and visit independently -- you'll have a richer experience.
Practical Tips
- Sit on the right side of the ship when heading to Hydra for the best views of the coastline.
- Disembark quickly. On a ship with hundreds of passengers, the first off the boat get the most island time. Be near the exit before docking.
- Eat on the islands if you prefer. The included lunch is fine but the fish tavernas on Aegina and Hydra are better. You can skip the on-board meal (though you've paid for it).
- Bring cash. Island shops, tavernas, and monastery/temple entrance fees are often cash only.
- Sea conditions matter. The Saronic Gulf is usually calm, but in high winds, the Hydra stop can be skipped. This is rare but does happen. Operators may substitute or refund.
- Don't try to see the Temple of Aphaia AND explore Aegina town. The bus tour takes most of your Aegina time. Choose one or the other.
Booking Tips
- Book 1-2 weeks ahead in summer. These cruises run daily but fill up.
- Check the departure point. It varies by operator -- Flisvos Marina, Marina Delta Kalitheas, or Trokadero Marina. All are accessible by tram or taxi from central Athens but they're different locations.
- VIP is worth it if you value comfort and a quieter experience. The standard deck can get crowded.
- Most operators offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Cancellation within 24 hours is non-refundable.
Alternatives
If the cruise format doesn't appeal:
- Hydra by ferry -- Go independently for a full day. 1-2 hours each way from Piraeus.
- Aegina by ferry -- 40 minutes from Piraeus. A full day gives you time for the temple, beaches, and a proper lunch.
- Private sailing trip -- Charter a sailboat for a small group. Significantly more expensive (300+ EUR) but completely different experience. You choose where to stop, swim, and eat.
The Saronic Islands cruise departs from the Athens coast and takes a full day (approximately 12 hours). Standard tickets run 100-120 EUR per person.