Island trips from Athens
From Athens there are many options to travel in the nearby islands, that are connected by numerous ports of Attica. The closest are located at the Saronikos or Saronic Gulf, and the nearest is Salamina.
Saronikos Gulf
Saronikos Gulf is the gulf between Attica and Peloponnesus. The famous Isthmus or Corinth Canal is here (connecting Ionian Sea with Aegean Sea).
Salamina
Salamina is worldwide known from the famous battle of Salamis, at 480 BC, when the Athenians and allied Greeks stopped the Persian and allied navy in the straits of Salamis. Athens was burnt during the Persian invasion of Greece and the Greeks were fortified behind Isthmus. You can find nice beaches there and explore also the archeological museum of the island that has a vast history. The island is connected to Athens via the Perama port.
Perama port
Perama is a port close to Piraeus, on the way to Elefsina via Aspropyrgos. Not many things to see here, just to take the ferry to get to the 20 minutes trip to Salamis from Athens. The distance from Piraeus is 10 minutes, from the Athens center is about 45 minutes.
Aegina island
Aegina is a famous daily trip from Athens, and has a nice museums, Afea Athena ancient temple and the Monastery of Agios Nektarios. The boats to Aegina leave early at morning, around 7 a.m. from Piraeus port.
Agistri
Close to Aegina and a common stop from Athens is the small island of Agistri. If you want something more quite than Aegina, this is your place to be.
Methana
Located at Peloponnesus, the port of Methana is an excellent stop after Aegina. Quite place, not that cosmopolitan, with normal prices, with spa services in its glorious days, not today. The only thing that remains today is the methane specific smell 🙂 Anyway, its a nice place to visit for a day or two.
Piraeus port
The place that connects Athens to all islands is Piraeus, with its amazing past (and future). Home of Olympiakos football club, Piraeus is connected to Athens airport by train (Proastiakos) but also to Athens by metro Line 1.
