Discover Greece, All Around — Islands, Cities & Hidden Corners

Explore Greece by Region

Greece rewards travellers who look beyond the postcard. Every region has its own character, cuisine and rhythm.

The Saronic Islands — Athens' Island Escape

Just a short ferry ride from Piraeus, the Saronic Gulf islands are the easiest Greek islands to reach — and among the most rewarding. Our dedicated island guides cover each one in depth:

• Aegina — pistachio groves, the Temple of Aphaia and Greece's first capital. See our full guide at Go Aegina.
• Agistri — a tiny pine-covered island with turquoise water, under an hour from Athens. Explore it with Go Agistri.
• Poros — a green sailing haven separated from the Peloponnese by a 200-metre strait. Discover it at Go Poros.
• Salamina — the closest island to Athens and the site of the legendary naval battle of 480 BC. Visit Go Salamina.
• Spetses — an elegant, car-free island of mansions, horse-drawn carriages and pine-fringed coves. Plan with Go Spetses.

The Cyclades, Crete & Beyond

From the caldera views of Santorini to the Venetian harbours of Crete, from Rhodes' medieval old town to the beaches of the Ionian — our regional guides are growing all the time, covering geography, history, beaches and local food across the Greek mainland and archipelagos.

Getting Around Greece — Ferries, Flights & Island Hopping

The ferry is the heartbeat of Greek travel. From the port of Piraeus alone, dozens of daily departures connect Athens to the islands — the Saronic islands are reachable in as little as 30–90 minutes, while high-speed boats reach the Cyclades in a few hours. Our transport guides explain:

• How to read Greek ferry schedules and choose between conventional ferries, high-speed catamarans and hydrofoils
• When to book tickets in advance (August and Easter, always) and when you can simply walk on
• How to combine islands into one seamless island-hopping route
• Getting from Athens International Airport to Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio ports

When to Visit Greece

Greece is a year-round destination if you know where to go. Summer (June–September) is peak beach season; May and October offer warm seas, open tavernas and half the crowds; winter belongs to Athens' museums, mountain villages and the islands' quiet authenticity. Each of our island guides includes a month-by-month breakdown of weather, sea temperature and local festivals.

Greek Food, Culture & History

You cannot understand Greece without eating it. Our food guides go beyond moussaka: pistachios from Aegina, lemon groves opposite Poros, fresh fish in Salamina's seaside tavernas, and the amygdalota sweets of Spetses. Alongside the food, we unpack the history under your feet — ancient temples, Byzantine monasteries, and the islands where the Greek Revolution of 1821 was won at sea.

Start Planning Your Greek Adventure

Choose an island guide, check the ferry times, and start building your trip. Greece All Around gives you honest, detailed, regularly updated information — written for travellers, not brochures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Greek islands are closest to Athens?

The Saronic islands — Salamina, Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Spetses and Hydra — are the closest island group to Athens. Salamina is only 15 minutes by ferry from Perama, and Aegina is about 40–75 minutes from Piraeus.

Do I need to book Greek ferry tickets in advance?

For the Saronic islands, same-day tickets are usually fine outside August weekends and Greek holidays. For high-season Cyclades routes, book several weeks ahead.

What is the best time of year to visit Greece?

May, June, September and early October combine warm weather, swimmable seas and fewer crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest.

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