Review: Saronic Islands Day Trip – Is It Worth It?

Looking at a day escape from Athens that whisks you away to not just one, but three gorgeous Greek islands? That day trip to the Saronic Islands – Hydra, Poros, and Aegina – could very well be what you’re searching for, so I went ahead and tried it. It’s almost become a fixture for tourists wanting a taste of island life without committing to a longer stay, and, well, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.

Setting Sail: First Impressions

The day starts pretty early, very early, with a transfer from your Athens hotel to the port, which actually is usually Piraeus. So, this is where the large cruise ships slide in and out all day long. That is where the tour boats that will be carrying you await. What they present you with, right at the get-go, is a taste of the day to come, like anticipation. A big boat, quite a few fellow travelers, and the Aegean Sea stretched out before you.

Getting on the boat itself, well, it’s an experience. The boats are, typically, quite large, with several decks, spots to sit indoors and out, and even small shops and bars. It’s almost as if they’re set up to handle pretty significant numbers of people without you feeling too crowded. When you’re casting off, you can grab a coffee. You can also head up to the deck to watch Athens fade into the horizon. That definitely feels like a good start to an island hopping escape.

Hydra: Where Time Stands Still

First stop: Hydra. And that’s, to me, perhaps the most special of the three islands. So, you are quickly going to find out that it’s known for its car-free policy. Basically, donkeys and water taxis are your transportation options. You are soon stepping onto a harbor town. It feels as though it’s ripped straight from a postcard, that’s for certain. With its beautiful architecture and easy-going vibe, Hydra can become a standout experience. You’ll probably want to start by just wandering around a bit.

As a matter of fact, explore the waterfront shops. So, that means you’ll get everything from jewelry to art. After that, venture into the backstreets to uncover hidden churches. And all that beautiful architecture! You know, something to notice is that the island has some rules about that to help preserve the old look and feel. Now, I would advise walking a little further up the hill. Because doing that allows you some fantastic panoramic views, okay?

If, for instance, you are more the active type, there is some hiking available too. A hike gives you the chance to explore more remote parts of the island and discover some very peaceful monasteries, basically. Now, time on Hydra is pretty limited, that’s to be remembered. It might be like a couple of hours or so. But you should definitely be able to see a fair bit in that space of time.

Poros: Pine-Scented Serenity

After Hydra, it is very likely that the boat will then head for Poros. This one is, I feel, is rather different in character. And there are slopes covered in pine trees there. The pines cascade right down to the water’s edge. Now, this is giving you more of an impression of peacefulness when you come sailing into the harbor, like a calming influence. And that, too, comes after Hydra’s rugged beauty. It’s such a nice contrast.

Poros feels rather compact. So, in some respects, it’s easy to get a handle on even in the short time that the tour allows. So, just walk along the waterfront here, and you get to take in the sights. There are little cafes and shops, mostly. A very inviting atmosphere. Apparently, if you fancy it, climb up to the clock tower. I really enjoyed the view. It shows off the whole island, as well as the mainland beyond.

The boat will usually moor up close to the shore in Poros. Now, this means that you can easily step off to investigate. The island itself is really inviting. As a matter of fact, wander down to one of the small beaches around the edge of town for a paddle in the crystal-clear water, for example.

Aegina: Pistachios and Ancient Wonders

The last stop, normally, is Aegina, which actually is the largest of the three islands visited during the tour. That island’s got a rich history and it’s, it’s got the title as the pistachio capital of Greece. I’m serious! This provides a completely new range of things to investigate.

Basically, you have to consider, it is quite probable that one of the most favored attractions on Aegina is the Temple of Aphaia. Anyway, this really is an ancient temple which stands high up on a hill, giving some awesome views over the island and out to sea. So, I suppose you could rent a taxi or catch a bus to get there if that sounds attractive.

Otherwise, maybe you just want to stay in Aegina Town itself. In that case, wander the waterfront, investigate the local shops. That means pistachios in all their possible forms, by the way! And stop for lunch in a conventional taverna. So, I mean, be sure you sample some local delicacies. What about trying a pistachio-flavored ice cream? You never know, that may just turn out to be great.

Food and Drink on Board

Okay, I need to tell you that the Saronic Islands day tour usually has a buffet lunch included as part of the deal. Food on boats always seems a bit of a mixed thing, though. The spread you find is usually pretty broad, offering some conventional Greek dishes, salads, and other options. Honestly, quality can vary so much though.

I’ve found that there’s commonly enough choice. Also, the meals can often get pretty busy, basically. So, that means it’s worthwhile lining up promptly when lunch is proclaimed. Then you have a shot at beating the crowds. There are bars onboard the boat where you can buy refreshments all through the day, very helpful if it’s hot weather.

The Vibe: Who Is This Trip Good For?

Who is a Saronic Islands tour going to fit the bill for? I am of the view that people new to the Greek islands, who want a quick experience are mostly best suited to it. The fact is that they provide a good introduction. It offers a glimpse into island life without the commitment of taking separate ferries. That may be a hassle.

Is it okay for families? Well, likely, the day trip is okay, sure. Still, it can get pretty lengthy for very young children. The boat rides can be lengthy. You need to keep an eye out that everyone’s still entertained all the time, so it’s something to consider. Anyone that would rather have a more relaxing holiday might just find that they’re a bit pressured for time on all of the islands. That’s what I thought anyway. So, maybe you need to think of them if that’s a potential issue.

Things to Consider Before You Book

Now, you ought to realize there are a few important points you need to be aware of. So, I will run through some of those.

• Timings are tight. Keep an eye out! Time spent on each island actually is pretty limited, let me remind you of that. In any case, you might just feel a little rushed. This may be more obvious on somewhere like Aegina. And that is because there are lots of things you may just like to explore there, arguably.
• The seas could be rough. That said, these boat tours will often be a bit rocky when the weather is bad. Consider, if you have concerns regarding motion sickness that it is worth taking medication. I did that, that time I went, for instance!
• Book in advance. Basically, the Saronic Islands day trip really does get busy at peak times, specifically during summer. Booking ahead definitely will make certain you have a place on the boat.
• Investigate different tour companies. As a matter of fact, the services do vary quite considerably in respect of what they offer. Look closely to see exactly what actually is included and go through the reviews when booking a tour.

Is the Saronic Islands Day Tour Worth It?

Well, is it? Now, the Saronic Islands tour provides a glance at a few popular and pretty islands really close to Athens. It really packs quite a bit into a day. Still, the time pressures, when you visit all the different places, means you might just be a little breathless when you take a step back from it all.

But, still, this may be an ideal pick if time’s against you. Do you need something convenient, very easy? Would you just really love to see a fair few islands without needing to deal with coordinating transport independently? Or perhaps, it might not give you the most comprehensive experience. All things considered, it does allow an idea of what Greek island hopping is. And without going to quite so much time and expense, also.

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