Saronic Gulf Islands Car Tours: Top 5 Islands Explored

Thinking about exploring the Saronic Gulf Islands, that group of destinations close to Athens? What a cool idea, yet before you set off, getting a grip on the islands themselves, and how exactly car tours play out there, could be important. Many of us dream about those Greece islands, but Salamina, Aegina, Angistri, Poros, Hydra, and Spetses all provide their very own flavor. With some needing ferry trips and others totally car-free, your method could need a little considering, So, with a focus on island hopping utilizing car transportation where it could be an advantage or just plain fun, here is a list of trips to help you see and taste the heart of the Saronic.

1. Aegina: A Blend of History and Beaches

First up is Aegina. That island, so accessible from Athens, makes it a breeze to ferry over with your own wheels. Once there, getting around by car opens up different choices, which is great, allowing for spontaneous stops at less well-known beaches and historical gems. One route many tourists take begins at Aegina Town. Often you might start your day with a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Check out the colorful fishing boats, so picture-postcard-perfect scenes. Afterward, driving south brings you to the Temple of Aphaia. Is that Doric temple perched high on a hill so magical?

From there, winding down to the coast leads you to Marathonas. That tiny fishing village offers quiet spots, just little tavernas serving super fresh seafood. If you are adventurous, think about visiting the inland areas too. Paleochora is that abandoned medieval village that has old churches adorned with frescoes. Getting to these spots is much easier, which is fantastic, if you have the comfort of your own car.

Read our full review: Aegina Island Car Tour Full Review and Details

2. Poros: Scenic Drives and Coastal Charm

Next up, there’s Poros. This island, which is closer to the Peloponnese, offers, really, a bit more relaxed experience. Although smaller than Aegina, it still boasts incredibly scenic routes perfect for a car trip. Upon arrival in Poros Town, where you’ll most likely come in from the ferry, so it may be useful to drive clockwise around the island.

You’ll quickly leave the busy port, where in fact you will find yourselves on roads with incredible coastal views. A “must-see” is the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. That spot offers, maybe, an escape and panoramic outlooks. As you drive on, reaching secluded bays such as those at Askeli or Love Bay give that perfect opportunity for a swim in unbelievably clear waters. Later in the afternoon, stopping at a taverna in Perdika is that good plan, often so it allows you to soak in views of the islet of Monastiri, very amazing as the sun dips.

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3. Spetses: An Aristocratic Island Experience

Moving onto Spetses, know that while cars aren’t actually permitted within Spetses Town, you know, the option to drive to certain points of the island means some exploration still, maybe, is very open. You could park your car a bit outside of town and rent a scooter or bicycle, just to have a completely unique take on exploring the island. Still, reaching certain areas by car could let you check out beaches on the far side, where less public transport makes a car really important. The drive toward Agia Paraskevi beach passes through parts that show nature, untouched, where stopping just for quick snapshots makes your trip a memory.

Additionally, think about checking out the Anargyrios & Korgialenios School of Spetses. Which school, with its stunning buildings and grounds, so represents a peek into the cultural heritage of Spetses. Late afternoons could mean driving along the coastal road heading to taverns in quieter locations, offering calmer, you see, almost peaceful settings compared with the livelier town center.

Read our full review: Spetses Island Car Tour Full Review and Details

4. Hydra: A Car-Free Paradise with Boat Tours

Then there’s Hydra. This one stands apart. Cars aren’t even a thing there. But what you should do is make a boat tour from another island in the group to take you there. If you do that, then the whole feel transforms. Walking, that’s how people get around in the maze-like alleys and along the harborside.

Many who go there could explore the island by boat trip from Poros or Spetses, which so offer that totally unique perspective. These trips, often enough, showcase hidden beaches and pristine waters inaccessible by land. Spend a couple of hours wandering through Hydra Town. Is that mix of old architecture and upscale shops really beautiful? The churches, the art galleries and the calmness – those are some, possibly very, good things.

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5. Salamina: The Untouched Island

And then, there’s Salamina. This island, although not really so visited by travelers, does offer that great look into the more authentic part of Greek island life. Right from Piraeus, bringing a car across by ferry really helps one discover parts away from the central areas. A coastal drive that reaches the south shores will reveal small, sort of less developed beaches.

The Cave of Euripides is that location which gives, surely, a touch of historical interest. People who are after experiences away from tourist hotspots might find that off the beaten path exploring appealing here. Meals eaten in little family run tavernas located in villages are very likely to offer more tastes that give that real feel for local cooking.

Read our full review: Salamina Island Car Tour Full Review and Details

So, exploring the Saronic Islands by car means variety. That might be about ease of access or experiences that are more cultural, or chances to discover places only locals would know about. Each island, truly, presents its very own set of experiences. When all’s said and done, a little prep work can equal amazing trips that will meet those travel desires well.

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