From Athens: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise With Lunch

Set out on a captivating day cruise from Athens to explore the enchanting Saronic Islands. You’ll visit charming Poros, dramatic Hydra, and historic Aegina, with a delectable buffet lunch onboard. Discover the quaint waterfront promenade and neoclassical architecture of Poros, the car-free stone streets and iconic donkeys of Hydra, and the ancient Temple of Aphaia in Aegina. This cruise includes multilingual guides, open-deck coastal views, and year-round availability. Want to know more about the optional upgrades and excursions that can enhance your island-hopping adventure?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Athens.

Key Points

• This full-day cruise from Athens explores the picturesque Saronic Islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, offering a chance to experience the islands’ unique charm and culture.
• Highlights include the quaint waterfront promenade and neoclassical architecture in Poros, the dramatic landscapes and car-free streets in Hydra, and the historical sites in Aegina.
• A buffet lunch with local Greek cuisine is included, providing an opportunity to savor the flavors of the region.
• Multilingual escorts are available on board to enhance the overall experience and provide insights into the islands’ history and attractions.
• The cruise is suitable for various travelers, including couples, groups, and families, and is available year-round, though colder weather may be encountered in the winter.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Cruise

This full-day cruise from Athens takes passengers to the Saronic Islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, offering an opportunity to explore each island’s unique charms.

Aboard the open-deck cruise ship, travelers can take in the stunning views of the Greek coast. The first stop is Poros, the smallest of the three islands.

Next, they’ll visit Hydra, known for its dramatic landscapes and picturesque, stone-paved streets. The final destination is Aegina, the largest island, which boasts numerous interesting historical sites.

During the cruise, passengers can enjoy a buffet lunch featuring chicken, fish, pasta, and salad, as well as the assistance of multilingual escorts on board.

Exploring the Saronic Islands

The Saronic Islands offer a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Greece.

Starting with Poros, the smallest of the trio, travelers can wander the charming waterfront promenade and admire the neoclassical architecture that lines the harbor.

Next, Hydra captivates with its dramatic landscapes and narrow, stone-paved streets free of vehicular traffic, allowing visitors to explore the island on foot or by donkey.

The largest of the three, Aegina, boasts numerous historical sites like the Temple of Aphaia, along with bustling markets and picturesque seaside villages.

With ample free time on each island, guests can discover the Saronic Islands at their own pace, soaking in the authentic Greek ambiance.

Poros: The Smallest Island

As the smallest of the Saronic Islands, Poros offers a quaint and charming experience for visitors. Its picturesque waterfront promenade is lined with neoclassical architecture, creating a tranquil atmosphere for strolling and taking in the sights.

One of the island’s highlights is the impressive clock tower, a prominent landmark that can be seen from the harbor. Poros also boasts lush pine forests and hiking trails leading to scenic viewpoints.

With its relaxed pace and lack of crowds, the island provides a welcome respite from the bustling city of Athens. Whether it’s exploring the local shops, dining on fresh seafood, or simply soaking up the island’s laid-back ambiance, Poros is a delightful stop on the day cruise.

Hydra: Dramatic Landscapes and Streets

Among the Saronic Islands, Hydra stands out for its dramatic landscapes and narrow, stone-paved streets that captivate visitors. Its rugged coastline and steep, car-free terrain lend the island a unique charm, inviting travelers to explore its picturesque charm on foot.

Whitewashed buildings cascade down the hillsides, complemented by the island’s iconic donkeys that serve as the primary mode of transportation. Visitors can wander through the charming port town, admiring the neoclassical mansions and elegant churches that line the streets.

The island’s lack of motorized vehicles creates a peaceful, laidback atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s rich history and natural beauty.

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Aegina: The Largest Island

Of the three Saronic Islands, Aegina is the largest, offering visitors a diverse range of historical and cultural attractions.

The island’s most famous site is the Temple of Aphaia, a well-preserved ancient Greek temple that dates back to the 5th century BC.

Some key highlights of Aegina include:

1. The picturesque port town, with its bustling market and charming waterfront cafés.
2. The Archeological Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of artifacts from the island’s past.
3. The opportunity to explore the island’s natural beauty, including its rugged coastline and scenic hilltops.

With its rich history and abundance of things to see and do, Aegina is a perfect addition to any Saronic Islands day cruise from Athens.

Included Amenities and Activities

The day cruise from Athens to the Saronic Islands includes several amenities and activities that enhance the overall experience for travelers.

A sightseeing cruise allows passengers to take in views of the Greek coast from the open deck, while multilingual escorts are on board to provide guidance and information.

Plus, a buffet lunch featuring chicken, fish, pasta, and salad is included as part of the package.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, solo, or as a family, the inclusions aim to make the day an enjoyable and well-rounded adventure.

The early start and year-round availability also make this cruise an accessible option for a wide range of visitors.

Optional Upgrades and Excursions

Though the day cruise includes a comprehensive set of amenities, travelers can also opt for additional excursions and upgrades to enhance their experience. For instance, guests can choose to add hotel pickup and drop-off services for added convenience. Plus, they can take an optional excursion to the Temple of Aphaia in Aegina, allowing them to explore one of the island’s noteworthy historical sites.

Some other optional upgrades include:

1. Private tour guides for a more personalized experience
2. Upgrade to a premium seating area on the cruise ship
3. Extension of the cruise duration to explore the islands in greater depth

These optional add-ons provide travelers with the flexibility to customize their day cruise to suit their specific needs and interests.

Practical Information and Logistics

This day cruise from Athens to the Saronic Islands offers an early start, making it ideal for couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and families. However, it may not be suitable for wheelchair users. The tour is available year-round, though colder weather can be expected during the winter months.

Logistics	Details
Start Time	Early
Suitability	Couples, groups, solo travelers, families
Accessibility	Not suitable for wheelchair users
Seasonality	Available year-round, colder in winter

The cruise provides an opportunity to explore the unique islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, with free time to wander their charming streets and take in the stunning coastal scenery from the ship’s open deck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit the Islands in a Different Order?

The itinerary for this day cruise is pre-set, so visitors can’t customize the order of island visits. However, travelers will still have ample free time at each stop to explore the islands independently.

Are There Any Fitness Requirements for the Walking Tours on the Islands?

The cruise does not have any specific fitness requirements for the walking tours on the islands. However, guests should be able to walk comfortably for short periods over uneven terrain. Those with mobility issues may find some activities challenging.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks on Board the Cruise Ship?

Yes, guests can purchase additional food and drinks on board the cruise ship. The cruise includes a buffet lunch, but passengers may choose to buy additional snacks, alcoholic beverages, or other refreshments from the on-board café or bar during the day.

Is There a Discount for Children or Senior Citizens?

The cruise offers discounts for children and seniors. Children under 7 may receive free admission, while those aged 7-12 and seniors typically get reduced fares. Specific pricing details can be obtained from the tour operator.

What Is the Policy for Cancellations and Refunds?

The cancellation and refund policy varies depending on the tour operator. Generally, full refunds are available if cancelled within a certain timeframe, like 24-48 hours in advance. There may be penalties for last-minute cancellations.

Recap

This day cruise from Athens offers a delightful glimpse into the Saronic Islands.

Travelers can explore the charming towns, dramatic landscapes, and ancient sites of Poros, Hydra, and Aegina.

With a comfortable cruise ship, tasty lunch, and ample free time, it’s the perfect way to experience the best of these picturesque Greek islands.

Whether seeking history, natural beauty, or simply relaxation, this comprehensive excursion provides an unforgettable taste of Greece’s Saronic wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: