A great way to discover several cool beaches and seaside villages is island hopping in the Saronic Gulf near Athens. It’s a terrific way for those who have a short time and want to experience some Greek island life.

With so many islands and such a long coast, Greece offers an amazing array of beaches. Some of them sandy, others rocky, and nearly all of them drop-dead gorgeous with warm crystal-clear water that begs you to go for a swim, sail or snorkel. The Saronic Gulf certainly boasts its fair share of these amazing beaches.

Pax More arranged my one-day cruise through the Saronic Gulf. I did my island hopping on a smaller ferry with around 200 passengers. The cost was around $130 per person including lunch. Land tours, guides etc. were extra. For an extra cost, ferry passengers gain access to a VIP lounge and a nicer lunch (served versus plated). However, there are multiple connections via hydrofoil if you want to explore the islands on your own.

This is really an easy way to travel. My only complaint is that I would have liked more time to explore each island. If you’ve got more than a day, you can stretch the Saronic island hopping into multiple days and stay on the various islands.

Hydra
Our first stop brought back fond memories of my stay there – gulp – 38 years ago. Back then, I paid $8 a night for my tiny balcony room on the harbor and managed to stay on my budget of $25 or so a day. The town is still incredibly charming. There are no cars or motorbikes which means you need to walk or ride donkeys or bikes everywhere. (Biking on the stone roads was not appealing to me.)

Have a pastry at Anemṓnē or almond cookies (amygdalota) available at various sweet shops around town. Be sure to visit the Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary (just below the clock tower), check out the beaches and hikes around the island.

Paros
The most popular of the Saronic isles for locals, Paros is one hour by ferry from Athens but feels a world away. There are quite a few resorts, so a lot of choices in accommodation.

I checked out several hotels in the Pax More portfolio and my favorite was the SireneBlue Resort. Located a 10-minute drive from the port, it’s located on a lovely stretch of beach and is a great place to chill for a few hours . . . or days.

Aegina
Just 27 km from the port of Piraeus, Aegina is another popular place for Athenians. The island offers nice sandy beaches and landmarks like the Temple of Aphaia (built around 55 B.C.) and St. Nektarios Monastery – Holy Trinity Aigina. Aegina is also famous for pistachios, which can be purchased all around the island. Try the Pistasccion Pesto from a stand across from the ferry. I brought some home. Yum!