Saronic Islands from Piraeus: Aegina, Hydra and Spetses
Four days of island-hopping from Piraeus to the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina, car-free Hydra town and the old harbour of Spetses.
- Distance
- 122 km (76 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 41 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 4
- Countries
- Greece
- Updated
- May 13, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 122 km (76 mi) with 4 stops, from Piraeus to Spetses Old Harbour. About 1 h 41 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Greece · More road trips from Athens
Route description
Piraeus, the port of Athens, is the starting point for the Saronic Islands, so leave your motorhome or car at a secure car park on the mainland. Ferries and hydrofoils serve the islands, but check the current timetable, as services are thinner outside summer, and ask the operator about vehicles before you plan to bring one.
On Aegina, the Temple of Aphaia is a Doric temple of about 500 BC on a hilltop around 160 metres high on the east side of the island, with the Acropolis visible across the gulf on a clear day. It lies roughly 9.6 km from Aegina town, and a small on-site museum shows reconstructed temple elements.
Hydra is reached by hydrofoil or catamaran from Piraeus. It is a car-free port town where wheeled vehicles, even bicycles, are banned, with an amphitheatre of stone mansions around a crescent harbour. Explore the steep lanes on foot and wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles and stairs.
Spetses completes the trip. Private cars are not allowed in town, so arrive by hydrofoil from Piraeus and stroll the pedestrianised old harbour, lined with mansions and neoclassical villas, with a statue of the heroine Bouboulina and cannons on the quay. Check the current timetable for the return, since later sailings are fewer out of season.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Piraeus
Greece - 229 km
Temple of Aphaia, Aegina
HistoryAegina, GreeceA Doric temple of about 500 BC on a hilltop around 160 metres high on Aegina's east side, with the Acropolis visible across the gulf on a clear day. It lies roughly 9.6 km from Aegina town, and a small on-site museum shows reconstructed temple elements.
- 357 km
Hydra Town
ViewsHydra, GreeceA car-free port town where wheeled vehicles, even bicycles, are banned, with an amphitheatre of stone mansions around a crescent harbour. Reach it by hydrofoil or catamaran from Piraeus, then explore the steep lanes on foot.
- 436 km
Spetses Old Harbour
ViewsSpetses, GreeceThe pedestrianised old harbour of Spetses town, lined with mansions and neoclassical villas, with a statue of the heroine Bouboulina and cannons on the quay. Private cars are not allowed in town, so arrive by hydrofoil from Piraeus and stroll.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Piraeus → Temple of Aphaia, Aegina · 29 km · 0 h 24 min
- Day 2: Temple of Aphaia, Aegina → Hydra Town · 57 km · 0 h 47 minOvernight nearby, for example: Hydras Wave (15 km).
- Day 3: Hydra Town → Spetses Old Harbour · 36 km · 0 h 30 min
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Piraeus → Temple of Aphaia, Aegina. Ferry crossing needed
- Temple of Aphaia, Aegina → Hydra Town. Ferry crossing needed
- Hydra Town → Spetses Old Harbour. Ferry crossing needed
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Saronic Islands from Piraeus: Aegina, Hydra and Spetses?
4-day road trip of about 122 km (76 mi) with 4 stops, from Piraeus to Spetses Old Harbour. About 1 h 41 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Saronic Islands from Piraeus: Aegina, Hydra and Spetses?
We suggest 4 days: about 1 h 41 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Saronic Islands from Piraeus: Aegina, Hydra and Spetses start and end?
It starts in Piraeus and ends in Spetses Old Harbour.
Which countries does Saronic Islands from Piraeus: Aegina, Hydra and Spetses pass through?
Greece.
Where can you camp along Saronic Islands from Piraeus: Aegina, Hydra and Spetses?
OpenStreetMap lists 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Hydras Wave, Camping Athina and Αυτοδιαχειριζόμενο Κάμπινγκ Βούλας.
When is the best time for Saronic Islands from Piraeus: Aegina, Hydra and Spetses?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
