Our proposal? One day cruise to Saronic Gulf (Hydra, Poros, Aegina islands)! We chose the travel agency Signature travel for the tickets and we can say with absolute certainty that it is the best value for money gateaway from Athens! We have written about our love for the islands of Argosaronikos Gulf  in a previous post and there’s no doubt that this one-day cruise to three of these picteresque islands is something we seek to do every year!

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The one-day program includes:

• Check in until 8.00 in the morning at Marina Flisvos (before departuring take a photo of the battleship Averof)!
• 3 Stops at three islands of the Saronic Gulf, Hydra (2 hours), Poros (1 hour) and Aegina (2 hours)!
• Food on board at an amazing buffet!
• Aboard entertainment with music and dancing depending on each day’s program!
• Return until 20.00 in the afternoon at Flisvos Marina!
• Tickets from Signature travel agency

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First stop: Hydra island

Hydra is the island of captains, history and artists while it is considered to be more cosmopolitan than the other ones, personally speaking it is our favorite island! We love it for its picturesqueness and its trademark the beautiful cute little donkeys that welcome you at the port! How did we pass our time there? In the two hours we had at our disposal we started our tour at Hydroneta! Favorite spot for diving into the blue sea and take some unique photos! We had a cup coffee at the cafe Papagalosa and then we headed to the colourful port and got lost in the beautiful narrow valleys of the island. Somewhere between the straits we met some more donkeys, the historical pharmacy that has its origins in 1890 and the bakery of the port where you can find great pastries! In the port we do not missed to visit the shop of Elena Votsi, who designed the Olympic medal of 2004, from where we bought some souvenirs! Finally, we passed a quick visit to the Historic Museum of Hydra and we relaxed to enjoy the view from the monument of Andreas Miaoulis!

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Second stop: Poros

Poros is a quiet island, peaceful, without strange exaggerations, ideal for the most romantic ones! We love it for its neoclassical clock that dominates the rock at Chora and stands out from the very first moment the boat enters the bay and of course for its green color as it is an island full of pines and trees. How did we pass our time there? In about one hour we had the opportunity to take a romantic walk through the beautiful narrow streets of Chora, to take some photos at the squares of Iroon (Heroes), Karamanou and Koryzi and to enjoy greek mezes with tsipouro (trust us and order these!) in front of the incredible sea view!

ΥΔΡΑ discovergreece.com

Third stop: Aegina

Aegina island, was the first capital of Greece (after the Revolution of 1821) and we love it for its history, the fresh fish and of course the “fruit” of the island which are the yummy pistachios. How did we pass our time there? In Aegina we were able to stay for two hours so as the boat arrived, we disembarked and ran for a swim in Avra beach (the closest one)! Then we started a walk in the beloved narrow valleys! Colorful streets, blooming flowers, hospitable locals are just a few of the elements of the beautiful Aegina that make us visit it every year! Arriving at the Metropolis church of the island we returned from the port side this time so that we could enjoy both the boats from the one side of the street and the horse wagons as well on the other! Before our final departure we did not missed to try ice cream with flavor of what else? Pistachios! Wonderful and refreshing!

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At around 20.00 in the afternoon…

The one-day getaway to the Saronic Gulf has comes to an end, the staff of the ship greeted us with smiles and kindness and we returned home from a day full of dreamy images with a feeling that we had just returned from a whole week excursion! We highly recommend the one-day cruise with Signature travel, and even though we travel as a couple, we have to admit that this excursion is very family friendly, i.e. ideal for families who travel with children!

For more information about the excursion program and the price you can visit the site of Signature Travel at the following links:

• Signature Travel
• Facebook
• Instagram

*this post is not sponsored

**Post photo autotriti.gr

The post ATHENS 1 DAY CRUISE TO HYDRA, POROS AEGINA BY SIGNATURE TRAVEL appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

These are picturesque island destinations near Attica for you who love the sea, for you who love the Greek islands and  the lovely sun!

Hydra

The most enchanting island of Argosaronikos, in my opinion, leaves all cars and anything that makes noise behind and allows you to enjoy your walks on the paved paths on foot or on a donkey. Walk through the narrow streets of the island, admire the beautifully preserved mansions, climb up the high alleys and enjoy great views! Those who dare to do your first dives those  will be on the rocky slopes just 5 minutes from the harbor.

Agkistri

Agkistri is an island just 55 minutes from Piraeus, making it an excellent destination for small getaways. It can be quite small but has fantastic beaches while it is worth renting bikes to discover easily the island. For the lovers of free camping like us is the best choice and you will definitely love it!

Aegina

Aegina island is about 30 minutres away from Agkistri and it is another picturesque island known for its nuts! The two islands are so close that you can discover them together if you have 3 days at your disposal! Alternatively, especially owhen it come to Aegina, you can visit it on the same day, it has a very cheap ticket but caution on holidays as it is very likely that the tickets are sold oul so go ahead and book them!

Spetses

For our most cosmopolitan friends we recommend a more lifestyle island just as beautiful and picturesque as the previous ones and this is the island of Spetses! Full of historical alleys and picturesque houses that you will discover walking along a very beautiful route along the main harbor. Amongst other things, you will experience the island’s history at the Spetses Museum and the house of Bouboulina and you can visit many cute churches. Enjoy the experience of cycling at the harbor where you will also find no cars!

Regarding the budget you need, there are enough low budget options, starting an average price of 150 € a weekend for accommodation, transportation and food for two people (eg Aegina), or cheaper for the campers or even higher for the travelers who look for a more comfortable stay!

So why dont you tell us where would or will you start?

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Surely most of you have heard about Hydra, surely some of you have already visited or plan to do so in the future. But what makes the island of Hydra so dear? What is it that makes her stand out? Let’s see together … Why in Hydra? Why…

• Hydra  is one of the most picturesque small Greek islands,  while still remaining majestic and cosmopolitan (see Onassis, Callas, etc.)! It is no coincidence that the “Archontissa” of the Argosaronikos has been given to her!
• Hydra is one of the most popular destinations given its proximity to the port of Piraeus, without losing the simplicity for which it stands! Its proximity makes it ideal for a short excursion even for a weekend!
• In Hydra you can move to every corner of the island on foot! Okay, there is also a water taxi for anyone bored! To get to the last beach you will need about half an hour walking, hat, sunscreen and plenty of water! On the way do not miss to be photographed at the Red House (see Gorgones and Mages …)!
• In Hydra as long as you stay on the island you will not hear a horn of a car or machine and that’s because … very simply not all kinds of wheeled vehicles are allowed! Hydra has been declared preserved!
• In Hydra you will walk next to beautiful donkeys, a trademark of the harbor of Hydra and perhaps the most multi-photographed card postal of the island!
• While walking around the narrow streets of the island you will discover fantastic craft shops with hand made creations and of course the store of internationally acclaimed designer Eleni Votsi who designed the Athens Olympic Medal and then decided to be her own design that will adorn the front view of all subsequent Olympic Games!
• Hydra has a significant historical significance because of its great naval power during the 1821 Revolution and the role it played in its outcome. Her nautical force is taught by the Naval School that adorns the harbor! Just like the time back …
• In Hydra a multitude of mansions, museums and monasteries make up a beautiful palette of colors that spreads generously in front of you when you hit your foot in the harbor, making it a unique source of inspiration for artists!
• In Hydra you will swim in the blue sea overlooking its unique harbor with five minutes walk! All you have to do is lay a towel on the pier, from which you will enjoy cool dives!
• Hydra hosts wonderful shops with delicious food and all budget. The more you walk, the more you discover and believe … there are small diamonds waiting to be discovered!
• The rich tradition of the island and the diverse natural environment that is the paradise of the walker and the naturalist, as its mild climate favors hiking all year round! Over the course of time you will find plenty of events and events such as the mountain running race (for stronger players)!

For all of the above reasons, travelling to Hydra is a choice that does not require a special organization and panic! Besides, the summer is loading and we need to be a little more relaxed and spontaneous in our choices!

Bring a swimsuit, your smile and good mood!

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