The islands near Athens are an ideal choice for a long weekend as well as a pleasant, relaxing break by the sea. There are, in fact, islands that take more or less two hours to get to, which means you spend a full weekend there. The islands near Athens are an ideal choice for a Clean Monday weekend and a pleasant, relaxing weekend by the sea. There are, in fact, islands that take less than two hours to get to, which means you spend a full weekend there. You can reach them from the port of Piraeus, Rafina, or Lavrio, depending on your itinerary and what suits you best.
Clean Monday weekend: Travel to islands near Athens
Hydra island
A dream destination for all seasons of the year and even within walking distance from the port of Piraeus is Hydra. But especially on a three-day weekend, the island is what you are looking for to spend this day differently and happily. The reason is that Ash Monday or any three-day trip is celebrated with great gusto on the island of Hydra. One of the most famous areas of Hydra, chosen by locals and visitors, is the area of Vlycho, to the west of the settlement of Hydra. It can be reached either by hiking or by sea.
There are also several places to fly your kite, while you will find traditional taverns and shops to eat fish appetizers and anything else you want. The duration of the trip from Athens to Hydra is about 1 hour and fifty minutes to two hours, depending on which port you will leave from and which type of ferry you choose.
That’s why Hydra is an ideal destination for three days.
Kythnos
An alternative but very good choice for the Clean Monday weekend is Kythnos. A surprise island very close to Athens, where you will find the necessary tranquility and everything necessary to have a good time this weekend. This island is the calm power of three-day holidays and will surely pleasantly surprise you. On the one hand, Chora of Kythnos is a stately, genuine Cycladic Chora with whitewashed alleys and painted walls. And on the other hand, the beaches of the island are ideal for a walk and for flying the eagle before you end up in a tavern on the island for food.
It is not possible, of course, to leave the island of Kythnos without visiting Kolona beach, one of the most famous not only in Kythnos but also in Greece. From Lavrio, the distance to Kythnos is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Tzia
Our third suggestion for the three days of Clean Monday is the all-time classic Tzia. Tzia, with its beautiful beaches and picturesque Chora is close to the capital, has high-standard accommodation and sophisticated restaurants to have a good time, whatever tastes you have and whatever budget you want to spend. It is, of course, advisable to book in advance because it is an island with heavy traffic, especially on weekends, due to its proximity to Athens.
If you are in Tzia for Clean Monday, do not forget to see Leo up close, which is located in the Chora of the island. According to the legend that is transmitted from generation to generation, Leo was sent to the island by Zeus to drive away the nymphs who lived in the forests and killed the women. It has been carved into the rock since the 7th century BC and is now an emblem of Kea.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best islands near Athens for a 3-day trip are Hydra, Kythnos, and Tzia. All three islands can be reached in less than two hours from Athens ports (Piraeus, Rafina, or Lavrio), making them ideal for a long weekend getaway. Each island offers unique attractions, from Hydra's famous nightlife and Vlycho area to Kythnos's tranquility and Kolona beach, and Tzia's picturesque villages and historical sites.
The ferry journey from Athens to nearby islands takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on which port you depart from (Piraeus, Rafina, or Lavrio) and the type of ferry you choose. This short travel time makes these islands perfect for a 3-day weekend trip.
You can reach the islands near Athens from three main ports: Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio. The choice depends on your itinerary and location. For example, Hydra is typically reached from the port of Piraeus, while Kythnos can be reached from Lavrio in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Yes, Hydra is an excellent destination for Clean Monday weekend and any 3-day trip. The island celebrates Ash Monday with great enthusiasm, and visitors can enjoy traditional festivities, kite flying, taverns serving fish appetizers, and water activities. The island is only about 2 hours from Athens by ferry, making it perfect for a long weekend.
During a 3-day visit to Tzia, you should visit the famous Lion of Tzia (Leo), an iconic rock carving located in the island's Chora that dates back to the 7th century BC. The island also offers beautiful beaches, a picturesque village (Chora), high-standard accommodation, and sophisticated restaurants. It's advisable to book accommodation in advance due to heavy weekend traffic from Athens visitors.
