August 2020. The cost of summer holidays is often a deterrent to organizing an escape. However, if you prepare well and do a search, then you may be able to secure a much more economical holiday than you thought. Transportation and accommodation are two of the main costs, as what you eat and how much you spend on your food is largely up to you and is more easily regulated. If you won’t get too far from Athens, we recommend the islands with the cheapest ferry tickets.
Pack your bags and get ready for a dive. They are ideal destinations for a last-minute getaway…
Andros Island
Noble and special Andros is quite close despite the fact that many do not know it and feel that it is more distant. This is also confirmed by the cost of the ticket, which is 19.50 euros. In two hours from the port of Rafina, you will be in Andros, and you will be preparing to eat fresh fish in the beautiful and famous Batsi.
Kythnos Island

The nearby favorite of the Cyclades, or the colored one as they usually call it, has an economical ferry that you won’t think twice about going. There you will also find affordable accommodation. We recommend the village of Merichas, which has everything and is at the focal point. The cost to go to Kythnos is 15 euros per person, and you will find a ferry that will take you from Lavrio in just 1.5 hours. Κύθνο, are you thinking of something better?
Aegina island

The island next door is more than an hour from the port of Piraeus. In addition to quickly getting to Aegina, you’re going to go economically, since you can choose either the conventional ferry, that is at 8 euros, or the well-known “dolphin”, which will have you at your destination in 40 minutes, having paid only 13 euros. There are many itineraries, so you’ll find it easy even if you decide at the last minute.
Agistri island

Photo Source: www.agistri-island.gr
A close and economical choice in all respects is also the Agistri. The island of Argosaroikos will cost you from 11.5 to 13 euros to go (and the same amount for your return). The ride is one hour and 35 minutes, and you will be lucky enough to enjoy your swim in turquoise waters in the background of tufted trees. Tempting, isn’t it?
Tzia Island

Photo Source: Gourgoulas
It may not be the island of cheap accommodation, but surely access is very economical for the Kea. You will take the boat from Lavrio, you will pay 11 euros, and in a short time, you will be in this noble corner of the Cyclades. If you make a good deal as far as accommodation is concerned, then you will have achieved a wonderful escape.
The islands near Athens offer you the opportunity for economic holidays, and at the same time, away from everyday life. By paying, moreover, for cheap ferries, you can extend the days of your stay on these islands.
Remember:
Ticket prices are one-way and are without a vehicle. If you have a motorcycle license, you can turn most islands like this or rent a vehicle there, especially if you want to take many long walks.
External photography source: andros.gr
Ideas for a one-day trip for swimming in Attica
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest ferry tickets from Athens and nearby ports include Kythnos at 15 euros from Lavrio (1.5 hours), Tzia at 11 euros from Lavrio, Aegina at 8 euros from Piraeus (conventional ferry), Agistri at 11.5-13 euros, and Andros at 19.50 euros from Rafina (2 hours). These affordable ferry options make budget holidays accessible for those looking to escape without breaking the bank.
Aegina island offers the cheapest ferry from Piraeus port at just 8 euros per person on the conventional ferry, with the journey taking just over an hour. Alternatively, you can take the faster 'dolphin' ferry for 13 euros, which reaches the island in 40 minutes. Frequent itineraries make it convenient for last-minute getaways.
A ferry ticket to Kythnos costs 15 euros per person and the journey from Lavrio takes approximately 1.5 hours. Kythnos is known as one of the most economical Cycladic islands, offering not only cheap ferry tickets but also affordable accommodation options, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Yes, you can take motorcycles and vehicles on most ferries to these islands, though the ticket prices mentioned are for one-way passenger fares without vehicles. If you have a motorcycle license or want to bring a vehicle, you can either transport it on the ferry or rent one on the island, especially if you plan to take long walks and explore different areas.
Aegina is the best choice for a last-minute budget getaway near Athens due to its low ferry costs (8-13 euros), proximity to Piraeus port (over 1 hour), and frequent ferry itineraries throughout the day. Other excellent options include Kythnos and Agistri, which offer affordable ferries and accommodation, allowing you to extend your stay while keeping costs low.










