From Athens to Athens
(Saronic Gulf).

Nestled in the Saronic Gulf, Poros is a fragrant island of lemon groves, pine forests, and neoclassical charm. Poros Town stretches gracefully along the strait, its pastel houses tumbling down to the sea. Climb to the iconic clock tower for panoramic harbor views, or wander through churches, monasteries, and the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon. The Folk Museum provides a glimpse into Greece’s domestic past, while the waterfront beckons with tavernas serving the day’s catch.

Spetses is a stylish island beloved by wealthy Athenians, yet it holds deep historical significance as the home of heroine Laskarina Bouboulina. Whitewashed mansions and horse-drawn carriages line the waterfront of Dapia, while pine-clad hills protect hidden coves. Cruise past the private islet of Spetsopoula, or take a tender to the Bekiri Cave with its secret beach tucked into the west coast cliffs. Evenings on Spetses hum with a mix of elegance and island ease.

At the base of Mount Parnonas, Leonidio greets sailors with its colorful neoclassical homes, dramatic cliffs, and authentic Greek hospitality. The town’s promenade invites leisurely walks, while the surrounding countryside reveals Byzantine monasteries and tiny villages clinging to the mountainside. Adventure-seekers can kayak, dive, or climb the region’s famous limestone walls, while others linger in seaside tavernas over fresh seafood and local wine. Leonidio offers a blend of romance, adventure, and unspoiled beauty.

Monemvasia is a medieval marvel, carved into the backside of a colossal sea rock. Once invisible from the mainland, this fortress town survived centuries of conquest and intrigue. Today, its cobblestone alleys, Byzantine churches, and vine-draped courtyards feel frozen in time. Walk the causeway from the modern town to the “Gibraltar of the East,” and ascend to the castle walls for breathtaking views of the Aegean. Monemvasia is a living museum where history unfolds at every turn.

Isolated and pristine, Kyparissi remains one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. Its amphitheater-like village gazes out over a turquoise bay, where beaches stretch untouched and whitewashed homes cluster under rugged peaks. Loved by royals, celebrities, and sailors seeking seclusion, Kyparissi is both a retreat and a playground. Cycle quiet lanes, taste local wines, or test your skills on world-class climbing routes that rise dramatically above the sea.

Hydra is timeless and cosmopolitan, where donkeys replace cars and stone mansions line a horseshoe harbor. Once a shipbuilding hub, the island became an artists’ haven in the 1960s and continues to attract jet-setters today. Narrow, winding streets climb into the hills, revealing restored houses with sea views. At the port, chic boutiques and waterfront restaurants set the stage for an evening of dining and people-watching. Hydra is an intoxicating mix of history, style, and serenity.

Aegina, long a favorite escape for Athenians, combines ancient treasures with laid-back island life. The Doric Temple of Aphaia, dating to 500 BC, rivals the Parthenon in beauty. Wander narrow lanes, discover the Monastery of Agios Nektarios, and savor waterfront dining in the fishing village of Perdika. Aegina is also famed for its pistachios, considered among the best in the world. From beaches to antiquities, the island offers a fitting finale before returning to Athens.

Athens is both ancient and modern, a city where history and urban vibrancy meet beneath the Acropolis. Visit the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum, or explore the colorful neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki, with their rooftop bars and bustling markets. Beyond its ruins, Athens pulses with galleries, chic restaurants, and contemporary energy. It’s a city that reminds visitors that the spirit of Greece is as alive today as it was in antiquity.