Day Trips from Athens by Boat
The easiest way to leave Athens for a day is by sea. Our Saronic Gulf cruises reach real islands, swim stops and a lunch aboard — and have you back in your hotel by evening.
The easiest day trips from Athens are by sea — a cruise to the Saronic Gulf islands (Agistri, Aegina and nearby islets), all close to Piraeus. A single day cruise from Marina Zeas gives you three islands, a swim stop, lunch and drinks aboard, returning by evening. Land day trips — Cape Sounion, Delphi, Nafplio — are options too, but involve more road travel.
Athens day cruises at a glance
| Cruise | Best for | From (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset Cruise Athens | Golden-hour evening sail | €99 |
| All Day Cruise — 3 Islands to Agistri, Moni, Aegina with lunch and drinks included | Full day, three islands — the flagship | €134 |
| Athens 4-Island Cruise: Agistri, Aegina, Metopi, Salamina & Lunch | The longest day — adds Salamina | €165 |
| Athens Riviera Half-Day Cruise – Swim, Lunch & Drinks Included! | Half day — when you're short on time | €115 |
| Athens Sunset Dinner Cruise – Swim Stop, Dinner & Open Bar | Evening with dinner + swim stops | €119 |
All cruises depart Marina Zeas, Piraeus. Booking direct gets you the operator price, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. See also the islands near Athens guide and our Greek island day cruises guide.
Day trips from Athens — FAQ
What are the best day trips from Athens?
By sea, the Saronic Gulf island cruises are the easiest — a full day of islands, swimming and lunch aboard, departing Marina Zeas. By land, popular trips include Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, Delphi, and the Argolis (Nafplio and Mycenae).
Can you do a Greek island day trip from Athens?
Yes. The Saronic Gulf islands are close enough for a day cruise. The flagship 3-island cruise (from €134) visits Agistri, Metopi and Aegina with a swim stop, buffet lunch and open bar, returning by evening.
Are boat or land day trips better from Athens?
Boat day trips suit swimming, relaxing and seeing islands in one easy day from the port. Land trips suit ancient sites like Delphi or Cape Sounion but involve more road travel. For a relaxed sea day, the Saronic cruises are the simplest option.
How much is a day trip from Athens by boat?
Day cruises run from €115 for the Riviera half-day, €134 for the full-day 3-island cruise, and €165 for the award-winning 4-island cruise, all booking direct from Marina Zeas, Piraeus.
Where do the boat day trips depart from?
From Marina Zeas in Piraeus, the main Athens port area.
Which is the best Athens day cruise?
The flagship 3-island cruise (Agistri, Metopi and Aegina) is the most popular — a full day with a swim stop, buffet lunch and open bar. The 4-island cruise adds Salamina and a second swim stop for a longer day.