Best Greek Islands to Visit from Athens in September 2025
September is one of the best months to explore Greece. The peak summer crowds have left, the Aegean waters are still warm, and ferries run frequently from Athens to nearby islands. Whether you’re after culture, beaches, or hidden villages, the islands surrounding Athens offer the perfect extension to your city trip.
If you’re starting your journey in the capital, you may also enjoy our Athens September Travel Guide for city-specific tips before setting sail.
Staying connected while island-hopping is crucial—ferry schedules, last-minute bookings, and even translation apps make your trip smoother. With Voye Global’s eSIM for Greece, you can activate data instantly on arrival and enjoy multiple network coverage across islands without juggling SIM cards.
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Why Visit the Greek Islands in September?
- Fewer Crowds – Most tourists have gone, leaving quieter beaches.
- Weather – Warm days (25–30°C) and cooler evenings.
- Lower Prices – Accommodation and ferries are cheaper post-August.
- Authenticity – Locals reclaim their spaces, giving you a more genuine experience.
For those planning an extended adventure, check out What’s On in Greece Sept–Oct 2025 to pair your island visits with seasonal festivals.
Best Islands to Visit from Athens in September 2025
1. Hydra – Car-Free Charm
- Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours by ferry from Piraeus.
- Why Go: Known for its cobblestone lanes, stone mansions, and complete ban on cars. Donkeys and boats are the only transport.
- What to Do:
- Explore Hydra Town’s waterfront cafés.
- Swim at Mandraki Beach.
- Hike trails offering panoramic Aegean views.
Voye eSIM helps you use offline maps on hiking routes and book last-minute ferries while in Hydra’s quieter areas.
If you enjoy peaceful, spiritual landscapes, also read our Greek Monastery & Mountain Village Guide for similar experiences inland.
2. Aegina – Pistachio Paradise
- Travel Time: 40 minutes by ferry.
- Why Go: Closest island to Athens, perfect for day trips. Famous for its pistachios.
- What to Do:
- Visit the Temple of Aphaia, older than the Parthenon.
- Taste pistachio ice cream in the harbor town.
- Swim at Marathonas Beach.
For food lovers, pairing this with our Athens Travel Food Safety Guide ensures you eat safely and enjoyably throughout your journey.
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3. Poros – Relaxed & Scenic
- Travel Time: 1 hour by ferry.
- Why Go: Pine-covered hillsides, neoclassical houses, and a laid-back vibe.
- What to Do:
- Rent a scooter and explore winding roads.
- Visit the Clock Tower for sunset.
- Swim at Love Bay.
Voye eSIM ensures instant navigation on scooters or rental cars without worrying about coverage drop-offs.
If you love quick escapes, you may also like our Short Trip to Larissa blog, another Greek getaway perfect for travelers with limited time.
4. Spetses – Aristocratic & Stylish
- Travel Time: 2 hours by ferry.
- Why Go: Known for elegant mansions, boutique hotels, and horse-drawn carriages.
- What to Do:
- Explore Poseidonion Square.
- Cycle the island’s perimeter (about 25 km).
- Visit secluded Agia Marina Beach.
5. Kea (Tzia) – Cycladic Calm
- Travel Time: 1 hour by ferry from Lavrio (near Athens airport).
- Why Go: A Cycladic island but less touristy, with authentic villages and hiking trails.
- What to Do:
- Visit Ioulida, the charming hilltop capital.
- Hike to the Lion of Kea, an ancient stone sculpture.
- Snorkel in crystal-clear coves.
For hiking fans, also explore our Greek Mythology Trails Itinerary that ties legends with walking routes across the mainland and islands.
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6. Syros – Culture & Elegance
- Travel Time: 2.5 hours by ferry.
- Why Go: The administrative capital of the Cyclades with neoclassical architecture and cultural festivals.
- What to Do:
- Stroll through Ermoupolis, with marble-paved streets.
- Visit Apollo Theater (a mini La Scala).
- Relax at Galissas Beach.
Use your Voye eSIM to stream festival schedules and get cultural event tickets instantly.
If culture excites you, consider extending your trip to northern Greece with Thessaloniki in 24 Hours for a different but equally rich city vibe.
7. Kythnos – Underrated Beauty
- Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours by ferry.
- Why Go: Known for hot springs, sandy beaches, and authenticity.
- What to Do:
- Relax at Kolona Beach, famous for its sandbar.
- Soak in Loutra’s hot springs.
- Wander through stone-built villages.
If agro-tourism appeals to you, don’t miss our Farm-to-Table Greece Guide featuring olive farms in Crete, honey makers in Pelion, and more.
Weather in September
- Daytime: 25–30°C
- Evening: 18–22°C
- Sea: Warm enough for swimming
- Rain: Rare, but occasional showers toward late September
For Crete specifically, see our Crete Autumn Harvest Guide for September–October trips blending coastal hikes and village feasts.
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From Hydra to Spetses, stay online to capture every moment.
Suggested 5-Day Island-Hopping Itinerary from Athens
Day 1: Ferry to Aegina – Explore Temple of Aphaia & pistachio farms
Day 2: Day trip to Hydra – Sunset hikes & car-free charm
Day 3: Poros – Beaches, scooters, and Love Bay
Day 4: Spetses – Elegant squares & cycling adventures
Day 5: Return via Kea – Hiking, snorkeling, and village walks
With Voye eSIM, you can track ferry departures, book accommodation on the go, and stay in touch with hosts across islands seamlessly.
For solo travelers following this plan, see our Solo Trip to Athens for how to begin your journey with confidence.
What to Pack?
- Light clothes & swimwear
- A jacket for breezy nights
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Power bank (for ferry trips)
- eSIM-ready phone with Voye Global eSIM installed
If you plan to work remotely while traveling, check our Digital Nomading in Greece Guide for the best coworking cafés and Wi-Fi tips.
About Voye Global eSIM for Greece
Traveling between islands often means losing Wi-Fi or switching SIMs. Voye Global’s eSIM eliminates these hassles:
- Instant activation upon QR code scan.
- Coverage across multiple Greek networks.
- Flexible data plans, perfect for short stays or long adventures.
- No physical SIM card swap needed.
Why Choose Voye Global?
- Reliable Coverage: Works across islands and the mainland.
- Affordable Plans: Cheaper than international roaming.
- Quick Setup: No shops, just a QR scan.
- Multi-Country Use: Works in Greece and beyond, great for combining with Italy or Croatia trips.
- Support: 24/7 assistance whenever you need it.
How to Use Voye Global eSIM in Greece?
- Buy your plan online before travel.
- Scan the QR code sent by email.
- Activate in phone settings.
- Enjoy seamless connectivity across Greece’s islands.
Conclusion
Exploring Greek islands from Athens in September 2025 blends culture, sea, and serenity. From Hydra’s cobbled streets to Aegina’s pistachios, Poros’ pine forests, and Spetses’ aristocratic flair, each island offers a unique flavor of Greece.
With Voye Global eSIM, you can navigate ferries, share your photos, and stay connected without interruptions—making your island-hopping stress-free and memorable.
And if you’re adding inland adventures, don’t miss our guides on Greek Mythology Trails or even the farm villages featured in Farm-to-Table Greece.
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FAQs – Greek Islands from Athens
Which Greek islands are best from Athens in September?
Hydra, Aegina, Poros, Spetses, Kea, Syros, and Kythnos.
How warm is the weather?
Around 25–30°C by day, cooler evenings at 18–22°C.
Can I swim in September?
Yes—the sea remains pleasantly warm.
Do ferries run regularly in September?
Yes, though schedules reduce slightly after the summer peak.
What’s the easiest island to reach?
Aegina—just 40 minutes from Piraeus port.
How do I stay connected on the islands?
Use Voye Global eSIM for Greece—instant setup, no roaming fees.
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