Hydra is steeped in history, and known for having played a crucial role in the Greek War of Independence. The island's strategic location made it an important naval base, and its inhabitants provided crucial support for the Greek revolutionaries. Today, visitors can stroll around its car-free cobblestone roads, shop at little boutiques, sit at cafes to people-watch and see the island's historic landmarks.

Cosmopolitan, picturesque and romantic, it’s no surprise that Hydra has seduced writers, musicians, filmmakers and artists with its singular allure for decades, and continues to do so today.

Despite its many charms, the car-free island is not famous for its beaches, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a more than gratifying swimming destination. Swimmers on Hydra commonly sunbathe on the rocks, lying out at Hydronetta and Spilia or in the bay in front of Castello bar-restaurant, or visit Vlychos fishing village near Hydra town which has a sandy beach with straw umbrellas. On the western side of the town is Molos beach. Water taxis and caiques leaving from Roloi in the centre of the port can transport you to various sandy coves.

For watersports, visit Bisti or Agios Nikolaos pebbled beach, both of which also offer sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. For sightseeing, start at the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra, while culture lovers should visit the School of Fine Arts on Hydra, the Lazaros Koundouriotis Museum, a neoclassical mansion-turned-museum, once the home of a prominent politician where visitors can get a glimpse of the island’s 19th century society and history, and the DESTE Foundation Project Space Slaughterhouse exhibition by Jeff Koons. For a scenic view over the port and a connection to Hydra’s history, walk up to the cannons on the bastions of Hydra, positioned on a high rock at the entrance of the island in the 18th century to protect it from the Ottomans.

 

One of Greece's most renowned archaeological sites is Ancient Epidaurus, a settlement that thrived around the sacred sanctuary of Asclepius. The remnants of the ancient sanctuary still exist today, adjacent to the famed Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. The compact Archaeological Museum on-site, displays statues and other discoveries from the excavations and is well worth a visit.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is celebrated as the most well-preserved of its kind in Greece, distinguished by its remarkable acoustics and exquisite structure, surrounded by lush greenery. Its construction culminated in the late 4th century BC, completed in two phases. Initially, the theatre comprised 34 rows of seating, partitioned into 34 sections by staircases and pathways. It is still used today to host theatre and music performances as part of the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival, which features a plethora of notable local and global performances throughout the summer.

Located near the ancient sanctuary of Asklepios, this theatre was part of a renowned healing hub millennia ago, a little like today's spa resorts, offering treatment for everything from aches and pains to chronic disease and mental health issues and serving as a centre for therapy and religious practices.

 

Renowned for its sumptuous pistachios, including the coveted pistachio ice cream available across local shops, Aegina is not just a food lover's paradise but also a traveller's delight. The island is a treasure trove of ancient sites, with the Temple of Aphaia being the most known. The Temple of Apollo, distinguished by its solitary standing column known as "kolona", is another must-visit archaeological site. To delve deeper into the island's history, the Archaeological Museum displays artefacts from these temples and relics from the Neolithic age.

For swimming and lunch, Marathonas, with its transparent, waist-deep waters, is a favourite among families and is conveniently situated close to the town centre. Perdika, on the other hand, is a must-visit for those who want to savour a seafood lunch post a refreshing swim. The village is famous for its fish tavernas. For those seeking tranquillity, the pebbled beach at the quiet village of Portes, adorned with a quaint marina and invigorating pine trees, is the perfect retreat.

Art enthusiasts should visit the Christos Kapralos Museum, formerly the workspace of the famous Greek sculptor, and to better understand the island's cultural lineage and history, visit the Folklore Museum is recommended. The museum houses an array of traditional costumes, furniture, books, and maps from different periods of Aegina's history. For nature lovers, a trip to the Moni islet, across Perdika, is a treat. Inhabited by peacocks, deer and various wild birds, this islet is also a paradise for snorkelling around.

 

Notably developed and modernised for tourism over the past few decades but still sweet and down-to-earth, Agistri is situated between Aegina and Methana (which is near Poros). Culture vultures won’t find much to do on Agistri, but it is an ideal place to camp out on a beach for the day. If you really want to take it easy, just rent a sun lounger at Skala, where you can order food from the hotels there straight to the beach or visit one of the nearby tavernas. For a less busy ambience, visit Dragonera, a quiet coastline surrounded by pine trees and favoured by campers, or Halkida, which is a little harder to reach and thus popular among nudists who enjoy the large white rocks and clear waters. Meanwhile, at Aponissos you can soak up the rays on large rocks with ladders leading into the cool water.

A lovely way to end your day on Agistri is by sipping a cocktail at a beach bar or taking a horse and carriage ride in Skala while enjoying the sunset; or you can visit Limenaria village nearby for particularly rewarding panoramic views of the nearby islands. For more spectacular views, head to the northern part of the island and trek up to Metochi where you’ll see traditional Cycladic-style whitewashed houses with blue doors and windows and splashes of colourful flowers.

 

A mere hour's drive from Athens during off-peak hours, Sounio, located on Attika's southern edge, is perfect for a day excursion. Its appeal lies in its versatile offerings - a refreshing swim, a delightfully scenic lunch and a visit to the magnificent Temple of Poseidon. Visitors can also soak in the lush scenery, pristine waters, and delectable cuisine. 

The Temple of Poseidon, a remarkable edifice from 444BC, is Sounio's central attraction. Its towering columns and outstanding seascape make it a sight to behold. The temple's design adheres to Sacred Geometry, and it is believed to align with the "portals of the Universe," four distinct stars, and was built by Pericles, the same statesman who built the Acropolis of Athens. Lord Byron, who left his signature on one of the temple's columns, was only one of the thousands who have inscribed their name or message into the temple’s ancient rocks.

Travelling from Sounio to Lavrio one can visit two quaint chapels, age-old wells, and an imposing crater named 'Chaos', followed by a stroll along Lavrion's marina where moored sailboats and traditional fishing caiques create a charming scenery.