o   Aegina
        §  The island of Aegina is one of the most popular tourist destinations as it is the closest island to Athens. From 11/1/1827 until 3/10/1829 Aegina town was the temporary capital of the newly founded Greek state. It was during that period when Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias had impressive neoclassical mansions built to house his headquarters, which are well worth a visit.
 
       Even though the island is small, it boasts a great number of sights and natural beauty. The island’s highlight is the famous Aphea Temple. It forms in fact an equilateral triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, the so-called “holy triangle” of antiquity. Aegina town, the capital of the island, stands out for its well-preserved buildings. On the outskirts you can find charming little villages with distinctive traditional character, such as Agia Marina, Perdika, Souvala, Kypseli, Agii and Vagia. Aegina is also surrounded by many smaller islands such as Moni, Metopi, Diaportia, Lagouses, Kyra, Dorousa, Spalathonisi, Anonyma that you can visit at your own pace.

  
    o   Hydra
            §  A rich naval tradition and a cosmopolitan island ambience are the defining characteristics of Hydra - a popular island in the Argosaronic Gulf - which attracts every year many personalities and jetsetters from Greece and abroad. The island’s great beauty was appreciated also by celebrities such as Maria Callas, Pablo Picasso, and Sophia Loren.
 
            Apart from being a popular sailing destination, Hydra is also very interesting from an architectural point of view, as several luxury residences, built by Italian craftsmen, are scattered on the island. The grand houses of the local fighters for the Greek War of Independence (1821) are now museums which offer their visitors an insight into that period in Greek history. If you are interested in religious monuments, there are some 300 churches and 6 monasteries you can visit on the island. You will enjoy strolling about the streets of the picturesque Hydra town and the harbor; take trips in the countryside, while taking in the amazing views over the Aegean Sea, swim in deep blue waters and savor tasty dishes in the local tavernas. Walking about the island is a true pleasure as it is car-free. Explore the adjacent, underrated island of Dokos and its turquoise waters.
 
    o   Poros
            §  Poros has been an island whose beauty has been praised multiple times by popular poets and prose writers. Pinewoods cover the island’s hills and go all the way to the sandy beaches. The Poros Strait, and the seaside area of Galata with its pine, olive, and lemon groves surround the picturesque Poros town, where beautiful neoclassical buildings grace the seafront; it’s a place of great beauty.
 
            Poros is the ideal destination for water sports and activities such as swimming; visit the beaches at Mikro Neorio and Megalo Neorio, as well as the one at Limanaki tis Agapis (meaning The Cove of Love). Go diving in the crystal-clear waters and travel through the nearby islands and off the coast of the Peloponnese. You can also explore the inland; go biking and hiking through Poros’ pinewoods. The clock tower of Poros is the island’s landmark, located on the hilltop, and surrounded by prickly pear trees and pine trees. This spot offers an amazing view of the harbor, the opposite shores of the Peloponnese, and the Lemon tree forest. The clock stands out, from whichever location you look at it; it is truly the town gem.
 
    o   Spetses
            §  Known as Isola di Spezie under Venetian rule and Pityoussa (pine-clad) in ancient times, Spetses, at just 54 nautical miles from Athens, is a picturesque, car-free island with unique architecture, naval history, and culture. The island flourished during the early 18th century, developing into a significant naval power, dominating the major shipping routes of the Mediterranean. Today, the two-hundred-year-old captains’ mansions lining the coast are testimony to the vast wealth and grandeur of that time. The island is also the location of mansion of the only woman admiral in all global naval history – Laskarina Bouboulina and it has now been turned into a museum worth visiting.
 
            With its rich history and culture, museums, beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, cosmopolitan nightlife, Spetses is the perfect location for a short break throughout the year. It is also the perfect place to enjoy a wonderful walk as the distinctive architecture, cobble streets and fragrant gardens filled to the brim with jasmine and bougainvillea make it a joy to discover the island on foot.
 
    o   Agistri
            §  Agistri is a small pine-clad island, with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters; it’s a popular destination for all those keen on outdoor sports such as hiking, cycling, sailing, kayaking or horse riding. The place is ideal for those of you who wish to take a break from your daily routine, and enjoy some peace and quiet, long walks in the countryside, great food, and lovely beaches.

            Since ancient times, Megalochori (the island capital) has been a haven for ships which carried goods and supplies to its harbor. There are three villages on the island: Megalochori, Limenaria, and Skala. Visit them, get to know the local traditions, and taste delicious local dishes. Stroll along the island’s picturesque little alleys, visit the traditional coffee houses and the windmill.