Top Things to do in Saronic Gulf Islands
10 Things to do in Saronic Gulf Islands That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Saronic Gulf Islands, Greece including Temple of Aphaia, Profitis Ilias Monastery Hydra, Mount Eros Hydra, Agios Nektarios Monastery, Moni Island Beach, Clock Tower, Mandraki Resort Beach, Love Bay (Limanaki Agapis), Askeli Beach, Bisti Beach.
Restaurants in Saronic Gulf Islands
1. Temple of Aphaia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland
For anybody with some cultural interest a visit to the Aphaia temple is a must, when on Aegina. Located in a quiet area, on a 160m high hill, surrounded by pine forests, the site can be reached by public transport, since most buses between Aegina town and the tourist resort of Agia Marina stop by here. We had arrived from Aegina town a bit too early, since the sanctuary only opens at 10am (and closes at 5.30pm). Entrance fee is 6€, but our student grandchildren were free, while my wife and me as seniors just paid half price. When there early July we had the place to ourselves, a great relief in comparison to a visit at Athens acropolis. The temple, somewhat forgotten over the centuries, is one of the best preserved monuments of antiquity in Greece. It is a peripteros (a temple surrounded by columns) in the Doric style, a few years older than the Parthenon on Athens acropolis. While the latter is considered a masterpiece of the classical period, the temple of Aphaia still belongs to the Late Archaic period. This can best be judged from the sculptures of the two pediments, which are exhibited now at the Glyptothek in Munich, the famous 'Aeginetes', once bought by Ludwig I of Bavaria. Strange is also the name of 'Aphaia', a local goddess, not encountered anywhere else in Greece. From the sanctuary we walked via the monastery of Agios Minas down to the beach at Agia Marina. It is not a walk that can be recommended anymore, nor is the direct path, since the area has been built up with many roads and houses.
2. Profitis Ilias Monastery Hydra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By DeniseM675 - Bayside, United States
All the reports regarding this hike are valid. It takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours each way. This trail becomes more challenging the higher you go. Path more uneven and actually steeper. You need to wear proper hiking shoes, wear a hat, have a liter of water & if you use hiking poles generally than bring them. I wouldn’t hike this in the rain. The views are wonderful, the monastery - spiritual & peaceful. If you choose to go on to the top you can but since I went later in the day I was set with what I did....
3. Mount Eros Hydra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By vanharmelen - London, United Kingdom
This is a very challenging hike and definitely a grade 1 hard. Take a minimum 1.5 liters of water per person. This is a proper workout and I felt the effects days after. All in all it took us around 4.5 hours round trip I am 46 and my partner is 36. The last 30 minutes you are just following paint marked on rocks, no path and in some cases you need to scramble. Also be careful on the way back that you follow the path... Amazing views at the top and getting back still requires a lot of energy you’ll want a well deserved beer and food.
4. Agios Nektarios Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 492 reviews
Reviewed By 441anetaf - Peterborough, United Kingdom
Calm, lot of things to see, fresh water on premises to refill, need respect for their rituals (skirt knee length must-wear for every lady) and place. Amazing energy there, especially out of season and early Monday.
5. Moni Island Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By 441anetaf - Peterborough, United Kingdom
And peacocks, and deer and clear water and so much to exploring around island and sooo amazing pine smell !! Moni is must-see island. We went there end of September, there was one boat sailing on request and very little people on the beach. Can't imagine how crowded could be if not Covid and out of season!
6. Clock Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By sophiekY7637WE
The view from up there is amazing, especially at sunset, you are able to see mainland Greece as well as Poros and it's harbours from this point. Not too easy to find and the clock tower is currently under construction/ has green netting over it. Would recommend!
7. Mandraki Resort Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 127 reviews
Looking for sandy beaches on Hydra? Mandraki Beach Resort offers the only sandy beach on Hydra. Discover a unique, deluxe sunbathing experience with us. We offer comfortable sunbeds each with complimentary ice buckets, water, beach towels and a welcome sorbet. The call bell waiter service on the beach is available for lunch and drinks to be delivered to your sunbed from our beach cafe that serves tasty snacks, salads & Sushi. We pride ourselves on the cleanliness of the beach which is swept daily so you can enjoy the beauty and luxury of walking on soft sand into the crystal clear shallow water of Mandraki Bay. Our beach is also the only one on Hydra to provide purpose-built changing rooms, toilets and fresh water showers. You can enjoy fine dining next to the beach at our gourmet restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Our Mandraki Resort Boat is available free of charge after 20:00 every night to convey dinner guests from Hydra harbour.
Reviewed By Soup_Dragon_66 - Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
Wandered into this beautiful resort with friends on a walk from Hydra Port and were greeted by the owner, Arthur, who shared with us a little history of the buildings (a former shipbuilding yard) and how he plans to continue their conversion to include accommodation as well as the current beach facility and restaurant. We came back the following evening for a meal and to watch the beautiful sunset as we ate. What a delight. A boat was waiting for us at Hydra Port to take us round to the resort and we were met by George and his team who took the best care of us throughout the evening. The meal, the wine, the service and the setting were all amazing. A little more expensive perhaps than the other restaurants in town, but most definitely worth it. Don’t leave without trying the desserts. Really first class from start to finish. Keep up the good work guys and wish you all the best.
8. Love Bay (Limanaki Agapis)
9. Askeli Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 384 reviews
Reviewed By alessandromG7102EB - Rome, Italy
Beautiful beach with crystal clear water, probably the clearest we’ve seen during our stay in Poros. Some rocks at the very beginning, then all sand. It’s one of the closest beach to the city center and the port, therefor you have to go quite early in the morning to find a good place. There are a couple of beach resorts with lots of umbrellas but not much space for free beach. Umbrella with 2 sunbeds for free but you have to take a drink for 3.50€ at least, one of the lowest prices in the island. The beach resorts restaurants have good quality food, even though not as a big choice as the tavernas in the city center, and higher prices.
10. Bisti Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By Anzelok
Seriously, if you visit Hydra, you cant lose visiting Bisti beach. Amazing crystal clear waters. You can get there by sea taxi from center port of Hydra. You can relax there and enjoy your day! A must see place. Average price ticket for 2 persons roundtrip is 24 euros to get there by sea taxi and 4 euros each for beach chairs . Also there, you will find a bar to get snack, Coffee or sandwich. You have to visit this place before you leave!
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