Saronic Gulf Islands - Greece

Saronic Gulf Islands

When 5 million Athenians flee the city each summer in search of beaches and pareia (Greek for something like "food, folks, and fun"), they don't flee far. Many head to the Saronic Gulf Islands . This means two things: first, you've chosen a des­tination approved by discriminating Greeks; second, you're not the only one. Keep in mind that, while good times are to be had without 50 of your closest package tourist friends, it may require a bit of creativity to shake them, and that the islands' popularity makes them a bit of a stretch on a budget traveler's wallet. Despite their geographic proximity, each of the Gulf islands retains a distinct character: relaxed Spetses attracts Greek hipsters on summer weekends, artsy Hydra boasts pollut­ant-free streets, Poros holds hands with the mainland to the west, and Aegina retains shades of suburbia while catering to swarms of beach-hungry vacationers.