Piraeus, the harbour of Athens, and Rafina on the east coast of Attica are the departure points for a large number of ferry services to the Greek Islands and other destinations in the eastern Mediterranean, including ports in Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Cyprus. Fast hydrofoil, catamaran or helicopter services also take you to the Greek Islands. Italy is easily approached by boat from Patras take a train or a bus to Patras.
The port of Lavrion in southern Attica is being increasingly developed as a ferry port, especially for some Cyclades routes. Rafina and, especially, Piraeus remain, however, the main hubs for the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
The closest islands, suitable for a day trip from Piraeus, are located in the Argosaronic or Saronic gulf: Hydra, Aegina, Poros, Spetses and Salamina. Kea also pronounced Tzia is a very nearby destination, too, less than two hours from the port of Lavrio. If what you are thinking is an island further away from Piraeus, like Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini or any of the Dodecanese or Northern Aegean isles, you should probably consider with extra days off Athens because of their distance from the mainland. Flying is, ofcourse, also an option to many of the more distant islands.
Day trips to the Corinth Canal, the ancient theatre at Epidaurus and to the ancient sites of Olympia, Delphi and Mycenae are easy with a rental car. Other towns along the Peloponnese such as Nafplion are charming and worthwhile.
On the weekends you can visity the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.Just take the tram to Glyfada and get off at Paleo Demarhio. (http://www.archelon.gr/en...)
