Apart from any plans for longer trips away from Athens, there are always options for daytrips closer to the capital for those who prefer to spend their holiday in Athens. And some of these options are not just about strolls in beautiful landscapes, but they also guarantee culinary pleasures.
In less than a 2 hours’ drive from the centre of Athens you can find good options especially if you’re looking for meat dishes. However, there are also great choices for those in search of seafood, while vegetarians will also find options to cater to their preferences.
Orchomenos
Viotia has become famous for its meat and is often visited by Athenians, due to its proximity to Athens. Orchomenos is not as famous as Livadeia but it’s a more laidback destination at a more or less equal distance (around 1.5 hours away).
The area has a very long history and so there are many ancient and Byzantine sights near the town that is on the north of the Kopaida valley. Look for the family tavern “O Kissas” on the main square (Evangelisti Louka) for a variety of grilled and skewered meats cooked over an open fire, that come from the owner’s butcher shop. If you’re lucky you’ll get the local mutton. If you want to be sure it will be available, you can call them before leaving Athens (tel. 0030 6984989655).
Nea Lampsakos
If you prefer seafood or feel that you need a break from meat consumption by eating some seafood, then head to Nea Lampsakos, by the sea, outside Chalkida. You need to go to Evia to do this, but it’s no longer than an hour drive from the centre of Athens.
Nea Lampsakos is a town with picturesque houses and large squares, built on the valley Lilantia, by the South Evoikos Gulf. Look for “Akrogialli” on the promenade, with the lighthouse as its trademark, that has a comfortable hall with fireplace – the fish is always fresh, while you’ll also find calamari, shrimp etc. The “Koutouki tou Perikli” is also a great choice, where you can have langoustine pasta, crab salad, a famed sea-urchin salad, and fresh shellfish. “Kapetanios”, on Agios Trifonas square, that does not only offer amazing main dishes but also great appetizers and sides (salad with salted seaweed, courgette balls, fries) is also very good.
