The Athens Day Trip Guide: 22 Escapes in Every Direction

Lake Beletsi is a quiet, natural retreat near Athens, surrounded by pine forests on the eastern slopes of Mt Parnitha. An artificial lake with wonderful flora and fauna teeming around it, it offers tranquil surroundings ideal for leisurely visits and relaxation.

Why Go? Take relaxing strolls, cycle through wooded trails, or picnic beside the serene waters. Nearby Sfendali village offers local cuisine. Don’t Miss: Relaxing picnic afternoons by the lake. How to Get There: Approximately 45 minutes from Athens by car.

Skala Oropou is a modernized town from where you can easily drive to magical archaeological spots, beaches and pretty landscapes.

Why Go? To walk through the marvelous Amphiareion sanctuary, to observe the colorful birdlife in nearby wetlands, and visit the Phaethon Technology Museum. Relax with leisurely harbor walks. Don’t Miss: The Amphiareon archaeological site, once a healing center that still has some wonderfully preserved ruins. How to Get There: About 50 minutes from Athens by car.

Halkida welcomes visitors to a world of rich historical heritage and modern energy. Set by the Euripus Strait, the city is characterized by its intriguing tidal currents and a lively waterfront lined with lively cafés and seafood spots.

Why Go? Walk across the sliding Old Bridge, visit Karababas Fortress for stunning views, and explore ancient discoveries at Halkida’s Archaeological Museum. Waterfront dining completes the experience. Don’t Miss: The unusual tides at the Evripus Channel. How to Get There: Around an hour from Athens by car or train.

04

Evia

Evia, Greece’s second-largest island yet beautifully close, offers a blend of ancient remains, beaches and serene village life. From Oropos, you can take a short ferry to Eretria and explore a landscape of coastal walks, archaeological remains and relaxed cafés.

Why Go? Explore the archaeological museum and theatre at Eretria, enjoy beach time on the gulf side, and have a relaxed lunch by the sea. Don’t Miss: The short ferry crossing and a stroll through Eretria’s waterfront promenade. How to Get There: About one hour from Athens to Oropos, followed by a 30-minute ferry to Eretria.

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Vravrona

Vravrona combines historical intrigue with natural beauty, located conveniently close to Athens. Its centerpiece, the 5th-century BC Temple of Artemis, reflects the area’s significant religious past, accompanied by a museum displaying detailed insights into ancient life through art and everyday objects.

Why Go? Explore the archaeological site and nearby museum, observe diverse bird species in the vibrant wetlands, swim at Hamolia or visit nearby historical landmarks like the medieval Frankish Tower and the Cave Koutouki, famous for its impressive geological formations. Don’t Miss: Exploring the fascinating ruins of the Temple of Artemis. How to Get There: Less than an hour’s drive east from Athens.

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Cape Sounio

Located at the dramatic southern tip of the Attica peninsula, Cape Sounio is where ancient ritual meets sweeping Aegean views. The coastal drive is part of the pleasure, passing seaside villages and quiet beaches.

Why Go? Visit the Temple of Poseidon perched above the sea, explore the nearby ruins at Thorikos and enjoy one of Greece’s most memorable sunsets. Don’t Miss: Watching the light fade from the temple cliffs with a view across the Aegean. How to Get There: Approximately 1.5 hours by car from Athens along the Athenian Riviera.

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Kea (Tzia)

Kea offers a quick island escape with Cycladic charm and earthy sophistication. Less crowded than other islands, it combines traditional villages, hiking paths and calm beaches.

Why Go? Visit the main village of Ioulida with its alleys and stone houses, walk to the ancient Lion of Kea, or swim at beaches like Koundouros and Otzias. The island’s inland trails make it ideal for walkers. Don’t Miss: The sea views from Ioulida’s hilltop square. How to Get There: One-hour drive from Athens to Lavrio port and about one-hour ferry to Kea.

Aegina radiates breezy sophistication and is a place of millennia-old historic depth that has slowly but surely become a hub for a creative, open-minded Greek-international community. Elegant neoclassical homes and lively markets line the harbor, as well as cafes and tavernas. Aegina’s landscape is dotted with pistachio groves, which shape local culture.

Why Go? Visit the impressive Temple of Aphaia, wander through Paleochora’s quiet medieval ruins, or seek serenity at Saint Nektarios Monastery. The waterfront, with cafés and seafood restaurants, invites hours of relaxation in good company. Don’t Miss: The island’s famed pistachio products – especially the salted pistachio ice cream. How to Get There: Regular ferries from Piraeus port (around one hour).

Angistri is perfect for travelers seeking unpretentious people and picturesque beauty aplenty. Smaller and less crowded than its Argosaronic neighbors Aegina, Hydra and Spetses, Angistri’s pine-covered hills and clear turquoise waters create a refreshing atmosphere for relaxation.

Why Go? Swim at pristine beaches like Chalikiada and Dragonera, explore charming villages (rent a bike locally if you’re in the mood for action) such as Megalochori and Skala, or enjoy scenic hikes through lush forests. Traditional tavernas offer delightful local seafood and traditional dishes. Don’t Miss: Experiencing a tranquil sunset swim at Chalikiada Beach. How to Get There: A short ferry ride from Piraeus, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Poros has a low-key, elegant, traditional and somewhat Bohemian spirit, which is why it attracts visitors and residents who love art and especially literature as much as nature, calm and community. Its neoclassical architecture and tranquil waterfront atmosphere call for pausing time and chilling out with no pressure to be glamorous.

Why Go? Explore the Archaeological Museum, the Russian Naval Base ruins, and peaceful Zoodohou Pigis Monastery. Enjoy leisurely meals at waterfront restaurants serving local dishes. Don’t Miss: Sunset at the Clocktower and evening drinks at the harbor. How to Get There: By ferry from Piraeus (around one hour)or a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Galatas port and then a 10 minute crossover by boat.

Chic, artsy Hydra is a feast for the eyes with elegant mansions lining quiet, vehicle-free roads and steep paths leading to astonishing sea views. Its historic maritime wealth and lively art scene now translates into a sophisticated contemporary culture.

Why Go? Explore winding streets leading to mesmerizing views or visit venues centered around history, music, and film, as well as art hosted by the DESTE Foundation, dive into the sea at Hydronetta, and browse chic boutiques. Relax at a waterfront taverna or cafe ideal for a sunset aperitif. Don’t Miss: the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, also known as Panagia Faneromeni, next to the harborfront Clock Tower. How to Get There: Ferry journey of approximately two hours from Piraeus.

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Methana

Methana offers volcanic landscapes, healing springs and coastal serenity. It’s a small peninsula linked to the Peloponnese, known for its ancient craters and laid-back charm.

Why Go? Hike to the volcano crater for panoramic views, visit the Roman baths, and relax in the therapeutic waters. Small coves around the peninsula are perfect for a quiet swim. Don’t Miss: Walking the path through volcanic rock to the crater rim. How to Get There: Around two hours by car from Athens via the Corinth Canal, or by ferry from Piraeus.

Spetses elegantly combines historical depth with modern allure. Its charming main town, Dapia, is a place of graceful neoclassical architecture and the majestic Poseidonion Grand Hotel. With a rich maritime heritage, the island was a strong player in the Greek War of Independence, the history of which is presented at the Spetses Museum in Hatzigiannis Mexis’ mansion and the fascinating home-turned-museum honoring the 1821 revolutionary heroine Laskarina Bouboulina.

Why Go? To traipse happily along Dapia’s bustling harbor lined with stylish boutiques, cafés, and seafood tavernas. The Old Harbour, a short walk or romantic carriage ride away, offers picturesque views and more upscale and scenic dining options. Hidden beaches as much as yacht-filled marinas create a sense of excitement. Don’t Miss: Visiting the historic mansion museum of Laskarina Bouboulina. How to Get There: Two-hour ferry from Piraeus.

Loutraki is a popular destination known for its hot springs, which combines therapeutic wellness traditions with coastal fun and magnificent historical relics. Long admired for its curative waters and drawing in crowds for decades with its casino, the town now combines relaxed seaside living with exploration opportunities.

Why Go? Relax in soothing thermal spas, discover ancient Heraion sanctuary ruins, and explore scenic trails in Gerania Mountains. The seaside promenade offers vibrant tavernas serving fresh local seafood. Don’t Miss: The Heraion Sanctuary seaside ruins. How to Get There: One-hour drive from Athens.

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Ancient Corinth & the Corinth Canal

This quick yet striking stop takes you to the heart of ancient commerce, myth and engineering marvel. The region retains powerful vestiges of a once-dominant city-state, together with the modern canal slicing through the rock.

Why Go? Walk through the ruins of Ancient Corinth, gaze at the Corinth Canal, and ascend to Acrocorinth, a fortress-topped hill offering panoramic views over the Peloponnese and the Saronic Gulf. Once dedicated to Aphrodite, it served as a stronghold for centuries. Don’t Miss: Standing atop the Acrocorinth at sunset for wide-open views over land and sea. How to Get There: About an hour’s drive west of Athens.

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Nemea & the Argolic Vineyards

Set in the fertile Argolic plain, Nemea is a scenic combination of vineyards, ancient sanctuaries and relaxed village life. It blends rural charm with heritage and makes a rewarding countryside escape.

Why Go? Visit the archaeological site of ancient Nemea, once home to the Nemean Games, and tour local wineries producing celebrated Agiorgitiko reds. Explore surrounding villages where traditional tavernas serve simple, delicious meals. Don’t Miss: Wine tasting and a walk among the valley’s vineyards. How to Get There: Around 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive from Athens via the Peloponnese highway.

Tolo is a scenic seaside village combining historical depth and relaxing coastal charm. Its beaches, including Kastraki, Plaka (Drepano Beach), and Vivari, offer diverse experiences, from quiet bays to vibrant shores with welcoming tavernas.

Why Go? To have a great time at the beach, savor fresh seafood and local Greek dishes in charming beachfront eateries and easily explore nearby archaeological treasures. Discover the ancient city of Asini, visit the legendary Mycenae, home to famous Bronze Age ruins, and experience performances at the magnificently preserved ancient theatre of Epidaurus, with its perfect acoustics. Don’t Miss: Exploring the atmospheric ruins of Mycenae. How to Get There: Two-hour drive from Athens.

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Nafplio

Nafplio enchants visitors through its Venetian elegance, layered history, and lively ambiance. As the inaugural capital of independent Greece, its diverse historical influences manifest distinctly in refined architecture and imposing fortresses that command sweeping views over the sea.

Why Go? Stroll the historic Old Town’s winding streets, visit imposing fortresses like Palamidi and the island fortress of Bourtzi, and enjoy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. Nearby archaeological sites, such as Tiryns, Argos, and Nemea, offer deeper insight into Greece’s ancient past. Don’t Miss: Climbing Palamidi Fortress for panoramic views of the town and sea. How to Get There: Approximately a two-hour drive from Athens.

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Delphi

Delphi remains legendarily captivating with its mystical heritage and scenic mountain setting. Once home to the famed Oracle Pythia, visited for advice by the movers and shakers of the ancient world, this UNESCO-listed site offers fascinating glimpses into ancient Greek mythology and Greek nature at once.

Why Go? Tour the ancient Temple of Apollo, the iconic Athena Pronaia sanctuary, and the acclaimed Delphi Museum. Nearby Arachova buzzes with a café, food and cocktail culture ideal for relaxation. Don’t Miss: Admiring the remarkable Tholos at Athena Pronaia. How to Get There: Roughly two hours’ drive from Athens.

Amfiklia blends mountain tradition with relaxed village life at the northern foot of Mt Parnassus’ foothills. Its charming streets, traditional stone architecture, and scenic views make it inviting for leisurely visits.

Why Go? Visit the Artos Museum showcasing local bread-making traditions, enjoy skiing or hiking around Parnassos, and dine in tavernas serving authentic Greek dishes. Don’t Miss: The unique Artos Museum experience. How to Get There: A two-hour scenic drive from Athens.

Densely surrounded by fir trees, Agoriani, on the northwestern side of Mt Parnassus has a rural charm because of its glorious nature, especially enjoyable during the cooler months of the year. Traditional stone buildings color its rustic beauty, and local taverns and cafes offer a sense of social warmth.

Why Go? Hike gentle forest paths, unwind by picturesque waterfalls, and taste mountain specialties like nettle croquettes at tavernas offering warm hospitality. Don’t Miss: Savoring a freshly made wild greens pie. How to Get There: About two hours by car from Athens.

Goura is an authentic mountain village imbued by quiet, unassuming architectural charisma and lush surroundings. Stone buildings, picturesque streets, and life lived at a relaxed tempo comforts those seeking peace away from crowds.

Why Go? Hiking scenic trails around beautiful Lake Doxa, enjoying lush forest views, and indulging in local specialties at cozy village tavernas. Don’t Miss: Hikes at Lake Doxa. How to Get There: A two-hour drive from Athens.