10+ Best Day Trips from Athens, Greece
Last Updated on 26th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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Although it might look as if you’ll never be done discovering Athens, and this is not far from the truth, there are also interesting places to discover, not exactly in the city, and that call for a day trip. Either you’re looking for a few sights to visit within a short distance from the city centre or you prefer to travel a bit further, these are some of the most surprising day trips from Athens that will help you discover some of the most beautiful sights in Greece.
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Best day trips from Athens
Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Trip
If you’ve travelled to Greece to spend just one or two days in Athens, you might feel as if you’re missing something… and you are! You’ll be missing the islands, arguably the most fascinating part of any trip to Greece. Worry not! Three small islands only a stone’s throw from the centre of Athens come to the rescue!
In fact, a day cruise to the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina is the perfect solution if you want to leave the country only after having experienced at least a little bit of the island vibe.
Facing the coast of Athens, the gorgeous Saronic Gulf is home to some beautiful small islands that you can reach within a short ferry ride, they are Spetses, Salamina, Hydra, Poros, and Aegina among others.
One of the best day trips from Athens is an organised daily cruise that takes two to three of these gems: Aegina, Poros, and Hydra.
This tour is a fantastic day trip that entails a bit of ferry travel departing from the Port of Piraeus (located a short metro ride from the center of the city). Aegina is the island that’s closest to Athens, within a 40-minute ferry ride from the port.
On the island, it is possible to visit the best-preserved ancient temple in Greece, the Temple of Aphaia, but also indulge in a delicious (and world-famous) local delicacy: pistachios. In Aegina, there are also a few gorgeous beaches, as well as an interesting Archaeological Museum.
The cruise will continue its way towards Poros, a beautiful small island that’s situated about an hour from Athens. The island is a popular destination for summer holidays and weekend getaways among Athenians of all ages as it haves a pristine shoreline and some fantastic beaches as well.
The last island that you will visit is the tiny Hydra, home to a uniquely relaxing atmosphere thanks to the fact that there are no vehicles admitted on the island, you will only be able to move around on foot or riding a donkey, and you will also be able to visit some of its picturesque beaches traveling by taxi boat.
The waterfront of Hydra is a great place to chill after exploring the island, featuring several taverns and cafés where both locals and tourists gather in the afternoon to enjoy one of the most perfect sunsets in Greece.
The most cost-effective and most efficient way to follow this route in a day is by joining an organised tour that stops on the three islands allowing visitors enough time on each of them to visit the top highlights. Find out more tour details here.
Keep in mind that, if you prefer to travel at a slower pace, it is also possible to visit only one of the three islands and spend a whole day on the beach or just eat delicious, fresh seafood.
In that case, we recommend you to make Hyra your destination as it is the smallest and the island that is easiest to visit in the Saronic Gulf, as well as the most picturesque one.
Delphi Day Trip
Among the most important archaeological ruins in Greece, Delphi is located close to Mount Parnassos, and fairly easy to reach from Athens, either joining an organized tour like this one or visiting on your own.
The archaeological site, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, remains one of the most prominent scenarios of Ancient Greece due to the famous Oracle of Delphi which was thought to offer advice and share prophetic sentences for those seeking counsel and guidance who would travel even from remote locations to hear the oracle at Delphi’s Temple of Apollo.
During the visit, do not miss the complex of the Temple of Apollo which you can reach by walking along the Sacred Way.
Also of major interest is the close-by Archaeological Museum of Delphi with exhibits and artifacts dating back to different historical periods, from the Mycenaean ages to the Classical era. These interesting ruins have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting there: Delphi is situated about 180 kilometres from Athens and it can be reached by car or public bus. The journey from Athens to Delphi takes about 2.5 hours, so taking a two-day trip might be a bit more relaxing and it can also allow you to discover the following attraction over the same period.
Meteora
Often portrayed as one of the most fascinating natural landscapes in Greece and featuring massive rock pillars with impressive monasteries built atop, Meteora is located in the plains of the Thessaly Valley.
If you’re taking a day trip to Meteora, pick a few of the different monasteries open to the public since they are often hard to reach. It is a good idea to explore them at a slow pace to better understand their history and traditions, to admire incredible surrounding vistas, and to also fully enjoy the experience.
There were originally 24 different monasteries built on the edges of the imposing megaliths, although today, only six of them are open to the public.
Among the monasteries we suggest you visit, the most remarkable of them is the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ. The religious complex dates back to the fourteenth century and it is the largest of the Meteora monasteries.
Another impressive monastery to check out is the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, on the border of a breathtaking precipice.
This monastery is considered the most difficult to reach as you will need to follow a long pedestrian path and then climb the 140 steps that lead to its entrance. This is arguably the most impressive location in Meteora with the most spectacular views you can think of.
Instead, if you prefer something easier to access with likewise amazing views, the Monastery of Rousanou is thought to be the easiest monastery to visit in Meteora but not the least impressive with its location nestled on the side of an immense rock.
The Meteora Day Trip by Train tour is a one-of-a-kind experience that you should not miss! Find more details here.
The Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion
Located on the Athens Riviera, Cape Sounion is a steep cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea crowned by the incredibly well-preserved Temple of Poseidon, a classic temple in Dorian style dating from the fifth century BC.
Other than being an interesting archaeological site, the cape is a perfect place to witness the magical sunsets over the Mediterranean. You can easily reach the temple with public transport from the centre of Athens or book a half-day tour like this one. Cape Sounion is about 70 km from Athens.
Ancient Olympia
Another excellent day trip you can take, perfect for history buffs, is the one that allows you to explore the ruins of Ancient Olympia, the place where the Olympics used to take place. Here, it is possible to explore different archaeological sites where the Olympic Games used to be played in ancient times.
Also, in the nearby Archeological Museum of Olympia, you can admire some curious artifacts retrieved in different excavations. Another important museum to visit in the area is the museum of the Olympic Games, devoted to showcasing Olympian objects and ancient artifacts related to the Olympic Games.
Ancient Olympia is located on the Ionian coast of the Peloponnese. The trip can be rather long and it can be better for a two-day excursion from Athens. Besides, it is close to the Corinth Canal, a wonder of modern Greece also worth exploring.
If you are interested in checking out both sites, but a long drive sounds discouraging, then joining a one day tour of Ancient Olympia with a stop in Corinth can offer the best solution. Find our more details here.
Day Trip to Nafplion
A beautiful coastal city and former capital of Greece, Nafplion is located in the Argolic Gulf. Nafplion is home to a picturesque port and unique historic district with beautiful cafés and restaurants facing the sea.
The city, which during history has been ruled by several different cultures, features a unique mix of architecture with Italian, Byzantine, and Ottoman traits. In Nafplion, you can discover impressive medieval castles Turkish mosques, and Venetian fortresses as well as aristocratic buildings and Neoclassical mansions.
It is easy to get to Napflio by bus or by driving a rental car (check car rental comparison prices here), the city is about 135 kilometers from Athens and is situated in the fantastic region of the Peloponnese, not far from interesting archaeological sites as well as pristine, solitary beaches.
Argos
Not far from Napflio, a bit more than 10 kilometers away, the small town of Argos can be an excellent day trip alternative or it can also be combined with a visit to Nafplion. Argos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the oldest in Europe.
On the outskirts of Argos, it is possible to visit the ruins of the thermae, the ancient Roman baths, as well as an impressive Hellenistic theater (among the biggest ones in Greece), and the former Temple of Aphrodite. A bus trip from Athens to Argos takes about 2 hours.
Mount Parnitha
If you are looking for an easy day trip, more focused on nature than on ancient history, then do not hesitate and pay a visit to the Mount Parnitha National Park which is located about 40 kilometers from the city of Athens, easy to reach either by rental car, taxi, or bus. Alternatively, there is also an organised trekking tour of the park you can check out here.
This gorgeous mountain peak, about 900 meters above the sea, is part of a national park set in a lush area made of fragrant pine forests. Outdoors enthusiasts will be happy to know that the place is home to dozens of interesting hiking trails.
Day Trip to Mycenae and Epidaurus
Situated about 120 km from Athens, This ancient fortified citadel is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Greece.
The site, which strived during the late Bronze Age was an important inhabited center, probably since prehistoric times. Today, Mycenae is considered to have been the most prosperous kingdom of the later Bronze Age around 1350 BC
One of the highlights of the visit is the remarkable Gate of the Lions, also known as the Treasury of Atreus and the Tomb of Agamemnon.
As with many other ruins and archaeological sites, a guided visit is always advised, especially if you are not very familiar with archaeological places and are interested in the lesser-known details of these places.
Mycenae is located about 25 kilometers from Napflio, visiting both locations on the same day trip can be a winning idea and a great way to save money and time during your trip. There is an interesting organised tour that takes you to Mycenae, Nafplion, and Epidaurus from Athens in one day. Find more details here.
It is a winning idea to combine the visit with a stop in Epidaurus, where you won’t just enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the picturesque modern town, but where you can also visit a remarkable ancient theater, the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepios, both dating back to the fourth century BC.
In the area, there is also a smaller theater as well as the Epidaurus Archaeological Museum, with interesting objects discovered during the excavation of the sanctuary.
Lake Vouliagmeni
Located on the Athens Riviera, towards the south of Athens, this incredible destination is an easy and nearby day trip from Athens).
Some of the many highlights of the stretch of coast also include beaches and small marinas, sailing clubs, but also restaurants, a pleasant waterfront, and the therapeutic hot springs and saltwater of Lake Vouliagmeni with its underwater caves.
The lake formed about 2000 years ago due to the collapse of the roof of a huge cave in the area and it is part of a protected natural site that also features impressive caves open to the public. Lake Vouliagmeni is two km wide and one km long reaching a maximum depth of about 40 meters.
Better known for its therapeutic properties, the waters of the lake are rich in minerals good for the treatment of different conditions, many of them chronic diseases such as chronic pain and skeletal problems. The water maintains a perfect temperature since the lake is constantly supplied by underwater hot streams.
Different buses take you to the lake, including lines 114, 115, and the so-called Saronida Express (bus line 122).
Agistri Island
The small yet beautiful Agistri Island is part of the Saronic group of islands. There are regular crossings between Piraeus (the main port of Athens) and Agistri throughout the day. Journey times take from 45 minute to an hour and 15 minutes, depending on which ferry you take.
Once on the island, there is plenty to see and do. Some of the top highlights of Agistri include swimming, relaxing on breathtaking beaches, and hiking. Particular architectural points of interest include the village of Metochi and the Agioi Anargiroi Church, which boasts its very own blue dome.
Andros Island
Yet another Greek island that can be visited as a day trip from Athens is Andros. Located to the Northernmost point of the Cyclades archipelago, Andros is a two hour ferry ride away from the port of Piraeus and is perfect for those looking to get off the beaten path when it comes to their Athens excursion.
Some of the top activities on Andros Island include visiting the beach (Andros boasts over 150 beaches!), hiking (there are over 150 km worth of hiking trails on the island), and visiting the Chora (the main town of the island).
Piraeus
Piraeus is a port city in the Attica region of the Athens suburbs. And while most visitors to Athens consider the port and city of Piraeus a simple stopover point en route to catch a ferry elsewhere, Piraeus actually has a fair bit to offer travellers.
Piraeus is one of the easiest day trips from Athens as it is just a 15 minute metro ride or 30 minute bus ride from the city centre. Once in the city, some of the top highlights include wandering around the Pasalimani harbour, checking out the Sunday flea market, and visiting the Hellenic Maritime Museum.
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Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book. She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.
