13 day trips to Athens

Want to escape the Athenian agitation? Discover our day trip ideas from Athens.

A civilizational cradle with infinite cultural riches, Athens is also a bustling metropolis. After a few days strolling through its hot streets and crowded monuments, you may want to air yourself. It's okay! A few tens of kilometers from the capital are many treasures worth the detour. Whether you are thirsty for nature or rather culture, you will find your happiness.

Discover our selection of the best day trips from Athens!

1. Corinth, the Cape of Heraion and Loutráki

At an hour’s drive from Athens, this tour will delight the fans of Antiquity. Corinth is the entrance door to the Peloponnese , the mythical peninsula of southwest Greece. To reach it, you pass through a bridge suspended its famous canal. Edged with impressive scary cliffs, it is a sharp and impressive cut in the rock of the hill.

If the modern city of Corinth has little interest, its Greco-Roman remains are worth a look. The columns of the ancient temple of Apollo and the arcades of the clusters stand proudly in the heart of the hills. From the top of the Acrocorinthe, you can admire a superb view of the Gulf.

After this visit, go to Heraion! This pretty rocky tip with a small lighthouse will be the perfect place to picnic while admiring the deep blue waters of the Gulf. Once shaved, you will discover the ancient site, its temples and its tanks. The most impressive of these remains is the temple of Hera Akraia, dated 8th century BC.

On the way back, make a small stop in Loutráki for a drink on one of the seaside terraces. Particularly popular with the Greeks, this small seaside resort is nestled in a pretty bay lined with mountains.

2. Cape Sounion

Located at the southern end of Attica, Cape Sounion National Park is just over an hour’s drive from the capital. As a result, it will be perfect for a day trip from Athens.

Cape Sounion is a high place of mythology. In particular, it is said that Aegean would be thrown into the waters, convinced of the failure of his son Thea facing the Minotaur. In charge of legends, this tip was even nicknamed "the sacred promontory of Athens" by Homer.

The majestic ruins of the temple of Poseidon stand at its summit and overlook a stormy sea. The columns of the temple, 6 meters tall, seem suspended in this beautiful and wild landscape. At sunset, the decor is devastated by magic...

3. Mycenes

Direction the Peloponnese to discover one of the most emblematic archaeological sites in the country. A must-see city of the Dutch legends, Mycenes is the birthplace of mycene civilization. This civilization, both mythical and mysterious, turned out for reasons still unknown today. However, archaeological excavations have revealed a warring and opulent society.

Today, the visit of this incredible citadel will make you travel in time. Once the majestic bears Lionnes and admired the cyclopean enclosure, you will discover impressive vestiges. The site is famous for its palace, tomb circles and funeral rooms with domes. Finally, the archaeological museum opened in 2007 will perfect your trip.

4. Nauplie

Pearl of the Peloponnese, the pretty town of Nauplie has airs Italy . It must be said that it was a time in the hands of the Venetians. Its narrow alleys, tile roofs and neoclassical buildings licked by the turquoise waters of the bay give it an incredible charm.

The old town is full of treasures, from Syntagma Square to the Komboloï Museum, to the pretty churches. You will be happy to lose yourself in this pretty maze, before enjoying a small dish by the sea. Indeed, you will have to regain strength before climbing the 999 steps leading to the impressive Palamède citadel!

The visit of Nauplie is enough to complete a day trip from Athens. However, you can complete this getaway by a detour to the archaeological site of Tirynthe, a few kilometers away.

5. Delphs and Mount Parnasse

At the foot of Mount Parnasse stretches the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, dedicated to the god Apollo. If Delphes is today one of the country’s major tourist sites, its radiation was already immense during Antiquity. Indeed, pilgrims came from far to consult the Pythie and receive his oracle.

Around the vestiges of the temple of Apollo, the stadium and the ancient theatre testify to the life of the city of the time. Located in the heart of the mountains, with a splendid view of the valley, the site is breathtaking! Try to get your eyes to discover the museum, which is exciting.

Take the time to climb Mount Parnasse to discover the breathtaking view. In winter, you can even ski on its sides!

6. Lake Vouliagmeni

After a few days in the Athenian agitation, you may want great air. Lake Vouliagmeni is an easy excursion from Athens, which will especially delight families. Bordered by a cliff, it is connected to a network of tunnels that infiltrate a cave.

But above all, it is powered by a hot water source that guarantees a temperature greater than 21°C throughout the year. The benefits of these waters are often vanished and small fish will offer you a natural pedicure! In addition, the place is perfectly arranged and you can eat in a small guinguette.

7. Around Marathon

Entrance into the legend by offering its name to the famous walking race, Marathon is today a very banal city. And yet there are several good reasons to take a trip to the area from Athens.

First of all, you can dive into history by visiting the archaeological museum of Marathon. The combined ticket will also allow you to discover the Tsepi protothenic cemetery and the sanctuary of the Egyptian gods of Nea Makri.

On the nature side, you will enjoy the limni (lac) Marathonas, pretty artificial lake delimited by an imposing dam. You can also relax on the large beach of Schinias. On the menu: fine sand, clear waters and lush Mediterranean vegetation!

8. Mount Parnitha

Parnitha Natural Park is a mountainous and forest area located near Athens. Fans of outdoor activities will find their happiness, between walks, mountain biking or horseback riding. As for the good living, they will feast in one of the many taverns.

Through your exploration of Mount Parnitha, you will discover many natural or artificial curiosities:

• The Fortress Filisbuilt in the fourth century BC;
• Tato, former royal summer residence, and its park;
• Multiple churches and monasteries and even a casino perched at the top of the mountain!

9. Born and its vineyards

The ancient religious site of Nemée corresponds to the vestiges of a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. There is also an antique stadium that hosted the famous Nemesan Games in tribute to the Olympian King.

Today, it is also for its wine route that Némée is worth a day trip from Athens. Indeed, this region of the Peloponnese is home to many vineyards, especially known for the vine Agiorgitiko.

10. Epidaure

Épidaure is one of the most famous archaeological sites of Greece especially thanks to its spectacular theatre. With its 14 000 seats very well preserved, it still hosts a great summer festival. At the time of visit, on the stage, you can improvise cantatrice and admire the incredible acoustics.

The site also houses a temple, a stadium, as well as a mysterious circular construction lined with columns. It is not surprising that he is one of the most visited sites in Greece!

11. Saronique Islands: Egina, Agistri, Salamine

The archipelago of Saroniques is easily accessible for a day trip from Athens, especially the islands of Égine, Agistri and Salamine. To book a ferry trip, go to Direct Ferries .

Let yourself be seduced by the turquoise waters, fishing boats and the charming buildings of Égine. Among the many historical monuments, do not miss the uncontournable temple of Aphea Athena.

If you are looking for tranquility, the small island of Agistri will delight you! It offers a beautiful diversity of landscapes, between villages, coves and forests.

From the port of Piraeus to Athens, you will only need a few minutes to reach Salamine by ferry. The island is therefore perfect for a small getaway, for example to enjoy the beach.

12. Saronique Islands: Hydra and Spetses

After one crossed by ferry discover the two most elegant islands of the Saroniques: Hydra and Spetses. Protected by pirates, the two islands have developed beautiful villages, picturesque in Hydra, majestic in Spetses. They share a notable asset: the total absence of cars!

Over the 20th century, Hydra has attracted the jet-set in search of farniente, from Leonard Cohen to Jackie Onassis. But beyond its busy port, this mountainous island offers superb hikes. As for Spetses, dried with History, it is dotted with elegant buildings, but also beautiful corners of nature.

13. Weather

If a day trip from Athens is possible, we recommend spending a night in Kalambaka or Kastraki. Indeed, it will allow you to fully enjoy the breathtaking meteors!

These incredible rocky pitons formed under the sea, and seem carved carefully. On their top are perched monasteries whose roofs of tiles emanated the mineral landscape. Six of them can be visited. Although a little further away from Athens, the Meteors are one of the most incredible excursions to Greece.

Athens is a perfect epicentre to visit Greece. In addition to the infinite wealth to discover in the city, you can easily explore many breathtaking sights during day trips from Athens.