22 Excellent Day Trips from Athens: 2024 Guide

Wonderful day trips from Athens are plentiful and varied. If you use the Greek capital as a base, you can easily explore much of Southern Greece. 

Attika and its surroundings offer something for every type of traveller. The sun-bleached ruins of ancient archaeological sites, scenic hiking trails, and idyllic islands all sit just a few hours away from Athens.

The Best Day Trips From Athens

This guide provides you with a plethora of different options for taking day trips from Athens. Realistically, you probably aren’t going to have time to visit all of these places if you are only in Greece for a week or two.

The best day trips from Athens are summarised here. Each of these day trips is a wonderful extension to any Athens travel itinerary.

Kea Island

The charming island of Kea is one of the closest Cycladic islands to Athens. It can be reached within just two hours.

Ideally, you will have more time to spend in Kea. However, if you are short on time, and you only have a day to spare, a day trip from Athens may well be the escape that you need.

Kea boasts the highest number of hiking trails out of all of the Greek islands. Walking routes twist and turn through the countryside bypassing quaint whitewashed villages, and majestic ruins.

One of the best hikes to conquer here is the 1.5-hour trek to the ancient city of Karthea. Here, you will find crumbling temples and centuries-old columnated promenades. You will seldom find Karthea crowded because it takes so long to reach!  

Enjoy wandering through the cobbled streets of Ioulis and sip Ellinikos Kafes in its seafront coffee shops. Kea captures the hearts of all those that visit.

Getting to Kea

Hellenic Seaways ferries run between Athens and Kea. You need to board the boat at Athens Lavrio port. Check the ferry timetables in advance of your intended travel dates as the schedules vary by season.

The Peloponnese

The rugged Peloponnese region of Greece is an area of unparalleled natural beauty. This is also the heart of Hellenic wine country.

Some of the vineyards that are located here are among the oldest in the world. Greek wines are not very well-known internationally.

However, they are held in high regard in Greece. Most restaurants and tavernas will serve locally sourced wines and a trip to the Peloponnese is your opportunity to sample them at the source.

The family-owned wineries of Semeli, Skouras, Tetramythos, Tsepelos, and Siropoulos are among the best-regarded in the region. You typically have to call in advance to arrange a tour.

Tastings are very reasonably priced and start at €5-6 per person. If you wish to stay overnight, many of these estates boast beautiful luxury lodges and guesthouses. 

Getting to Peloponnese Wine Country

It is possible to take a winery tour in the Peloponnese. There are excursions from Athens that you can join, or you can hire your own personal guide.

You will have more flexibility if you have your own transportation. However, you must ensure that you have a responsible designated driver. Alternatively, you can stay at one of the estates overnight.

This wine tour departs from Athens and stops by three different Nemea area wineries in addition to the Corinth Canal, and the Sanctuary of Zeus.

Nafplio

The picturesque coastal city of Nafplio was once the capital of Greece. It is also considered the country’s most romantic city.

Whether you are travelling here alone or as part of a duo, you will certainly fall in love with all of the winding cobbled streets and passageways that twist and turn around the city like a maze. Nafplio’s architecture is beautiful.

The structures here date all the way back to the Middle Ages. Firstly, visit Akronafplia, Nafplio’s old castle. Secondly, embark on a steady walk along the craggy coastline while admiring views over the Argolic Gulf.

Stop by the central Arvantia square to enjoy a Greek meze and a glass of locally sourced wine at one of the quaint eateries here. Nafplio is one of the best day trips from Athens because it remains relatively undiscovered by most tourists.

Piraeus

Piraeus is often overlooked. It is simply seen as a place that is necessary to pass through en-route to the port.

However, Piraeus has a lot to offer. Although it is somewhat gritty, Piraeus boasts plenty of charm and interesting sites. 

Head to the glamorous Marina Zeas and sip locally-sourced wine while admiring the sea views surrounded by luxury yachts. From there, walk to the old neighbourhood of Kastella.

Kastella’s pastel-coloured houses, neoclassical mansions, and narrow cobbled streets are a photographer’s paradise. Climb up to the Profitis Ilias Orthodox church for incredible panoramas. The view is especially breathtaking at sunset.

Getting to Piraeus

It’s easy to reach Piraeus from Athens airport and the city. Simply hop on board the green metro line and following it to the final station.

Delphi

Delphi is one of the most important and best-preserved ancient sites in Greece. Furthermore, it is a designated UNESCO world heritage site.

Understandably, Delphi is one of the most popular day trips from Athens. Several tours and buses head here daily during the summer months.

The settlement dates back thousands of years and is of great importance in Greek history and mythology. Legend has it that Zeus sent two eagles from the ends of the universe to discover where the centre of the world was. It was here where they flew and thus, Delphi was born!

Today the Delphi site has several spots of interest. This includes the ancient Temple of Apollo, an ancient amphitheater, and the Delphi archaeological museum.

The latter displays a fascinating chronology of Delphi’s history. The museum’s halls are filled with artifacts recovered from the region.

Getting to Delphi from Athens

You can take the bus from Athens to Delphi. You need to get to the KTEL station B at 260 Liossion street (Gousiou street entrance). The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Delphi tours from Athens are very popular. They include return transport, skip the line entrance, and a guided tour. You can read more about Delphi tours here.

Cape Sounio

The temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio is quite a sight to behold. It is dedicated to Poseidon, God of the Sea, and dates back to 44 BC.

The temple is perched precariously at the edge of the jagged rocks that jut out across the Aegean sea. The views across the water are undoubtedly one of the highlights of visiting. It is particularly as the sun begins to set and the skies are illuminated in hues of warm orange and red.

Exploring the temple in itself is an interesting experience. Additionally, it is possible to swim in the translucent waters here or relax by the sea during the summer months.

After you’ve worn yourself out, head to one of the seafront tavernas to enjoy some traditional Greek food. Sounio is one of the best day trips from Athens because it is located just 69km away from the capital. I

Getting to Sounio from Athens

You can take a bus from Mavromateon Athens central bus station to Sounio. The buses depart every hour.

Services start from 7.05 am and run until the evening. It takes 90 minutes to reach Sounio from Athens (Temple of Poseidon stop).

Guided Sounion tours include hotel pickup and enable you to skip the line. You can find out more information on them here.

Meteora Monasteries

Meteora has to be one of the most beautiful places in mainland Greece. The word means “suspended in the air” and once you arrive here, you will certainly understand how the area got its name.

Here, ancient monasteries and nunneries balance precariously on the summits of craggy rock pillars. Monks settled at Meteora around the 11th century.

24 monasteries were built here initially. However today, only six remain.

This is the second-largest monastic community in Greece and Europe. Mount Athos in Halkidiki is the largest.

The remaining monasteries are, namely, the Varlaam monastery, Great Meteoron, Roussanou, Holy Trinity, St. Stephen’s, and St. Nikolaos Anapafsas. It is possible to enter the monasteries and marvel at the frescoes and ornate decorations within.

Meteora also boasts incredible hiking trails and beautiful spots for watching the sunset. A Meteora day trip is one of the best day trips from Athens. However, you may wish to stay overnight so as to break up your journey.

Getting to Meteora from Athens

It is relatively easy to get to Meteora from Athens. Firstly, take the subway to Athens Larissa station.

Then, take the train to Kalampaka. Services run frequently.

Guided tours of Meteora start from 71 euros per person including transportation, entrance, and tour guide services. You can learn more about the tours here.

Mycenae

The crumbling ruins of Mycenae await in the barren foothills of Mount Agios Ilias. Mycenae, as the name suggests, was home to the Mycenaeans. For hundreds of years, this was the most important city in Greece.

Some parts of Mycenae still remain today and are very well preserved. This includes the old amphitheater, the lion gate, and the treasury of Atreus (a royal tomb).

The old stone walls that encapsulate the ancient city are so large that legend states they were built by a cyclops. The Archaeological Museum here contains various artifacts discovered in the region, most notably the gold death mask of Agamemnon and other Mycenaean kings.

Getting to Mycenae from Athens

To get to Mycenae from Athens, take the bus to Fichti Station. The journey takes around an hour and a half.

It is possible to do a combined day tour of both Mycenae and Epidaurus. You can learn more about that here.

Hydra Island

Hydra is a beautiful island in the Saronic Gulf that is packed with character and charm. Its scenic port is widely regarded as being the most beautiful in all of Greece.

The island is a popular romantic getaway destination for Athenians, and the cobbled narrow streets of Hydra town are home to boutique stores and elegant eateries. Many pleasant walking trails weave through Hydra’s coast and countryside.

One of the most popular routes is the seafront walk from Hydra town to the fishing villages of Kamini and Vlychos. Alternatively, the climb up to the Prophet Elias Monastery rewards hikers with spectacular views over the Aegean sea.

Getting to Hydra from Athens

Ferries depart for Hydra daily from the port of Piraeus. There are around 5-6 boats each day running between Hydra and Athens and the journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Ancient Olympia

Ancient Olympia was the birthplace of the Olympic Games. It sits on the western edge of the Peloponnese and today, this is one of the most important archeological sites in Greece.

The temples of Zeus and Hera, the ancient stadium, and the workshop of Phedia are important sights to add to your radar while in Olympia. The Archaeological Museum is well worth a visit. It tells the history of the Olympic Games through the ages.

Getting to Olympia from Athens

It is not easy to travel to Olympia independently. The easiest option is to do a tour like this one.

If you want to go it alone, you can take the bus from Athens to Pyrgos and from there change for Olympia.

Epidaurus

Epidaurus is one of the most famous historical places in Greece. It was the home of a healing spa built by Asclepius.

For half a millennium (sixth century BC right up to Roman times), Epidaurus was a popular pilgrimage site. Today, you can still gaze upon what remains.

There are a number of archaeological sites dotted around the area. Additionally, there is an interactive museum that discusses the findings.

The ancient theatre is arguably the highlight of visiting Epidaurus. This structure dates back to 330BC and is exceptionally well-preserved.

The annual Epidaurus Festival takes place from June until August and tour buses run regularly from Athens during this period. You can consider purchasing tickets to see a show.

Performances are in Greek. However, the cultural experience is very worthwhile, even if you cannot understand the language.

Getting to Epidaurus from Athens

You can take the bus from Athens to Epidaurus. KTEL services depart from the central bus station in Kifisos.

Explore the Rugged Coastline of the Mani Peninsula 

The Mani peninsula of the Peloponnese is worthy of several days of exploration. However, you can easily rent a car, drive out to this rugged area, and get a taster of Mani in a day.

The Mani region is made up of two sections: The Outer Mani and the Deep Mani.

Quaint, colourful fishing villages make up the Outer Mani. Kardamyli and Stoupa are two spots in particular that are very worthy of your time.

The “Deep Mani” is the southern part of the peninsula. It is about as “off the beaten path” in Greece as you can get.

The Deep Mani consists of rugged coastlines, jagged cliffs, and hidden coves. The main touristic attraction of Mani is the Dinos Caves. This is a large network of underground caves filled with dramatic rock formations, and overhanging stalagmites and stalactites.

You can board a little wooden fishing boat and sail into the dark depths of the caves. The experience feels as though you are sailing into Hades’ underworld.  

Reaching the Mani Peninsula from Athens

It is not easy to reach the Mani peninsula unless you have your own transport. Your best option is to rent a car.

Getting to Mani by Greek public transport is possible but it’s a bit of a headache. You need to take the KTEL bus to Sparti, and then take a taxi from there. If you do that journey in two directions, the price soon adds up!

The Athenian Riviera

The Athenian Riviera is an upscale area that sits just south of central Athens. The chic towns of Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni can be found here, and the area is often referred to as the “Hellenic Hamptons”.

This pine-clad peninsula is an area of impeccable natural beauty. The Athenian Riviera is characterised by dense pine forests, rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and idyllic beaches that border translucent azure waters. 

Visit the glamorous Astir Beach. This is a favourite among the Athenian Jetset.

Aegina Island

Aegina is perhaps the most conveniently located island for taking day trips from Athens. The journey across the water takes just an hour, and the island is the embodiment of the authentic Greek atmosphere and lifestyle. Beyond the island’s bustling port, Aegina packs a lot of charm.

Explore the abandoned, eerie streets of the ghost town of Paleochora, fall in love with the seaside towns of Perdika and Vagia, and enjoy some of the best beaches in Southern Greece.

Getting to Aegina Island

Boats run frequently from Piraeus port in Athens to Aegina island. The journey takes 45 minutes by catamaran.

Poros

Poros is arguably one of Greece’s best-kept secrets and offers a perfect choice for day trips from Athens away from the tourist hordes. It is actually made up of two islands: Kalavria and Sphairia.

Kalavria island is an area of greenery sprinkled with pine trees. Meanwhile, Sphairia is made up of volcanic rock.

Poros town centre is believed to be one of the prettiest island capitals across all of Greece. The town’s large clock tower dates back to the 1920s and is visible from across the entire island.

Hiking to the top of the hill where the clock stands rewards you with incredible views across the Aegean. It is hard not to fall in love with Poros.

The island boasts beautiful white-washed Cycladic houses and quaint little streets. Lemonodasos is a great place to visit if you want something a little “off the beaten track”. This is a beautiful lemon forest just five minutes away from the port.

Many beautiful orthodox churches are scattered throughout Poros. The temple of Saint George and the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi is particularly beautiful.

Getting to Poros from Athens

It is easy to get from Athens to Poros. Boats depart hourly from Piraeus port.

Ancient Corinth

Visiting Corinth enables you to visit the ruins of an ancient Roman city. The city has an important place in Greek mythology. This was the home of Jason and the Argonauts, aka, the man who stole the ancient fleece. 

Seeing the ancient ruins sit beside Corinth’s modern city is an interesting contrast. Notable structures to look out for here include the Ancient Theatre, the 5th century Temple of Apollo, and the Peribolos of Apollo.

The on-site museum provides more context for visiting the site. If you have a car, you could continue onwards from Corinth to the Byzantine town of Mystras or even mysterious Monemvasia.

Getting to Corinth

It is easier to explore Corinth on a tour. This day tour of Corinth takes you to the ancient city and the Corinth Canal. It also stops by the old port of Kechreai.

If you want to visit Corinth independently, you can take the train from Athens Larissa station to Corinth Station. Trains depart hourly and take approximately 1 hour and five minutes.

Lake Vouliagmeni

The mystical Lake Vouliagmeni is still technically within the grasps of Athens. However, it is not so well known among tourists.

The mineral water lake is said to have healing properties, particularly for those suffering from skin ailments. The beautiful lake is surrounded by sun chairs and cabanas.

It is the perfect place to relax on a summer’s day in Southern Greece. Several spa facilities also encircle the lake, and hiking trails from the lake lead to nearby Faskomilia hill and incredible views over the Attica coastline.

When the sun sets, head into the sophisticated nearby Vouliagmeni town. You can enjoy dinner at an upscale restaurant by the coast.

How to Get to Lake Vouliagmeni

Take the red line on the metro to Ellinikon terminal station. From there, take bus 122 to Vouliagmeni. A cab from downtown Athens to Vouliagmeni costs approximately 15 euros.

Spetses 

Hydra island may often be considered as the gem of the Saronic. However, Spetses island is equally breathtaking.

The upscale island does not see any cars or vehicles and has a population of just 5000 people. Aside from the elegant Spetses town that is situated at the port, Spetses is essentially just one huge national park.

The island of Spetses boasts secluded beaches, scenic hiking trails, ancient churches, and mysterious caves. One of the best things about travelling to Spetses is that is relatively off-the-beaten-path as far as Greek travel goes.

You may see some adventurers here that are sailing around the Saronic Gulf. Yet for the most part, if you head here in Spring or Autumn on one of your day trips from Athens, you will have many parts of the island to yourself.

Take a Saronic Gulf Cruise

The Saronic Gulf islands are all delightful in their own way. You can consider doing a day cruise if you want to visit several islands yet you are limited on time. Several tour companies offer affordable excursions.

Saronic tours depart from Piraeus port early in the morning and do a “whistle-stop” tour of the Saronic islands. They spend a few hours at each location. Get Your Guide is one very reputable company that offers such a tour.

Mount Parnitha

Parnitha, home to the mountain of the same name, is one of Southern Greece’s premier hiking spots. Numerous trails twist and turn along the slopes of the mountain and there are routes that are suitable for travellers of all abilities. 

Each Parnitha route offers the chance to admire a diverse blend of incredible natural scenery. This ranges from dense pine forests to natural springs and open fields where wild deer graze.

If you are hoping to complete the ascent to the top, the bafi refuge makes a nice place to stay en route and break up the journey. Parnitha is one of the best day trips from Athens for hiking and nature lovers.

Getting to Mount Parnitha from Athens

It is relatively easy to reach Parnitha by public transport from Athens. Board the green line metro from central Athens and go to Kifissia station. From there, take the 504 bus to Thrakomakedones.

If you are travelling alone and prefer to hike with others, you can consider joining a Parnitha hiking tour.

Lamia

Lamia is a city in central Greece that sits just two hours north of Athens. It has a history that spans back thousands of years, making Lamia an interesting place to visit on one of your day trips from Athens. 

Central Lamia is distinguishable by Eleftheria Square. This crowded piazza is a popular rendezvous point among locals. It is filled with vibrant coffee shops, tavernas, and bars.

Eleftheria is a perfect place for people watching. Order an Ellinikos Kafes at one of the many coffee shops. Revel in the ambiance and admire the scenes around you as oldtimers gossip and play backgammon.

The city’s iconic sight is the medieval castle that sits on a rocky rise, watching protectively over the city. Several picturesque hiking trails lead you on an adventure around the city limits and through the lush green hills of Archangels Michael-Gabriel-Raphael, and Agios Loukas.

Getting to Lamia from Athens

Daily trains connect Lamia with Athens. The journey takes approximately 2 and a half hours.

Andros Island

Andros island is the second-largest island in the Cyclades and one of the closest to Athens and the mainland. It is often overlooked in favour of its more popular neighbours. However, Andros offers all of their Cycladic charms, but without the crowds.

Each of Andros’ towns and fishing villages has its own distinct personality. Batsi is a particularly popular spot among tourists. 

Even though it sees a lot of visitors, Batsi does not lose its charm or feel inauthentic. Here, pastel-coloured houses and stores cascade down hilltops to meet the sea.

The old, ramshackle fishermen’s houses have been transformed into eclectic guesthouses, ouzerias, and meze restaurants. 

You can easily while away a lazy afternoon sipping Greek coffee, eating traditional food, and wandering around the towns of Batsi and the Andros capital of Chora.

Getting to Andros 

It takes two hours to reach Andros by ferry from Athens. Boats for Andros depart regularly from Rafina port.

The ferry schedule varies depending on the season. Services are significantly more frequent in the summer months. Check the ferry timetable in advance.

Parting Words

Do you have any questions about these day trips from Athens? I have lived in Athens for the last four years and would be happy to assist.

Drop me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Safe travels!

Geia sou, Melissa xo

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