Oh Athens, how we love you. We have visited the town 3 times, but it surely wasn’t till our most up-to-date journey that we really frolicked actually immersing in the power of this vibrant capital of Greece. While many individuals instantly jet off to the Greek Islands there are many thrilling adventures that may be carried out on a day journey. From unbelievable archaeological websites to attractive seashores, Athens isn’t solely a vacation spot in itself but additionally a launchpad for quite a few thrilling day journeys. From the islands off the Athenian Riviera to historical websites steeped in delusion and historical past, let’s embark on a journey to discover the perfect day journeys you may make from Athens.
Top Day Trips from Athens
We have pushed in Greece many instances and it is rather straightforward to navigate. We recommend getting a rental automobile to your keep in Athens as they’re extra inexpensive than different European locations. You can examine automobile rental costs right here.
If you aren’t snug driving, we’ve advised the preferred day journeys from Athens with hyperlinks that can assist you plan your journey.
Planning Your Trip To Athens Right Now?
Below are a few of the high day journey excursions from Athens. Don’t overlook to plan forward when visiting Greece!
Top Day Trip Activities and Tours from Athens:
1. Delphi
Delphi is only a two-hour drive from Athens and is a vital vacation spot for historical past and archaeology lovers. This unbelievable archaeological website is a UNESCO World Heritage housing the Sanctuary of Apollo. Take a guided tour to see the stays of the Temple of Apollo, the traditional theater, and the stadium. Be positive to take a look at the Athenian Treasury and the Polygonal Wall with its inscriptions.
You may also wish to cease by the Delphi Archaeological Museum to study extra about Greek historical past. Here, you possibly can view its assortment of artifacts discovered in the traditional ruins. One of probably the most iconic items is the bronze Charioteer of Delphi, one of many best-known sculptures surviving from Ancient Greece and take a stroll alongside the Sacred Way which was the principle route via the Sanctuary of Apollo, used in processions to the temple. When you’re completed at these fascinating ruins, make your solution to the trendy city of Delphi for lunch at considered one of its many eating places, retailers, and cafes.
2. Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion is a favourite getaway for each locals and vacationers. Including us! Just 60 minutes from downtown Athens, Cape Sounion is often known as the Athens Riviera. There are seashores and resorts making for a improbable day journey from Athens, or you possibly can guide a weekend getaway.
The most important attraction right here is probably the most lovely setting for archaeological ruins that you would be able to get. The Iconic Temple of Poseidon sits excessive on a seacliff providing unbelievable vistas of Cape Sounion. Begin your go to by exploring the Doric columns of this Fifth-century BC edifice, and don’t overlook to hunt out Lord Byron’s well-known graffiti etched into one of many temple’s remaining pillars.
The Athens Riviera provides a style of Greek Island Life with out having to depart the mainland. Beaches like Sounio Beach and Legrena Beach are only a brief drive from the temple. Before leaving, make certain to witness one of the vital celebrated sunsets in Greece from the perspective close to the temple of Poseidon. For meals lovers, there are seaside tavernas shut by, providing scrumptious Greek delicacies with a improbable sea view.
3. Hydra Island
Only a two-hour ferry experience from Athens, Hydra Island is the right day journey from Athens for these searching for a style of the Greek Islands. No motorized autos are allowed on Hydra making for a quiet retreat from the town. It is thought for its picturesque harbor and slender, cobbled streets lined with boutiques, artwork galleries, and native eateries.
Don’t miss the possibility to go to the Historical Archives Museum and the Ecclesiastical and Byzantine Museum to study extra about Hydra’s wealthy previous.
For outside lovers, there are mountaineering trails that supply lovely views of the ocean. The path from Hydra city to the Monastery of Prophet Elias is a specific favourite. Beach lovers can take pleasure in island life by heading to both Vlychos or Kaminia.
At the tip of the day, loosen up at a waterfront cafe, having fun with native delicacies as boats bob in the harbor. You don’t have to move again to the Greek capital you possibly can guide an evening on the island to increase your keep. Book an evening on the Four Seasons Hydra for an expensive keep. Check critiques on TripAdvisor
4. Poros Island
Poros is a part of the Saronic islands that are simply accessible by a fast ferry experience from Athens. It gives a style of island life with a extra native really feel than the favored vacationer locations of Greece.
A go to to the Archaeological Museum of Poros is a should. It homes finds from the sanctuary of Poseidon at Kalavria. Explore the Lemon Forest, a aromatic grove with greater than 30,000 lemon and orange timber. Be positive to go to the Clock Tower, the island’s most well-known landmark, for panoramic views of Poros and the encircling sea.
If you’re a seaside lover, spend a while at Love Bay or Askeli Beach, each recognized for his or her clear waters. Wrap up your day by having fun with a meal at one of many many seaside taverns.
5. Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal is an engineering marvel linking the Aegean and Ionian seas. This synthetic canal is a powerful website slicing via the slender isthmus that connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. This 4-mile-long canal was constructed between 1882 and 1893 and separates the Peloponnese Peninsula from the mainland.
You can guide a day journey from Athens to see views of the Corinth Canal and go to Ancient Corinth to see the place St. Paul lived and its historical Agora, and Apollo’s Temple. You may also go to the traditional port of Kechreai.
Visit the submersible bridge at Isthmia, considered one of solely two in Europe. For adrenaline junkies, bungee leaping from the canal’s bridge is an choice.
Ancient Corinth is an enchanting archaeological website, the place you’ll discover the Temple of Apollo and the Bema, the place St. Paul spoke to the Corinthians. You also can go to the Archaeological Museum of Corinth to get your fill of historical Greek historical past.
On your method again to Athens, make a cease on the Acrocorinth, the acropolis of historical Corinth, a monolithic rock overseeing the traditional metropolis.
6. Meteora
Visiting Meteora ought to be on the high of everybody’s Greek bucket listing. Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage website positioned 4 hours from Athens. The space is famed for its towering rock formations and the centuries-old monasteries perched precariously upon the excessive monoliths.
If you’ve gotten a automobile, arrive early in the morning to view the monasteries by yourself time forward of the crowds. You will need no less than one full day right here to see the spectacular monasteries such because the Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, and Rousanou Monastery. Read extra: Monasteries of Meteora, Greece – Magic Monoliths in Photos
We extremely advocate taking a stroll via the quite a few mountaineering trails snaking across the rock formations, providing panoramic views of the panorama away from the crowds. Better but, guide one of many guided excursions provided to study extra in regards to the ruins. We took this mountaineering tour from Kalabaka that follows the historic paths of the monks.
You could wish to contemplate taking a guided tour to get insights into the historical past and significance of the world. Before leaving, go to the native city of Kalabaka to attempt native cuisines. We advocate spending a few nights in Meteora and we stayed at The Divani Meteora Hotel which was positioned proper in the guts of the traditional website.
This 4-day Classic Tour helps you to see most of the finest day journeys from Athens in one handy tour. You’ll discover the perfect of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora.
7. Mycenae and Epidaurus
Mycenae and Epidaurus supply a deep dive into Greek historical past to the time of King Agamemnon and the Trojan War. Visit Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage that was the middle of the Mycenaean civilization which dates again to 2 hundred BC.
Here you’ll discover the traditional temples together with the well-known Lion’s Gate, Royal Tombs, The Tomb of Agamemnon, and the Archaeological Museum. The Cyclopean Walls which had been named for his or her large measurement, are a must-see.
Next, head to Epidaurus to go to the traditional theatre, devoted to the Greek God of Medicine Asclepius, well-known for its distinctive acoustics and symmetrical development. Don’t miss the Sanctuary of Asklepios, an vital therapeutic middle in the traditional world, and its historical theatre.
The theater at Epidaurus is among the best-preserved theaters of historical Greece and its performances nonetheless happen as we speak. Imagine your self dwelling in historical instances watching the likes of Homer or Greek Mythology carried out in this spectacular archeological website.
From May to October one of the vital well-known cultural occasions takes place right here and on the Acropolis in Athens. This pageant showcases music and artists and has attracted the likes of Luciano Pavarotti and Frank Sinatra. The 2023 lineup will see eclectic artists comparable to Herbie Hancock, Bill Burr, and the Opera de Paris.
This extremely rated tour is a full-day guided day journey from Athens that touts itself as carbon impartial. Over the following 10 hours, you’ll go to the Corinth Canal, Mycenae, and Epidauraus in addition to Nafplio (Nauplia), the previous capital of Greece.
8. Nafplio
Nafplio, the primary capital of recent Greece, combines historical past, structure, and beautiful sea views. Visit the Palamidi Fortress and benefit from the panoramic view of the town and the Argolic Gulf. Stroll across the outdated city with its Venetian homes and neoclassical mansions, stopping at Syntagma Square to discover the Archaeological Museum.
Take a ship experience to Bourtzi, a Venetian fortress on an island in the center of the town’s harbor. Lastly, take pleasure in native dishes at a seaside restaurant and discover the town’s vibrant nightlife.
Combine a few of the finest day journeys from Athens with this extremely rated guided tour. Your tour information is a certified historian who will take you to the Corinth Canal, Palamidi Castle, the Acropolis of Nafplio, and the well-known Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. You’ll even have a cease at Karathonas Beach for a dip in the Aegean Sea.
9. Spetses Island
Spetses is among the most picturesque Saronic islands that could be a two-hour-long journey by ferry from Athens. This lovely island boasts a wealthy maritime historical past and stylish structure.
Discover the island’s historical past on the Museum of Spetses and the House of Bouboulina, a museum devoted to the feminine admiral who performed a big position in the 1821 War of Independence. The Old Harbor space, with its outdated mansions and the grand Poseidonion Hotel, is effectively value a go to.
Rent a motorbike or a horse-drawn carriage to discover the city or hop on a water taxi to go to a few of the island’s lovely seashores like Agia Marina and Agioi Anargyroi. Remember to pattern native delicacies at one of many island’s quite a few seafood eating places or taverns.
This e-bike biking tour is a half-day tour that takes you round the principle sights of the small island to see the outdated harbor and study in regards to the island’s historical past.
10. Aegina Island
Aegina is an idyllic island recognized for its pistachio orchards, historical ruins, and white stone homes. Start your journey by visiting the Temple of Aphaia, an historical architectural masterpiece that varieties a sacred triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
Explore the charming city with its conventional homes, and don’t miss the native market the place you should purchase the well-known Aegina pistachios. For seaside fans, Marathonas, Agia Marina, and Perdika are all glorious selections. If you’ve gotten time, a go to to the tiny island of Moni, a nature reserve filled with peacocks and deer, is extremely really useful.
You also can guide a day cruise to Aegina. This full day boat tour helps you to uncover the Saronic Sea on a traditional picket sailboat. Enjoy views of the Saronic Gulf as you sip cocktails and luxuriate in snacks en path to the islands of Agistri and Aegina. Enjoy the seashores and take an optionally available bike tour. You’ll even have stops at Moni or Nisis Metopi.
11. Lake Vouliagmeni
Just a brief drive from the town middle, Lake Vouliagmeni is a shocking pure lake with therapeutic properties. Swim in the nice and cozy, mineral-rich waters, which preserve a relentless temperature year-round. For the adventurous, discover the lake’s underwater cave community, house to the elusive Lutra, a small underwater sea creature.
After stress-free by the lake, go to the close by Vouliagmeni city, recognized for its upscale eating places and delightful seashores. Try some native delicacies or take a stroll alongside the marina.
Day excursions will be booked from Athens to see Lake Vouliagmeni mixed with the Athens Riviera. This extremely rated personal tour takes you by van to see Lake Vouliagmeni, the historic city of Lavrio, and the Temple of Poseidon.
12. Mystras
Journey to Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often known as the ‘Wonder of Morea.’ Once a thriving Byzantine metropolis, as we speak, it’s an archaeological treasure. Start your day by exploring the Palace of Despots, the town’s most distinguished monument. Then, go to the Peribleptos Monastery to admire the best-preserved frescoes in Mystras.
Do not miss the Pantanassa Monastery. It is the one inhabited a part of the positioning that’s really house to a small group of nuns. Make positive to hike as much as the Castle on high of the hill for a panoramic view of the encircling landscapes.
Wrap up your go to by exploring the Museum of Mystras, the place you’ll uncover a set of artifacts that supply insights into the town’s previous.
This tour takes you to Mystras and Ancient Sparta skip the bus experience and luxuriate in an air-conditioned van to see Sparta, Mystras, and the Corinth Canal.
13. Olympia
Who wouldn’t wish to see the birthplace of the Olympic Games? Begin by exploring the archaeological website, which incorporates the Temple of Zeus, as soon as house to one of many Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Statue of Zeus. The Temple of Hera, the traditional Olympic Stadium, and the Palaestra are additionally must-sees.
Extend your information on the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which hosts a improbable assortment of artifacts from the positioning. Don’t overlook to go to the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games to study this important side of Greek tradition.
14. Mount Parnitha National Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of metropolis life with a visit to Mount Parnitha National Park, an oasis of greenery on Athens’ doorstep. For mountaineering fans, there are quite a few trails weaving via the park, providing panoramic views over Athens. As you discover, maintain an eye fixed out for the various wildlife, together with pink deer, foxes, and quite a lot of chicken species.
Visit the Mpafi Refuge, the place you possibly can relaxation, have a meal, and even spend the night time. If you’re a fan of thriller and historical past, discover the park’s deserted royal summer season residences and the Tatoi Palace, including a contact of human historical past to the pure grandeur.
15. Nemea
Nemea is a paradise for wine lovers. Known for its pink wine manufacturing, particularly the Agiorgitiko grape, visiting the native wineries and vineyards ought to be on the high of your to-do listing. Take a wine-tasting tour, go to the cellars, and study in regards to the area’s wine-making course of.
In addition to wine, Nemea is wealthy in historical past. Explore the Archaeological Site of Nemea, which incorporates the traditional stadium the place the Nemean Games had been held, and the Temple of Zeus. Be positive to go to the Archaeological Museum of Nemea to additional delve into the area’s fascinating previous.
Book a guided tour to the Vineyards of Nemea. This wine tour takes you to one of many largest vineyards in Greece the place you’ll style native wines at two separate vineyards and Visit Ancient Nemea and see the 4th-century-B.C. stadium
16. Marathon
Revisit historical historical past when visiting Marathon. Marathon is synonymous with long-distance races because of the legendary run of Pheidippides from the battlefield to Athens.
Start your go to on the Marathon Tomb, a burial mound for the troopers who fought in the Battle of Marathon. The close by Archaeological Museum of Marathon gives additional insights into the world’s historical past.
Nature lovers ought to go to Schinias National Park, house to the gorgeous Schinias Beach and a coastal pine forest. If time permits, make a visit to the Marathon Dam, a powerful feat of engineering, and luxuriate in a picnic on the Lake Marathon Reservoir.
Where Should I Go on a Day Trip from Athens?
There are quite a few Athens day journeys which are simply accessible. Some glorious day journey locations embrace the historic website of Delphi, Cape Sounion with the awe-inspiring Temple of Poseidon, Hydra Island, or Poros Island.
Other day journeys from Athens embrace the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal, the majestic panorama of Meteora, the historic websites of Mycenae and Epidaurus, the elegant metropolis of Nafplio, the maritime city of Spetses Island, the idyllic Aegina Island, the therapeutic Lake Vouliagmeni, the traditional metropolis of Mystras, the Olympic birthplace of Olympia, the inexperienced oasis of Parnitha National Park, the wine paradise of Nemea, and the legendary city of Marathon.
What Islands Around Athens are Day Trips?
Several islands round Athens are appropriate for day journeys, providing quite a lot of experiences. Some of the highest islands for day journeys embrace Hydra, recognized for its car-free cobblestone streets and relaxed environment, Poros with its mix of historic websites and delightful seashores, Spetses which boasts a wealthy maritime historical past and beautiful structure, and Aegina, well-known for its pistachio orchards and historical ruins.
Can you Do Day Trips to Islands from Athens?
Doing day journeys to islands from Athens is a well-liked alternative for a lot of guests. The three closest islands appropriate for a day journey are Aegina, Hydra, and Poros. These islands are simply accessible by ferry, making them excellent for fast getaways from the hustle and bustle of Athens.
What are the Three Closest Islands to Athens Me
The three closest islands appropriate for a day journey are Aegina, Hydra, and Poros.
In conclusion
A go to to Athens is among the most memorable holidays we’ve ever taken. The Cradle of Western Civilization, Athens is full of vital ruins that helped to form the world as we all know it.