7 destinations for a day trip very close to Athens!

As one of the world's largest and most significant capitals, Athens is full of sights. It also boasts numerous restaurants, bars, and anything else you might desire, whether you're a local or a visitor.

What only adds to Athens' value are the unique destinations located within a very short distance. To get there, you can travel by ferry, public transport, or, of course, with your own vehicle.

From ancient ruins to stunning blue beaches, see below all the destinations we recommend for a trip near the capital:

 

Escape the city and spend a day on Aegina

A trip to Aegina is the quickest way to reach an island if you live permanently in Athens.

The Saronic Gulf offers a wonderful combination of ancient sites to admire, attractive sandy beaches, neoclassical architecture, and local delicacies – including the variety of pistachios we love so much in Greece.

Outside the picturesque town of Aegina, it's worth visiting the Temple of Aphaea, which is one of the country's top attractions. The charming villages of Agia Marina and Perdika are also worth a visit.

The enormous Orthodox church of Saint Nectarios is a very popular pilgrimage destination for both Greeks and foreigners.

During summer weekends, Aegina is flooded with Athenians looking to escape the city heat. So, if you prefer peace and quiet, choose it as a destination in spring and early autumn.

 

How to get to Aegina:

You can take the ferry from Piraeus port, which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, and you'll be able to bring your vehicle. There are also routes with hydrofoils from Piraeus to Aegina. These catamarans carry only passengers, and the journey takes 40 minutes. You don't need to book your tickets too far in advance, as services are frequent.

 

Explore beautiful Nafplio and the ancient region of Argolis

One of the most densely populated regions of Greece, the Argolis peninsula also boasts a plethora of archaeological sites.

The most famous among them are the mythical fortress of Agamemnon and, of course, the renowned Theatre of Epidaurus, which is still used during summer weekends.

Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece and is one of its most beautiful cities. The Venetian and neoclassical architecture of Nafplio is reflected in Palamidi hill with its 999 steps and the unique Bourtzi fortress.

Many elegant hotels, charming shops, and small restaurants are hidden in the narrow streets, making Nafplio a popular destination for one or more days.

South of Nafplio is Porto Heli, a luxurious resort where many Greeks and foreigners own lavish villas.

In the area, you'll find many beautiful beaches, and you shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit one of the local wineries that are open to the public, offering wine tastings and local delicacies.

 

How to get to Nafplio:

To get to Nafplio, you can travel with your vehicle or take the KTEL bus from Kifissos. Services run from 08:00 to 21:30, almost every hour.

 

Visit the “Navel of the World” in Delphi

Myths, history, and spectacular mountains meet in Delphi. Just as in Greek mythology, where the two eagles released by Zeus met there, Delphi was designated as the centre of the world.

The Sanctuary of Apollo was built in the 7th century BC and was the seat of the priestess Pythia, who gave notoriously ambiguous prophecies to her visitors' questions.

The archaeological site of Delphi includes the Tholos of Athena Pronaia, the Sacred Way, the Ancient Stadium of Delphi, and the Ancient Theatre. The Archaeological Museum of Delphi is one of Greece's most important museums, attracting many visitors each year.

The idyllic village is nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and offers stunning views of the olive groves surrounding the archaeological site. In the village, you'll find many lively tavernas and shops that will cater to your every need.

 

How to get there:

By your own vehicle or by KTEL bus from the Kifissos terminal; there are 4 daily routes from Athens to Delphi.

 

Strolls in breathtaking Hydra

Beautiful Hydra is a rocky island with a rich history and well-preserved stone mansions that once belonged to renowned naval families of the Greek Revolution.

Hydra town is built on a hillside around the port.

Hydra is characterised by a charming tranquillity, very different from what you'll encounter on other islands in the country. This is greatly aided by the fact that no cars are allowed on the island, and transport is either by donkeys or by sea in small boats.

On Hydra, you'll find many small museums, galleries, and lovely hotels. The port always has many yachts anchored, contributing to the aristocratic aura the island exudes, but they also prove very useful to their owners due to the lack of beaches.

 

How to get there:

There are hydrofoils that run routes from Piraeus to Hydra. The journey duration is estimated from 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of vessel you travel on.

 

Life in the small city of Chalkida

Chalkida is built on the channel separating the island of Evia from the mainland and is famous for its “crazy waters”, whose direction changes every 6 hours.

Chalkida doesn't usually attract crowds of tourists, however, it is a beautiful seaside town worth visiting for a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There are beautiful and pristine beaches nearby, as well as wonderful restaurants serving incredibly fresh fish.

How to get there:

Chalkida is just an hour's drive from Athens, via the main motorway to Thessaloniki.

You can also take the KTEL bus from Kifissos station. Services run every half hour from 09:00 to 21:00. The suburban railway also operates services every 2 hours from Athens to Chalkida.

 

Visit the battlefield of Marathon combined with the sunset at Sounio

You can easily spend an entire day in one of these nearby destinations. However, with good planning, you'll be able to visit both Sounio and Marathon.

Sounio is located at the southernmost tip of Attica, home to the magnificent Temple of Poseidon, one of the best spots in the region to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

You can very easily combine this experience with a meal at one of the many restaurants located in the nearby town of Lavrio.

Northeast of Athens, Marathon is a place where one of history's greatest battles took place. It is also the starting point of the modern Athens Marathon, just as Pheidippides originally ran this glorious route.

The main attractions of the area are the archaeological museum, the tomb of the Athenians who fell in battle, and Marathon Lake with its dam.

How to get there:

Besides your private vehicle, you can travel by KTEL bus from the terminal at Pedion tou Areos.