Weekend Trips 2-3 Hours from Athens: 9 Destinations for a Two-Day Getaway

Within a two to three-hour drive from Athens are destinations that are not easily managed in a single day, but are excellent for a weekend trip. This category offers the greatest variety: from the Saronic Gulf islands to Parnassos and Northern Evia.

See in detail what each offers, how much the journey costs, and which accommodations stand out.

Summary table: distances, times, and costs

Before we dive into the details, here’s a summary of what each destination means in terms of kilometres, hours, and euros. The table helps you choose quickly based on your time and budget.

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one way)	Return cost*
Delphi	180 km	2 hrs 15 min	5.40 €	59 €
Galaxidi	215 km	2 hrs 35 min	6.80 €	72 €
Ermioni	180 km	2 hrs 20 min	6.40 €	61 €
Porto Heli	200 km	2 hrs 35 min	6.40 €	67 €
Paralio Astros	175 km	2 hrs 5 min	6.40 €	60 €
Kalavryta	195 km	2 hrs 35 min	8.20 €	68 €
Evia	165 km	2 hrs 25 min	1.90 €	48 €
Hydra	175 km	2 hrs 15 min	6.40 €	60 €
Spetses	195 km	2 hrs 30 min	6.40 €	65 €

*Estimate based on petrol at 1.92 €/litre, consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, and two-way tolls. Toll and fuel prices change — use these figures as a guide.

The destinations one by one

1. Delphi — 180 km, 2 hrs 15 min

The first destination we recommend is Delphi. The distance from Athens is 180 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 15 min, with 5.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 59 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The archaeological site and museum of Delphi
• Views of the 'river' of olive groves stretching to the Corinthian Gulf
• Starting point for Parnassos and Galaxidi

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: local cheeses, ladotyri (oil cheese), and traditional cooked dishes in the square. Ideal for combining history and mountains in one day. Tip: arrive at the archaeological site before 10 a.m. to enjoy it without crowds.

Where to stay: good options we've checked include Amalia Hotel Delphi, Hermes Delphi Hotel, Nidimos Hotel. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Delphi.

2. Galaxidi — 215 km, 2 hrs 35 min

If you want something that works in every season, put Galaxidi on your list. The distance from Athens is 215 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 35 min, with 6.80 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 72 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• A maritime aristocratic port with stone captain's houses
• A quiet stroll around the two small harbours
• The 200-year-old nautical museum

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh fish and seafood by the water. Ideal for a romantic weekend away from the crowds. Tip: combine it with the pine forests of Agia Efthymia and the Rio-Antirrio bridge.

Where to stay: good options we've checked include Hotel Galaxidi, Porto Lourba, KRISSAIA Seaside Suites. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Galaxidi.

3. Ermioni — 180 km, 2 hrs 20 min

One of the most reliable choices is Ermioni. The distance from Athens is 180 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 20 min, with 6.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 61 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Pine-covered Bisti with its crystal-clear waters
• Two harbours, one for fishing boats and one for yachts
• Departure point for Hydra and Spetses with a 20-minute ferry

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: seafood and grilled octopus in Mandraki. Ideal for a quiet weekend by the sea. Tip: leave your car in Ermioni and cross to the islands by small ferry without extra car ferry costs.

Where to stay: good options we've checked include Ermioni Villas, Ouranos Cosy Home, Hermione Port Luxury Residence. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Ermioni.

4. Porto Heli — 200 km, 2 hrs 35 min

A little further, but perfectly feasible, is Porto Heli. The distance from Athens is 200 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 35 min, with 6.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 67 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Sheltered bay with sailing boats
• Nearby beaches of Hinitsa and Agios Aimilianos
• 10 minutes by ferry from Spetses

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: cosmopolitan beach bars and tavernas in the bay. Ideal for a summer long weekend with a boat and swimming. Tip: in August, accommodation prices increase significantly — prefer June or September.

Where to stay: good options we've checked include AKS Porto Heli Hotel, Galaxy Hotel, Porto-Heli Matilda's house. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Porto Heli.

5. Paralio Astros — 175 km, 2 hrs 5 min

For something different, try Paralio Astros. The distance from Athens is 175 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 5 min, with 6.40 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 60 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Castle above the harbour with views of the Argolic Gulf
• Organised beaches and the large Moustos wetland
• Base for Leonidio and Tsakonia

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh fish and Tsakonian aubergine. Ideal for family holidays by the sea. Tip: combine with a day trip to mountainous Agios Petros and the Elona Monastery.

Where to stay: good options we've checked include Villa Park Luxury Rooms, Sun and Sea Apartment, Galaxy Rooms. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Paralio Astros.

6. Kalavryta — 195 km, 2 hrs 35 min

Among our favourite destinations is Kalavryta. The distance from Athens is 195 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 35 min, with 8.20 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 68 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Odontotos Rack Railway through the Vouraikos Gorge
• The Cave of Lakes in Kastria
• Ski resort on Helmos mountain

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: grilled meats, trahanas (a type of Greek pasta/soup), and local tsipouro. Ideal for a family weekend with a train ride and snow. Tip: book Odontotos tickets online; morning services fill up first.

Where to stay: good options we've checked include Hotel Anesis, Hotel Kynaetha, Aphrodite's Inn Kalavryta. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Kalavryta.

7. Evia — 165 km, 2 hrs 25 min

It's also worth considering Evia. The distance from Athens is 165 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 25 min, with 1.90 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 48 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The thermal baths of Edipsos
• The Drimona waterfalls and the forests of Northern Evia
• Endless beaches such as Chiliadou and Agios Dimitrios

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh seafood and local fir tree honey. Ideal for a weekend with swimming, mountains, and thermal baths. Tip: Northern Evia requires at least two days, as distances within the island are significant.

Where to stay: good options we've checked include Elaia Apartments, Lou Apartments & Hostel, Ritsoni Studios. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Evia.

8. Hydra

We conclude our suggestions with Hydra. From Athens, you will drive 175 km (approximately 2 hrs 15 min) and then continue by boat: Metochi or Ermioni – Hydra, 20-30 minutes.

• An island without cars, only donkeys and boats
• Captain's mansions around the harbour
• Swimming in Vlychos, Kaminia, and Bisti

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: seafood and Hydra almond sweets. Ideal for a romantic car-free weekend. Tip: leave your car in Metochi or Porto Heli and cross by small ferry.

Where to stay: good options we've checked include Bratsera Boutique Hotel, Bellevalia Hydra, Hotel Hydroussa Hydra. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Hydra.

9. Spetses

The first destination we recommend is Spetses. From Athens, you will drive 195 km (approximately 2 hrs 30 min) and then continue by boat: Costa – Spetses, 10 minutes.

• The Old Harbour and Bouboulina's mansions
• Island tour by bicycle or moped
• Beaches of Agia Paraskevi and Agioi Anargyroi

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: fish baked in clay, the classic Spetsiot dish. Ideal for a cosmopolitan weekend. Tip: private cars are not allowed on the island — factor in parking at Costa.

Where to stay: good options we've checked include Poseidonion Grand Hotel, Hotel Roumani, Hotel Spetses. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Spetses.

Practicalities for a car trip

Travelling by car from Athens has a great advantage: freedom. You are not dependent on schedules, you can stop wherever you like, and the cost is shared. However, there are a few points worth considering beforehand.

• Tolls: on Greek motorways, you pay per station. For longer journeys, this means 10-22 € each way, so double that for a return trip.
• Fuel: with petrol around 1.92 € per litre, a medium-sized car spends about 13-14 € every 100 km.
• Times: the times we provide do not include stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and petrol, and more on public holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountainous destinations, keep snow chains in the boot and check road conditions before setting off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and long weekends, book your room at least 3-4 weeks in advance — in popular destinations, good options go first.

Which season suits each destination

The same destination changes character completely depending on the month. Coastal options are at their best from mid-June to mid-September, when the sea is warm and beach bars are open. In spring, these same areas are quieter and much cheaper, ideal for walking and dining without waiting.

Mountain villages work the opposite way: from November to March, they offer fireplaces, snow, and the highest demand, while in summer they provide coolness, hiking, and significantly lower prices. Autumn is the most underrated season for day trips: the colours in the forests, high-level lakes, and empty roads make every journey more enjoyable.

If you have children, prefer to depart in the morning to avoid traffic and choose destinations within two hours: time in the car is the first thing that tires them out. For couples, mountain weekend breaks outside of public holidays offer better prices and a much calmer atmosphere.

How to organise your excursion

Start backwards: first decide how many hours you can tolerate in the car, then choose a destination from the table. This is the surest way not to regret it halfway through the journey. Second step, book accommodation before planning food and activities: in popular destinations, good accommodations sell out first and prices rise closer to the date.

Third, create a relaxed schedule with two fixed points a day — one sight and one meal — and leave the rest open. The best moments on these types of getaways come from spontaneous stops in villages and views you hadn't planned. Finally, always check tyres, oil, and pressure before journeys over 200 kilometres.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the closest destination from Athens on this list?

It's Paralio Astros, with 175 km and approximately a 2 hr 5 min drive.

How much does the most economical route cost?

The cheapest option is Evia: approximately 48 € for a return trip in petrol and tolls, an amount that can be shared among the occupants of the car.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The furthest is Galaxidi, with approximately a 2 hr 35 min drive. For this, we recommend at least an overnight stay.

How much will I pay in tolls in total?

It depends on the destination: on our list, tolls range from zero to 8.20 € per direction. Always calculate double for the return journey.

Can a two-day trip fit within a 3-hour distance?

Easily, as long as you start Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon. This gives you two full afternoons and an entire day at the destination.

Which of these is the most economical?

Evia. The tolls are minimal, accommodation prices are lower than in the Saronic Gulf, and food is significantly cheaper.