Family excursions near Athens: 8 destinations that truly deliver

When travelling with children, the success of an excursion hinges on three things: how long the journey takes, whether there's anything for them to do upon arrival, and how easily you can find food they'll actually eat. The following destinations tick all three boxes.

For each choice, we note the journey, activities that children will love, and accommodation with family rooms.

Summary table: distances, times and costs

Before delving into the details, see a summary of what each destination entails in terms of kilometres, hours and euros. This table helps you quickly choose based on your time and budget.

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one way)	Round trip cost*
Kalavryta	195 km	2 hrs 35 min	8.20 €	68 €
Loutraki	84 km	1 hr	2.80 €	29 €
Chalkida	80 km	1 hr 5 min	1.90 €	26 €
Poros	155 km	2 hrs	6.40 €	55 €
Paralio Astros	175 km	2 hrs 5 min	6.40 €	60 €
Xylokastro	120 km	1 hr 25 min	4.20 €	40 €
Evia	165 km	2 hrs 25 min	1.90 €	48 €
Volos	320 km	3 hrs 50 min	14.20 €	114 €

*Estimate based on petrol at 1.92 €/litre, consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, and tolls for both directions. Toll and fuel prices change, so use these figures as a guide.

The destinations, one by one

1. Kalavryta — 195 km, 2 hrs 35 min

The first destination we recommend 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 round trip cost (fuel and tolls) is around 68 €, a sum easily shared among four people.

• The Odontotos rack railway through the Vouraikos Gorge
• The Cave of Lakes in Kastria
• Ski resort on Mount Helmos

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: grilled meats, trahana soup, and local tsipouro. Ideal for a family weekend trip featuring a train ride and snow. Tip: book Odontotos tickets online, as morning services fill up first.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Anesis Hotel, Kynaitha Hotel, Aphrodite's Inn Kalavryta. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Kalavryta.

2. Loutraki — 84 km, 1 hr

If you're looking for something that works in every season, add Loutraki to your list. The distance from Athens is 84 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr, with 2.80 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (fuel and tolls) is around 29 €, a sum easily shared among four people.

• Thermal baths and a spa centre within the town
• Long seafront with cafes and tavernas
• The casino and Lake Vouliagmeni 20 minutes away

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh fish at the beachfront fish tavernas. Ideal for a relaxing one-day escape with swimming and spa. Tip: Loutraki Gorge and the Temple of Hera in Perachora are worth an afternoon visit.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Grand Olympic Hotel Loutraki, Hotel Excelsior, Dave by the Beach Loutraki. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Loutraki.

3. Chalkida — 80 km, 1 hr 5 min

One of the most reliable choices is Chalkida. The distance from Athens is 80 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 5 min, with 1.90 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (fuel and tolls) is around 26 €, a sum easily shared among four people.

• The phenomenon of the 'crazy waters' in the Euripus Strait
• Seaside promenade with a row of meze tavernas
• Karababa Castle with views across the strait

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: meze tavernas with fresh fish and ouzo on the beach. Ideal for a Sunday drive without too many kilometres. Tip: check the times for the current change in the Euripus to witness the phenomenon.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Hara Hotel, John's Hotel, OpenSea. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Chalkida.

4. Poros

A little further away, but entirely feasible, is Poros. From Athens, you'll drive 155 km (approximately 2 hrs) and then continue by boat: Galatas – Poros, 5 minutes.

• The clock tower with views towards Galatas
• The Lemon Forest opposite
• Nearby beaches Askeli and Love Bay

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: meze tavernas along Poros's waterfront. Ideal for an affordable getaway close to Athens. Tip: the ferry from Galatas takes 5 minutes and departs continuously.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are The White Rose Hotel, Brisot, Dionysos Hotel. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Poros.

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 round trip cost (fuel and tolls) is around 60 €, a sum 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

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh fish and Tsakonian aubergine. Ideal for a family beach holiday. Tip: combine with a day trip to mountainous Agios Petros and the Elonas Monastery.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Villa Park Luxury Rooms, Sun and Sea Apartment, Galaxy Rooms. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Paralio Astros.

6. Xylokastro — 120 km, 1 hr 25 min

Among our favourite destinations is also Xylokastro. The distance from Athens is 120 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 25 min, with 4.20 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (fuel and tolls) is around 40 €, a sum easily shared among four people.

• The Pefkias forest that reaches the sea
• Seaside promenade with views of Parnassus
• Starting point for Trikala Korinthias and Ziria

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: souvlaki and fish tavernas on the beach. Ideal for a quick getaway combining swimming and mountains. Tip: Lake Doxa is half an hour away, perfect for photos.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Riviera Hotel, Daphne's Club Hotel Apartments, Xylokastro Antique. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Xylokastro.

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 round trip cost (fuel and tolls) is around 48 €, a sum easily shared among four people.

• The thermal baths of Edipsos
• The Drimonas waterfalls and the forests of northern Evia
• Endless beaches like Chiliadou and Agios Dimitrios

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh seafood and local fir honey. Ideal for a two-day trip 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 are Elaia Apartments, Lou Apartments & Hostel, Ritsoni Studios. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Evia.

8. Volos — 320 km, 3 hrs 50 min

We conclude our suggestions with Volos. The distance from Athens is 320 km and the driving time is approximately 3 hrs 50 min, with 14.20 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (fuel and tolls) is around 114 €, a sum easily shared among four people.

• The tsipouradika (tsipouro tavernas) in Palaia and on the waterfront
• The harbour with views of the Pagasetic Gulf
• Starting point for all of Pelion in 30-60 minutes

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: tsipouro with a series of meze dishes accompanying each round. Ideal for a culinary overnight escape. Tip: in tsipouradika, the meze comes with the tsipouro and changes with each order.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Domotel Xenia Volos, Aegli Hotel Volos, Volos Inn Hotel. For full details on all areas, see our guide where to stay in Volos.

Practical advice for road trips

Travelling by car from Athens has a major advantage: freedom. You're not tied to timetables, you can stop wherever you like, and the cost is shared. However, there are some points worth considering beforehand.

• Tolls: on Greek motorways, you pay per station. For long journeys, this means 10-22 € each way, so double that for a round 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 fuel, and more on long holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountainous destinations, keep snow chains in the boot and check road conditions before you set off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and three-day breaks, book your room at least 3-4 weeks in advance – good options in popular destinations are the first to go.

Which season suits each destination

The same destination changes its 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 in reverse: from November to March, they have fireplaces, snow, and the highest demand, while in summer they offer coolness, hiking, and significantly lower prices. Autumn is the most underrated season for day trips: the colours in the forests, high water levels in lakes, and empty roads make every journey more enjoyable.

If you have children, prefer an early morning departure to avoid traffic and choose destinations within two hours: time in the car is the first thing that tires them out. For couples, mountain two-day trips outside of public holidays offer both better prices and a much more tranquil 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 most reliable way to avoid regretting your choice halfway through the journey. Second step, book accommodation before food and activities: in popular destinations, good accommodation sells out first, and prices rise as the date approaches.

Third, create a loose itinerary 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 for. Finally, always check your tyres, oil, and pressure before journeys over 200 km.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest destination from Athens on this list?

It's Loutraki, with 84 km and approximately a 1 hr drive.

How much does the cheapest route cost?

The cheapest option is Chalkida: approximately 26 € for a round trip in fuel and tolls, a sum to be shared among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The furthest is Volos, with approximately 3 hrs 50 min driving. 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 14.20 € per direction. Always calculate double for the return journey.

Which excursion is sure to thrill children?

Kalavryta with the Odontotos rack railway and the Cave of Lakes. The train ride through the gorge is an experience they'll remember for years.

How far can I go with a baby?

Up to an hour and a half of driving, with one stop in the middle. Poros, Loutraki, and Chalkida are the safe choices.