Sunday drive near Athens: 7 ideas for a relaxed day out

A Sunday drive has a different logic to a full excursion: you want to leave late morning, eat well, have a short walk, and return before dark. Our seven suggestions are all within a two-hour radius and work even in winter.

Below is the table with distances, followed by a detailed description of each suggestion, including what to see and where to eat.

Summary table: distances, times and costs

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

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one-way)	Return cost*
Loutraki	84 km.	1 hr.	2.80 €	29 €
Chalkida	80 km.	1 hr. 5 min.	1.90 €	26 €
Xylokastro	120 km.	1 hr. 25 min.	4.20 €	40 €
Lake Doxa	160 km.	2 hrs. 5 min.	4.20 €	51 €
Delphi	180 km.	2 hrs. 15 min.	5.40 €	59 €
Aegina	by ferry	45 minutes	—	ferry tickets
Poros	155 km.	2 hrs.	6.40 €	55 €

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

The destinations one by one

1. Loutraki — 84 km., 1 hr.

The first destination we suggest is Loutraki. 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 return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 29 € — an amount easily shared by four people.

• Thermal baths and spa centre in the town
• Long seafront with cafés and tavernas
• The casino and Lake Vouliagmeni 20 minutes further on

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh fish at the beachfront fish tavernas. Ideal for a relaxing day trip with swimming and a spa. Tip: Loutraki gorge and the Temple of Hera in Perachora are worth visiting in the afternoon.

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

2. Chalkida — 80 km., 1 hr. 5 min.

If you want something that works in every season, add Chalkida to your list. 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 return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 26 € — an amount easily shared by four people.

• The phenomenon of the 'mad waters' in Evripos
• Seaside promenade with a row of meze tavernas
• Karababa Castle with views across the entire strait

For 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 current change times in Evripos to catch the phenomenon.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Hara Hotel, John's Hotel, OpenSea. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Chalkida.

3. Xylokastro — 120 km., 1 hr. 25 min.

One of the safest choices is 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 return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 40 € — an amount easily shared by four people.

• Pefkias forest extending to the sea
• Coastal pedestrian walkway with views of Parnassus
• Starting point for Trikala Korinthias and Ziria

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: souvlaki and fish tavernas on the beach. Ideal for a quick getaway combining sea and mountains. Tip: Lake Doxa is half an hour further up, ideal for photos.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Riviera Hotel, Daphne's Club Hotel Apartments, Xylokastro Antique. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Xylokastro.

4. Lake Doxa — 160 km., 2 hrs. 5 min.

A little further, but perfectly feasible, is Lake Doxa. The distance from Athens is 160 km. and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs. 5 min., with 4.20 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total return cost (petrol and tolls) is around 51 € — an amount easily shared by four people.

• The lake with the small church of Agios Fanourios
• Fir trees and paths around the lake
• Near Ancient Feneos and Ziria

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: home-cooked dishes and meats in the villages of Feneos. Ideal for an autumn day trip with photography. Tip: go in autumn or spring when the water level is high and the lake is full.

5. Delphi — 180 km., 2 hrs. 15 min.

For something different, try 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 by four people.

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

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: local cheeses, ladotyri, and home-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 are Amalia Hotel Delphi, Hermes Delphi Hotel, Nidimos Hotel. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Delphi.

6. Aegina

Among our favourite destinations is Aegina. From Athens, you'll drive a few minutes to the port and continue by boat: Piraeus – Aegina, 40-60 minutes.

• The Temple of Aphaia and Palaiochora
• Aegina pistachios on the waterfront
• Beaches of Marathonas, Agia Marina, Perdika

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: pistachios, fresh fish in Perdika. Ideal for a day trip by boat without a car. Tip: the flying dolphin takes 40 minutes from Piraeus, the conventional ferry takes an hour.

Where to stay: good options we've checked are Danae Hotel, Aegina Dream Suites, Rastoni Hotel. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Aegina.

7. Poros

It's also worth considering Poros. From Athens, you'll drive 155 km. (approximately 2 hrs.) and continue by boat: Galatas – Poros, 5 minutes.

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

For food, the local 'rule' is simple: meze tavernas on the Poros waterfront. Ideal for an affordable getaway near 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. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Poros.

Practicalities for car travel

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

• Tolls: on Greek motorways, you pay per station. For long journeys, we're talking 10-22 € each way, so double that for a return trip.
• Fuel: with petrol around 1.92 € per litre, an average car spends about 13-14 € per 100 km.
• Times: the times we give are without stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and fuel, and more on 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 a room at least 3-4 weeks in advance — for popular destinations, the best 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, the same areas are quieter and much cheaper, ideal for walking and eating 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, lakes with high water levels, 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 two-day trips outside of public holidays offer better prices and a much calmer atmosphere.

How to organise your trip

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 to avoid regretting it halfway through the journey. Second step, book accommodation before worrying about food and activities: in popular destinations, good accommodation sells out first and prices rise closer to the date.

Third, create a relaxed schedule with two fixed points a day — one attraction and one meal — and leave the rest open. The best moments on these kinds 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.

Budget: what does the getaway ultimately cost?

A two-day trip for two people by car typically costs 180-280 €: 60-140 € for accommodation, 40-70 € for fuel and tolls, 50-80 € for food and coffees. With children, add 30-50 € for entrance fees, ice creams, and small activities. A three-day trip does not increase the cost by 50%, but by approximately 35%, as transport costs remain constant.

The biggest savings opportunities are two-fold. Firstly, the day of arrival: Sunday to Monday, accommodation prices can drop by as much as 40% compared to Saturday. Secondly, meals: a good lunch at a taverna off the main square costs 15-20 € per person, while in a tourist centre it can exceed 30 €.

If you book accommodation with free cancellation, reserve a room early and re-check ten days before departure; it's very common for a better price to appear for the same accommodation or a better category for the same expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the closest destination from Athens on this list?

That would be Aegina, with approximately a 45-minute journey.

How much does the most economical route cost?

The cheapest option is Chalkida: approximately 26 € for a return trip including petrol and tolls, an amount that can be shared among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The furthest is Delphi, with approximately 2 hrs. 15 min. of driving. For this, we recommend at least an overnight stay.

How much will I pay in tolls in total?

It depends on the destination: in our list, tolls range from zero to 6.40 € per direction. Always calculate double for the return journey.

Which trip is suitable for a winter Sunday?

Lake Doxa and Delphi. They have impressive scenery even on cloudy days, and the tavernas in the surrounding villages operate with fireplaces.

How much does a Sunday drive for two cost?

Estimate 25-40 € for petrol and tolls, plus 40-60 € for food. Overall, a comfortable day out comes to less than 100 € for two people.