Day trips from Athens: 9 destinations you can fit into one day

A day trip from Athens requires careful planning: if your destination is more than two hours away, you’ll spend most of the day in the car. The suggestions below are all feasible by departing at 8 AM and returning before midnight, without feeling rushed.

For each destination, we provide kilometres, driving time, tolls, what to see and where to eat — and, if you decide to stay overnight, vetted accommodation options.

Summary table: distances, times, and costs

Before we delve into the details, here’s a summary of what each destination entails in kilometres, hours, and euros. The table will help you quickly choose based on your time and budget.

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Tolls (one way)	Round trip cost*
Loutraki	84 km	1 hr	2.80 €	29 €
Chalkida	80 km	1 hr 5 min	1.90 €	26 €
Aegina	by boat	45 minutes	—	boat tickets
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 €
Arachova	160 km	2 hrs	5.40 €	54 €
Ermioni	180 km	2 hrs 20 min	6.40 €	61 €
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 guide.

The destinations one by one

1. Loutraki — 84 km, 1 hr

The first destination we recommend is Loutraki. The distance from Athens is 84 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr, with a 2.80 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 29 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

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

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh fish at the beachfront fish tavernas. Ideal for a relaxing day trip 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 have checked include Grand Olympic Hotel Loutraki, Hotel Excelsior, Dave by the Beach Loutraki. For a full list of areas, see our guide where to stay in Loutraki.

2. Chalkida — 80 km, 1 hr 5 min

If you're looking for something that works all year round, add Chalkida to your list. The distance from Athens is 80 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 5 min, with a 1.90 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 26 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The phenomenon of the 'mad waters' in the Evripos Strait
• Seaside promenade with a string of meze tavernas
• Karababa Castle with views across the entire 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 stroll without driving too many kilometres. Tip: check the times for the current change in the Evripos Strait to witness the phenomenon.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Hara Hotel, John's Hotel, OpenSea. For a full list of areas, see our guide where to stay in Chalkida.

3. Aegina

One of the most reliable choices 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 Aphaea and Palaiochora
• Aegina pistachios on the waterfront
• Beaches of Marathonas, Agia Marina, Perdika

When it comes to 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 an hour.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Danae Hotel, Aegina Dream Suites, Rastoni Hotel. For a full list of areas, see our guide where to stay in Aegina.

4. Xylokastro — 120 km, 1 hr 25 min

A little further, but perfectly achievable, is Xylokastro. The distance from Athens is 120 km and the driving time is approximately 1 hr 25 min, with a 4.20 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 40 € — an amount 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 with swimming and mountains combined. Tip: Lake Doxa, perfect for photos, is half an hour further up.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Riviera Hotel, Daphne's Club Hotel Apartments, Xylokastro Antique. For a full list of areas, see our guide where to stay in Xylokastro.

5. Lake Doxa — 160 km, 2 hrs 5 min

For something different, try Lake Doxa. The distance from Athens is 160 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 5 min, with a 4.20 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 51 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

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

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: home-cooked meals 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.

6. Delphi — 180 km, 2 hrs 15 min

Among our favourite destinations is Delphi. The distance from Athens is 180 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 15 min, with a 5.40 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 59 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

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

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: local cheeses, ladotyri, and home-cooked meals in the square. Ideal for combining history and mountains in one day. Tip: arrive at the archaeological site before 10 AM to enjoy it without the crowds.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Amalia Hotel Delphi, Hermes Delphi Hotel, Nidimos Hotel. For a full list of areas, see our guide where to stay in Delphi.

7. Arachova — 160 km, 2 hrs

It's also worth considering Arachova. The distance from Athens is 160 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs, with a 5.40 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 54 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• Stone alleys and vibrant nightlife in winter
• Parnassus ski resort 25 minutes further up
• View of the Amfissa olive grove from Koraki

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: grilled formaela cheese, hilopites (traditional pasta), and Parnassus wine. Ideal for a winter weekend by the fireplace. Tip: for January weekends, book a room at least a month in advance.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Mons Boutique Hotel, Hotel Parnassos, Lykoria Hotel. For a full list of areas, see our guide where to stay in Arachova.

8. Ermioni — 180 km, 2 hrs 20 min

We conclude our suggestions with Ermioni. The distance from Athens is 180 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hrs 20 min, with a 6.40 € toll in each direction. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round-trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 61 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

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

When it comes to 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 without ferry costs.

Where to stay: good options we have checked include Ermioni Villas, Ouranos Cosy Home, Hermione Port Luxury Residence. For a full list of areas, see our guide where to stay in Ermioni.

9. Poros

The first destination we recommend is 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
• Lemonodasos (Lemon Forest) opposite
• Nearby beaches of Askeli and Love Bay

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

Where to stay: good options we have checked include The White Rose Hotel, Brisot, Dionysos Hotel. For a full list of areas, see our guide where to stay in Poros.

Practical advice for a road trip

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

• Tolls: on Greek motorways, you pay per station. For long journeys, we're talking about 10-22 € in each direction, so double that for a round trip.
• Fuel: with petrol around 1.92 € per litre, a medium-sized car spends approximately 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 holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountain destinations, keep snow chains in the boot and check road conditions before setting off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and long weekends, 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 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 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, lakes with high water levels, and empty roads make every journey more pleasant.

If you have children, prefer to depart early in the morning to avoid traffic and choose destinations within two hours: time in the car is the first thing that tires. For couples, mountain two-day trips outside of 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 not to regret it halfway through the journey. Second step, book accommodation before worrying about food and activities: in popular destinations, good places to stay sell out first, and prices rise as the date approaches.

Third, create a relaxed schedule with two fixed points for the 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 viewpoints you hadn't planned. Finally, always check your tyres, oil, and pressure before journeys over 200 kilometres.

Frequently Asked Questions

What 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 round trip in petrol and tolls, an amount that can be shared among the car's occupants.

Which destination requires the longest journey?

The furthest is Ermioni, with approximately 2 hrs 20 min of driving. For this, we recommend at least an overnight stay.

How much will I pay in total for tolls?

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

What time should I start for a day trip?

Ideally between 7:30 and 8:30 in the morning. This way, you avoid traffic on the exits from Athens and arrive at your destination before it gets crowded.

Which day trip is suitable for families with young children?

Loutraki, Chalkida, and Poros. They are close, have easy parking, a beach, and many dining options by the sea.