Weekend Breaks Near Athens: 8 Two-Day Getaways

A weekend trip outside Athens works best when the destination is up to two and a half hours away and offers enough to do so you don't just stay in your room. The eight suggestions below cover mountains, sea, history, and gastronomy.

For each suggestion, you'll find the route, cost, must-do activities for the destination, and accommodation options that we have personally vetted.

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*
Arachova	160 km	2 hr.	5,40 €	54 €
Galaxidi	215 km	2 hr. 35 min.	6,80 €	72 €
Hydra	175 km	2 hr. 15 min.	6,40 €	60 €
Kalavryta	195 km	2 hr. 35 min.	8,20 €	68 €
Nafpaktos	250 km	2 hr. 50 min.	9,90 €	87 €
Evia	165 km	2 hr. 25 min.	1,90 €	48 €
Lake Doxa	160 km	2 hr. 5 min.	4,20 €	51 €
Delphi	180 km	2 hr. 15 min.	5,40 €	59 €

*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. Arachova — 160 km, 2 hr.

The first destination we suggest is Arachova. The distance from Athens is 160 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr., with 5.40 € in tolls each way. 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 alleyways and vibrant nightlife in winter
• Parnassos Ski Centre 25 minutes further up
• View of the Amfissa olive grove from Koraki

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

Where to stay: good options we've vetted include Mons Boutique Hotel, Hotel Parnassos, Lykoria Hotel. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Arachova.

2. Galaxidi — 215 km, 2 hr. 35 min.

If you're looking for something that works in any season, add Galaxidi to your list. The distance from Athens is 215 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr. 35 min., with 6.80 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 72 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• A maritime aristocratic port with stone captain's houses
• A peaceful stroll around the two small harbours
• The nautical museum with 200 years of history

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh fish and seafood by the water. Ideal for a romantic two-day break 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 vetted include Hotel Galaxidi, Porto Lourba, KRISSAIA Seaside Suites. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Galaxidi.

3. Hydra

One of the most reliable choices is Hydra. From Athens, you'll drive 175 km (approximately 2 hr. 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

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: seafood and Hydra's amygdalota (almond sweets). Ideal for a romantic car-free two-day break. Tip: leave your car in Metochi or Porto Heli and cross over by small ferry.

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

4. Kalavryta — 195 km, 2 hr. 35 min.

A little further afield, but perfectly feasible, is Kalavryta. The distance from Athens is 195 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr. 35 min., with 8.20 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip 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 centre on Mount Helmos

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: grilled meats, trahanas (a type of Greek pasta), and local tsipouro. Ideal for a family two-day break with trains and snow. Tip: book Odontotos tickets online, as morning departures fill up first.

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

5. Nafpaktos — 250 km, 2 hr. 50 min.

For something different, try Nafpaktos. The distance from Athens is 250 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr. 50 min., with 9.90 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 87 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The Venetian harbour with the castle above it
• Psani and Gribovo beaches within the town
• View of the Rio-Antirrio Bridge

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: mezedes and tsipouro at the Venetian harbour. Ideal for a romantic getaway with a historical character. Tip: drive up to the castle for a sunset view over the Corinthian Gulf.

Where to stay: good options we've vetted include Porto Enetiko, Ilion Hotel, Hotel Nafpaktos. Find all areas in detail in our guide where to stay in Nafpaktos.

6. Evia — 165 km, 2 hr. 25 min.

Among our favourite destinations is also Evia. The distance from Athens is 165 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr. 25 min., with 1.90 € in tolls each way. With an average consumption of 7 litres per 100 km, the total round trip cost (petrol and tolls) is around 48 € — an amount easily shared among four people.

• The thermal baths of Aidipsos
• The Drimona waterfalls and the forests of northern Evia
• Vast beaches like Hiliadou and Agios Dimitrios

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: fresh seafood and local fir honey. Ideal for a two-day break with swimming, mountains, and thermal springs. Tip: northern Evia requires at least two days, as distances within the island are significant.

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

7. Lake Doxa — 160 km, 2 hr. 5 min.

It's also worth considering Lake Doxa. The distance from Athens is 160 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr. 5 min., with 4.20 € in tolls each way. 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 trails around the lake
• Close to Ancient Feneos and Zireia

When it comes to food, the local 'rule' is simple: traditional 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.

8. Delphi — 180 km, 2 hr. 15 min.

We conclude our suggestions with Delphi. The distance from Athens is 180 km and the driving time is approximately 2 hr. 15 min., with 5.40 € in tolls each way. 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 stretching to the Corinthian Gulf
• Starting point for Parnassos and Galaxidi

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

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

Practical Tips for Car Travel

Travelling by car from Athens has a big advantage: freedom. You're not dependent on timetables, you can stop wherever you like, and the cost can be shared. However, there are also a few 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 mid-sized car spends about 13-14 € per 100 km.
• Times: the times we provide are without stops. Add 20-30 minutes for coffee and fuel, and more on holiday weekends.
• Winter: for mountain destinations, keep snow chains in the boot and check road conditions before you set off.
• Accommodation: for weekends and long weekends, book your room at least 3-4 weeks in advance — the good options in popular destinations are always snapped up first.

Which Season Suits Each Destination

The same destination completely changes its character 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 dining without waiting.

Mountain villages work in reverse: from November to March they offer fireplaces, snow, and are in 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, 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 gets tiring. For couples, mountain two-day breaks 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 comfortably spend in the car, then choose a destination from the table. It's the surest way to avoid regrets halfway through the journey. Second step, book your accommodation before planning meals and activities: in popular destinations, the best places to stay 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 often arise from spontaneous stops in villages and unexpected views. Finally, always check tyres, oil, and pressure before journeys exceeding 200 kilometres.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the closest destination from Athens on this list?

That would be Arachova, with 160 km and approximately a 2-hour journey.

How much does the most economical route cost?

The cheapest option is Evia: approximately 48 € 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 Nafpaktos, with approximately 2 hr. 50 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: in our list, tolls range from zero to 9.90 € per direction. Always calculate double for the return journey.

When should I book a room for a weekend break?

For Arachova and Kalavryta in winter, at least a month in advance. For other destinations, two to three weeks are sufficient outside of public holidays.

Which weekend break is the most romantic?

Galaxidi and Hydra. Both feature stone mansions, quiet alleyways, and excellent restaurants by the water.