4+1 Nearby Destinations from Athens! Getaways Near Athens

We’ve discovered for you 4+1 destinations near Athens that are ideal for a weekend break or even longer stays.

Bearing in mind your easy access and the particular beauty of the areas we’ve chosen, you can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing weekend, seeing new landscapes and filling up on fresh air!

Our country is full of winter destinations just waiting for you to discover them.

Discover nearby getaways from Athens by car, plus a bonus destination just a 25-minute flight away, which you can visit affordably in winter!

 

Destinations Near Athens

 

Nafplio

Nafplio is one of the most popular nearby destinations in Attica. It's ideal for spring and autumn, as well as winter.

As a base, you can explore all the mountainous villages in the area, but first, take a stroll through the Square of the Three Admirals and photograph the city's stunning town hall.

You absolutely must spend a few hours at Bourtzi, located on the islet of Aghioi Theodoroi, which you can visit by small boats found at Nafplio's harbour.

Nafplio is a must-visit nearby destination from Athens that is ideal for all seasons of the year.

 

Trikala Korinthias

 

In less than 2 hours from the centre of Athens, you can be in an oasis of oxygen and colour!

Built on the slopes of Mount Kyllini, at about a thousand metres altitude, Trikala Korinthias is a winter destination near Athens that attracts thousands of people for a weekend break or longer stays.

The village is divided into 3 districts: Upper, Middle, and Lower Trikala. Lower Trikala has the largest population.

In Trikala Korinthias, you will find stone-built churches and stately homes that remain unchanged since the 16^th century.

Accommodation in Trikala Korinthias is usually in traditional guesthouses, which will offer you warm, traditional hospitality.

Mountainous Corinthia is definitely worth a visit as it is the ideal nearby destination from Athens for a car trip.

 

Lake Plastiras

 

Lake Plastiras is a “must” outing from Athens. In just 3.5 hours, you will cover the approximately 325 km required and arrive in the Lake Plastiras area.

The area offers an exceptional landscape of rare beauty where the mountain and the lake harmoniously coexist.

The tourist development of the area is particularly strong, which has helped it grow and offer quality travel services.

Lake Plastiras is suitable for holidays near Athens by car, and we recommend staying 3-4 nights to explore the entire lake and enjoy activities such as horse riding, fishing, cycling around the lake, and more.

Due to the many activities the area offers, Lake Plastiras is also considered the ideal winter destination for couples, especially for young people, as it combines tranquillity and relaxation with activities and numerous tavernas.

Finally, don't forget that Karditsa is nearby, offering a vibrant nightlife for restless youngsters!

 

Pelion

Pelion is an ideal destination all year round, as it combines both mountains and the sea.

Many associate Pelion with the mountains, but there are also quite a few who plan a summer getaway to its beaches.

The Pelion area is an ideal winter destination near Athens, as the Volos-Athens distance can be covered in less than 2.5 hours via the National Road.

Pelion boasts a famous ski centre and countless mountainous and picturesque villages, at an altitude of approximately 1600 metres.

Among the most well-known villages of Pelion are Tsagarada, Zagora, Argalasti, Milies, and Agios Ioannis.

However, not to do injustice to any of Pelion's dozens of villages, the area definitely requires a car so that you can visit all the villages and experience the beauty of the region first-hand!

For two-day trips near Athens, the Pelion region is a "must," even if the travel time is slightly longer than to other places.

With the National Road, the journey is quite relaxing, and you'll find yourself in the fresh air much sooner than the 330 km distance between Athens and Pelion might suggest.

 

Bonus destination: Santorini

Santorini is a top destination during the summer months, especially for inbound foreign tourists.

For most Greeks, the island is prohibitive due to the prices of flights to Santorini and accommodation.

Did you know that during the winter months you can travel to Santorini for as little as €10? And find affordable accommodation from just €50 per night?

Ryanair offers particularly competitive fares from November to February, with prices as low as €5 for a one-way trip from Athens to Santorini!

And if you think you’ll arrive on the island and it will be… deserted, then you're sorely mistaken! Santorini now has tourism 365 days a year, and even in winter, you’ll see plenty of activity during the day in the alleys of Fira and Oia!

Enjoy the scenery of Santorini during a peaceful – and affordable – period with cheap flights!

Santorini is suitable for a two-day trip from Athens, as well as for a weekend getaway. With the flight lasting just 25 minutes, what are you waiting for to find yourself on one of the world's most popular islands?

 

Winter Destinations for Couples Near Athens

All the above destinations are ideal for all age groups. Especially for young couples, we recommend either the enchanting Pelion or the beautiful all-year-round Santorini.

Couples usually look for a weekend escape and want to have the best possible time.

Our country offers hundreds of winter destinations for couples and more, just waiting for you to discover them!