12 Outstanding Day Trips from Athens You Won’t Want to Miss
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Are you looking for a day tour from Athens? If so, you’re in luck! While the city of Athens is a trip all on its own and can take weeks to truly explore, there are plenty of iconic destinations nearby to explore. From island beaches and ancient ruins to some of the best wine in the country, there is no shortage of day trip from Athens!
It can be overwhelming deciding where to go with limited time, so we’ve narrowed down the best Athens day trips for you! You can’t go wrong with these as each one shows the very best of what Greece has to offer.
So let’s get started with the best excursions from Athens, Greece.
12 Outstanding Day Trips from Athens You Won’t Want to Miss
Ready to head out on an Athens day trip? Here are 12 of the best day trips to explore the outskirts of the city and beyond!
1. Watch the sunset at Cape Sounion/Temple of Poseidon
Did you know that Athens is famous for its spectacular sunsets? One of the best sunset views is at the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion. Even though you can see the ruins on a day tour, we recommend booking a sunset tour instead. over the Aegean Sea. On the tour, you’ll learn about how ships were required to pass the temple en route to sea. Thus, the Athenian Empire ruled the sea and built the temple to honor Poseidon, who they believed to be the god of the sea and waters.
Along the way to the temple, you’ll pass through the Athenian Riviera, stopping at several popular photo spots before experiencing the sunset over the Aegean Sea. What could be better? (By the way, if you’re looking for sunset spots in Athens, read this article.)
2. Visit Delphi
Delphi is one of the most popular day trips from Athens. It was actually once considered the center of the world, making it one of the most important archeological sites in Greece! Fittingly, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As for location, it’s situated near the southwestern base of Mount Parnassus, which itself is associated with much history and mythology.
Take in the breathtaking views of Parnassus while traveling back in time to Delphi on this full day tour from Athens. You’ll see the Temple of Apollo, and visit all the museum has to offer before visiting the traditional Greek villages of Arachova. The tour departs from Halandri metro station and is conducted in English.
3. Cruise the Saronic Islands (Poros, Hydra, & Aegina)
If you’re looking for a little sand and sea, a day cruise to the Saronic Islands makes a perfect excursion out of Athens. Since the Saronic islands are some of the closest to Athens, they’re a popular place for mainland Greeks to purchase a vacation home. Each island is unique, but boasts some combination of stunning beaches or water views, neoclassical architecture, and classic Greek island vibes — what we’re all looking for in Greece, perhaps? No matter your interests, taking a scenic cruise among the islands is a good choice!
On the cruise, you’ll visit three islands: Poros, Hydra, and Aegina. First, head to Hydra to explore its cobbled alleys before cruising to Poros to experience pure calm. Lastly, check out the historic landmarks of Aegina. While you’re on board, you can enjoy lunch and live entertainment.
Editor’s Note: Don’t forget to insure your trip, whether you’re planning to do some light exercise or not. Travel insurance can cover trip interruptions, injury, and other mishaps. Don’t leave home without out it; we certainly don’t!
4. Visit Meteora
Although Meteora is quite a ways away from Athens, it’s certainly worth a day trip if you’re short on time in Greece. Meteora consists of three monasteries that sit on top of a massive limestone rock formation. How they can date back to 1344 is truly perplexing — you’ll have to see the monasteries to believe them! Today, the monasteries are still in use. Accordingly, women must wear a skirt that covers their knees (or at the very least tie a scarf around their pants), so plan accordingly.
In order to get to Meteora, you’ll take a train through the countryside before hopping onto a luxury mini-bus. You’ll also have some free time to explore Kalabaka’s (also spelled Kalambaka) city center and sample local cuisine. A tour of the hermit caves of Bandovas is also included.
5. Mycenae & Epidaurus, & Nafplio
If you’re particularly interested in Greek history and culture, you’ll love this educational day trip from Athens. Considered one of the major centers of Greek Civilization during the later Bronze Age (around 1350 B.C.), the ancient town of Mycenae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of interesting treasures.
Next up, admire the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. This theater is still in use as part of the annual Epidaurus Festival (held in the summer season). We encourage you to go see a performance there, and judge for yourself what some say are the best acoustics ever. (The builders really must have known what they were doing in the 4th Century B.C.!)
Lastly, visit the romantic coastal city of Nafplio, known as the first capital of the modern Greek state (1823-1834). Pay particular attention to its unique mix of Venetian, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Modern Greek architecture.
This Athens day tour requires comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of exploring! Lasting 10 hours, you’ll have plenty of time to discover new things and enjoy Greek food!
6. Hike Mount Parnitha
If you love nature and being outdoors, a great day trip from Athens by bus or car is to take a hike on Mount Parnitha. This mountain range is the highest in the Attica region with an elevation of 4636 ft (1413 m). Not only is it gorgeous, with its forests and gorges, but it’s also home to the largest red deer population in the country. Mount Parnitha is located in Mount Parnitha National Park, just 19 mi (30 km) Northwest of Athens.
To get there by public transport, take a bus to Thrakomakedones, a town in the northern suburbs of Athens. There, you may take the cable car up the mountain to the casino, with a spectacular view along the way. However, renting a car is preferable to get to the different trailheads and control your day. Learn more about hiking and other outdoor activities in Mount Parnitha National Park.
7. Sample wine in Nemea
Nemea is arguably one of the most prominent regions in Greece when it comes to red wine. Together with the nearby mountains and deep valleys of the Peloponnese region, the opportunity to taste these wines, produced with the native Agioritiko grape, is a fun day trip from Athens. Of course, you could opt for a more historical tour seeing as Nemea is home to yet another stunning archeological site. It’s here that participants from all over the world once came to play in the Nemean Games (6th-2nd Century B.C.)
However, for a more exciting way to see the winemaking region, we suggest either a private tour or renting a car. On this private tour, you’ll visit several wineries and learn the philosophy of the wine production in the region. The tour also includes a cultural visit to the old city of Nafplio, named after Poseidon’s son, Nafpios. However you choose to get there, drink responsibly, and buy a bottle to bring home — if you’re brave enough to pack wine in your suitcase!
8. Swim at Lake Vouliagmeni
One of the best day trips from Athens is to go for a day of swimming, rest, and relaxation at Lake Vouliagmeni. Bathing in thermal spring water has been an integral part of Greek culture for millenia. Today, many Greeks (and non-Greeks) believe in its healing properties. By all means, take advantage, and head to the lake to soothe your muscles, joints, and skin! Set in a natural reserve, the water in this small brackish-water lake is fed by underground currents that are constantly renewed by both sea and thermal springs. Additionally, the water remains around 68-84°F (20-29 °C) all year.
It’s relatively easy to do this day trip from Athens by public transport. Take a metro ride to Elliniko station. From there, taxi or transfer by bus the rest of the way (although the bus isn’t the most reliable). Alternatively, hop a quick 30 minute taxi ride from your hotel in central Athens. Check out their website for pricing, reservations, and more information.
9. Walk the Footsteps of St. Paul in Corinth
If you ever wanted to follow in the footsteps of Paul, here’s your opportunity! Visit Corinth, where ancient archeological site meets modern coastal town. There are countless things to see: breathtaking landscapes, the Corinth Canal, and world-renowned archeological sites. Not to mention, the winding streets of Corinth that date back to 5000-3000 B.C. are a trip! It’s a great day tour for those interested in Paul’s ministry (He lived and preached the gospel here for two years).
From Athens, consider taking a half day tour to Ancient Corinth. On it, you’ll see the Corinth Canal, explore ancient Corinth including its Agora (marketplace), and Apollo’s Temple. You also see where St. Paul disembarked at the ancient port of Kecherai.
10. The Monastery of Dafní
Visiting the Monastery of Dafní is an ideal option for a day trip from Athens by metro. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Byzantine monastery features timeless gold-ground mosaics in its interior. What’s more, traces of frescoes from the earlier era are still visible. On the exterior, see the exquisite Byzantine-style brickwork — what may easily become your favorite style of architecture. The original monastery (pre-restoration in the 11th Century) dates all the way back to the 6th Century and was built on the site of the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo. You can learn more about the monastery’s history in its small museum.
To get to the monastery from Athens, you can either travel by taxi, or opt to take the M3 (blue) metro line and get off at Agia Marina Station. From there, catch a bus the rest of the way (2.5 mi/4 km), or hail a taxi. Please note that the monastery has been reported closed off and on due to renovations. What’s more, opening hours to the public are limited. Check before you make the trek.
11. Piraeus
Piraeus is a port city just outside of Athens and is Europe’s largest passenger port. If you’re taking a cruise from Athens, you’ll leave from here. Its proximity to central Athens (7 min/12 km) makes an easy day trip by metro. Explore the port area, enjoy fresh seafood, and do all the shopping you want to (all the usual brands have stores here). Coupled with the seaside vibe are plenty of things to do: visit the archeological museum, explore the ancient walls, see the railway museum, the churches, and more.
To get to Piraeus from Athens, public transportation is the best option. The M3 (blue) and M1 (green) metro lines end in Piraeus.
12. Athenian Riviera
Surely you’ve heard of the French Riviera, but have you heard of the Athenian Riviera? The coastal region stretches from from Piraeus to Cape Sounion, the southernmost point of the Attica region. Exploring this region can give you a totally different outlook on Athens. Besides, who wouldn’t want to get away from the city in exchange for a day of relaxation? Spend the day relaxing on one of the various coves or beaches, such as Glyfada. Equally good is a wander around one of the charming towns admiring the boats, shopping, or looking for the best fresh fish restaurant. You could even spend 1-2 nights at one of the coastal resorts as a city break.
To get there, the tram is also a good option as it reaches Voula directly from Syntagma Square in central Athens. However, to reach more secluded areas, opt for a rental car, taxi, or Uber.
Ready for your day trip?
In view of the fact these day trips from Athens are equally good, you can’t go wrong by choosing one or two. We hope you’ve learned something and that this guide to the best day trips from Athens inspires you to explore outside the Greek capital. Remember to bookmark this page so you can reference it when finalizing your itinerary!
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