15 Day Trips from Athens
Ancient monasteries, active volcanoes and idyllic islands paint the picture for your Greek getaway. If you tire of the capital, escape the city buzz on these day trips from Athens.
Greece’s capital city, Athens, is saturated with ancient ruins, eerie museums and time-worn temples. Home to a huge haul of landmarks, it’s easy to see why this place is crowned the birthplace of the Western world. Here’s why you need to take a day trip from Athens.
Stroll around the hilltop-hugging Acropolis, sip sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar and indulge in the family-run tavernas in Plaka. Pack your appetite and sense of adventure because your Greece trip promises plenty of fun, food and fiestas.
Mix up your sightseeing in this open-air museum on a day trip from Athens. Cobalt blue beaches, quaint villages and awe-inspiring adventure await.
Make the most of your Athens trip by coupling it with this 10-day Greek Island Itinerary. You’ll spend a few days in the capital before bouncing around the country’s best travel destinations: pristine beaches, quaint fishing villages and ancient ruins… uh, could it get any better?!
Whether you want a historic tour or a sunset sail, destinations like Meteora, Hydra and Delphi will not disappoint. Here’s everything you need to know about the best Athens day trips.
15 Best Day Trips from Athens, Greece
Make your Athens vacation unforgettable with some time outside of the capital city. Time-sculpted temples, serene beaches and ancient villages set the stage for adventure.
In this travel guide, we cover the best time to visit, the top things to do, how to get around and a 2-day Athens itinerary. Here’s a summary of top travel destinations:
Hydra Island
Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Meteora
Delphi
Epidaurus
Aegina Island
Corinth and the Corinth Canal
Nafplio
Mycenae
Spetses
Olympia
Marathon
Lake Vouliagmeni
Evia
Santorini
15. Hydra Island
As part of the Saronic Islands, Hydra harbours elegant stone mansions and a bustling port.
There are many things to do in Athens, but the haul of historical monuments can begin to feel a little repetitive. This car-free hub is just 1.5 hours by ferry, making it an easy Athens day trip.
Hydra is well-known for its historical sites like the Hydra Museum and the 18th-century Monastery of the Assumption. Sightseeing aside, the island is dotted with scenic coastal trails, secret beaches and a thriving cultural scene.
Hydra’s artistic heritage adds a unique flair to the island, and throughout the year, there are numerous exhibitions and performances. Retreat to nature in Mount Eros, lounge around on Agios Nikolaos Beach and wind up your day eating local food in Hydra Town.
How to get to Hydra Island from Athens:
Car: Drive from Athens to the port of Piraeus, which takes approximately 30 minutes. From there, take a high-speed ferry to Hydra and arrive in roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
14. Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Thanks to the Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion is crowned as one of the best day trips from Athens.
This epic escape is located just 70 km south of Athens, making it a popular travel destination. Cape Sounion is famed for its Temple of Poseidon, which is perched on a clifftop over the Aegean Sea.
This ancient temple was constructed in the 5th century BC and served as a lookout point to track ships. With uninterrupted panoramas of the Attican Peninsula, the sunset views from Cape Sounion are world-famous.
The beauty and the nearby beaches make visiting Poseidon worthwhile. Swim at family-friendly beaches like Legrena and Sounio Beach and couple your day trip with a seafood meal at a local taverna.
How to get to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon from Athens:
13. Epidaurus
This cultural gem is home to the famous Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.
In ancient Greece, Epidaurus was an important commercial centre in northeastern Peloponnese. Its 4th-century-BCE Temple of Asclepius is dedicated to the god of healing. For many, Epidaurus is considered to be the birthplace of modern medicine.
This ancient healing centre adds to the site’s appeal, making it a must-see for culture lovers and those who are curious about Greek mythology. Couple your trip to Epidaurus with nearby sights like the Sanctuary of Asklepios, the Epidaurus Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Site of Asklipiiou Epidavrou.
How to get to Epidaurus from Athens:
12. Delphi
Back in the 6th century B.C., Delphi served as Ancient Greece’s buzzing religious centre.
Located 180 km northwest of Athens, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is intertwined with an inventory of things to do. This day trip from Athens, Greece, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and culture seekers.
Delphi is home to well-preserved ruins like the Temple of Apollo, an ancient theatre and the Athenian Treasury. Boasting breathtaking views of Mount Parnassus, the slew of sites alone makes it well worth visiting.
Explore the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which harbours important artefacts like the Charioteer of Delphi. Historical significance aside, Delphi serves as an excellent base for nature lovers. Discover the lush hiking trails that lead to the Corycian Cave.
Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and bring comfy walking shoes. The site requires a half-hour walk to the top of the ruins, so it’s best done before the heat of the day kicks in.
How to get to Delphi from Athens:
11. Nafplio
With panoramic views, charming streets and a mix of multicultural influences, Nafplio is coined as Greece’s most romantic town.
This picturesque coastal city is located just two hours from the capital city, making it an ideal day trip from Athens without a car. Nafplio is home to Venetian, Ottoman, and Neoclassical influences, and highlights include the Palamidi Fortress and the Bourtzi Castle.
The Old Town is fringed with cosy cafes, boutique stores and historical hot spots like Syntagma Square and the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio. Take a splash in Karathona Beach, immerse yourself in the local culture and stroll the quaint streets.
Nafplio boasts its traditional architectural style, with many colourful buildings scattered around the Old Town. As you wander astray in Naflpio, it’s easy to see why this is called the most beautiful towns in the Peloponessos.
How to get to Nafplio from Athens:
10. Mycenae
Amp up your stay in Athens with a day trip to Mycenae, an iconic archaeological site.
Mycenae is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece. This iconic spot is sandwiched between Argos and Nafplion in the region of Argolis. Famed as a very prosperous town in ancient times, Mycenae was the birthplace of an entire civilization that flourished from 1,600 to 1,000 BC.
Located 120 km from Athens, don’t miss the Lion Gate, the Treasury of Atreus and the Cyclopean Walls. Take a deep dive into the region’s history in the Mycenae Archaeological Museum.
Mycenae sheds light on Greek mythology, making it one of the best day trips from Athens, Greece. Couple your trip with a visit to the nearby town of Nafplio, a great spot for lunch and sightseeing.
How to get to Mycenae from Athens:
Bus: From Kifissos KTEL Bus Station in Athens, take a bus to Fichti. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Car: Drive from Athens to Mycenae via the highway to Corinth. Then, head towards Tripoli and take the exit to Nafplio/Mycenae. The total journey time is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
9. Spetses
No Athens vacation is complete without a trip to Spetses! Replete with a rich history and culture, this is the perfect location for a short city break.
This elegant island is well-known for its rich naval history, cosmopolitan nightlife and pristine beaches. Meander through the museums, snorkel in crystal-clear waters and hike the panoramic coastal paths.
Enjoy the island’s famous Armata Festival and add bucket-list-worthy spots like the Bouboulina Museum to your itinerary.
Top attractions in Spetses include Ayia Paraskevi Beach, Bekiri Cave, Paralia Zogeria and Bouboulina's Statue.
This Saronic Island sits in the heart of the Argolic Gulf, making it a top day trip from Athens. Spetses has a lot to offer when it comes to beaches and sightseeing, pinning it as a hot spot for history buffs and beach lovers.
How to get to Spetses from Athens:
Bus: From Athens International Airport, take the X96 bus to the port of Piraeus. The trip takes approximately one hour.
Train: From Athens International Airport, take the suburban railway directly to the port of Piraeus. This day trip from Athens to the island takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Car: Drive from Athens to the coast of Costa in about 3 hours.
8. Lake Vouliagmeni
Lake Vouliagmeni stands out as a top attraction in Athens, thanks to its natural splendour.
This thermal lake is located just outside Athens and is best known for its mineral-rich waters and therapeutic benefits. The lake boasts a pleasant climate year-round, with water temperatures varying from 22°C to 29°C.
Pamper yourself with a spa treatment and relish your senses with lakeside dining. For a unique experience, opt for a fish pedicure. This Athens day trip is a great spot for wellness seekers and those looking to disconnect. When you’re all chilled out, pop into nearby beaches like Vouliagmeni Beach, Aktí Vouliagménis or Kavouri Beach.
How to get to Lake Vouliagmeni from Athens:
Bus: Take a public bus (122) from Elliniko Metro Station to the “Limni” (Lake) Vouliagmeni stop. The trip takes approximately 30–40 minutes. Alternatively, KTEL buses from Kifisos Bus Station to Sounion can also take you to the lake.
Train: There is no direct train to Lake Vouliagmeni. You can take the Athens Metro (Line 2 – Red Line) to Elliniko Station and then transfer to bus 122.
Car: The distance from Athens to Lake Vouliagmeni is 25 km and takes about 40 minutes via Vouliagmenis Avenue. This is the most convenient option for travellers, offering flexibility to explore the surrounding beaches and coastal areas.
7. Corinth and the Corinth Canal
Amp up your Athens trip with an adventure to Corinth, home to Peloponesse’s most important historic sites.
Corinth is located just an hour away from the capital, making it a top day trip from Athens by train. This historic hot spot served as a Greek, Hellenistic and Roman city, and must-see sights include the Temple of Apollo and the Acrocorinth Fortress.
The Corinth Canal links the Aegean and Ionian Seas, acting as an international maritime hub in southern Europe. Corinth connects mainland Greece with the Peloponnese, and the surrounding landscape is lapped by fertile plains and natural springs.
Nearby Isthmia and Loutraki thermal spas offer a chance to unwind. Loutraki is located about 80 kilometres west of Athens and is famous for its thermal springs and beaches. The springs here contain magnesium and potassium, and temperatures can reach up to 30°C, making it a popular year-round destination.
How to get to Corinth and the Corinth Canal from Athens:
Bus: Take a KTEL bus from Kifisos Bus Station to Corinth, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Train: This Athens day trip by train takes about one hour. Hop on a direct suburban train (Proastiakos) from Athens Railway Station (Larissa Station) to Corinth.
Car: Driving from Athens to Corinth is straightforward and the total distance is around 80 km. The trip takes roughly 1 hour via the Olympia Odos (A8) motorway.
6. Marathon
Marathon’s natural beauty and enchanting atmosphere make it one of the best travel destinations in Greece.
This city is famous for the historic Greco-Persian battle in 490 BC, and it marks the starting point of the annual Athens Marathon Race. Marathon is worth visiting if you’re interested in a mix of history, sightseeing and beaches.
Explore the Marathon Tomb, visit the Archaeological Museum and swim around Schinias Beach. Hop on a history-fuelled archaeology tour and step inside the St. Ephraim Monastery, located at the Hill of Amomon.
How to get to Marathon from Athens:
Bus: This Athens day trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours via bus. Take the KTEL bus from Pedion tou Areos Bus Station in central Athens towards Marathon.
Train: There is no direct train to Marathon. You can take the Athens Metro (Line 3 – Blue Line) to Pallini or Doukissis Plakentias stations. From there, you can opt for a taxi or local bus to Marathon.
Car: The distance from Athens to Marathon is approximately 42 km and it takes 50 minutes via Marathonos Avenue.
5. Aegina Island
On the hunt for a Greek island day trip from Athens? Look no further than Aegina.
Aegina is located just 40 minutes from Athens by ferry, making it an accessible day trip destination. This idyllic island is well-known for its pistachios, serene beaches and time-sculpted ruins.
It’s worth going to Aegina to see the Temple of Aphaia, which forms part of the sacred ‘holy triangle’ with the Parthenon and Temple of Poseidon.
Aegina Island is lapped with charming fishing villages and local markets.
Test your skills in a pottery class and taste freshly picked pistachios. Unwind by the beachside at popular spots like the west coast’s Aeginitissa Beach and the south coast’s Klidi/Klima Beach.
How to get to Aegina Island from Athens:
Bus: There is no direct bus to Aegina. You can board a bus from Athens to Piraeus Port, which takes about 30–40 minutes. From there, hop on a ferry to Aegina.
Train: There is no train service to Aegina. You can take the Athens Metro (Line 1 – Green Line) from central Athens to Piraeus Port. The train journey takes about 25 minutes, and from there, you can board a ferry.
Car: Drive to Piraeus Port and take a ferry with your rental vehicle. The ferry crossing to Aegina takes roughly 40 minutes by high-speed ferry or around 1 hour by regular ferry.
4. Evia (Euboea Island)
Greece’s second-largest island is fringed with verdant vineyards, archaeological sites and bubbling hot springs.
Separated from the mainland by the Aegean Sea, Evia Island is the ultimate place to escape the crowds. Amp up your holiday in Athens by wandering the streets of Evia. Enjoy the mix of history, nature and relaxation as you uncover highlights like the hot springs of Edipsos and the Drakospita (Dragon Houses).
Nature lovers will find respite in the roaring waterfalls of Drymona, the ever-changing tides of Chalkida and the rugged Cavo Doro. Evia is ideal for adventure seekers, history lovers and wellness seekers.
How to get to Evia from Athens:
Bus: Hop on a KTEL bus from Liosion Bus Station in Athens to Evia’s capital, Chalkida. The bus takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and once you reach Chalkida, you can catch a local bus to various towns and beaches around the island.
Train: This is the best day trip from Athens by train and the journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Board a direct suburban train (Proastiakos) from Athens Railway Station (Larissa Station) to Chalkida.
Car: Driving to Evia is easy, as the island is connected to the mainland by a bridge at Chalkida. The drive from Athens to Chalkida takes around 1 hour via the E75 highway.
3. Olympia
This iconic place is deemed the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Although it is a long day trip, it is well worth the journey if you’re interested in sports culture.
This ancient site on the Peloponnese Peninsula was founded in the 8th century B.C. Among all the ruins, you’ll encounter athletic training areas, a stadium and temples dedicated to Hera and Zeus.
Olympia is an easily accessible destination that’s coined as a traveller’s treasure trove. The ancient stadium, the Temple of Zeus, and the Archaeological Museum showcase the country’s extensive sports history.
Olympia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it suitable for history enthusiasts and sports lovers. Wander around the impressive remains and spot ancient Greek worship areas, sports and meeting places.
How to get to Olympia from Athens:
Bus: Take a 4.5-hour KTEL bus from Kifisos Bus Station in Athens to Pyrgos. From Pyrgos, a local bus or taxi can take you to Olympia in about 30 minutes.
Train: There is no direct train from Athens to Olympia. Opt for a train from Athens to Katakolo or Pyrgos via Corinth. Then, transfer to a local bus or catch a cab. This route is less convenient than the bus or car, and I’d only recommend it if you leave very early in the morning.
Car: Drive 290 km from Athens to Olympia and arrive in around 3.5 to 4 hours via the Olympia Odos and E65 highways. This is the fastest option and a rental vehicle allows you to stop at other historic sites like Corinth or Mycenae.
2. Meteora
Meteora is a UNESCO-listed site located in central Greece. This must-visit spot is renowned for its monasteries and soaring rock formations.
Situated about 350 km from Athens, Meteora is ideal for a long day trip or an overnight stay. Home to six intact monasteries like the Great Meteoron and Varlaam, there’s plenty of chances to admire the stunning frescoes and religious relics.
Meteora is woven with a wealth of hiking trails, each offering stunning views of the landscape. Dress modestly when entering the monasteries and gain deeper insight by hiring a guide to learn about the local monks' lives.
Situated in Thessaly in northwestern Greece, the surrounding landscape makes it well worth visiting. Meteora is the perfect Athens day trip for adventure enthusiasts and those looking for a mix of history and nature.
How to get to Meteora from Athens:
Bus: Take a KTEL bus from Athens’ Liosion Bus Station to Trikala. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours. From Trikala, hop on a local bus or taxi to Kalambaka, which is the town at the base of Meteora.
Train: The most convenient way to see Meteora is to take a direct train from Athens Railway Station (Larissa Station) to Kalambaka. The trip takes about 4 to 5 hours and is best done in the early morning.
Car: Drive 350 km from Athens to Meteora and arrive in approximately 4 to 5 hours. This is the best option for flexibility, as you’ll be able to stop at many scenic locations along the way.
1. Santorini
Last but not least, Santorini! This whitewashed island is widely considered the best island day trip from Athens. Here’s why.
As one of Greece’s most iconic islands, you can expect breathtaking caldera views in Fira, saline-white streets in Oia and magnificent sunsets all around.
Marvel at the famous blue-domed churches, swim at the volcanic beaches of Perissa and Kamari or hop on a boat tour to the volcanic hot springs.
Visit the ancient ruins in Akrotiri, sample Assyrtiko wine at a local vineyard and wind up your trip dining by the sea.
A day trip from Athens to Santorini is time-consuming, but there are plenty of rewards. The fastest way to reach Santorini is by taking an early morning flight from Athens International Airport, which takes about 45 minutes.
Although you can see some of the highlights on a day trip, I’d highly recommend spending at least two days in Santorini.
How to get to Santorini from Athens:
Bus: There is no direct bus from Athens to Santorini. Hop on a KTEL bus from Athens to Piraeus Port, which takes about 30–40 minutes. Then, board a ferry to Santorini.
Train: There is no train connection between Athens and Santorini. Take a train from Athens to Piraeus station and then transfer to a ferry.
Car: Drive to Piraeus, Rafina, or Lavrio Port and then take a ferry with your rental car. The ferry ride takes between 5 to 8 hours, depending on the type of ferry.
2-Day Athens Itinerary
For the ultimate foray, combine your Athens trip with this 7-day Greece Itinerary. If you want to know how to spend 48 hours in the capital, couple a day trip from Athens with this 2-day itinerary.
Day 1 in Athens
Your first day in Athens is all about the iconic landmarks.
Morning
8:00 AM – Acropolis & Parthenon
10:30 AM – Acropolis Museum
12:00 PM – Plaka & Anafiotika neighbourhoods
Afternoon
2:00 PM – Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus
4:00 PM – Monastiraki Square and Flea Market
Evening
6:30 PM – Sunset at Lycabettus Hill
8:00 PM – Dinner in Psiri neighbourhood
Day 2 in Athens
Your second day in Athens is all about the cultural gems.
Morning
8:30 AM – Panathenaic Stadium
9:30 AM – National Garden & Zappeion
10:30 AM – Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guards
11:00 AM – Benaki Museum or National Archaeological Museum
Afternoon
1:00 PM – Lunch in Kolonaki
3:00 PM – Street Art Walk in Exarchia or Gazi
Evening
(Optional) 5:00 PM – Athens Riviera
8:00 PM – Dinner in Plaka or Thissio
Want to see more destinations in Greece? Take a day trip from Crete and tick off the top attractions in Milos.
Best Time to Visit Athens
The best time to visit Athens depends on your travel budget and personal preferences.
The temperatures during Athens’ summertime, June to August, offer the best weather for beaches and water sports. Sightseeing in the summer should be done early in the morning.
We climbed the Acropolis in the blistering heat of mid-July. Needless to say, we arrived soaking wet, covered in our sweat. Greece’s summer season is the best time for island hopping. The best Athens day trips include Hydra, Aegina and Evia.
The winter season in Greece is relatively mild, with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees celcius. This is one of the best times to visit Athens for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Things to do in Athens
The list of activities and attractions in Athens come in no shortage. Here are the things you can’t miss:
Taste the flavours on a street food tour
Admire the Acropolis of Athens & Acropolis Museum
Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Don’t miss the iconic Parthenon
See it all in less time on a hop-on hop-off bus
Roam around the National Archaeological Museum
Step inside the Ancient Agora of Athens
Visit the ancient Panathenaic Stadium
Hop on an island day trip from Athens to Delphi
How to Get Around Athens
Athens day trips come in no shortage, but it can be hard to know how to see them all. Here's everything you need to know about navigating Greece’s capital city.
Metro
The Athens Metro is home to three lines linking to the tram, bus and suburban railway. Line 1 is green, line 2 is red and line 3 is blue. The metro connects most areas in Athens, like the city centre, major tourist attractions and surrounding suburbs.
To gain access to the public transport system, you’ll need to purchase an Athena Card. This is a reloadable and can be used on all forms of public transport. A one-day unlimited pass costs around €4.50 and a five-day pass is approximately €9.00.
Tram
The Athens Tram links Athens’ coastline with the city centre and the southern suburbs. This is one of the most scenic ways to get around Athens, especially if you’re visiting the Athenian Riviera.
Bus
Athens is home to an well-connected bus network, making it an ideal option for areas that aren’t serviced by the metro or tram. Buses begin in the early hours of the morning and run until midnight. There are also some night services too. If you want to do a day trip during the high season, be sure to book your bus tickets in advance.
Rental Cars or Motorcycle
Renting a car or motorcycle is ideal if you want to discover the sites at your pace. You can create your own route and take as many detours as you want. A rental car allows you to choose the best day trip destination for you. Driving can be easily combined with a ferry, just be sure to arrive early to avoid the queues.
Where to Stay in Athens
Now that you’re up to speed on the best day trips from Athens, let’s get into some of the logistics. When choosing where to stay in Athens, consider things such as proximity to attractions, public transportation and the kind of atmosphere you prefer. Here' are some of the best places to stay in the capital.
Budget (€): Athos Hotel
Mid-Range (€€): Electra Palace Athens
Luxury (€€€): Hotel Grande Bretagne
FAQs
What is the best day tour from Athens?
Idyllic islands and ancient archaeological sites set the scene for adventure. The best day trips include Corinth, Aegina, Hydra and Delphi.
What is the best island to visit for one day from Athens?
If you only have one day, take a ferry to nearby Aegina, Poros, Hydra or Spetses. These islands are located near Athens and are home to quaint villages, idyllic beaches and a thriving culinary scene.
Is 3 days in Athens too long?
Three days in Athens is enough time to see some of the highlights, eat at local tavernas and wander the ancient streets. Combine your itinerary with a day trip and explore the nearby islands and historic sites.
Can you do a day trip from Athens to the Greek islands?
Yes, there are many day trips to the islands. From Athens, you can choose between Hydra, Poros and Aegina. Many tours offer stops at multiple islands and include lunch and some sightseeing.
Why Should You Take a Day Trip from Athens?
Sightseeing in Athens involves ancient ruins, archaeological gems and an array of enticing experiences. The top attractions come in no shortage, and a day trip from Athens is the best way to mix things up.
Make your Athens trip unforgettable and save this guide before you go!