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Looking for the best day trips from Athens? Look no further than this list of the best places to see around the Greek capital as recommended by travel experts.
Athens is a fascinating city, with lots to do and see, as is all of Greece. And that’s why you should do at least one day tour from Athens and explore a bit more of one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
From ancient temples, historic cities, and impressive mountains, to idyllic islands, the options are endless when it comes to choosing where to go next.
To help you decide, I asked fellow travel bloggers about their favorite day trip experiences from Athens.
So without further ado, here are the best Athens day trip destinations, including what to see and how to get there.
Read more:
- 1 Day in Athens Itinerary: The Best Things to Do in Athens in One Day
- Mykonos: A Day in the Island of the Winds
Best day trips from Athens
Aegina Island
Image: Pixabay
Recommended by Vanda from The Yogi Wanderer
My day trip to the island of Aegina was no doubt one of the highlights of my first-time visit to Athens and an experience I truly recommend.
Less than an hour from the Greek capital, Aegina offers all the charm of authentic Greece in the beautiful scenery of the Aegean Sea.
Start your day by exploring the picturesque Aegina town with its colorful harbor and narrow streets. Then head to the nearby Koloni archeological site, where you can wander through the ruins and admire some stunning views from the Apollo Temple.
After lunch, take a taxi or a bus to the Temple of Aphaia. Located in the middle of the island, this ancient sanctuary is Aegina’s top attraction and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
Finally, if you’re visiting in the warmer months, make sure to take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Agia Marina is the most popular sandy beach in Aegina, but there are many others around the island to choose from.
Before you leave, don’t forget to taste the famous pistachios of Aegina, considered the best in the world.
The most pleasant and cheapest way to get to Aegina from Athens is to take the ferry from the port of Piraeus as I did. Read more about what to do in Aegina and how to get there here.
If you’re short on time, flying dolphins are a faster, and more expensive, alternative.
If you’d like to see more of the Saronic Islands, this full-day cruise from Athens allows you to visit the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in one day.
Delphi
Image: Pixabay
Recommended by Ivan from Mind the Travel
When it comes to day trips from Athens, nothing can beat Delphi.
Nestled high up on Mount Parnassus, this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site was once the heart of Ancient Greece and is world-renowned for its archaeological ruins.
Today, the remarkable city of Delphi, which dates back to the 7th century BC, is filled with ancient history and mythology.
Delphi was the most important city of the ancient Greek world and now boasts impressive archaeological sites, each more captivating than the last.
To get the most out of your trip to Delphi, start exploring the site by visiting the huge ancient theater and taking in the breathtaking mountain views. Down below lies the legendary Temple of Apollo, home to the renowned Oracle of Delphi.
The 4th century BC Tholos of Delphi and the Treasury of Athens are the landmarks you shouldn’t miss out on visiting while in the Athena Pronaia Sanctuary.
After walking back down the picturesque Sacred Way, make your way to the Delphi Archaeological Museum where you can see fascinating artifacts like the Naxian Sphinx and learn about the area and its tremendous cultural significance.
For mind-boggling views of Mount Parnassus, stop in the scenic mountain town of Arachova on your way back to Athens.
It takes about two and a half hours to get to Delphi by car from Athens. This is by far the simplest, fastest, and best way to visit Delphi on a day trip.
Alternatively, you can take the bus from Athens to Delphi. Going by bus would be much cheaper but it usually takes more time since there are only a few buses a day departing from Liosion Bus Station in Athens.
Liosion Terminal B is not the easiest place to find, so if you’d prefer not to worry about transport and learn more about the significance of this very well-preserved ancient site, consider visiting Delphi with a guided tour.
You can book an organized day tour to Delphi, including hotel pick up/drop off and lunch, here.
Mount Parnitha National Park
Image: Just For One Summer
Recommended by Helena from Just For One Summer
Mount Parnitha National Park is one of the best destinations for an easy day trip from Athens.
Its pine-clad slopes, imposing gorges, cozy mountain huts, and kilometers of marked hiking trails make Mount Parnitha the perfect place for any hiking lover longing to spend a day away from the city.
But Mount Parnitha is not just a hiking destination. Its limestone crags are very popular among the Athenian rock climbers while the abundance of forest roads and trails attract mountain bikers all year round.
There are picturesque monasteries and stone-built chapels scattered across the mountain, mystical caves and even one very impressive, 4th-century fortress!
By far the easiest way to explore the national park is by car. It only takes around half an hour to drive to Mount Parnitha from the center of Athens and there are plenty of roads crisscrossing the mountain.
That being said, Mount Parnitha can be visited by the Athenian public transport as well, making it one of the most budget-friendly day trips from Athens, or with a guided tour.
The most frequently visited section of Mount Parnitha National Park lies above the neighborhood of Thrakomakedones (bus no. 504 from Kifisia metro station), near Parnitha’s infamous casino. It offers many beautiful hiking trails ranging from short forest strolls to longer, more demanding ascents along the Flabouri ridge.
Another good access point to Mount Parnitha is the neighborhood of Fyli at the western side of the mountain (bus no. 723 from Ano Liosia metro station).
Western Parnitha is much more remote and tranquil but equally beautiful, perfect for those wishing to escape the crowds.
Book a hiking day trip from Athens to Mount Parnitha National Park here.
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Image: Unsplash
Recommended by Vanessa and Dave from Real Greek Experiences
One of our favorite day trips from Athens to take visiting friends on, is to visit the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.
Although this can be a half-day trip for people with limited time, we prefer to take it easy and combine it with a swim and a meal at a local taverna.
Cape Sounion is 70 km from central Athens, and you can get there following the lovely coastal route. The road passes by the so-called “Athens Riviera”.
There are many beaches where you can stop for an hour or two and enjoy the crystal clear water. You can find beaches to suit all tastes – from long stretches of sand with all amenities, to hidden secluded spots.
The Temple of Poseidon is a great example of ancient Greek architecture. It was built between 444-440 BC, on the ruins of an older temple. Like many other ancient Greek temples, it is made out of marble.
The ancient Greeks must have chosen the spot very carefully, as everything about it is simply breathtaking. The temple is built on a hill overlooking the Aegean, offering amazing views to the endless blue sea. Poseidon, the almighty god of the sea, must have definitely enjoyed the views!
You can get to Cape Sounion by public bus, car, or private transfer. It will be easier to stop for a swim before you visit the temple if you have your own transportation.
Afterward, you can visit the nearby town of Lavrion where you can go for a Greek meal.
It has taken us anywhere from one to two hours to get to Cape Sounion by car, depending on the day and time of the year. Traffic on summer weekends makes a huge difference.
Another great thing to do at cape Sounion is watching the breathtaking sunset over the Aegean Sea. You can book an evening tour to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon here.
Nafplio
Image: Pixabay
Recommended by Ania from The Travelling Twins
During our road trip through Greece, we visited Nafplio, a small town that was once the first capital of Greece.
The journey from Athens takes around 90 minutes by car or a couple of hours by bus.
The old town of Nafplio is a perfect little place, inviting you to wander its maze of streets and learn its history as you admire the buildings.
And the history of Nafplio is very rich. At different times the town was ruled by French Crusaders, the Venetians, and the Ottoman Empire.
In Venetian times, Nafplio was known as Napoli di Romania, and today it still looks more Italian than Greek.
Nafplio has several museums and a variety of tavernas serving mouthwatering food.
Afterward, you can also visit one of the few beautiful sandy or white pebble beaches, whichever you prefer.
All of this makes Nafplio a perfect destination for a day out of Athens.
But for us, the most exciting part of Nafplio was Palamidi Castle which stands high above the town to the east.
The castle was built by Venetians in 1711–1714 and is a magnificent construction with eight bastions. There was plenty to explore, and the views from here were breathtaking.
Lake Vouliagmeni
Image: Lazy Travel Blog
Recommended by Karolina from Lazy Travel Blog
With its stunning landscapes and medicinal waters, Lake Vouliagmeni is one of the best day trips from Athens, Greece.
A gorgeous blue gem surrounded by dark cliffs, the lake has a fascinating appeal that draws in a good mix of tourists: families, spa-goers, hikers, and divers.
Filled with fresh water from underground springs and brackish water from the sea, the warm water of Lake Vouliagmeni is known to relieve arthritis and dermatological ailments. The salt and minerals in the water naturally purify and soften the skin.
And with the species of small fish that can help exfoliate dead skin cells, Lake Vouliagmeni resembles a natural spa where one can sit back and relax.
From Athens, it takes around 30 minutes to drive to Lake Vouliagmeni. Another option is hailing a taxi from downtown Athens which will set you back around 20 euro.
By public transport, one can take the Metro from Ellinikon where one can catch the 122 Saronida Express to the lake. There is also a KTEL bus which stops at Syntagma Street and Fileninon Street in Athens before taking the coast road to Sounion.
Salamina Island
Image: Travel Greece, Travel Europe
Recommended by Elena from Travel Greece, Travel Europe
Located just a short 1 nautical mile ferry ride from the port of Piraeus, Salamina is the largest of the Saronic Islands.
There are two ways to get to Salamina, either with a boat from Piraeus or taking one from the port of Perama which runs more frequently, all year round. The journey from Piraeus takes approximately 40 minutes and from Perama only 15 minutes.
The island is famous for the Battle of Salamis, a naval battle fought in 480 B.C.
Salmina is also home to several museums like the Archaeological Museum of Salamis where visitors may admire the artifacts from the Prehistoric Age to the Early Christian period as well as a small maritime museum.
During your visit make sure to check out Ambelakia, the island’s oldest village and the place where the ancient port of Salamina was built in the 4th century B.C.
If you are visiting Salamina during the warmer months, reward yourself with a refreshing swim at one of the island’s beaches – the best are located in the south of the island.
End the day in one of the local tavernas in Agios Nikolaos or catch the beautiful sunset at Aeanteio beach overlooking Salamina Bay.
Mycenae
Image: Unsplash
Recommended by Chrysoula from Travel Passionate
Mycenae serves as a visual reminder of ancient Greek civilizations who occupied this space from the 12th to the 17th Century BC. Most of its current architecture is reminiscent of Hellenic periods of rule throughout parts of Greece.
Various modes of transport can be used to get to the town; however, tour groups usually travel by coach. The estimated travel time from Athens to Mycenae is an hour and 30 minutes by car or other class of vehicle, without stops.
En Route Mycenae from Athens, the manmade Corinth Canal lies west and is a stunning expression of art combined with engineering.
Tours usually also include a visit to Epidaurus which has to be passed on the way. It is believed that Apollo’s son, Asclepius, was born in Epidaurus.
Modern-day Mycenae is known for its hordes of orange trees which line its valleys before entering the actual city. According to legend, the city was founded by Zeus’s son, Persius, and Danae, Acricio’s daughter.
Its rich tale developed whereby Mycenae is perhaps more famously known as the city of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, who led the Trojan War.
The Mycenae ruins are along the hilltops which were historically fortified cities, the main entrance of which is commonly referred to as Lion Gate, a Bronze-age citadel, named for the lion statue at its head.
Outside its walls are residential areas and gravesites, the most famous of which is the Treasury of Atreus or the Tomb of Agamemnon.
Together with Tiryns, Mycenae is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Mycenae Museum neighbors the citadel houses and exhibits artifacts belonging to this time in history.
You can book a full-day trip from Athens to Mycenae and Epidaurus here.
So there you have it. The best day trips from Athens according to travel bloggers. Which one will you choose?
Have you taken a day trip from Athens? What would you add to this list of Athens day trips? Share in the comments section below!
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