Oh Athens, exactly how we enjoy you. We have actually checked out the city 3 times, yet it wasn’t up until our latest journey that we in fact hung out truly submersing in the power of this lively resources of Greece. While lots of people promptly jet off to the Greek Islands there are a lot of interesting experiences that can be done on a day journey. From unbelievable historical sites to lovely coastlines, Athens is not just a location by itself yet likewise a launch pad for countless interesting outing. From the islands off the Athenian Riviera to old websites soaked in misconception and also background, allow’s start a trip to check out the most effective outing you can make from Athens.
Top Day Trips from Athens
We have actually driven in Greece often times and also it is extremely simple to browse. We recommend obtaining a rental auto for your remain in Athens as they are extra budget-friendly than various other European locations. You can contrast auto rental rates right here.
If you aren’t comfy driving, we have actually recommended one of the most preferred outing from Athens with web links to aid you prepare your journey.
Planning Your Trip To Athens Right Now?
Below are a few of the leading outing scenic tours from Athens. Don’t fail to remember to prepare in advance when seeing Greece!
Top Day Trip Activities and also Tours from Athens:
1. Delphi
Delphi is simply a two-hour drive from Athens and also is a necessary location for background and also archaeology enthusiasts. This unbelievable historical site is a UNESCO World Heritage real estate the Sanctuary of Apollo. Take an assisted excursion to see the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the old movie theater, and also the arena. Be certain to look into the Athenian Treasury and also the Polygonal Wall with its engravings.
You will certainly likewise wish to visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum to read more concerning Greek background. Here, you can watch its collection of artefacts located in the old damages. One of one of the most famous items is the bronze Charioteer of Delphi, among the best-known sculptures enduring from Ancient Greece and also walk along the Sacred Way which was the primary path with the Sanctuary of Apollo, made use of in processions to the holy place. When you are completed at these remarkable damages, make your method to the modern-day community of Delphi for lunch at one of its several dining establishments, stores, and also coffee shops.
2. Cape Sounion and also the Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion is a preferred trip for both citizens and also vacationers. Including us! Just 60 mins from midtown Athens, Cape Sounion is likewise referred to as the Athens Riviera. There are coastlines and also hotels producing a superb outing from Athens, or you can schedule a weekend break trip.
The piece de resistance right here is one of the most stunning setup for historical damages that you can obtain. The Iconic Temple of Poseidon rests high up on a seacliff offering unbelievable views of Cape Sounion. Begin your see by checking out the Doric columns of this 5th-century BC towers, and also don’t fail to remember to seek Lord Byron’s popular graffiti engraved right into among the holy place’s continuing to be columns.
The Athens Riviera offers a preference of Greek Island Life without needing to leave the landmass. Beaches like Sounio Beach and also Legrena Beach are simply a brief drive from the holy place. Before leaving, ensure to witness among one of the most well known sundowns in Greece from the point of view near the holy place of Poseidon. For food enthusiasts, there are seaside tavernas nearby, using scrumptious Greek food with a superb sea sight.
3. Hydra Island
Only a two-hour ferryboat trip from Athens, Hydra Island is the excellent outing from Athens for those looking for a preference of the Greek Islands. No mechanized cars are permitted on Hydra producing a silent hideaway from the city. It is understood for its stunning harbor and also slim, patched roads lined with stores, art galleries, and also regional restaurants.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to go to the Historical Archives Museum and also the Ecclesiastical and also Byzantine Museum to read more concerning Hydra’s abundant past.
For outside enthusiasts, there are treking tracks that deal stunning sights of the sea. The route from Hydra community to the Monastery of Prophet Elias is a certain fave. Beach enthusiasts can take pleasure in island life by heading to either Vlychos or Kaminia.
At completion of the day, unwind at a beachfront coffee shop, taking pleasure in regional food as watercrafts bob in the harbor. You don’t need to head back to the Greek resources you can schedule an evening on the island to expand your keep. Book an evening at the Four Seasons Hydra for a glamorous keep. Check examines on TripConsultant
4. Poros Island
Poros becomes part of the Saronic islands which are quickly obtainable by a fast ferryboat trip from Athens. It provides a preference of island life with a much more regional feeling than the preferred vacationer locations of Greece.
A check out to the Archaeological Museum of Poros is a must. It homes locates from the haven of Poseidon at Kalavria. Explore the Lemon Forest, an aromatic grove with greater than 30,000 lemon and also orange trees. Be certain to go to the Clock Tower, the island’s most popular spots, for breathtaking sights of Poros and also the bordering sea.
If you’re a coastline enthusiast, invest a long time at Love Bay or Askeli Beach, both understood for their clear waters. Wrap up your day by taking pleasure in a dish at one of the several seaside pubs.
5. Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal is a design wonder connecting the Aegean and also Ionian seas. This fabricated canal is a remarkable website cutting with the slim isthmus that links the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. This 4-mile-long canal was developed in between 1882 and also 1893 and also divides the Peloponnese Peninsula from the landmass.
You can schedule an outing from Athens to see sights of the Corinth Canal and also see Ancient Corinth to see where St. Paul lived and also its old Agora, and also Apollo’s Temple. You will certainly likewise go to the old port of Kechreai.
Visit the completely submersible bridge at Isthmia, among just 2 in Europe. For adrenaline addicts, bungee leaping from the canal’s bridge is a choice.
Ancient Corinth is a remarkable historical site, where you’ll discover the Temple of Apollo and also the Bema, where St. Paul talked to the Corinthians. You can likewise go to the Archaeological Museum of Corinth to obtain your fill of old Greek background.
On your back to Athens, make a quit at the Acrocorinth, the acropolis of old Corinth, a monolithic rock supervising the old city.
6. Meteora
Visiting Meteora need to go to the top of every person’s Greek pail listing. Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage website situated 4 hrs from Athens. The location is well known for its imposing rock developments and also the centuries-old abbeys set down precariously upon the high pillars.
If you have an automobile, show up early in the early morning to watch the abbeys by yourself time in advance of the groups. You will certainly desire at the very least one complete day right here to see the excellent abbeys such as the Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, and also Rousanou Monastery. Read extra: Monasteries of Meteora, Greece – Magic Monoliths in Photos
We extremely suggest strolling with the countless treking tracks snaking around the rock developments, using breathtaking sights of the landscape far from the groups. Better yet, publication among the directed excursions provided to read more concerning the damages. We took this treking excursion from Kalabaka that adheres to the historic courses of the monks.
You might wish to take into consideration taking an assisted excursion to obtain understandings right into the background and also relevance of the location. Before leaving, go to the regional community of Kalabaka to attempt regional foods. We suggest investing a number of evenings in Meteora and also we remained at The Divani Meteora Hotel which lay right in the heart of the old website.
This 4-day Classic Tour allows you see a number of the most effective outing from Athens in one practical excursion. You’ll check out the most effective of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora.
7. Mycenae and also Epidaurus
Mycenae and also Epidaurus supply a deep study Greek background to the moment of King Agamemnon and also the Trojan War. Visit Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage that was the facility of the Mycenaean people which goes back to 2 hundred BC.
Here you’ll check out the old holy places consisting of the popular Lion’s Gate, Royal Tombs, The Tomb of Agamemnon, and also the Archaeological Museum. The Cyclopean Walls which were called for their huge dimension, are a must-see.
Next, head to Epidaurus to go to the old theater, devoted to the Greek God of Medicine Asclepius, popular for its remarkable acoustics and also in proportion building and construction. Don’t miss out on the Sanctuary of Asklepios, an essential recovery facility in the old globe, and also its old theater.
The movie theater at Epidaurus is just one of the best-preserved movie theaters of old Greece and also its efficiencies still happen today. Imagine on your own staying in old times enjoying the similarity Homer or Greek Mythology executed in this excellent ancient website.
From May to October among one of the most popular social occasions occurs right here and also at the Acropolis in Athens. This event showcases songs and also musicians and also has actually drawn in the similarity Luciano Pavarotti and also Frank Sinatra. The 2023 schedule will certainly see diverse musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Bill Burr, and also the Opera de Paris.
This extremely ranked excursion is a full-day directed outing from Athens that promotes itself as carbon neutral. Over the following 10 hrs, you’ll go to the Corinth Canal, Mycenae, and also Epidauraus in addition to Nafplio (Nauplia), the previous resources of Greece.
8. Nafplio
Nafplio, the very first resources of modern-day Greece, integrates background, style, and also magnificent sea sights. Visit the Palamidi Fortress and also take pleasure in the breathtaking sight of the city and also the Argolic Gulf. Stroll around the old community with its Venetian homes and also neoclassical estates, quiting at Syntagma Square to check out the Archaeological Museum.
Take a watercraft trip to Bourtzi, a Venetian citadel on an island in the center of the city’s harbor. Lastly, take pleasure in regional recipes at a seaside dining establishment and also check out the city’s lively night life.
Combine a few of the most effective outing from Athens with this extremely ranked directed excursion. Your tourist guide is a professional chronicler that will certainly take you to the Corinth Canal, Palamidi Castle, the Acropolis of Nafplio, and also the popular Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. You’ll likewise have a quit at Karathonas Beach for a dip in the Aegean Sea.
9. Spetses Island
Spetses is just one of one of the most stunning Saronic islands that is a two-hour-long trip by ferryboat from Athens. This stunning island flaunts an abundant maritime background and also sophisticated style.
Discover the island’s background at the Museum of Spetses and also the House of Bouboulina, a gallery devoted to the women admiral that played a substantial function in the 1821 War of Independence. The Old Harbor location, with its old estates and also the grand Poseidonion Hotel, is well worth a check out.
Rent a bike or a horse-drawn carriage to check out the community or get on a water taxi to go to a few of the island’s stunning coastlines like Agia Marina and also Agioi Anargyroi. Remember to example regional specials at one of the island’s countless fish and shellfish dining establishments or pubs.
This e-bike biking excursion is a half-day excursion that takes you around the primary views of the little island to see the old harbor and also discover the island’s background.
10. Aegina Island
Aegina is a picturesque island understood for its pistachio orchards, old damages, and also white rock homes. Start your journey by seeing the Temple of Aphaia, an old building work of art that develops a spiritual triangular with the Parthenon and also the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
Explore the lovely community with its typical homes, and also don’t miss out on the regional market where you can acquire the popular Aegina pistachios. For coastline lovers, Marathonas, Agia Marina, and also Perdika are all exceptional options. If you have time, a check out to the little island of Moni, a nature book packed with peacocks and also deer, is extremely suggested.
You can likewise schedule a day cruise ship to Aegina. This complete day watercraft excursion allows you uncover the Saronic Sea on a traditional wood sailing boat. Enjoy sights of the Saronic Gulf as you drink mixed drinks and also take pleasure in treats en path to the islands of Agistri and also Aegina. Enjoy the coastlines and also take an optional bike excursion. You’ll likewise have quits at Moni or Nisis Metopi.
11. Lake Vouliagmeni
Just a brief drive from the town hall, Lake Vouliagmeni is a sensational all-natural lake with restorative homes. Swim in the cozy, mineral-rich waters, which keep a consistent temperature level year-round. For the daring, check out the lake’s undersea cavern network, house to the evasive Lutra, a little undersea sea animal.
After relaxing by the lake, go to the close-by Vouliagmeni community, understood for its high end dining establishments and also stunning coastlines. Try some regional food or take a walk along the marina.
Day excursions can be reserved from Athens to see Lake Vouliagmeni incorporated with the Athens Riviera. This extremely ranked personal excursion takes you by van to see Lake Vouliagmeni, the historical community of Lavrio, and also the Temple of Poseidon.
12. Mystras
Journey to Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site referred to as the ‘Wonder of Morea.’ Once a growing Byzantine city, today, it’s a historical prize. Start your day by checking out the Palace of Despots, the city’s most noticeable monolith. Then, go to the Peribleptos Monastery to appreciate the best-preserved frescoes in Mystras.
Do not miss out on the Pantanassa Monastery. It is the only populated component of the website that is in fact house to a little team of religious women. Make certain to raise to the Castle in addition to capital for a scenic sight of the bordering landscapes.
Wrap up your see by checking out the Museum of Mystras, where you’ll uncover a collection of artefacts that supply understandings right into the city’s past.
This excursion takes you to Mystras and also Ancient Sparta miss the bus trip and also take pleasure in a cool van to see Sparta, Mystras, and also the Corinth Canal.
13. Olympia
Who wouldn’t wish to see the native home of the Olympic Games? Begin by checking out the historical site, that includes the Temple of Zeus, when house to among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Statue of Zeus. The Temple of Hera, the old Olympic Stadium, and also the Palaestra are likewise must-sees.
Extend your understanding at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which organizes a superb collection of artefacts from the website. Don’t fail to remember to go to the Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games to discover this necessary element of Greek society.
14. Mount Parnitha National Park
Escape the pressure of city life with a journey to Mount Parnitha National Park, a sanctuary of plant on Athens’ front door. For treking lovers, there are countless tracks weaving with the park, using breathtaking sights over Athens. As you check out, watch out for the varied wild animals, consisting of red deer, foxes, and also a range of bird varieties.
Visit the Mpafi Refuge, where you can relax, eat, and even invest the evening. If you’re a follower of enigma and also background, check out the park’s deserted royal summer season homes and also the Tatoi Palace, including a touch of human background to the all-natural magnificence.
15. Nemea
Nemea is a heaven for white wine enthusiasts. Known for its merlot manufacturing, specifically the Agiorgitiko grape, seeing the regional vineyards and also wineries need to go to the top of your order of business. Take a wine-tasting excursion, go to the storages, and also discover the area’s wine-making procedure.
In enhancement to white wine, Nemea is abundant in background. Explore the Archaeological Site of Nemea, that includes the old arena where the Nemean Games were held, and also the Temple of Zeus. Be certain to go to the Archaeological Museum of Nemea to even more explore the area’s remarkable past.
Book an assisted excursion to the Vineyards of Nemea. This white wine excursion takes you to among the biggest wineries in Greece where you’ll taste regional white wines at 2 different wineries and also Visit Ancient Nemea and also see the 4th-century-B.C. arena
16. Marathon
Revisit old background when seeing Marathon. Marathon is associated with long-distance races as a result of the famous run of Pheidippides from the field of battle to Athens.
Start your see at the Marathon Tomb, an interment pile for the soldiers that battled in the Battle of Marathon. The close-by Archaeological Museum of Marathon provides more understandings right into the location’s background.
Nature enthusiasts need to go to Schinias National Park, house to the stunning Schinias Beach and also a seaside want woodland. If time permits, make a journey to the Marathon Dam, a remarkable task of design, and also take pleasure in a barbecue at the Lake Marathon Reservoir.
Where Should I Go on a Day Trip from Athens?
There are countless Athens outing that are quickly obtainable. Some exceptional outing locations consist of the archaeological site of Delphi, Cape Sounion with the stunning Temple of Poseidon, Hydra Island, or Poros Island.
Other outing from Athens consist of the design wonder of the Corinth Canal, the magnificent landscape of Meteora, the archaeological sites of Mycenae and also Epidaurus, the sophisticated city of Nafplio, the naval community of Spetses Island, the picturesque Aegina Island, the restorative Lake Vouliagmeni, the old city of Mystras, the Olympic native home of Olympia, the eco-friendly sanctuary of Parnitha National Park, the white wine heaven of Nemea, and also the famous community of Marathon.
What Islands Around Athens are Day Trips?
Several islands around Athens appropriate for outing, using a range of experiences. Some of the leading islands for outing consist of Hydra, understood for its car-free rock roads and also loosened up environment, Poros with its mix of archaeological sites and also stunning coastlines, Spetses which flaunts an abundant maritime background and also magnificent style, and also Aegina, popular for its pistachio orchards and also old damages.
Can you Do Day Trips to Islands from Athens?
Doing outing to islands from Athens is a preferred selection for several site visitors. The 3 closest islands appropriate for an outing are Aegina, Hydra, and also Poros. These islands are quickly obtainable by ferryboat, making them excellent for fast escapes from the pressure of Athens.
What are the Three Closest Islands to Athens Me
The 3 closest islands appropriate for an outing are Aegina, Hydra, and also Poros.
In final thought
A check out to Athens is just one of one of the most unforgettable trips we’ve ever before taken. The Cradle of Western Civilization, Athens is loaded with essential damages that aided to form the globe as we understand it.
