It’s easy to only think about the Acropolis and ancient ruins when it comes to Athens, but there is so much more to Greece. Take some time out on one of these day trips from Athens and see a lot of what Greece has to offer!
You see, Greece has 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but you don’t have so much time to learn about all of this and visit those places, so taking Athens day trips is a good way to cover lots of ground instead!
While you can visit most places on your own by ferry or bus, the best option is to join one of the guided tours – Which are all affordable, more structured compared to visiting on your own, and you’ll make the most of your time.
Looking for day tours from Athens that are a little different? Check out these 7 incredible options!
7 Unique Day Trips From Athens
Athens is an incredible city with plenty of history, culture, and attractions to keep tourists busy for weeks. But sometimes, it’s nice to get out of the city and explore some amazing places just a short drive away.
Here are seven unique day trips from Athens that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Delphi
Taking a guided day trip to Delphi is the best way to see the area’s beautiful countryside and ancient ruins. Set in a natural mountain setting, the ancient Greek remains of Delphi is located between two peaks of Mount Parnassus.
After traveling from Athens, start your day at the Temple of Apollo (Apollo Prona) one of the best-preserved temples in all of Greece from Classical times.
After the first stop, move on to the Delphi Archaeological Museum, where you can explore the artifacts from centuries past in the town.
Delphi’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Archaeological Site of Delphi, is one of the most important sacred sites dating back to the sixth century BC. Delphi is a place where pilgrims would come to hear an oracle of Apollo tell her prophecies at the Temple of Apollo.
Delphi is one of a kind, and the experience is well worth a day trip. It is a long way to Delphi from Athens, about 2.5 hours by bus, and booking a tour online is an excellent way to have a more structured and educational visit.
You will get to learn everything about Delphi, appreciate its beautiful sceneries, and the neighboring village of Arachova where you can shop for any Greek souvenirs.
Want to know more?
Check out this guide about taking
a day trip to Delphi from Athens.
Epidaurus
Located about 125km from Athens, Epidaurus is a site you surely don’t want to miss while in Athens, as it offers a chance to experience the best of Greek culture and history.
The ancient site is home to the famous amphitheater, which was built in the 4th-century BC and is said to have perfect acoustics.
The Ancient Theatre, which has been used as a venue for ancient Greek drama in the past 2,000 years, is an ideal spot to see Greece’s dramatic history.
When you visit, you can easily imagine what took place during the Athens & Epidaurus Festival (June, July, and August), when the Ancient Theater is a stage for performances of ancient Greek drama.
The Archaeological Museum, which is located within the Sanctuary of Asklepios archaeological site, is a worthwhile stop for those interested in learning more about Epidaurus’ ancient history. The museum houses architectural elements from the Sanctuary of Asklepios as well as pottery, coins, statues and more from the excavations.
You can get to Epidaurus by yourself and spend the day roaming around the ancient city. However, the best way to experience it is by taking a full-day trip guided to Epidaurus and Mycenae with an expert and learn all the details along the way.
The Islands of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra
Three Greek Islands surround the mainland of Athens Gulf – Aegina, Poros, and Hydra, and that’s the best day cruise to join.
You should visit Aegina since it is the largest of the 3 islands, and the other 2 because it has got a very nice little town at the port and sandy beaches.
Poros is smaller and more mellow, with a cute old town and an easy Greek island feeling about it. The smallest and also perhaps most beautiful of the three, Hydra in all its whitewashed buildings and picture-perfect harbor views.
The multiple islands are all located near Athens and, as such, are convenient for day trips from Athens by ferry taking less than an hour to reach, yet all three benefit from a common history and culture.
So take it as a given that if you are planning a trip around southern Europe this is a very appealing option!
All are excellent, and it’s difficult to pick only one. For this reason, I suggest just a day tour that combines all 3 islands starting from Athens – Aegina, Poros, and last Hydra.
Mycenae
A trip to Mycenae is the perfect way to add a touch of history to your vacation in Athens.
Located about 120km (or 74 miles) drive from the city, Mycenae was once one of the most influential cities in the ancient world.
Today, it is an impressive archaeological site with many well-preserved ruins. The most famous landmark is Lion’s Gate, a massive structure built around 1250 BC.
Other highlights include the treasure-filled Tombs of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, and the impressive Acropolis. A visit to Mycenae is a great way to learn more about the ancient Greek civilization and its many wonders.
A guided tour is the greatest way to get the most out of a trip to this magnificent archaeological site. The full-day Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip departs from Athens and visits both cities together with Nafplio.
An expert in ancient Greek history leads a walking tour of Mycenae, and I’m confident this is one of the best day tours you’ll ever take, so make sure to visit Mycenae.
Meteora from Athens
Meteora is truly a unique and amazing place to visit, but despite its interesting geological features, only a few people visiting Greece know about its existence, although we can say that it is one of the must-see attractions on Earth.
Living here since the 11th century, hermit Christian monks opted to extort from the world and concentrate on God. During the 14th century, monks of the Christian Orthodox church began to establish monasteries in this region.
This unique and sacred rocky landscape in the heart of mainland Greece is crowned with six magnificent monasteries. These ancient buildings would later provide monks with isolation and spectacular views, although the journey to Meteora can be as interesting as the site itself.
Nowadays, Meteora is mostly a tourist destination and is nearly impossible to avoid if you are ever in this part of Greece. If you are looking for a truly unique experience in ancient Greece, visiting Meteora is a must-add to your list.
Initially, there were 24 monasteries built in this region. Of the 24 monasteries, only six remain, and they are now open to the public:
- Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron – It is the biggest, oldest and most visited monastery, built in the 14th century.
- Monastery of St. Stephan – The easiest monastery to reach with incredible views of the valley.
- Monastery of Varlaám – 2nd-largest monastery, and it was built in the 16th century.
- Monastery of the Holy Trinity – Stunning but inconvenient to reach as there’s a 140-step staircase. It was built in the 15th century.
- Monastery of Rousanoú – 15 nuns live here, it was built in the 16th century
- Monastery of St. Nicholas – Built in the 14th century, it features murals from 1527 made by Theophanes Strelitzas, a monk from Crete.
The monks and nuns that now live and worship at the Metéora monasteries are a tiny group. The primary activity at Metéora today is tourism, as this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular travel destination.
Due to its remote location and interesting story, you’ll want to join a day tour to Meteora from Athens. Note that 2 tour types are available – half-day and full-day trips and I highly recommend going for a full day to see all the monasteries without rushing.
Ancient Corinth and Daphni Monastery
Take a step back in time as you tour the ancient Greek city of Corinth. Once a thriving metropolis, Corinth was home to famous temples, shrines, and theatres. After driving around 85km from Athens, or a hour-drive), you’ll be able to see the remains of the ancient agora, or marketplace, and stroll through the streets.
Corinth is a bustling waterfront town with a wide range of shops, restaurants. But that’s probably not the main reason why you would come here; The Ancient Corinth archaeological site (nine kilometers from the contemporary city) is the main attraction for tourists.
From a distance, the Temple of Apollo (dating to the 5th century BC), stands on the highest point in the ancient city. The temple’s massive Doric columns, when observed more closely, give evidence to its original size and majesty.
Most of the other ruins at the site date to the 1st century AD (during the era of Roman rule), including the forum, bathhouse, theater, the temple of Octavia, and the healing Sanctuary of Asclepius.
After that, explore the Daphni Monastery, a Byzantine complex that is home to beautiful mosaics and artworks. This trip from Athens is the perfect way to experience the history and culture of Greece.
Nafplio – Greece’s Most Romantic City
Nafplio, Greece, is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the country with its neoclassical mansions and authentic, narrow streets. If you’re traveling to Greece for a special occasion, then this is an excellent pick.
The feeling of Nafplio remains the royal capital of Greece to date, in 1834 (Nafplio is Greece’s first capital). but it’s like a memory – you feel privileged to visit it like you have uncovered a hidden treasure. Mostly little alleys and appealing shops make it perfect.
Nafplio has a long and illustrious history dating back to the Prehistoric Era with the Argonautic Expedition and the Trojan War.
Later, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and especially Ottoman Turkish rules left many architectural monuments consisting of Venetian structures and bridges, and ornate Ottoman fountains, and the tranquil island is simply a photographer’s dream.
If you wish to relax on the idyllic Peloponnese beaches, the town of Nafplio is only 136 kilometers away from Athens. Alternatively, you can join a day trip from Athens to Nafplio, and that’s a good option if you have a tight schedule. What’s more, you’ll get to stop by Ancient Epidaurus, which is another incredible place to visit.
Day Trips From Athens – FAQs
Now that you know all the best tours from Athens you can join, let’s discuss some questions that first-timers in town often have, and that you may find useful too.
How Long Should You Spend in Athens?
I recommend spending 5 days in Athens – 3 days to take the main sights in, and 2 days on a tour, for instance, Meteora and the 3 islands of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra.
Athens is a city of immense history and culture, with something to offer everyone – whether you’re a history buff, neoclassical architecture lover, or a foodie willing to try local delicacies or some street food.
Should You Join a Day Trip from Athens?
Yes, joining a day trip is the most convenient option, money and time-wise. For a similar price as traveling yourself, you can enjoy the convenience of having a tour guide who knows the area and history well. Plus, you’ll likely make new friends on the tour and have a more enjoyable experience overall.
Lastly, you won’t get lost in Greece’s countryside looking for archaeological sites and museums as you’ll be taken there directly.
Are Tours from Athens Worth it?
There is no denying that Athens is an incredible city. From the Acropolis to the Parthenon, there is so much history and culture to explore. However, if you’re looking for a way to escape Athens for the day, joining a tour is definitely worth it.
Not only will you get to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Greece, but you’ll also have the chance to learn about the country’s rich history and culture. And tours in Greece aren’t expensive!
Where to Stay in Athens?
In addition to knowing which are the best excursions from Athens to take, it is important to know where to stay in Athens. Here the best options are for your trip, with accommodation that goes from a boutique hotel to cheaper places but with many services included.
Luxury: Hotel Lozenge
Mid-Range: Arethusa Hotel
Budget: Elikon
Final Thoughts
For a change of scenery, the ancient sites and islands around Athens are a perfect place to start. With so many amazing day trips just a short drive or train ride away, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
From historical sites to natural wonders, these seven destinations are sure to please. Have you been to any of them? What was your favorite part? Let me know!
