When most people think of Athens, they think of the Acropolis and ancient ruins, and for obvious reasons. But there is so much more to Greece than that. And taking one of the day trips from Athens is a great way to explore around.
You see, Greece has 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and you don’t want to miss them, so taking day trips from Athens is a fantastic option.
The UNESCO-listed Monastery of Delphi, the inspiring Kaisariani Monastery, the hiker’s paradise of Mount Parnitha, and the gorgeous Lake Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera coast are all short-day trips, and you can take a bus or rent a car.
For other destinations, however, you’ll want to join a day tour from Athens as they’re further away. Alternatively, you can take public transportation and spend the night there – for instance, in Nafplio.
If you’re looking for a unique day trip from Athens, here are 7 ideas you can’t miss!
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
Joining a guided day trip to Delphi is the perfect way to explore the stunning scenery and the city’s ancient history. The ancient Greek ruins of Delphi are located in a stunning natural setting between the 2 peaks of Mount Parnassus.
Start your day at the Temple of Apollo, one of the most well-preserved sites from classical Greece. Then explore the Delphi Archaeological Museum, where you can see artifacts from the city’s long history.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi’s Archaeological Site, is one of the most significant Greek religious sites from the 6th century BC. Pilgrims traveled to Delphi to hear the oracle of Apollo (a prophetess who was said to channel the words of Apollo) speak at its Temple of Apollo.
Delphi is a unique site to behold, and you will certainly not regret spending the day here. That being said, it’s a 2.5-hour trip from Athens and I recommend booking a tour from Athens.
Besides learning everything about Delphi, the driver will go through the most beautiful scenery, the village of Arachova, and you’ll have incredible memories to take back home.
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 Theater, 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
Aegina, Poros, and Hydra are three Greek islands that offer travelers a unique and memorable experience and are pretty close to Athens. Aegina is the largest and most popular of the three, with its lively port town and sandy beaches.
Poros is smaller and more relaxed, with a charming old town and tranquil island atmosphere. Hydra is the smallest and most picturesque of the three, with its whitewashed buildings and stunning harbor views.
All three islands are located close to Athens, making them easy to reach by ferry in less than an hour. And although each island has its own distinct character, they all share a common history and culture. Visitors to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra will find themselves captivated by the islands’ natural beauty and the locals’ warm hospitality.
Needless to say, if you plan a trip around southern Europe, this is one option you should definitely consider.
It’s difficult to decide which one to visit as they’re all stunning and have different features, but it’s challenging to go to them in one day alone due to the ferry’s availability.
For this reason, I recommend taking a day tour to all 3 islands from Athens – Aegina, Poros, and 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 that sheds light on the importance of the ruins and provides fascinating anecdotes.
Meteora from Athens
Meteora is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring places on earth. The Metéora monasteries rise from a dreamy plain of rocky megaliths in the Thessaly Valleys.
As early as the 11th century, Christian hermits fled to this distant corner of Greece to withdraw from the world and contemplate God. Monks of the Christian Orthodox church began constructing monasteries in this area during the 14th century.
This rocky landscape in central Greece is home to a series of monasteries perched atop stone towers for centuries. The views from these ancient buildings are truly breathtaking, and the history of the monasteries is fascinating.
Today, Meteora is a popular tourist destination, and is well worth a visit. If you want an unforgettable experience, be sure to add Meteora to your travel list.
Initially, there were 24 monasteries in Meteroa, constructed into dizzying cliffs or perched atop towering sandstone formations that reached a height of 300 meters. Out of the 24 monasteries, six are still standing and accessible to visitors:
- Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron – Largest of the monasteries, 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 reachable by a pedestrian bridge and it was built in the 16th century.
- Monastery of the Holy Trinity – Stunning but inconvenient to reach since it has 140 step staircase. It was built in the 15th century.
- Monastery of Rousanoú – Home to 15 nuns, it was built in the 16th century and the views from here are magnificent to say the least.
- 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 and 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 Romantic City and Former Capital
Nafplio, Greece, is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Greece. The Venetian-style homes lining the streets, the view of the Aegean Sea from atop the Palamidi fortress, and the fragrant orange blossoms everywhere create an atmosphere that is like something out of a fairytale.
Nafplio was once the capital of Greece, until 1834, and it still has a regal feeling that makes it seem like a hidden gem. With its narrow alleys, quaint shops, and lovely cafes, Nafplio feels like a European village that time has forgotten.
It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the best that Greece has to offer.
Nafplio has a long and illustrious history dating back to the Prehistoric Era with the Argonautic Expedition and the Trojan War.
Later, the Romans, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetians, and the Ottoman Turks left their architecture on a variety of monuments: Venetian structures, ornate Ottoman fountains and domed Turkish mosques.
In Greece’s Peloponnese region, Nafplio is about 136 kilometers from the capital city of Athens. It’s a wonderful place to stay for a few days and explore the archaeological sites of Mycenae (21 kilometers) and Epidaurus (35 kilometers).
Alternatively, for those with limited time in Greece or that don’t want to stay out of the capital more than a day, taking a day trip from Athens to Nafplio is the best option. 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, architecture enthusiast, foodie or shopaholic. However, it can also be a city of overwhelming heat, noise, and pollution.
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 professional 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?
Apart from knowing the best trips from Athens, you should also know the accommodation options. These are the best properties for each budget, from a boutique hotel to more affordable options.
Luxury: Hotel Lozenge
In Athens’ upscale Kolonaki area, Hotel Lozenge offers modern, air-conditioned rooms and suites with free WiFi, balconies, and a coffee machine. It features a Mediterranean bar-restaurant and is a short walk from the city center and other restaurants and bars.
Amenities include a 24-hour front desk and airport transfers (extra charge). It’s near Zappion National Garden and Kolonaki Square, with Elefthérios Venizélos Airport 38 km away.
Mid-Range: Arethusa Hotel
Arethusa Hotel, next to Athens’ Old Town and 50 meters from Syntagma Metro, provides air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, TV, and fridge. It offers an American breakfast buffet, a bar, and a roof garden with Acropolis views.
The 24-hour front desk assists with car rentals and local information. Near Ermou Street’s shops, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Acropolis.
Budget: Elikon
Elikon in central Athens is just a 3-minute walk from Omonoia Metro Station, close to shops and restaurants. It offers simple, balcony-equipped rooms with free WiFi, TV, and wardrobe.
Early check-in and late check-out facility for shower and toilet use is available. Near the National Archaeological Museum, Syntagma Square, Acropolis Hill, and Ermou shopping street. Private parking is available nearby at an extra charge.
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!
