10 Best Day Trips From Athens + Tips From a Local

Athens, a city rich in history and culture, is the perfect starting point for exciting day trips. As a local, I recommend exploring nearby gems that offer a blend of ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.

Visit the majestic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, a scenic drive along the coast. Delve into history at the ancient city of Corinth, or soak in the beauty of the Saronic Gulf islands like Aegina and Hydra.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the traditional Greek life in these places, with their local cuisine, markets, and warm hospitality. Each destination is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered.

In a Nutshell

• The best guided tours for a day trip from Athens
  • Cape Sounion sunset tour with a guide (best and closest to Athens)
  • Delphi guided tour (great for history lovers)
  • Nafplio, Epidaurus, and Mycenae (enjoy history and a picturesque town)
  • Hydra, Poros, Aigina (3 islands in a day)

Best Day Trips from Athens: Explore on Your Own or Do a Tour?

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We highly recommend renting a car in Greece to make the most out of your day trip. You will be more flexible, and you can pick what you want to see along the route and for how long to stop.

Most day trips can also be done by KTEL, the long-distance public buses, or by train, but tours are usually more convenient. All options are listed for each day trip, so you can make the best decision for you.

Good to know
If you prefer to avoid driving, we have included the best tours and public transportation options for the most popular day trips from Athens.

Read also: Famous Landmarks in Greece

Regarding the Saronic Islands, usually, the tour agencies offer a day trip to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. If you go on your own, it’s best to only focus on one island. I recommend Hydra for a full-day trip, as it’s the most picturesque.

1. Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounion

Recommended tour:

• Visit the Temple of Poseidon and explore the oldest theater in the world at Thorikos. Enjoy the amazing view and watch a stunning sunset over the Aegean Sea.
• ⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  5.5 hours | 💭REVIEWERS say: Everything was amazing, I highly recommend this tour. Great value for money. | ✅Book it!

When you visit the southeastern coast of Greece, don’t miss out on exploring Cape Sounion. Witness the majestic Temple of Poseidon. The Aegean Sea is named after the fateful fall of Aegeus into the sea.

If you’re staying in Athens for two days, then that’s enough just to see the main sights with our two-day itinerary in Athens city center. If you have an extra day in Athens, then I highly recommend adding a day trip to Cape Sounion!

Do you have more days in the Greek capital? Then check out our extensive guide to the best things to do in Athens.

Tip
This is one of the best day trips from Athens! It’s just an hour’s drive from Athens, an easy day trip by the sea.

You can either take a day trip to the Temple of Poseidon or stay at one of the beachside hotels with a view of the temple. There are fish taverns nearby and beaches with clear waters, such as Sounion Beach and Kape. You’ll find all details in our guide on how to visit the Temple of Poseidon and things to do around there.

Read more: Cape Sounion

Here are three reasons why a day trip to Cape Sounion from Athens is considered one of the best day trips from Athens:

• Rich History: At Cape Sounion, you’ll find the iconic Temple of Poseidon atop a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. Built in 440 BC, it was dedicated to the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon.
• Stunning Views: Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views at Cape Sounion. Don’t forget your camera to capture this picturesque landscape.
• Mythical Legends. According to Greek mythology, King Aegeus stood on these cliffs waiting for his son Theseus, who was sent to slay the Minotaur in Crete. When Aegeus saw black sails on Theseus’ ship instead of white sails, he believed his son was dead. Aegeus then jumped into the sea in despair, giving birth to what is now known as the Aegean Sea.

How to Get to Cape Sounion from Athens

• Get a sunset tour at the Temple of Poseidon with an archaeologist guide. Sunset is the best time to visit the temple.
• Rent a car and drive there. This is by far the best option, as you get to spend the day at the beach and enjoy your day trip the most. Read more about the best beaches and where to eat on our day trip guide on Cape Sounion.
• You can get to Cape Sounion from Athens by KTEL, the long-distance public buses. There are three buses a day. You will find details on ktelattikis.gr. This is the cheapest way to visit the Temple of Poseidon, but you lose on flexibility.

Tip
I highly recommend renting a car, as you get to stop wherever you want along the Athens Riviera for a swim! You will also have the flexibility to leave whenever you want and go swimming in nearby beaches.

• Best hotels (in case you want to stay longer)
  • Luxury: Cape Sounio Grecotel Boutique Resort
  • Midrange: Aegeon Beach Hotel

Read also: Greece Travel Guide

2. Delphi

Recommended tour:

• Discover the Temple of Apollo, Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, and other fascinating sites. Take a break in Arachova to explore at your own pace and savor local delicacies.
• ⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | 💭REVIEWERS say: My husband and I love every minute of this tour. Dionysus was a great guide, very knowledgeable and passionate about his job and the history of Greece. | ✅Book it!

Explore the ancient wonders of the World Heritage site of Delphi, a town located on Mount Parnassus in mainland Greece. This was considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks.

Upon arrival in Delphi, you’ll be greeted by the Tholos of Athena Pronaia. Continue your exploration of Ancient Greece at the Sanctuary of Apollo. This is where the Oracle of Delphi once resided. Discover also the ancient theater and the stadium.

Read also: Best Time to Visit Greece

Explore artifacts at the Archaeological Museum. It houses treasures unearthed from these historical grounds. Don’t miss the statue of the Charioteer, a masterpiece of ancient Greek art.

Then go to the modern town of Delphi to enjoy some delicious Greek food and end an amazing day.

How to Get to Delphi from Athens

• Delphi from Athens is about 3 hours drive. We highly recommend renting a car to have more flexibility.
• You can take a bus from Athens Terminal Station – KTEL Liossion. You can find more details about the buses at KTEL Fokidas.
• Alternatively, you can join a guided tour.

3. Nafplio

Recommended tour:

• Join an organized tour from Athens to explore the charming town of Nafplio and the remarkable Theater of Epidaurus with a guide. Take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Karathonas Beach.
• ⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | 💭REVIEWERS say: Absolutely wonderful day! | ✅Book it!

Explore the charming coastal town of Nafplio, where you can walk on cobblestone streets, and enjoy breathtaking views of the bay and harbor. Nafplio was the first capital of modern Greece, and it’s a perfect spot for an Athens day trip.

Here are the highlights that make Nafplio special:

1. Climb up to the Fortress of Palamidi
2. Visit the tiny fortress island of Bourtzi
3. Stroll around the cobblestone streets
4. Eat at the many small, family-run restaurants where you can try Greek dishes
5. Enjoy the lovely beaches with clear water
6. Walk along the picturesque harbor

Read also: The Best Greek Islands for Beaches, Ranked

Nafplio is just a short drive from Athens, so it’s perfect for a day trip. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway or just want to explore Greece’s beauty and history, Nafplio has it all.

How to Get to Nafplio from Athens

• You can get to Nafplio by KTEL, the long-distance public buses. You can also visit Mycenae before Nafplio by KTEL, but you will have to walk for about 20 minutes to get to the site from where the bus left you and then back. It is NOT possible to combine Epidaurus by KTEL. Find more details at ktelargolida.gr.
• Alternatively, you can rent a car for more flexibility.
• A guided tour to Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio is by far the best choice for this day trip.

Tip
This is one of the most popular day trips, just a two-hour drive from Athens.

4. Mycenae

Recommended tour:

• Take a photo of the Isthmus of Corinth and discover the wonders of the Kingdom of Agamemnon, including the fascinating Mask. Immerse yourself in history while visiting the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and the coastal city of Nafplio, the first capital of Greece. A guided tour is available shared or private.
• ⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | 💭REVIEWERS say: Great! Very knowledgeable guide. Perfect amount of time to view each location. Amazing locations and a perfect way to see them! | ✅Book it!

When you head to the northeast of the Peloponnese, get ready to step back in time to the legendary city of Mycenae. It’s an important place with a lot of history. The ruins of Mycenae show us how powerful and advanced this ancient civilization once was.

As you enter the site, the Lion Gate with its stone lion sculptures welcomes you. Keep exploring, and you’ll find the impressive Treasury of Atreus, an impressive beehive tomb built with advanced architecture techniques.

Read also: Traditional Greek Food Not to Miss

Not only is Mycenae historically significant, but it also offers stunning views of the countryside. No wonder they chose this spot as a fortified citadel – it had both strategic advantages and beautiful scenery.

And don’t forget about Greek mythology! You can learn about King Agamemnon and his role in the Trojan War during your visit.

How To Get to Mycenae from Athens

• The easiest way is to visit with a guided tour or rent a car.
• You can visit Mycenae by KTEL, the long-distance public buses of Greece. The bus will leave you about 20 minutes walk from the site and then you will need to walk back to catch it again to go to Nafplio. It is NOT possible to visit Epidaurus by KTEL. You can find details on ktelargolida.gr.

Read also: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels in Athens

5. Epidaurus

Recommended tour:

• Take a photo of the Isthmus of Corinth and discover the wonders of the Kingdom of Agamemnon, including the fascinating Mask. Immerse yourself in history while visiting the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and the coastal city of Nafplio. A guided tour is available shared or private.
• ⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | 💭REVIEWERS say: Great! Very knowledgeable guide. Perfect amount of time to view each location. Amazing locations and a perfect way to see them! | ✅Book it!

Epidaurus is home to one of the largest Ancient Theatres in Greece. It is a must-visit destination for theater enthusiasts. Located in the region of Argolis, this charming town offers much more than its famous theater.

The main highlight of Epidaurus is its ancient theater. It was built in the 4th century BC and its acoustics are remarkable. This well-preserved theater can seat up to 14,000 spectators. It still hosts performances today! Imagine sitting among the ancient Greeks as you watch a play or musical performance.

You can also visit the museum located within the site to learn more about the region’s past.

Read also: Best Family Hotels in Zakynthos

Epidaurus also boasts a charming nearby town with picturesque villages and beautiful beaches. Take a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets lined with traditional houses. Indulge in fresh seafood at local tavernas.

To make the most of your visit, consider joining a guided tour from Athens that includes Epidaurus as one of its stops. Usually, the guided tours include Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio. This way, you won’t have to worry about transportation and you can fully enjoy the day trip.

How to Get to Epidaurus from Athens

• The best way to visit Epidaurus is with a guided tour to Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Nafplio.
• Alternatively, you can rent a car and plan your day as you like.
• While you can visit Mycenae and Nafplio with some limitations by KTEL, the long-distance public buses, it is NOT possible to visit the theater of Epidaurus by KTEL. There is only a bus to the theater on the days with a show leaving Athens at 17.00. It’s also not possible to combine Epidaurus with Mycenae and Nafplio even on those days, as these are different routes by KTEL. You can find details on ktelargolida.gr.

6. Island of Hydra

Recommended tour:

• Go on a fun day cruise from Athens to visit three islands: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. On the cruise ship’s open deck, you can see the beautiful Greek coast.
• ⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | 💭REVIEWERS say: Glorious day with a caring crew, well informed guide, and best cook ever! It was a day packed full of delicious food and breathtaking views, and good fun. | ✅Book it!

Hydra is a peaceful Greek island getaway from busy Athens, and it’s perfect for a day trip. When you arrive by ferry, you’ll see a beautiful harbor with colorful buildings and traditional stone houses.

Tip
A day trip to Hydra is a great way to spend a day on a Greek island away from Athens. Although it’s near Athens, it’s one of the best Athens day trips: it’s like you’re in another universe!

One special thing about Hydra is that there are no cars, making it even more serene. You can explore the island on foot or ride a donkey for a unique experience. With its charming architecture and lovely beach coves, Hydra is a popular destination to relax and enjoy nature in the Saronic Gulf.

Read also: Best Things to Do in Lefkada

Here are three reasons why Hydra should be at the top of your list for day trips from Athens:

• Discover the beauty of Hydra, with its amazing architecture that has stayed the same for hundreds of years. The narrow cobblestone streets lead to whitewashed houses covered in colorful bougainvilleas, and there are elegant Venetian-style mansions to admire, too.
• You can escape to Hydra’s beach coves, where you’ll find clear turquoise waters and cliffs
• Hydra has also been a favorite place for artists and musicians to find inspiration. You can visit art galleries and enjoy live music in cozy tavernas. Sometimes, you might even see talented musicians having a spontaneous jam session by the waterfront!

Tip
If you opt to visit only one of the Saronic Islands near Athens, Hydra would be my recommendation!

Joining a day tour from Athens to Hydra is an absolute treat. You’ll experience a perfect mix of stunning nature, rich culture, and peaceful vibes that will make you want to stay longer. Just take a ferry and explore this hidden gem, not far from the bustling city of Athens.

How to Get to Hydra from Athens

• The best way to maximize the number of islands you can see is by taking a guided tour of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.
• Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the port of Piraeus—in this case, I recommend only going to Hydra.

7. Island of Poros

Recommended tour:

• Go on one of the most popular day tours from Athens to visit three islands: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. On the cruise ship’s open deck, you can see the beautiful Greek coast.
• ⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | 💭REVIEWERS say: Glorious day with a caring crew, well informed guide, and best cook ever! It was a day packed full of delicious food and breathtaking views, and good fun. | ✅Book it!

When you arrive at Poros, get ready for a day full of beautiful beaches and ancient treasures. This lovely island is just a short ferry ride from Athens, making it a perfect day trip. You’ll be enchanted by its pretty buildings and calm beaches, which offer a nice break from the busy city.

Climb up to the Clock Tower to enjoy the panoramic view. You can also visit the Zoodochos Pigi Monastery. Love Bay and Askeli are the two most popular beaches.

A great thing about Poros is that it’s close to other islands. You can easily take a boat and visit Aegina or even go to Hydra for more island fun.

How to Get to Poros from Athens

• The best way to maximize the number of islands you can see is by taking a guided tour of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.
• Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the port of Piraeus—in this case, I recommend only going to Hydra.

8. Island of Aegina

Recommended tour:

• Go on a fun cruise from Athens to visit three islands: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. On the cruise ship’s open deck, you can see the beautiful Greek coast.
• ⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  12 hours | 💭REVIEWERS say: Glorious day with a caring crew, well informed guide, and best cook ever! It was a day packed full of delicious food and breathtaking views, and good fun. | ✅Book it!

As you step onto the shores of Poros, get ready for breathtaking beach views. And don’t forget to also explore its nearby neighbor, Aegina! There’s so much to discover on these beautiful islands!

Here are four reasons why Aegina should be on your list of must-visit day trips from Athens:

1. Aegina is a short ferry ride away from Piraeus port, making it easy to visit for a day trip from Athens.
2. You can explore the charming town, see historical places like the Temple of Aphaia, and try yummy local food at waterfront restaurants.
3. Whether you like ancient ruins or just want to relax by the sea, Aegina has something for everyone.

If you want to visit multiple islands in one day, join a tour that includes Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. These tours usually have guided sightseeing, transportation between islands, and enough time to enjoy the beauty of each place. It’s a great way to see more in a single day!

How to Get to Aegina from Athens

• The best way to maximize the number of islands you can see is by taking a guided tour of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.
• Alternatively, you can get a ferry from Piraeus.

9. Corinth

Recommended tour:

• Join an exciting half-day tour of Ancient Corinth! You’ll see the famous Corinth Canal, visit the town of Corinth, which has an ancient marketplace, and explore Apollo’s Temple.
• ⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  6 hours | 💭REVIEWERS say: Wonderful half day trip! Great experience to see the beautiful scenery on the way and have a wonderful tour of ancient Corinth. | ✅Book it!

Now, let’s talk about another popular day trip from Athens: Corinth! It’s not far from Athens and has a mix of history and beautiful nature.

Corinth is an important ancient city known for its wealth and strength. Two main highlights are Acrocorinth, a fortified hill with amazing views, and the Ancient Corinth archaeological site, where you can explore well-preserved ruins like temples and theaters.

When you go to Corinth, you must see the incredible Corinth Canal. It’s a man-made canal that connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. It’s an amazing engineering feat that lets ships avoid sailing around the Peloponnese Peninsula. It’s a landmark of engineering ingenuity!

Tip
You can go bungy jumping from the Corinth Canal!

Afterward, stroll around the modern city of Corinth. Loutraki is also pretty close if you’re looking for another seaside town in the area.

How to Get to Corinth from Athens

• The easiest option is to go on a guided tour to Ancient Corinth with a stop at the Corinth Canal
• Rent a car and explore the area around Corinth. This is also an easy option.
• You can reach Ancient Corinth and the museum via the Athens Suburban Railway Network (Proastiakos) from Larissis Station, taking the route from Athens International Airport to Kiato Corinth and stopping at the Corinth station. There are trains that run about every hour, and you can find details on the official website hellenictrain.gr. Then, once you’re in Corinth, you have to get a taxi or a local bus to Ancient Corinth
• You can reach Corinth by KTEL, the long-distance public bus. You will find details on ktelkorinthias.gr. Then, you will need to get a taxi to reach Ancient Corinth.

10. Meteora

Recommended tour:

• Enjoy the panoramic views and snap pictures of Meteora. Explore three of the area’s six monasteries and stop at the Hermit Caves.
• ⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  14 hours | 💭REVIEWERS say: Such an amazing thing to see! The train ride was long but not too bad. I recommend bringing phone charger with European outlet as there were outlets on the train. | ✅Book it!

Explore the awe-inspiring region of Metéora. Where monasteries perch atop towering rock formations with breathtaking views. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit as a day trip from Athens.

The must-visit monasteries are the Great Meteoron Monastery, the Varlaam Monastery, and the Holy Trinity Monastery.

If you stay for more than a day, we highly recommend hitting the hiking trails. Enjoy traditional Greek food at Kalambaka, the main town in the area.

Tip
Meteora is 4 hours from Athens – and another 4 hours to get back to Athens. I highly recommend renting a car and staying for at least a night to get the most out of it!

How to Get to Meteora from Athens

• Best option: Book a guided tour to Meteora. These tours also use trains, but then you will have a minibus waiting for you at Kalabaka train station to take you to the monasteries and a guide to show you around. This is the most convenient option for a day trip (and probably the only option that makes sense for a day trip)
• You can also rent a car. This is a good option if you are staying longer than a day and want to explore the area. If you do have more time, drive from Athens to Delphi and spend the night there. Then, continue to Meteora the following day.
• Trains to Meteora leave from the Larissis train station in Athens. The stop is Kalabaka train station. See the official website hellenictrain.gr for schedules. The trip from Athens to Meteora by train takes about 4 hours. Try to take a direct train (IC). While it is possible in theory, I would not recommend this. You would need to book a taxi to take you to Meteora from Kalambaka and around.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive from Athens to Delphi?

The trip from Athens to Delphi is around 2.5 hours. The journey covers a distance of approximately 181 km on the National Greek Road, offering magnificent mountain views along the way.

What are some activities you can do in Nafplio?

In Nafplio, you can wander through charming cobblestone streets, explore cute stores and family-owned restaurants, and soak in the secluded bay and harborfront views. Don’t miss the Archeological Museum for a dose of history, Palamydi, and the Bourtzi Castle.

How many monasteries are open for public visits in Meteora?

Six monasteries in Meteora are open for public visits. These impressive structures perched on top of rocks offer breathtaking views and activities like hiking and rock climbing. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!

What is the significance of Mycenae in Greek history?

Mycenae holds great significance in Greek history as it is associated with King Agamemnon and the Trojan War. It features iconic Greek landmarks such as the Lion Gate and the Treasury of Atreus, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

We use this search engine to book our ferry tickets. They compare all companies and you get the best deal. You can also find all indirect connections between islands, which makes island-hopping super easy!

Book ferry tickets here

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