10 Best Day Trips from Athens

This article may contain affiliate links.

Updated: June 2, 2025

If you're planning a trip to Athens, you definitely shouldn’t miss some of the amazing places nearby—whether for their historical significance or stunning natural beauty.

In this article, I share the most interesting and beautiful spots based on my personal experience living in Greece. At the end of the post, you’ll find a map with all the places I mention.

Best Day Trips from Athens

1. Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is one of the most popular day tours from Athens, mostly because it’s close—just 70 km (about 43 miles) from the city—making it perfect for a half-day visit.

The main highlight here is the Temple of Poseidon, an ancient Greek structure located on a rocky cliff with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.

The temple dates back to the 5th century BC and was dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea. Its hilltop location offers incredible views, especially at sunset.

👍 Fun fact: This temple is part of the Sacred Triangle, along with the Acropolis of Athens and Delphi—sites that held deep historical and spiritual meaning in ancient Greece.

At Cape Sounion, you can also relax at the nearby beach or go for a swim. There are a few traditional tavernas right by the sea where you can enjoy tasty local dishes—especially fish, seafood, and octopus—while soaking in the view.

When I visited, it wasn’t too crowded since it wasn’t peak season, but in the summer it can get packed at sunset. If you want to skip the crowds, go earlier in the day—just keep in mind the sunset views are hard to beat.

✔️ Practical Info

• How to get there: You can drive or join this tour to Cape Sounion —that’s what I did. Super easy and affordable.
• Opening Hours: 9:30 am to sunset
• Entrance Fee: 20 euros

👍 My two cents: If you want to stay connected in Greece, 🤳 I recommend this eSIM for Greece. Click on that links for a 5% discount.

2. Delphi

Of all the day trips from Athens, this one’s a favorite. It’s also one of the top tourist destinations in Greece, and I highly recommend it if you’re into ancient Greek history.

Delphi is an archaeological site about 180 km northwest of Athens, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. In ancient times, it was known for its oracle—people came from all over to get divine advice.

Some of the most impressive structures include the Temple of Apollo, the theater, the stadium, and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia.

The Temple of Apollo is the main site. It’s where the priestess known as the Pythia gave her famous prophecies.

Your ticket also includes entry to the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which has amazing sculptures, reliefs, and other artifacts.

Besides the ruins, Delphi is surrounded by beautiful nature, with views of Mount Parnassus and the Pleistos Valley. There's also a viewpoint in town that overlooks the Gulf of Corinth—absolutely stunning.

🏃‍♀️ Tip for Active Travelers: If you like hiking, there are several trails for all levels. I haven’t gone hiking there yet, but you can check all the routes on Wikiloc website.

✔️ Practical Info

• How to get there: By car it takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. There’s also a bus for 15 euros. The easiest option is to join this day-trip—that’s what I did. It includes entry tickets, a guided tour, and a photo stop in Arachova.
• Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Entrance Fee: 20 euros

3. Meteora

If I had to recommend just one day trip from Athens, Meteora would be it—no question. It’s absolutely one of the most breathtaking places in Greece.

You might be wondering why it’s number three on this list. The reason is that it’s not exactly close to Athens (about 350 km away), and if you want to visit on your own, you’ll need to stay overnight. If you only have one day, the only real option is to go with an organized tour—I’ll explain more below.

Meteora is an incredible group of monasteries built on top of giant rock pillars.

Originally, there were 24 monasteries in the area, but today only six are still active and open to visitors. Some of the most well-known ones are the Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, and Roussanou Monastery.

Besides visiting the monasteries, Meteora is also perfect for hiking and soaking up the views of this amazing landscape.

A trip to Meteora combines history, architecture, and nature—but what really blows you away are the dramatic natural surroundings. It’s truly unforgettable. 😍

✔️ Practical Info

• Car and Public Transport: The best way to go is by car, especially if you want to take your time, maybe visit places like Delphi along the way, and stay overnight. You can also get there by public transport, but just a heads-up—it’s a long trip: about 5 hours each way. So if you go this route, plan on spending the night.
• Tour: If you only have one day and you're staying in Athens, the most realistic option is to take a tour. I joined this one, and it was great. Everything was super easy—they picked me up and dropped me off, and even transportation between the monasteries was included. You can check availability below.
• Monastery hours: They open between 9:00 and 10:00 am and close between 3:30 and 5:00 pm. Each one is closed one day a week, which varies from one to the next.
• Entrance Fee: 5 euros

4. Beaches in Athens

If you’re visiting Athens and want to go for a swim, relax by the sea, or even try some water sports, there are several beaches not far from the city.

🔹 Here are some of the best beaches near Athens:

1. Glyfada Beach: One of the most popular beaches with both locals and visitors in the Attica region. It’s about 15 km south of Athens and easy to reach by tram, bus, or car from the city center. It’s a golden sandy beach with crystal-clear water, surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and shops. Great for relaxing, sunbathing, and trying activities like windsurfing or paddleboarding.
2. Vouliagmeni Beach: Located about 20 km southeast of Athens, this beach is known for its natural beauty and calm waters. It’s in a protected bay, which makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Nearby, you’ll also find Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural thermal lake that’s said to have healing properties.
3. Varkiza Beach: Around 25 km southeast of Athens, this is another favorite among locals. It has a wide sandy area, shallow waters, and plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Along the coast, you’ll find lots of Greek seafood restaurants and beach bars—perfect for a delicious meal. 😋

✔️ How to Get to the Beaches in Athens

You can reach the beaches by car or public transport like the tram, bus, or metro.

But in my experience, the best way is to take the Athens hop-on hop-off bus—it’s super affordable (I paid 15 euros). It not only takes you around the city, but also to the coast and the port. It’s a great way to combine sightseeing with beach time and make the most of your day.

You can take the Yellow or the Blue line—each one has a different route, in the links you can check availability, stops, and book your ticket.

5. Greek Islands

If you only have one day to visit the Greek islands during your trip, I recommend taking a one-day cruise around the Saronic Gulf to visit three islands.

Going to the farther islands in a single day isn’t really doable—you’d spend most of your time just getting there and back, plus dealing with transportation once you arrive.

The cruise around the Saronic Gulf is a popular boat trip from Athens that takes you to three beautiful islands: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.

1. Hydra: This island is truly unique—there are no cars or motorbikes here, so people get around on foot, by donkey, or water taxi. The traditional stone houses and narrow cobblestone streets give it a charming, nostalgic feel. Hydra is known as a bohemian escape for artists and writers, and its harbor lined with tavernas, cafés, and boutique shops is incredibly picturesque. Other highlights include little chapels, monasteries, and scenic beaches.
2. Poros: A smaller island known for its pine forests, olive groves, and clear water—perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The main town sits on a peninsula and is famous for its old clock tower that rises above the white-roofed houses. Don’t miss St. George’s Church, the ancient Temple of Poseidon, and the panoramic views from Mount Sfairia.
3. Aegina: This island is famous for its pistachios and for having one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece—the Temple of Aphaia. The main town, also called Aegina, has a lively harbor and a charming central square. You’ll find narrow streets full of shops and restaurants where you can try different dishes and delicious local pistachio products.

👍 Friendly Tip: If you care about animals, avoid riding the donkeys. It might seem harmless, but it’s actually a form of animal abuse.

✔️ How to visit the Saronic Islands

• Boat trip: This Saronic Gulf Islands cruise is a great way to escape the city and enjoy the sea. It’s a solid option which includes lunch.
• Ferry: If you want to go on your own, just keep in mind that visiting all three islands by ferry in one day isn’t possible. At most, you’d be able to visit one. On this site, you can check ferry times, prices, and book your trip.
• Rent a boat: The most flexible option is renting a boat. In Greece, you can rent boats without a boating license at pretty good prices. You can also find sailboats and catamarans. If you want to rent a boat in Athens, I recommend this website —it has great prices, reliable people, and the boats are in excellent shape.

⭐ Related article: 6 Best Places to Rent a Boat in Greece

🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, use this link from Booking to get 15% off your stay.

6. Olympia

Olympia is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, located in the Peloponnese, about 320 kilometers west of Athens. It’s best known as the birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games.

Some of the main highlights are the Olympia Stadium, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, and the Philippeion.

The Olympia Stadium is especially impressive—it’s where the first Ancient Olympic Games took place in 776 BC.

Another must-visit is the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which has a fantastic collection of ancient artifacts, including sculptures, pottery, and tools used in the Olympic Games.

Besides its historical importance, Olympia is surrounded by beautiful scenery, with views of Mount Olympus and the nearby valley. If you enjoy hiking, there are several great trails in and around the archaeological site.

✔️ Practical Info

• How to get there: You can drive in about 4 to 5 hours (I recommend using this website to find good car rental deals in Greece). There’s also a bus, which takes at least 5 hours and 50 minutes and costs around 28 euros one way. Ideally, stay at least one night to explore more of the Peloponnese—like the ones I mention in the following points.
• Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Entrance Fee: 20 euros

7. Mycenae

Mycenae is a major archaeological site in the northeastern Peloponnese, about 120 kilometers southwest of Athens. It’s known for being one of the main Bronze Age civilizations in Greece and the legendary home of King Agamemnon.

The site includes the Cyclopean Walls, the Lion Gate, Grave Circles A and B, and the Treasury of Atreus, among other landmarks.

The Cyclopean Walls are especially impressive—built with huge stone blocks that weigh several tons. The Lion Gate is also a highlight, with two lions carved in relief above the entrance.

Mycenae’s strategic location has also beautiful views of the Argolic Gulf and Mount Arachnaion.

✔️ Practical Info

• How to get there: You can drive or take a bus—it takes at least 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs from 12 euros each way. You can check schedules and buy tickets here. Another option is this tour, which is the one I took—it also includes Epidaurus and Nafplio, which I’ll talk about next. The tour doesn’t cover entry tickets, but it’s still cheaper than taking the bus, and it lets you visit three places in one day. You can check availability below. Or you can join this day-trip that goes to Corinth instead of Nafplio.
• Opening Hours: From 8 a.m., with closing time depending on the season—between 6 and 8 p.m..
• Entrance Fee: 20 euros

8. Epidaurus

Epidaurus is surrounded by the mountains of the Peloponnese, about 130 kilometers from Athens. This ancient site is famous for its stunning theater and its connection to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.

Here, you can visit the Theater of Epidaurus, the Temple of Asclepius, the Tholos of Epidaurus, and the Archaeological Museum, among other spots.

The massive theater is especially impressive—with incredible acoustics and room for 14,000 spectators. It’s considered one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Greece and is still used today for plays and cultural events in the summer.

✔️ Practical Info

• How to get there: You can drive or take a bus—it takes at least 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs from 12 euros each way. You can check schedules and book your ticket here. Another option is this tour I mentioned earlier, which includes Mycenae and Nafplio, or this other one which includes Corinth.
• Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Entrance Fee: 20 euros

9. Nafplion

Nafplio is a charming coastal town in the Peloponnese, about 150 kilometers southwest of Athens. It’s one of the most picturesque towns in Greece and a romantic destinations with lots of history.

The old town is full of cobblestone streets, neoclassical houses, and beautiful squares. Highlights include Syntagma Square, the Palamidi Fortress, and Bourtzi Island.

Palamidi Fortress is a Venetian fortress sitting on a hill with stunning views of the town and sea. To get there, you’ll need to climb 999 steps—totally worth it! If that sounds like too much, you can also take a taxi to the top.

Bourtzi Island sits in Nafplio’s harbor and is another popular spot. The small island is home to a Venetian fortress that once served as a prison and now hosts cultural events and summer concerts.

In Nafplio, you can also relax on the beaches, take boat trips along the coast, and enjoy delicious local food at traditional Greek tavernas.

✔️ How to get to Nafplio

To get to Nafplio from Athens, you can drive—it takes about 2 hours. If you’re looking for a good rental deal, I recommend using this website—I’ve found the best prices there.

There are also buses from Athens to Nafplio that take at least 1 hour and 30 minutes—at least in theory. In my experience, it’s more like 2 hours 😅. Tickets start at 12 euros, and you can check schedules and book on this website.

Still, the easiest and most budget-friendly way to make the most of your trip is to join this tour to Nafplio, Mycenae, and Epidaurus I mentioned earlier.

10. Corinth

Corinth is an ancient Greek city located on the Isthmus of Corinth, about 80 kilometers from Athens. It’s a popular place to visit thanks to its rich history and archaeological ruins.

At the site, you’ll find the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Peirene Fountain, and the remains of the ancient city. The Temple of Apollo really stands out, with its well-preserved Doric columns next to a scenic landscape.

Another must-see nearby is the Corinth Canal, the narrowest in the world. It’s a popular photo stop and a pretty unique place to check out.

✔️ Practical Info

• How to get there: You can drive or take the train—it takes about 1 hour and costs around 9 euros. If you prefer a guided tour, I recommend this one, that includes Nafplio, or this other one with visits to Mycenae and Epidaurus.
• Opening Hours: From 8 AM, with closing time between 5 and 8 PM depending on the season
• Entrance Fee: 15 euros (for the archaeological site); the canal viewpoint is free.

✅ Friendly Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 5% off.

Map

Final Thoughts

These are the best day-trips from Athens—a nice mix of options, and I’m sure you’ll find something that sparks your interest.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

More about Athens

More about Greece