10 Best Day Tours from Athens

Updated: 2 October, 2024

If you are going to travel to Athens you cannot miss making some nearby visits that are very worthwhile, either for their historical importance or for their unparalleled natural beauty.

In this article I tell you which are the most interesting and beautiful, all based on my experience of living in Greece currently. At the end of the article I leave you a map with each of the places I mention.

1-day tours from Athens

1. Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is one of the most popular visits from Athens, one of the reasons is its proximity, it is only 70 km from Athens and is ideal for a half-day excursion.

The main attraction of Cape Sounion is the Temple of Poseidon, an ancient Greek structure located atop a rocky cliff with panoramic views over the Aegean Sea.

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

👍 Fun fact: this temple belongs to Sacred Triangle, next to the Acropolis of Athens and Delphi, places with deep historical and religious significance in the ancient Greek civilization.

At Cape Sounion, you can also enjoy the nearby beach to relax and take a dip. There are several Greek taverns right there to enjoy Greek culinary delights, where fish, shellfish and octopus stand out, while you contemplate the beautiful landscape.

When I was there there weren't that many people because it wasn't high season, but in summer at sunset a real crowd can gather. To avoid crowds you can go early, but the views are not as beautiful as at sunset.

Practical Tips

• How to get there : the alternatives are to go by car or with this tour to Cape Sounion which is the one I did, which is practical and very economical.
• Opening Hours: 9:30 until sunset
• Entry Fee:: 10 euros (10.8 USD)

2. Delphi

Of all the excursions near Athens, this is one of the best and it is one of the main Greek tourist destinations, which I recommend not to miss if you are interested in the history of ancient Greece.

Delphi is an archaeological site located approximately 180 kilometers northwest of Athens, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. This site was famous for being the home of the oracle where the ancient Greeks sought divine advice.

In the archaeological site some of the most interesting buildings are the Temple of Apollo, the theater, the stadium and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia.

The Temple of Apollo is the most important building and is believed to be the place where the priestess of Apollo, known as the Pythia, pronounced her prophecies.

Then, the same ticket helps you visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, where there are interesting sculptures, bas-reliefs and various artifacts.

In addition to the ancient ruins, Delphi is located in a place of beautiful natural landscapes, with views of Mount Parnassus and the Pleistos Valley. From the city there is an area with spectacular views towards the Gulf of Corinth.

🏃‍♀️ Tip for Active Travelers: If you like hiking, there are several routes for all levels. I haven't had a chance to hike there yet, but you can see them on the Wikiloc website.

Practical Tips

• How to get there : If you are going by car, allow 2.5 to 3 hours. There are also buses that take you there, which cost 15 euros (16.2 USD) per trip. The practical alternative is to join this 1-day excursion , which is what I did. It includes the entrance fee and the guided tour, as well as a stop in Arachova to take photos.
• Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Entry Fee:: 12 euros (13 USD)

3. Meteora

If I have to recommend just one visit from Athens, Meteora is without a doubt the best visit, an essential place in Greece with breathtaking landscapes.

You are probably wondering why it is in third place in this article. The reason is because it is not that close to Athens (about 350 km) and if you want to go on your own you will need to spend the night there. If you only have one day, the only option is to go with an organized tour, I will tell you the details below.

Meteora is an impressive monastery complex situated atop massive rock pillars.

Originally, 24 monasteries were built in the area, but today only six are active and open to the public. Some of the most notable monasteries include the Great Meteora Monastery, the Varlaam Monastery and the Roussanou Monastery.

In addition to exploring the monasteries, Meteora is a great area for hiking and enjoying the panoramic views of this unique landscape.

The visit to Meteora combines history, architecture, but what is most surprising are the unique natural landscapes in this world that will not leave you indifferent. 😍

How to go to Meteora

1. Car : If you want to explore the area at your leisure, it is best to drive and spend at least one night there. Going, visiting and returning in the same day is a bit tight, because you have to calculate between 4 and 5 hours each way. You can also take advantage of your visit to Meteora to go to other places, including Delphi. To find rental cars in Greece at a good price, I recommend this search engine, which is where I found the cheapest ones.
2. Public transport : The first time I went to Meteora many years ago, it was by train from Athens to Kalambaka, but now this train line is under construction and you have to make the journey by combining the train and a bus, it takes about 5 hours and the ticket costs 33 Euros (35.7 USD) per trip. You can buy the ticket here.
3. Meteora Tour : This is the most practical solution to visit Meteora from Athens in 1 day, which includes transportation and a guide in English. This is how I went recently, and it was a really good experience to take the worry out of everything, even the transportation between the monasteries and the guide made it very pleasant. Below you can see the availability.

Where to stay in Meteora

If you go by public transport or by car, you will need to spend a night in the area. You can choose Kalambaka for practicality, because it is the main city and where public transport reaches.

If not, the alternative is to stay in Kastriki, a charming little town next to Meteora, which is where I stayed.

Below I leave you hotel recommendations in both places and I have marked them on the map at the end of the article:

• Kalambaka : Monastiri Guesthouse is very well located in the center, with spacious rooms and a beautiful swimming pool, if you go in summer it is something you will appreciate being able to take a dip after the visits.
• Kastraki : The Little Gem Under The Rocks is a typical village house, it is renovated and very comfortable, and it is also very close to some monasteries.

Practical Tips

• What to bring: comfortable footwear and clothing that covers you to enter the monasteries, this is a requirement for men and women. Also, women need a headscarf to enter.
• When to go: During the year the landscapes change color a lot and temperatures vary a lot, my recommendation is that if you can choose, go in spring or autumn, which are the best seasons. In winter it can be very cold, although seeing Meteora with snow is beautiful and then, in summer, the climbs to the monasteries are overwhelming due to the heat.
• Monastery hours: Each one has its own schedule with openings between 9 and 10 and closing between 3:30 and 5 p.m. In addition, they close 1 day a week and they rotate, it is likely that the day you go one of the monasteries will be closed.
• Entry Fee:: 3 euros (3.3 USD) and paid in cash

4. Beaches of Athens

If you are going to visit Athens and you want to visit a beach to take a dip, enjoy a moment of relaxation and even do water sports, there are several beaches not far from Athens.

Below are some of the best beaches in Athens:

1. Glyfada Beach: is one of the most popular beaches among locals and cosmopolitans in the Attica region. It is located about 15 kilometers south of Athens and is easily accessible by tram, bus or car from the center of Athens. This is a beach with golden sand and crystal-clear water. In addition, it is surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes and shops. It is an ideal place to relax, sunbathe and enjoy water activities such as windsurfing and paddleboarding.
2. Vouliagmeni Beach: Located about 20 kilometers southeast of Athens, Vouliagmeni Beach is known for its natural beauty and calm waters. This beach is located in a sheltered bay and the conditions are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Additionally, near the beach is Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural lagoon with thermal waters believed to have healing properties.
3. Varkiza Beach: Located about 25 kilometers southeast of Athens, Varkiza Beach is another popular choice among Athenians. This beach has a wide strip of sand, shallow waters and a sun lounger and umbrella rental service. Along the coast, there are numerous Greek bars and restaurants specializing in seafood, where the food is very good. 😋

How to go to the beaches of Athens

To visit the beaches of Athens you can arrive by car or by public transport with the tram, bus or metro.

Although in my experience, the best alternative is to go with the Athens tourist bus, which are very cheap (it cost me 15 euros / 16.3 USD). This bus that helps you visit the city, reaching the coast and the port, is an excellent alternative to combine historical visits with relaxing on the beach and having a great day.

You can go with the Yellow line or the Blue line , each one has a different route, in the links you can see the availability, the stops and book right there.

5. Cruise to the Greek Islands (blue on the map)

If you only have one day to dedicate to the Greek islands on your trip to Greece, I recommend taking a day cruise along the Saronic Gulf to see three islands.

Furthermore, in one day it is impossible to visit the most distant islands, you would spend the day between round-trip transportation and internal transportation on the islands.

The Saronic Gulf Islands Cruise is a sea excursion from Athens and the most popular one that takes you to three beautiful islands: Hydra, Poros and Aegina.

1. Hydra: It is a very unique island where there are no motorized land vehicles, which means that the main transportation is on foot, by donkey or by water taxi. Its traditional architecture, with stone houses and cobbled alleys, creates a charming and nostalgic atmosphere. Hydra is known as a bohemian haven for artists and writers, and its harbor full of taverns, cafes and boutique shops is very picturesque. Other notable points are its chapels, monasteries and beautiful beaches.
2. pores: It is a smaller island known for its pine forests, olive groves, and crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. The main city of Poros is located on a peninsula with a historic clock towering over the roofs of white houses. Some of the most iconic places on the island are the Church of St. George, the ancient temple of Poseidon and the panoramic views from Mount Sfairia.
3. Aegina: is famous for its pistachios and for housing the best preserved temple of ancient Greece: the Temple of Aphaea. Its main town, also called Aegina, has a lively port and a charming central square. Its narrow streets are full of shops and restaurants where you can try different dishes and local products made with pistachios.

👍 Friend's tip: If you can, avoid getting on the donkeys that are used as a means of transportation. It is something that catches the attention of many tourists and may seem harmless, but it is a form of animal abuse.

How to visit the Saronic Islands

• Cruise : This Saronic Gulf Islands cruise from Athens is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and exploring these beautiful Greek islands. It's also great, includes lunch and is guided in Spanish.
• Ferry : If you want to go on your own, you should know that it is impossible to do this ferry trip in a single day, at most you can visit one island. On this website you can see the ferry schedules, prices and make a reservation .
• Rent a boat : the most flexible alternative is to rent a boat. In Greece there are boats that can be rented without a boat license, at a very good price, as well as sailboats and catamarans. To rent a boat in Athens I recommend this search engine that has good prices, the people are serious and the boats are in excellent condition.

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about 6 Best Places to Rent a Boat in Greece with lots of advice.

6. Olympia

Olympia is an archaeological site with great historical relevance located in the Peloponnese, approximately 320 kilometers west of Athens. It is famous for being the place of origin of the Ancient Olympic Games.

The most interesting places are the Stadium of Olympia, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Hera, and the Philippeum, among others.

The Stadium of Olympia is especially impressive and is where the first Ancient Olympic Games were held in 776 BC.

Another place worth visiting is the Olympia Archaeological Museum, which has an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, including sculptures, ceramics and tools used during the Olympic Games.

In addition to its historical importance, Olympia also offers beautiful natural landscapes, with views of Mount Olympus and the surrounding valley. If you like hiking, there are several routes near the archaeological site and the surrounding area.

Practical Tips

• How to get there: you can get there by car, which takes about 4 or 5 hours. I recommend this search engine to find cheap rental cars in Greece, or by bus, which takes at least 5 hours and costs about 28 euros (30.4 USD). Ideally, you should stay there for a night or take the opportunity to visit more places in the Peloponnese, such as those I mention in the following points.
• Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Entry Fee:: 12 euros (13 USD)

7. Mycenae

Mycenae is an important archaeological site located in the northeast of the Peloponnese, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Athens. It is famous for being one of the major civilizations of Bronze Age Greece and home to the legendary King Agamemnon.

The archaeological site of Mycenae includes the Cyclopean walls, the Lion Gate, the tombs of circles A and B, and the Treasury of Atreus, among others.

The Cyclopean walls are especially impressive, due to their construction with enormous stone blocks weighing several tons. The Lion Gate is fabulous, with two lions carved in relief on the lintel.

The strategic location of Mycenae has beautiful views of the Argolid Gulf and Mount Arachneus.

Practical Tips

• How to get there: you can get there by car or by bus, which takes at least 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs from 12 euros (13 USD) per trip. You can see the schedules and buy the ticket here. The other alternative is to go on this tour , the one I did, which includes Epidaurus and Nafplio, which I mention in the following points. The excursion does not include the entrance fees, but it is still cheaper than going by bus and this way you can visit three places in one day. You can check availability below. You also have the alternative of this other tour with a Spanish-speaking guide that goes to Corinth instead of Nafplio.
• Opening Hours: 8 and the closing time varies throughout the year, between 6 and 8 p.m.
• Entry Fee:: 12 euros (13 USD)

8. Epidaurus

Epidaurus is surrounded by the Peloponnese mountains, about 130 kilometers from Athens. This archaeological site is famous for its impressive ancient theater and its association with the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius.

In the archaeological site you can visit the Theater of Epidaurus, the Temple of Asclepius, the Tholos of Epidaurus, and the Archaeological Museum, among others.

The enormous Theater of Epidaurus is especially impressive, with extraordinary acoustics and a capacity for 14,000 spectators. It is considered one of the best preserved ancient theaters in Greece and continues to be used for theatrical performances and cultural events to this day that are organized during the summer.

Practical Tips

• How to get there: To get there you can go by car or by bus, which takes at least 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs from 12 euros (13 USD) per trip. You can see the schedules and book tickets here . Another alternative is to go on this tour that I mentioned before, which includes Mycenae and Nafplio, or this other one with a guide in Spanish .
• Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Entry Fee:: 12 euros (13 USD)

9. Nafplion

Nafplio, also known as Nafplio, is a charming coastal city in the Peloponnese, 150 kilometers southwest of Athens. It is one of the most picturesque cities in Greece and one of the country's romantic destinations, and it also has a rich history.

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

The Palamedes Fortress is a Venetian fortress located on a hilltop with stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea. To get to the fortress you have to climb 999 steps, an effort that is worth it, if you do not have the alternative of taking a taxi.

Bourtzi Island, located in the port of Nafplio, is another popular tourist attraction. The small island is crowned by a Venetian fortress that served as a prison, and now cultural events and concerts are held there in the summer.

In Nafplion, you can also enjoy its beaches, take boat trips along the coast and taste delicious local cuisine in typical Greek taverns.

How to get to Nafplio

To get to Nafplio from Athens, you can go by car, which takes about 2 hours. To rent a car at a good price, I recommend this search engine, where I found the best prices.

There are also buses from Athens to Nafplio that take from 1:30 hours, at least in theory, in my experience they take at least 2 hours. 😅 The price of the trip starts from 12 euros (13 USD), you can see the schedules and book your ticket on this website.

Although the most practical and cheapest option to make the most of the trip there is with this tour to Nafplio, Mycenae and Epidaurus, which I recommended to you before.

10. Corinth

Corinth is an ancient Greek city located on the Isthmus of Corinth, about 80 kilometers from Athens. It is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history and archaeological ruins.

In the archaeological site of Corinth, the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Fountain of Peirene and the ruins of the ancient city stand out. The Temple of Apollo is one of the most striking places, with well-preserved Doric columns rising above a beautiful landscape.

Another of the most interesting visits in the area are the beautiful views of the Corinth Canal, which is the narrowest in the world, this is usually a stop to take photos in this unique place.

Practical Tips

• How to get there: you can get there by car or by train, which takes 1 hour and costs 9 euros (9.8 USD). You can check the timetables and book your ticket on this website . If you prefer to go on a tour, I recommend this one that includes a visit to Nafplio, or this other one with a guide in Spanish .
• Opening Hours: 8 and closing varies between 5 and 8 p.m. depending on the time of year
• Entry Fee:: 8 euros (8.7 USD)

Map of Visits from Athens

* To check the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.

Final Thoughts

This is the best you can see near Athens, very varied places; I'm sure you'll find one that interests you.

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! 😘

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