Ten Best Day Trips from Athens
Athens is a compact city with access to a remarkable range of landscapes and heritage sites, from island harbors to mountain monasteries. ere are the ten best day trips reachable from the city, with practical travel times, highlights, and tips for planning each outing.
Ten best day trips from Athens
Below are ten destinations that work well as day trips by ferry, car, or organized tour from Athens. Each entry notes why it matters, how long it takes and what to prioritize. Choose based on your interests: beaches, ancient sites, scenic drives, or unique island atmospheres.
Aegina
Aegina is one of the closest islands to Athens and an ideal quick escape. Ferries from Piraeus take around 35–45 minutes, and the harbor town offers seafront cafes, a lively market, and easy bike or scooter rental.
Must-sees include the Temple of Aphaia perched above the island and the island’s famous pistachios. Aegina suits visitors who want a relaxed combination of swim stops and archaeological views without a long boat ride.
See our full page all about Aegina.
Hydra
Hydra is car-free and cinematic, popular for daytrippers wanting picturesque stone streets and waterfront tavernas. Fast ferries take about 1.5–2 hours from Piraeus; slower options are also available.
The town is compact, so a walking stroll to the old port, a short hike to lookout points, and a seafood lunch will fill the day. Bring comfortable shoes—the island’s marble lanes are beautiful but uneven.
See our full page all about Hydra.
Poros
Poros is an easy island hop, typically reached in about 1 hour by ferry. It’s ideal for a leisurely day of waterfront promenades, beach time, and a climb to the clock tower for panoramic views.
Combine Poros with a boat tour of nearby coves or an afternoon swim at a sheltered beach. The island’s small size makes it perfect for couples and families who prefer minimal transit stress.
See our full page all about Poros.
Spetses
Spetses has a chic, relaxed atmosphere and elegant seaside mansions. Ferries are longer—roughly 2–2.5 hours depending on the service—so start early to maximize daylight.
Expect stylish dining, horse-drawn carriages, and pleasant coastal walks. The island remains peaceful off-season and lively in summer, with good options for swimming and boutique browsing.
See our full page all about Spetses.
Cape Sounion/Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion is a classic half-day or full-day drive south of Athens, roughly 1–1.5 hours by car. The highlight is the dramatic hilltop Temple of Poseidon, where sunsets are especially memorable.
Combine a temple visit with a swim at nearby beaches like Legrena or a stop at seaside tavernas. The coastal drive along the Athenian Riviera is scenic and very accessible for self-drive visitors or small-group tours.
See our full page all about Cape Sounion.
Delphi
Delphi is one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and remains a powerful day-trip destination from Athens. The drive is about 2–2.5 hours each way, so expect a long but rewarding day.
Explore the ancient sanctuary, the Temple of Apollo, and the onsite museum with artifacts that contextualize the oracle’s role in antiquity. Pair the visit with a stop in the mountain town of Arachova for local cuisine and views.
See our full page all about Delphi.
Meteora
Meteora is farther afield but feasible as a long day trip for early starters. The journey is roughly 4–5 hours one way by car or train; many travelers combine it with an overnight stay, though a well-planned tour can cover the highlights in a long day.
The site’s remarkable monasteries perched on sandstone pillars are a UNESCO highlight. Hike short trails between viewpoints, and allow time to visit one or two monasteries to appreciate the scale and history.
See our full page all about Meteora.
Nafplio
Nafplio is a charming seaside town in the Peloponnese, about 2 hours from Athens by car. It blends Venetian architecture, a scenic old town, and easy access to nearby archaeological sites.
Climb the fortress of Palamidi for sweeping views, wander the cobbled lanes of the old center, and consider a short drive to Epidaurus to hear the acoustics of the ancient theater.
See our full page all about Nafplio.
Lake Vouliagmeni and the Athens Riviera
For a low-effort day near the city, the Athens Riviera and Lake Vouliagmeni offer warm mineral waters, seaside cafes, and stylish beach clubs within 30–45 minutes of central Athens. This is perfect for a restorative day after museum-heavy city visits.
Book a table at a seaside taverna or enjoy a swim in the warm lake; parking and beach facilities make this an easy option for families and visitors on a tight schedule.
Practical tips for planning day trips
Start early for longer destinations like Delphi and Meteora to avoid rushing and to make the most of daylight. For islands, check ferry timetables and reserve return tickets in high season.
Consider a mix of independent travel and guided tours: independent trips suit islands close to Piraeus, while organized tours can simplify logistics for distant or logistically complex sites.
Pack water, sun protection, and comfortable footwear. Many archaeological sites have uneven surfaces and limited shade; always carry a small daypack and lightly layer for changing weather near the coast or at altitude.
Practical tips for planning day trips
Start early for longer destinations like Delphi and Meteora to avoid rushing and to make the most of daylight. For islands, check ferry timetables and reserve return tickets in high season.
Consider a mix of independent travel and guided tours: independent trips suit islands close to Piraeus, while organized tours can simplify logistics for distant or logistically complex sites.
Pack water, sun protection, and comfortable footwear. Many archaeological sites have uneven surfaces and limited shade; always carry a small daypack and lightly layer for changing weather near the coast or at altitude.
When to go and final planning notes
The busiest months are July and August, when islands and popular shorelines fill up. Late spring and early autumn offer ideal weather, fewer crowds, and more comfortable travel times. Winter can work well for cultural and mainland destinations like Delphi or Meteora, though ferry schedules reduce outside summer.
Reserve any required tickets ahead of time for high-season travel and check local transport connections on the morning you travel—timetables can vary by day. If you prefer a relaxed outing, pick closer options such as Aegina or the Athens Riviera; for dramatic history and landscapes, choose Delphi, Meteora, or Nafplio.
With planning that matches your pace and interests, these ten destinations provide a wide range of what Greece offers beyond Athens: islands, ancient sanctuaries, dramatic cliffs, and coastal bliss, all reachable within a day.
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