Photo of AI-Livingstone
01 Feb 2025Updated last time
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

10 Best Places for Day Trips From Athens

Discover the Wonders Around Athens

Athens is not only a city steeped in history, but also a strategic starting point for exploring the diverse and captivating landscapes that surround it. Whether you are an avid historian, a lover of nature, or simply in search of some peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the region around Athens has something to offer for every traveler. From the myth-enshrouded ruins of ancient civilizations and majestic temples perched by the sea to serene islands with crystal waters and charming port towns with romantic promenades – embarking on day trips from Athens will immeasurably enrich your travel experience in Greece. Each destination promises to unfold a unique tale, a different fragrance of Greek culture and an unforgettable adventure. So, let's set out and discover the wealth of treasures just a short journey away from the heart of Athens.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Cape Sounion

    Home to the ancient Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and is a perfect place to witness a stunning sunset.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Delphi was once considered the center of the world in ancient Greek religion. The archaeological site and its museum host a trove of historical treasures and ruins, including the famous Oracle of Delphi.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • This charming island is known for its pistachio orchards, neoclassical architecture, and ancient sites such as the Temple of Aphaia. It provides a laid-back atmosphere ideal for relaxation.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Hydra is a picturesque island free of motor vehicles, offering a peaceful retreat with beautiful waterfronts, stone mansions, and donkey transport, reflecting a traditional way of life.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Nafplio is a romantic seaside town with well-preserved neoclassical buildings, an imposing fortress with panoramic views, and lovely promenades, making it ideal for history enthusiasts and couples.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Corinth is steeped in history, with significant ancient ruins like the Temple of Apollo and the Acrocorinth fortress, while the modern Corinth Canal is an engineering marvel to witness.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Mycenae is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient ruins, including the imposing Lions Gate and the Royal Tombs, offering a glimpse into the Mycenaean civilization.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Epidaurus is known for its ancient theater, which is renowned for its remarkable acoustics and is still used for performances today, alongside the Sanctuary of Asclepius, a testament to healing arts in antiquity.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Marathon is a site of historical importance for the famed battle in 490 BC, which inspired the modern marathon race. The area features a museum, an archaeological site, and the Marathon Tomb.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Spetses combines rich naval history, elegant architecture, and beautiful beaches, making it an attractive destination for those looking to explore Greek history and enjoy a relaxed island atmosphere.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Cibo Matto Caffe

    Cibo Matto Caffe

    Known for its unconventional decor and artistic vibe, Cibo Matto Caffe offers a unique dining experience with inventive cuisine, surrounded by quirky art pieces.
    Picture for Cibo Matto Caffe
  • Little Kook

    Dine in a fantastical setting with themed decorations that change with the season at Little Kook. It's a dessert paradise in a fairy-tale environment.
    Picture for Little Kook
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Black Sheep

    The Black Sheep

    The Black Sheep provides a gastronomic journey with a menu that fuses modern and traditional flavors, all set in a modern, funky, and slightly edgy atmosphere.
    Picture for The Black Sheep
  • Brettos Bar

    As one of Athens' oldest distilleries, Brettos offers a warm ambiance with walls lined with colorful bottles, offering an intimate experience tasting homemade liquors and wines.
    Picture for Brettos Bar
  • Restaurant Icon

    Dinner in the Sky

    Dinner in the Sky

    Take your dining experience to new heights—literally. Enjoy a meal suspended in the sky with a 360-degree view of the city and landmarks.
    Picture for Dinner in the Sky
  • Gostijo

    Gostijo is the place to explore the unique tastes of Sephardic and Mediterranean kosher cuisine in a beautifully decorated, serene environment.
    Picture for Gostijo
  • Restaurant Icon

    Yoleni's Greek Gastronomy Center

    Yoleni's Greek Gastronomy Center

    Foodies will love this multi-level culinary destination offering tastings, dining, and cooking classes highlighting the best of Greek gastronomy.
    Picture for Yoleni's Greek Gastronomy Center
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Clumsies

    The Clumsies

    An all-day bar that ranks as one of the world's best, The Clumsies creates an inviting atmosphere with experimental dishes and an outstanding cocktail menu.
    Picture for The Clumsies

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Crane Hotel Faralda

    Crane Hotel Faralda

    An extraordinary hotel situated in a converted crane, offering luxurious suites with a panoramic view over Athens and unique design.
    Picture for Crane Hotel Faralda
  • Hotel Icon

    Coco-Mat Hotel Athens

    Coco-Mat Hotel Athens

    This hotel stands out for its sleep-centric approach to hospitality, with natural fiber mattresses and a serene minimalist design, nestled in the heart of Athens.
    Picture for Coco-Mat Hotel Athens
  • Fresh Hotel

    With its strikingly colorful modern decor and a rooftop pool that offers stunning views of Athens, Fresh Hotel provides a vibrant stay in the city.
    Picture for Fresh Hotel
  • Hotel Icon

    Art Hotel Athenian Loft

    Art Hotel Athenian Loft

    This hotel is a live-in art gallery where each room features unique installations and artwork, catering to art lovers and creatives.
    Picture for Art Hotel Athenian Loft
  • Hotel Icon

    Pallas Athena Grecotel Boutique Hotel

    Pallas Athena Grecotel Boutique Hotel

    Offering avant-garde design rooms and art exhibitions within the hotel spaces, Pallas Athena provides an upscale cultural experience.
    Picture for Pallas Athena Grecotel Boutique Hotel
  • Hotel Icon

    The Foundry Hotel

    The Foundry Hotel

    An urban escape hotel combining industrial design with luxury, located in Psiri, one of Athens' most artistic neighborhoods.
    Picture for The Foundry Hotel

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Yıldız Tilbe

    Yıldız Tilbe

    The event will take place at Çeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir.
    Map IconÇeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir (173.14 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Jun 2024
    Picture for Yıldız Tilbe
  • Event Icon

    Sıla

    Sıla

    The event will take place at Çeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir.
    Map IconÇeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir (173.14 mi)
    Calendar Icon6 Jul 2024
    Picture for Sıla
  • Event Icon

    Buray

    Buray

    The event will take place at Çeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir.
    Map IconÇeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir (173.14 mi)
    Calendar Icon7 Jul 2024
    Picture for Buray
  • Event Icon

    Goran Bregovic

    Goran Bregovic

    The event will take place at Çeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir.
    Map IconÇeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir (173.14 mi)
    Calendar Icon8 Jul 2024
    Picture for Goran Bregovic
  • Event Icon

    Dolu Kadehi Ters Tut

    Dolu Kadehi Ters Tut

    The event will take place at Çeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir.
    Map IconÇeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir (173.14 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Jul 2024
    Picture for Dolu Kadehi Ters Tut
  • Event Icon

    Ajda Pekkan

    Ajda Pekkan

    The event will take place at Çeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir.
    Map IconÇeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir (173.14 mi)
    Calendar Icon14 Jul 2024
    Picture for Ajda Pekkan
  • Event Icon

    Aleyna Tilki

    Aleyna Tilki

    The event will take place at Çeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir.
    Map IconÇeşme Open Air Theatre in İzmir (173.14 mi)
    Calendar Icon19 Jul 2024
    Picture for Aleyna Tilki

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    I will be visiting Athens in October. I will have about 7.5 days at my disposal. I'm planning to spend 3.5 days in the city of Athens and rent a car for the 4 remaining days i...

    Day trips from Athens

    I will be visiting Athens in October. I will have about 7.5 days at my disposal. I'm planning to spend 3.5 days in the city of Athens and rent a car for the 4 remaining days i...

    /r/GreeceTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Want to share your travel tips and experiences in Greece? Then this is the place for you! /r/GreeceTravel is for any and all looking to visit Greece including those who have ...

    Suggestions for day trips by train from Athens

    Want to share your travel tips and experiences in Greece? Then this is the place for you! /r/GreeceTravel is for any and all looking to visit Greece including those who have ...

    /r/GreeceTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    This is essentially the Athens riviera, the coastal road from central Athens to Cape Sounio but get out of Athens. Paralio Astros is fine, a very low key traditional Greek bea...

    Help me pick which day trip(s) to go on from Athens!

    This is essentially the Athens riviera, the coastal road from central Athens to Cape Sounio but get out of Athens. Paralio Astros is fine, a very low key traditional Greek bea...

    /r/GreeceTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    If doing meteora its about 8 hrs round trip , wouldnt do it in one day , especially in winter months. Wouldnt get to appreciate its beauty. Even in summer its an over night tr...

    Day Tours from Athens?

    If doing meteora its about 8 hrs round trip , wouldnt do it in one day , especially in winter months. Wouldnt get to appreciate its beauty. Even in summer its an over night tr...

    /r/GreeceTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Marathon is a comfortable day trip. Decent fish restaurant on the beach. Time to do the temple remains, the beach, lunch, the hillside museum, and catch the bus back. Delphi i...

    Where should I travel from Athens?

    Marathon is a comfortable day trip. Decent fish restaurant on the beach. Time to do the temple remains, the beach, lunch, the hillside museum, and catch the bus back. Delphi i...

    /r/GreeceTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Myself and three roommates (all 20M) are going to be in athens for 3 1/2 days or so. Outside of the stuff in the city, what are the cant miss day trips nearby (5-6 hours round...

    day trips from athens?

    Myself and three roommates (all 20M) are going to be in athens for 3 1/2 days or so. Outside of the stuff in the city, what are the cant miss day trips nearby (5-6 hours round...

    /r/GreeceTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Im visiting Athens solo for 7 full days in early November. I love history so Im confident that I can fill 3 to 4 days just in Athens, but Id like to do 2 or 3 day trips and ne...

    Day Trips from Athens in November?

    Im visiting Athens solo for 7 full days in early November. I love history so Im confident that I can fill 3 to 4 days just in Athens, but Id like to do 2 or 3 day trips and ne...

    /r/GreeceTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    The charming towns of Delphi (and namesake historic site), Arachova, and Galaxidi, about 2-2.5 hours' drive west of the Athens metropolitan area. The charming historic town of...

    Easy day trip from Athens

    The charming towns of Delphi (and namesake historic site), Arachova, and Galaxidi, about 2-2.5 hours' drive west of the Athens metropolitan area. The charming historic town of...

    /r/GreeceTravel

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Mikis Theodorakis - Zorba the Greek: Zorba's Dance

    Mikis Theodorakis - Zorba the Greek: Zorba's Dance

    An iconic instrumental by Mikis Theodorakis, it captures the essence of Greek culture and will definitely put you in a lively mood for your trip.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Mikis Theodorakis - Zorba the Greek: Zorba's Dance
  • Music Icon

    Dick Dale - Miserlou

    Dick Dale - Miserlou

    This song's exotic melody, which gained worldwide popularity, has Greek origins and offers an upbeat tempo perfect for travel.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Dick Dale - Miserlou
  • Music Icon

    Bouzouki-Ensemble Bilek-Nejez - Sirtaki

    Bouzouki-Ensemble Bilek-Nejez - Sirtaki

    A traditional dance turned into a well-known tune, Sirtaki reflects the communal spirit of Greek life and is ideal for getting into the local vibe.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Bouzouki-Ensemble Bilek-Nejez - Sirtaki
  • Music Icon

    Agnes Baltsa - To Treno Fevgi Stis Okto (The Train Leaves At Eight)

    Agnes Baltsa - To Treno Fevgi Stis Okto (The Train Leaves At Eight)

    A classic Greek song that tells the tale of a departing train at eight o'clock—fitting for a day of journey and discovery.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Agnes Baltsa - To Treno Fevgi Stis Okto (The Train Leaves At Eight)
  • Music Icon

    Thanasis Vasilakis - An thimithis t'oneiro mou

    Thanasis Vasilakis - An thimithis t'oneiro mou

    This beautiful, evocative song by George Dalaras will soothe your soul as you gaze out at the landscapes passing by.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Thanasis Vasilakis - An thimithis t'oneiro mou
  • Music Icon

    Pediki Horodia Tipaldou - Hionia Sto Kampanario

    Pediki Horodia Tipaldou - Hionia Sto Kampanario

    With its references to migrating swallows, this poetic song by Haris Alexiou encapsulates feelings of travel and change.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Pediki Horodia Tipaldou - Hionia Sto Kampanario
  • Music Icon

    Alkistis Protopsalti - Pame Havai (It's A Pity)

    Alkistis Protopsalti - Pame Havai (It's A Pity)

    A lively and rhythmic song that can uplift your mood instantly, perfect for an adventurous day out.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Alkistis Protopsalti - Pame Havai (It's A Pity)
  • Music Icon

    Nancy Sinatra - Summer Wine

    Nancy Sinatra - Summer Wine

    Although not Greek, this song's seductive and languid vibe suits a relaxing summer journey through the Greek landscape.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Nancy Sinatra - Summer Wine
  • Music Icon

    Bouzouki Kings - Oniro Demeno

    Bouzouki Kings - Oniro Demeno

    A poignant ballad by Dalaras that echoes the bittersweetness of dreams, fitting as you explore ancient dreamscapes.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Bouzouki Kings - Oniro Demeno
  • Music Icon

    Thanasis Vasilakis - Ta pedia tou Pirea

    Thanasis Vasilakis - Ta pedia tou Pirea

    Immortalized by Melina Mercouri, this song from 'Never on Sunday' transports the listener to the lively ports and shores of Greece.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Thanasis Vasilakis - Ta pedia tou Pirea