Oh Athens, how we love you. We now have visited town 3 times, however it wasn’t till our most up-to-date journey that we really frolicked actually immersing within the power of this vibrant capital of Greece. Whereas many individuals instantly jet off to the Greek Islands there are many thrilling adventures that may be accomplished on a day journey. From unbelievable archaeological websites to beautiful seashores, Athens will not be solely a vacation spot in itself but additionally a launchpad for quite a few thrilling day journeys. From the islands off the Athenian Riviera to historic websites steeped in fantasy and historical past, let’s embark on a journey to discover one of the best day journeys you can also make from Athens.
High Day Journeys from Athens
We now have pushed in Greece many instances and it is rather simple to navigate. We advise getting a rental automotive on your keep in Athens as they’re extra reasonably priced than different European locations. You’ll be able to evaluate automotive rental costs right here.
When you aren’t snug driving, we’ve got instructed the preferred day journeys from Athens with hyperlinks that will help you plan your journey.
Planning Your Journey To Athens Proper Now?
Beneath are a number of the high day journey excursions from Athens. Don’t neglect to plan forward when visiting Greece!
High Day Journey Actions and Excursions from Athens:
1. Delphi
Delphi is only a two-hour drive from Athens and is an important vacation spot for historical past and archaeology lovers. This unbelievable archaeological website is a UNESCO World Heritage housing the Sanctuary of Apollo. Take a guided tour to see the stays of the Temple of Apollo, the traditional theater, and the stadium. Make sure to try the Athenian Treasury and the Polygonal Wall with its inscriptions.
Additionally, you will need to cease by the Delphi Archaeological Museum to be taught extra about Greek historical past. Right here, you’ll be able to view its assortment of artifacts discovered within the historic ruins. One of the iconic items is the bronze Charioteer of Delphi, one of many best-known sculptures surviving from Historical Greece and take a stroll alongside the Sacred Method which was the principle route by means of the Sanctuary of Apollo, utilized in processions to the temple. If you end up completed at these fascinating ruins, make your technique to the fashionable city of Delphi for lunch at certainly one of its many eating places, outlets, and cafes.
2. Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion is a favourite getaway for each locals and vacationers. Together with us! Simply 60 minutes from downtown Athens, Cape Sounion is often known as the Athens Riviera. There are seashores and resorts making for a unbelievable day journey from Athens, or you’ll be able to guide a weekend getaway.
The principle attraction right here is probably the most lovely setting for archaeological ruins which you could get. The Iconic Temple of Poseidon sits excessive on a seacliff providing unbelievable vistas of Cape Sounion. Start your go to by exploring the Doric columns of this Fifth-century BC edifice, and don’t neglect to hunt out Lord Byron’s well-known graffiti etched into one of many temple’s remaining pillars.
The Athens Riviera provides a style of Greek Island Life with out having to depart the mainland. Seashores like Sounio Seaside and Legrena Seaside are only a quick drive from the temple. Earlier than leaving, make certain to witness some of the celebrated sunsets in Greece from the perspective close to the temple of Poseidon. For meals lovers, there are seaside tavernas shut by, providing scrumptious Greek delicacies with a unbelievable sea view.
3. Hydra Island
Solely a two-hour ferry experience from Athens, Hydra Island is the proper day journey from Athens for these looking for a style of the Greek Islands. No motorized autos are allowed on Hydra making for a quiet retreat from town. It’s identified for its picturesque harbor and slim, cobbled streets lined with boutiques, artwork galleries, and native eateries.
Don’t miss the possibility to go to the Historic Archives Museum and the Ecclesiastical and Byzantine Museum to be taught extra about Hydra’s wealthy previous.
For out of doors lovers, there are mountaineering trails that provide lovely views of the ocean. The path from Hydra city to the Monastery of Prophet Elias is a selected favourite. Seaside lovers can take pleasure in island life by heading to both Vlychos or Kaminia.
On the finish of the day, chill out at a waterfront cafe, having fun with native delicacies as boats bob within the harbor. You don’t have to move again to the Greek capital you’ll be able to guide an evening on the island to increase your keep. Ebook an evening on the 4 Seasons Hydra for an expensive keep. Examine evaluations on TripAdvisor
4. Poros Island
Poros is a part of the Saronic islands that are simply accessible by a fast ferry experience from Athens. It affords a style of island life with a extra native really feel than the favored vacationer locations of Greece.
A go to to the Archaeological Museum of Poros is a should. It homes finds from the sanctuary of Poseidon at Kalavria. Discover the Lemon Forest, a aromatic grove with greater than 30,000 lemon and orange bushes. Make sure to go to the Clock Tower, the island’s most well-known landmark, for panoramic views of Poros and the encompassing sea.
When you’re a seashore lover, spend a while at Love Bay or Askeli Seaside, each identified for his or her clear waters. Wrap up your day by having fun with a meal at one of many many seaside taverns.
5. Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal is an engineering marvel linking the Aegean and Ionian seas. This synthetic canal is a formidable website slicing by means of the slim isthmus that connects the Gulf of Corinth within the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf within the Aegean Sea. This 4-mile-long canal was constructed between 1882 and 1893 and separates the Peloponnese Peninsula from the mainland.
You’ll be able to guide a day journey from Athens to see views of the Corinth Canal and go to Historical Corinth to see the place St. Paul lived and its historic Agora, and Apollo’s Temple. Additionally, you will go to the traditional port of Kechreai.
Go to the submersible bridge at Isthmia, certainly one of solely two in Europe. For adrenaline junkies, bungee leaping from the canal’s bridge is an possibility.
Historical Corinth is an enchanting archaeological website, the place you’ll discover the Temple of Apollo and the Bema, the place St. Paul spoke to the Corinthians. You may also go to the Archaeological Museum of Corinth to get your fill of historic Greek historical past.
In your method again to Athens, make a cease on the Acrocorinth, the acropolis of historic Corinth, a monolithic rock overseeing the traditional metropolis.
6. Meteora
Visiting Meteora ought to be on the high of everybody’s Greek bucket record. Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage website situated 4 hours from Athens. The world is famed for its towering rock formations and the centuries-old monasteries perched precariously upon the excessive monoliths.
If in case you have a automotive, arrive early within the morning to view the monasteries by yourself time forward of the crowds. You will have at the very least one full day right here to see the spectacular monasteries such because the Nice Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, and Rousanou Monastery. Learn extra: Monasteries of Meteora, Greece – Magic Monoliths in Images
We extremely suggest taking a stroll by means of the quite a few mountaineering trails snaking across the rock formations, providing panoramic views of the panorama away from the crowds. Higher but, guide one of many guided excursions supplied to be taught extra in regards to the ruins. We took this mountaineering tour from Kalabaka that follows the historic paths of the monks.
You might need to take into account taking a guided tour to get insights into the historical past and significance of the world. Earlier than leaving, go to the native city of Kalabaka to strive native cuisines. We suggest spending a few nights in Meteora and we stayed at The Divani Meteora Lodge which was situated proper within the coronary heart of the traditional website.
This 4-day Basic Tour helps you to see lots of the finest day journeys from Athens in a single handy tour. You’ll discover one of the best of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora.
7. Mycenae and Epidaurus
Mycenae and Epidaurus provide a deep dive into Greek historical past to the time of King Agamemnon and the Trojan Battle. Go to Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage that was the middle of the Mycenaean civilization which dates again to 2 hundred BC.
Right here you’ll discover the traditional temples together with the well-known Lion’s Gate, Royal Tombs, The Tomb of Agamemnon, and the Archaeological Museum. The Cyclopean Partitions which have been named for his or her huge dimension, are a must-see.
Subsequent, head to Epidaurus to go to the traditional theatre, devoted to the Greek God of Drugs Asclepius, well-known for its distinctive acoustics and symmetrical development. Don’t miss the Sanctuary of Asklepios, an necessary therapeutic middle within the historic world, and its historic theatre.
The theater at Epidaurus is without doubt one of the best-preserved theaters of historic Greece and its performances nonetheless happen right now. Think about your self dwelling in historic instances watching the likes of Homer or Greek Mythology carried out on this spectacular archeological website.
From Might to October some of the well-known cultural occasions takes place right here and on the Acropolis in Athens. This pageant showcases music and artists and has attracted the likes of Luciano Pavarotti and Frank Sinatra. The 2023 lineup will see eclectic artists similar to Herbie Hancock, Invoice Burr, and the Opera de Paris.
This extremely rated tour is a full-day guided day journey from Athens that touts itself as carbon impartial. Over the following 10 hours, you’ll go to the Corinth Canal, Mycenae, and Epidauraus in addition to Nafplio (Nauplia), the previous capital of Greece.
8. Nafplio
Nafplio, the primary capital of recent Greece, combines historical past, structure, and gorgeous sea views. Go to the Palamidi Fortress and benefit from the panoramic view of town and the Argolic Gulf. Stroll across the previous city with its Venetian homes and neoclassical mansions, stopping at Syntagma Sq. to discover the Archaeological Museum.
Take a ship experience to Bourtzi, a Venetian fortress on an island in the course of town’s harbor. Lastly, take pleasure in native dishes at a seaside restaurant and discover town’s vibrant nightlife.
Mix a number of the finest day journeys from Athens with this extremely rated guided tour. Your tour information is a certified historian who will take you to the Corinth Canal, Palamidi Fortress, the Acropolis of Nafplio, and the well-known Historical Theatre of Epidaurus. You’ll even have a cease at Karathonas Seaside for a dip within the Aegean Sea.
9. Spetses Island
Spetses is without doubt one of the most picturesque Saronic islands that may be a two-hour-long journey by ferry from Athens. This lovely island boasts a wealthy maritime historical past and stylish structure.
Uncover the island’s historical past on the Museum of Spetses and the Home of Bouboulina, a museum devoted to the feminine admiral who performed a big position within the 1821 Battle of Independence. The Outdated Harbor space, with its previous mansions and the grand Poseidonion Lodge, is properly price a go to.
Lease a motorbike or a horse-drawn carriage to discover the city or hop on a water taxi to go to a number of the island’s lovely seashores like Agia Marina and Agioi Anargyroi. Bear in mind to pattern native delicacies at one of many island’s quite a few seafood eating places or taverns.
This e-bike biking tour is a half-day tour that takes you round the principle sights of the small island to see the previous harbor and be taught in regards to the island’s historical past.
10. Aegina Island
Aegina is an idyllic island identified for its pistachio orchards, historic ruins, and white stone homes. Begin your journey by visiting the Temple of Aphaia, an historic architectural masterpiece that types a sacred triangle with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
Discover the charming city with its conventional homes, and don’t miss the native market the place you should purchase the well-known Aegina pistachios. For seashore fans, Marathonas, Agia Marina, and Perdika are all glorious decisions. If in case you have time, a go to to the tiny island of Moni, a nature reserve stuffed with peacocks and deer, is extremely beneficial.
You may also guide a day cruise to Aegina. This full day boat tour helps you to uncover the Saronic Sea on a traditional wood sailboat. Get pleasure from views of the Saronic Gulf as you sip cocktails and revel in snacks en path to the islands of Agistri and Aegina. Benefit from the seashores and take an non-obligatory bike tour. You’ll even have stops at Moni or Nisis Metopi.
11. Lake Vouliagmeni
Only a quick drive from town middle, Lake Vouliagmeni is a surprising pure lake with therapeutic properties. Swim within the heat, mineral-rich waters, which preserve a continuing temperature year-round. For the adventurous, discover the lake’s underwater cave community, dwelling to the elusive Lutra, a small underwater sea creature.
After stress-free by the lake, go to the close by Vouliagmeni city, identified for its upscale eating places and exquisite seashores. Attempt some native delicacies or take a stroll alongside the marina.
Day excursions could be booked from Athens to see Lake Vouliagmeni mixed with the Athens Riviera. This extremely rated non-public tour takes you by van to see Lake Vouliagmeni, the historic city of Lavrio, and the Temple of Poseidon.
12. Mystras
Journey to Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site often known as the ‘Surprise of Morea.’ As soon as a thriving Byzantine metropolis, right now, it’s an archaeological treasure. Begin your day by exploring the Palace of Despots, town’s most distinguished monument. Then, go to the Peribleptos Monastery to admire the best-preserved frescoes in Mystras.
Don’t miss the Pantanassa Monastery. It’s the solely inhabited a part of the location that’s really dwelling to a small group of nuns. Ensure to hike as much as the Fortress on high of the hill for a panoramic view of the encompassing landscapes.
Wrap up your go to by exploring the Museum of Mystras, the place you’ll uncover a set of artifacts that provide insights into town’s previous.
This tour takes you to Mystras and Historical Sparta skip the bus experience and revel in an air-conditioned van to see Sparta, Mystras, and the Corinth Canal.
13. Olympia
Who wouldn’t need to see the birthplace of the Olympic Video games? Start by exploring the archaeological website, which incorporates the Temple of Zeus, as soon as dwelling to one of many Seven Wonders of the Historical World, the Statue of Zeus. The Temple of Hera, the traditional Olympic Stadium, and the Palaestra are additionally must-sees.
Lengthen your data on the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which hosts a unbelievable assortment of artifacts from the location. Don’t neglect to go to the Museum of the Historical past of the Historical Olympic Video games to study this important facet of Greek tradition.
14. Mount Parnitha Nationwide Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of metropolis life with a visit to Mount Parnitha Nationwide Park, an oasis of greenery on Athens’ doorstep. For mountaineering fans, there are quite a few trails weaving by means of the park, providing panoramic views over Athens. As you discover, hold an eye fixed out for the varied wildlife, together with purple deer, foxes, and quite a lot of fowl species.
Go to the Mpafi Refuge, the place you’ll be able to relaxation, have a meal, and even spend the evening. When you’re a fan of thriller and historical past, discover the park’s deserted royal summer season residences and the Tatoi Palace, including a contact of human historical past to the pure grandeur.
15. Nemea
Nemea is a paradise for wine lovers. Identified for its purple wine manufacturing, particularly the Agiorgitiko grape, visiting the native wineries and vineyards ought to be on the high of your to-do record. Take a wine-tasting tour, go to the cellars, and be taught in regards to the area’s wine-making course of.
Along with wine, Nemea is wealthy in historical past. Discover the Archaeological Web site of Nemea, which incorporates the traditional stadium the place the Nemean Video games have been held, and the Temple of Zeus. Make sure to go to the Archaeological Museum of Nemea to additional delve into the area’s fascinating previous.
Ebook a guided tour to the Vineyards of Nemea. This wine tour takes you to one of many largest vineyards in Greece the place you’ll style native wines at two separate vineyards and Go to Historical Nemea and see the 4th-century-B.C. stadium
16. Marathon
Revisit historic historical past when visiting Marathon. Marathon is synonymous with long-distance races as a result of legendary run of Pheidippides from the battlefield to Athens.
Begin your go to on the Marathon Tomb, a burial mound for the troopers who fought within the Battle of Marathon. The close by Archaeological Museum of Marathon affords additional insights into the world’s historical past.
Nature lovers ought to go to Schinias Nationwide Park, dwelling to the attractive Schinias Seaside and a coastal pine forest. If time permits, make a visit to the Marathon Dam, a formidable feat of engineering, and revel in a picnic on the Lake Marathon Reservoir.
The place Ought to I Go on a Day Journey from Athens?
There are quite a few Athens day journeys which might be simply accessible. Some glorious day journey locations embrace the historic website of Delphi, Cape Sounion with the awe-inspiring Temple of Poseidon, Hydra Island, or Poros Island.
Different day journeys from Athens embrace the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal, the majestic panorama of Meteora, the historic websites of Mycenae and Epidaurus, the elegant metropolis of Nafplio, the maritime city of Spetses Island, the idyllic Aegina Island, the therapeutic Lake Vouliagmeni, the traditional metropolis of Mystras, the Olympic birthplace of Olympia, the inexperienced oasis of Parnitha Nationwide Park, the wine paradise of Nemea, and the legendary city of Marathon.
What Islands Round Athens are Day Journeys?
A number of islands round Athens are appropriate for day journeys, providing quite a lot of experiences. A number of the high islands for day journeys embrace Hydra, identified for its car-free cobblestone streets and relaxed environment, Poros with its mix of historic websites and exquisite seashores, Spetses which boasts a wealthy maritime historical past and gorgeous structure, and Aegina, well-known for its pistachio orchards and historic ruins.
Are you able to Do Day Journeys to Islands from Athens?
Doing day journeys to islands from Athens is a well-liked selection for a lot of guests. The three closest islands appropriate for a day journey are Aegina, Hydra, and Poros. These islands are simply accessible by ferry, making them good for fast getaways from the hustle and bustle of Athens.
What are the Three Closest Islands to Athens Me
The three closest islands appropriate for a day journey are Aegina, Hydra, and Poros.
In conclusion
A go to to Athens is without doubt one of the most memorable holidays we’ve ever taken. The Cradle of Western Civilization, Athens is stuffed with necessary ruins that helped to form the world as we all know it.