8 Amazing Day Trips from Athens You Can’t Miss

Athens is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, packed with history, culture, and vibrant street life. 

But while the Greek capital could easily keep you busy for days, its location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring more of Greece. 

Within just a few hours, you can reach archaeological sites older than Rome, idyllic islands, charming seaside towns, and even mountain retreats.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best trips to take from Athens, each destination including what to see and do, local specialties to try, and the easiest ways to get there.

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Quick links to plan your stay in Athens, Greece

Best Day Trips Destinations From Athens

1. Delphi

Known as the center of the ancient world, Delphi was once home to the Oracle of Apollo, where kings and leaders came seeking guidance. 

It’s one of the most mystical and breathtaking archaeological sites in Greece.

Best things to do:

• Explore the Temple of Apollo, the core of the oracle’s sanctuary.
• Visit the Ancient Theatre and imagine the performances set against the mountains.
• See the Stadium of Delphi, where the Pythian Games took place.
• Visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Charioteer of Delphi statue.
• Enjoy the dramatic landscape of Mount Parnassus.

Food to try: Local cheese, honey, and mountain herbs are specialties in nearby villages like Arachova.

How to get there from Athens:

• By car: About 2.5 hours (180 km).

• By bus: Buses depart from Athens’ Liosion station and take about 3 hours.

• By tour: Many day tours combine transport, a guide, and museum entry.

Best Delphi Tours

• 1 – Delphi Oracle & Museum Tour with a Guide – This tour takes you from Athens to the Delphi Oracle and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi with a licensed guide. Best option if you want to save some money.
• 2 –Customizable Private Full-Day Trip to Delphi – This Private Tour offers you the possibility of building your own itinerary to Delphi, leaving from Athens. Includes pickup and drop-off. Best option for comfort and exclusivity.
• 3 – Delphi, Corycian Cave, and 300 Battlefield Day Trip – This tours take you to the Delphi archaeological site and museum, and also includes a stop at the Corycian Cave and at Thermopylae, the location of the Battle of Thermopylae (depicted in the film 300). Best option if you love history and want to see more than just Delphi.

2. Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Just an hour from Athens, this seaside escape offers stunning views and one of Greece’s most famous temples: the Temple of Poseidon, perched dramatically above the Aegean Sea.

Best things to do:

• Visit the Temple of Poseidon and admire its Doric columns.
• Watch a sunset over the Aegean—one of the most famous in Greece.
• Swim at nearby beaches like Legrena or Anavyssos.
• Take scenic coastal drives along the Athenian Riviera.

Food to try: Fresh seafood in local tavernas by the water.

How to get there from Athens:

• By car: Around 1–1.5 hours (70 km).

• By bus: Public buses (KTEL) run from Athens to Sounion in about 2 hours.

• By tour: Popular sunset tours combine temple entry and transport.

Best Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon Tours

I recommend booking this Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon tour, this is a half-day tour that allows you to visit the Temple of Poseidon at the best time of the day: The Sunset. This is when you will have the best view and take the best photos, trust me.

3. Nafplio

Often called the most romantic town in Greece, Nafplio charms with its Venetian architecture, cobbled streets, seaside views, and fortress overlooking the harbor.

Best things to do:

• Climb (or drive) up to the Palamidi Fortress for panoramic views.
• Stroll through the Old Town with its colorful neoclassical houses.
• Visit Bourtzi Castle, located on a small islet in the harbor.
• Explore local boutiques, cafés, and tavernas.
• Relax on nearby beaches such as Karathona.

Food to try: Fresh seafood, loukoumades (Greek honey donuts), and gelato in the town’s cozy cafés.

How to get there from Athens:

• By car: About 2 hours (140 km).

• By bus: KTEL buses leave Athens (Kifissos station) regularly, about 2.5 hours.

Best Nafplio Tours

• 1 – Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Full-Day Tour – A full-day trip from Athens that includes a visit to the Archaeological Site of Mycenae, a major center of Greek civilization, a visit to Nafplio, and a stop at Epidaurus.
• 2 –Ancient Corinth & Nafplio Premium Guided Tour – Visit Nafplio and Ancient Corinth in this guided tour from Athens.

4. Hydra

Hydra is one of the most picturesque islands near Athens, known for its preserved stone mansions, donkey transport (no cars allowed!), and charming harbor.

Best things to do:

• Wander the harbor, lined with cafés and art galleries.
• Swim at Vlychos or Kaminia beaches.
• Hike trails leading to monasteries and viewpoints.
• Discover Hydra’s art scene—the island has inspired countless artists and writers.

Food to try: Grilled octopus and Hydra’s almond sweets.

How to get there from Athens:

• By ferry: About 1.5–2 hours from Piraeus port.

Best Hydra Tours

• 1 – Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch – Explore the Saronic Islands of Poros, Hydra, and Aegina on this day cruise from Athens that includes lunch, pickup, and drop off at your hotel.
• 2 – Hydra Island Private Day Trip – Private tour to Hydra Island from Athens, includes pickup and drop off

5. Corinth

Ancient Corinth was a major Greek city-state and later an important Roman hub. 

Today, you can explore ruins, a famous canal, and nearby beaches.

Best things to do:

• Visit Ancient Corinth’s ruins, including the Temple of Apollo.
• Explore the Acrocorinth fortress, with sweeping views.
• See the Corinth Canal, a 19th-century engineering marvel.
• Visit nearby Nemea, known for its wine and ancient stadium.

Food to try: Corinthian raisins, olive oil, and local wines.

How to get there from Athens:

• By car: About 1 hour (80 km).

• By train: Suburban trains connect Athens to Corinth in about 1 hour.

Best Corinth Tours

• 1 – From Athens: Ancient Corinth & Nafplio Premium Guided Tour – Visit Nafplio and Ancient Corinth in this guided tour from Athens.
• 2 – Ancient Corinth and Canal Corinth Private Tour – A private tour to the Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, and Acrocorinth (the acropolis of ancient Corinth).

6. Meteora

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Meteora is famous for its monasteries perched atop dramatic rock formations. 

Though further from Athens, it’s worth the journey.

Best things to do:

• Visit the six active monasteries—Great Meteoron, Varlaam, and others.
• Hike scenic trails between the cliffs.
• Enjoy panoramic photography opportunities.
• Explore the town of Kalambaka and the nearby Kastraki village.

Food to try: Local pies (spanakopita, meat pies) and tsipouro (Greek spirit).

How to get there from Athens:

• By train: Direct trains to Kalambaka take around 4–5 hours.

• By car: About 4.5 hours (350 km).

• By tour: Popular 1- or 2-day trips include guided monastery visits.

Best Meteora Tours

I suggest taking this full-day trip to Meteora from Athens, in which you will visit Meteora monasteries, as well as hermit caves nearby. To make the experience complete, you can also choose to stop for a brunch by the sea, a lunch in the village of Kastraki, and dinner beside the sea.

7. Mycenae

A major center of Greek civilization and a UNESCO site, Mycenae is linked to Homer’s epics and the Trojan War.

Best things to do:

• Enter through the iconic Lion Gate.
• Visit the Treasury of Atreus (Tholos Tomb).
• Explore royal tombs and palace ruins.
• Combine with a trip to nearby Epidaurus or Nafplio.

Food to try: Local wine and mezedes (Greek tapas) in the surrounding villages.

How to get there from Athens:

• By car: Around 1.5–2 hours (120 km).

• By bus: Regular KTEL buses link Athens with Mycenae.

Best Mycenae Tours

To visit Mycenae from Athens, the best option is to take the Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Full-Day Tour. It gives you the chance to visit three different locations in one day for a fair price.

8. Epidaurus

Famous for its Ancient Theater, Epidaurus was a healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine.

Best things to do:

• Experience the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, still used for performances today.
• Visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius ruins.
• Walk through the archaeological museum.
• Attend the Epidaurus Festival in the summer.

Food to try: Fresh seafood in nearby Palaia Epidaurus.

How to get there from Athens:

• By car: About 2 hours (130 km).

• By bus: Regular KTEL services connect Athens and Epidaurus.

Best Epidaurus Tours

To visit Epidaurus from Athens, the best option is to take the Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Full-Day Tour. It gives you the chance to visit three different locations in one day for a fair price.

Conclusion

Athens is not just a city, it’s a gateway to some of Greece’s most magical destinations. 

From the mystical ruins of Delphi and Mycenae to the seaside charm of Nafplio, the island escape of Hydra, and the dramatic cliffs of Meteora, the options are endless. 

Each trip offers its own blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it easy to tailor your journey to your interests.

Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a longer excursion, these destinations will enrich your Greek adventure and give you a deeper appreciation for the incredible variety this country has to offer.

be, or exploring the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion during sunset. Just consider travel times, shorter trips like Sounion or the islands may be easier for young children.

Accommodation for your 2 Days in Athens

Here are some options for those of you looking for hotels to stay in Athens, Greece:

Golden City Hotel – Although the hotel is not located in the most popular neighborhoods, it is close to metro stations giving you easy access to the tourist areas in Athens. It offers a nice breakfast and a terrace. Golden City Hotel is a great option if you are on a budget.

Syntagma Luxury Living One “LL1” Apartments – This is a good option if you prefer apartments over hotels. The apartments are close to Syntagma Square, the main square of Athens.

Royalty Hotel Athens – Overlooking the famous Monastiraki Square, one of the main tourist attractions of Athens. Very well located, just a walking distance from the Acropolis, and offers a nice breakfast.

Electra Palace Athens  – This 5-star hotel is everything you need to have an unforgettable experience in Athens. The rooms are well-decorated, the hotel offers breakfast and counts with a pool. But the crème de la crème is the terrace with a mesmerizing view of the Acropolis!

More About Greece

• 2 Perfect Days in Athens Itinerary
• 3 Days in Athens Itinerary 
• Visiting the Acropolis of Athens
• Best Greek Monuments in Athens
• Beaches Near Athens to Visit
• Acropolis Museum Guide

Greece Travel Essentials

• FLIGHT TICKET: Get the best flight deal with Skyscanner.
• ACCOMMODATION: Find the perfect accommodation on Booking.
• VISA: Apply for a Visa on iVisa.
• eSIM: Stay connected throughout your trip with Airalo eSim. It offers packages from 7 to 30 days for accessible prices.
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• GUIDED TOUR: Find the best tours in Italy on GetYourGuide