Last Updated: December 20, 2023
Athens has so many things to do that irrespective of the number of days you’re visiting, there will always be something new to do or another neighborhood to explore. Once you’ve delved into the city, why not grab the opportunity and venture outside its limits. There are such fantastic places to visit outside the capital, making them the perfect destinations for day trips from Athens. Each of them with a unique character that will possibly have you wishing you could stay more than just one day.
The 10 cities and islands mentioned below, are close enough to Athens, which means that they are ideal destinations for day trips from Athens. They are also perfect in case you feel like spending a little longer than that.
1. SPETSES ISLAND
Spetses island is located in the Saronic Gulf, 2 hours away from Athens by ferry. It is a lush island, favourite amongst the Athenians due to its close proximity to the capital. There are frequent ferries leaving from Piraeus Port and they cost 38.50 euro one way. Cars are not allowed in Spetses apart from taxis and delivery vans, instead, they rely on their transportation on bicycles, scooters and horse-drawn carriages.
2. HYDRA ISLAND
If you decide to visit Spetses, then I would highly recommend that you make a stop for a few hours at Hydra island on your way there. The two islands are only a mere hour away from each other, by ferry and the ticket to travel between them costs 11.50 one way. Hydra is a small picturesque island with great beaches and due to its size, you can easily explore the main city and the surroundings on foot in a few hours.
3. EVIA
Chances are, you’ve never heard of Evia before in your life, so allow me to introduce to you the second largest island in Greece. To explore the entire island you will, of course, need more than just one day but just an hour drive from Athens, there is the little town of Eretria. At the little port of the town, there are several restaurants and cafes, you will also find a few nice hotels in case you decide to stay the night. It is a tranquil place with an interesting history. Drive to the nearby Amarynthos (15 minutes) and enjoy a nice lunch by the sea at one of the fish taverns followed by a refreshing dip in the sea before you head back to Athens.
4. MONEMVASIA
Monemvasia is located in Peloponesse and it is slightly further away (3 hours from Athens) from the destinations we have covered so far but don’t let that discourage you. The unique blend of the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea and the medieval architecture of the castle city, creates a striking scenery that will undoubtedly beguile you. The castle of Monemvasia is carved in a rock and the village is not visible from the mainland. During the medieval years, it was reachable only by boat, which makes you wonder no longer why they named it Monemvasia, meaning ‘single passage’ in Greek. Nowadays, the village can be accessed by a causeway connected to the mainland.
Cars are not allowed in the village, so make sure you park your car in the adjacent town Gefyra and take the shuttle bus to the entrance of the village (5 minutes ride), or you could walk it in 20 minutes.
5. NAFPLIO
Nafplio is less known amongst the mass of tourists who flock to Greece during the summer months but this picturesque town is totally worth exploring it. It is famed to be one of the most romantic cities in Greece with a unique blend of beautiful architecture and neoclassical houses; narrow cobblestone alleys and the imposing Palamidi Castle resting on a hill, offering some breathtaking views. Nafplio is an all year round destination, so if you’re visiting Athens offseason, not to worry, as the town is bustling with life no matter the time of the year.
6. AEGINA
Aegina is one of the closest islands to the mainland, only an hour approximately by ferry from Pireaus port. Athenians love it and some of them will be quick to tell you that they visit it so frequently, as if it was a suburb of Athens. It has a laid back lifestyle like in any Greek island and it is very authentic, unspoiled by the masses of tourists. As soon as you get off the ferry, you will find yourself in the main town of the island. Cafes and tavernas are located on the promenade, perfect for a tasty Greek meal with a view over the Aegean Sea. Make your way towards the island’s narrow streets, converse with the locals and check out the cute stores with arts and crafts, while keeping a leisurely pace, mimicking the locals lifestyle. Aegina is famous for producing some of the best pistachios in the world, so do not leave without tasting them!
7. VOULIAGMENI & SOUNION
These two destinations are amongst my favourites when I’m in Athens and I need a break from the bustling city. You can reach Vouliagmeni in 40 minutes from the centre of Athens and as you get farther away from the city, the traffic, noise and commotion give way to green areas, seaside and serenity. The highlights of the area is the Lake Vouliagmeni, where you can unwind and swim at its warm waters and the Four Seasons, Astir Palace Hotel. Treat yourself to a mouthwatering lunch at one of its restaurants facing the sea or simply wander around to admire this historic hotel.
Sounion is a further 40-minute drive away from Vouliagmeni. The most important sight at Cape Sounio is the Temple of Poseidon, dating back to the 5th century. It is worth visiting the temple (ticket fee is 8 euro), but if you choose to focus your energy more towards the nearby beaches, we won’t judge as they are very tempting, especially during the hot summer days. Pin these 2 beautiful destinations on your travel plans and enjoy these day trips from Athens even if your stay is short; you’ll thank me later!
8. MESSENIA: COSTA NAVARINO & PILOS
Messinia is a region in Peloponnese of outstanding beauty. I would urge you to spend more than just one day to explore this unique part of Greece. If one day is all you can dedicate, then try to squeeze in at least the villages that are in the coastline, starting from Marathoupoli, continuing to Costa Navarino Hotel, Gialova and end your trip in Pilos. Following this route, you will cover charming villages, gorgeous beaches, lagoons and almost everything that makes this area so beautiful. Do not miss the Voidokilia Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in Greece. Also, the Divari Lagoon which attracts flocks of birds such as seagulls and flamingos amongst others who are migrating to and from Africa. If time allows it, make a stop at the famous Costa Navarino hotel, a complex of 2 hotels and golf courses, Greece’s biggest tourist development.
9. SALAMINA
Salamina is the closest island to Athens, placing this little island on the top of the list of destinations for day trips from Athens. You can reach it in 40 minutes from Piraeus Port or in 15 minutes from Perama Port, which is west of the port of Piraeus. It is a quiet island which attracts mainly locals, as it is not very popular amongst tourists. You will need a car to explore Salamina if you want to discover its gorgeous beaches and the small picturesque villages. The drive from one part of the island to the other is lush and scenic making it worth the time spent in the car.
10. PORTO CHELI
Porto Cheli is located at the northeastern Peloponnese coast and it is a well-kept secret amongst the Greeks and probably they want to keep it that way. If it’s not an island, then this is where the elite is coming when they want to stay away from the crowds of Mykonos and Santorini. It is a peaceful slice of heaven with a few restaurants and cafes located on the promenade and you will find no chain stores, as locals strive to keep its authenticity. You could combine a visit to Porto Cheli with a stopover in Spetses as it is only 15 minutes boat ride away. On your way here, make sure you stop at Epidaurus and visit the Sanctuary of Asklepios.
