Looking for the perfect day trips from Athens? I spent 2 weeks in Greece, island hopping and enjoying beautiful sunsets. Although Athens is a great city, it’s not a place that you need to spend more than 4 days in if your time is limited. If you’re looking for fun cities filled with history, gorgeous beaches, and unique experiences, I’ve got you covered.
If you’re short on time, here are my top recommendations for day trips from Athens less than 4 hours away.
- Aegina
- Poros
- Sounion
- Corinth
- Nafplio
- Delphi
- Meteora
- Chania
7 + Day Trips from Athens That You’ll Love Less Than 1 Hour Away
Athens is one of the most visited cities in the world. Filled with a rich history and tons of museums, it is a fantastic base for exploring some of Greece’s most unique destinations.
I recommend doing at least one day trip before heading to Santorini or another Greek island. To make planning easy, I’ve included the best day trips and hotel recommendations in cities less than 4 hours away.
Aegina: Pistachios and Temples
Distance from Athens: 27 km (17 miles)
People come from all over the world to visit the fragrant pistachio groves located throughout Aegina. Aegina is an island located an 1 hour from Athens, so you’ll need to take the ferry.
Book lovers and history buffs will love visiting the Temple of Aphai, formerly known as the Temple of Jupiter Panhellenius. Other popular historical sites in Aegina are the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Lykabetus, and a Ceremony place used for the Olympic Games.
The sunsets on Aegina are epic and much less crowded than the ones in Oia, Santorini. There are lots of beaches including Souvala Beach, Marathon Beach, and Perdika Beach. Perdika is known for being very family friendly, while Zenobia Beach is better for those seeking a more laid-back, secluded vibe.
I recommend staying at Villa Carmina for a hotel with a very authentic Greek decor, amazing views of the sea, and a pool to relax in.
Poros: A Day Trip from Athens to a Beautiful Island
Distance from Athens: 58 km (36 miles)
Poros is slowly becoming a must-visit for Greek tourists. Some skip Santorini all together for this more laid back island. They fall in love with the turquois beaches and seaside restaurants.
It only takes about an hour to get to Poros from the ferry in Athens so it’s quick and easy.
One of the top hotels in Poros is, New Aegli Resort Hotel, a beachside hotel with everything you can think of: a sauna, tennis court, piano bar, and table tennis. It’s also a great hotel for families, as they have a playground. A more intimate option is this seaview apartment.
Sounion: Temple of Poseidon
Distance from Athens: 70 km (43 miles)
Visiting Sounion is one of the most common day trips from Athens. It’s only an hour away by car and if you leave eaerly, you can beat traffic. I did a cool drone tour in Sounion and it was worth the drive.
History or Greek myth lovers will enjoy Sounion, home to the Temple of Poseidon. The best time to visit is at sunrise but its sunset is what most people come to see. The views are legendary, but it can get very busy with buses of tourists.
The Sounion National Park is ideal for hiking and exploring Greece’s nature but you can also enjoy swimming at Sounion Beach. The water was cold but absolutely gorgeous.
The hotels in Sounion are usually 4 and 5 stars so be prepared to pay a bit more than you would in Athens. One of the most iconic hotels in Sounio is Cape Sounio Grecotel Boutique Resort, a luxurious hotel serving Cretan dishes, with terracotta bungalows, and an airport shuttle. A more affordable hotel is Aegeon Beach Hotel, a 4 star oceanside hotel with beautiful views of the ocean.
Corinth: A Day Trip From Athens to the Greek Countryside
Distance from Athens: 84 km (52 miles)
This quaint city was once a powerful city-state. Today there are ruins ontop of hills. The Corinth Canal is one its most popular sites. It’s a site to behod, connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Watching the ships go through the canal during sunset is a must.
Another popular attraction is the Temple of Apollo, once considered the patron saint of Corinth. This Historians say that the temple was so beautiful that the Romans refused to destroy it during war. Later, a earthquake would cause it to fall.
My hotel recommendation is the Black and White SeaSide House Kalamia because it offers views of the ocean and the mountain.
Nafplio : Old Greecian Charm
Distance from Athens: 137 km (85 miles)
Once a sleepy town, Nafplio is a charming city located in the Peloponnese. You can visit this city in under 2 hours from Athens. Visiting Palamdi Castle Fortress is amust but be ready to climb almost 999 steps to reach it. Bourtizi castle is another small fortress. If you have enough time, walk the fortess of Akronauplia and enjoy the view of the sea.
Don’t leave without try the gkogkes, a local handmade pasta similar to gnocchi.
Hotel Recommendation:
Aetoma Hotel
- Located in an 18th century mansion
- Free breakfast & room service
- Gorgeous balcony views
- The hotel is adjacent to the historic Church of St. Spyridon, where Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of modern Greece, was assassinated.
Day Trips from Athens that Are More Than an Hour Away
Delphi: The Center of the World
Distance from Athens: 180 km (112 miles)
Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours by car
Delphi is what fairytales are made of. Located 2.5 hours from Athens, Delphi is filled with history and mythology. Delphi was once considered the center of the world in ancient Greek culture.
The Sanctuary of Apollo is the most visisted place in Delphi. It is where the Oracle of Delphi once gave out prophecies beleived to be given to him by the Greek God Apollo. Thousands of pilgrims would travel from all over seeking divine guidance. These prohpheices would go on to shape the destinies of not only your average day citizen, but entire communities alike.
Explorr Delphi’s archaeological museum which is home to a large collection of artifacts like the Charioteer of Delphi, an exquisite bronze statue,
Hotel Recommendations:
- Amalia Hotel Delphi : panoramic views of the mountains and the valley, 5 star rated
- V Hotel Delphi : Balcony views are 10/10
Meteora: A Day Trip to See an UNESCO World Heritage Site
Distance from Athens: 350 km (217 miles)
Picture this: You’re walking through the forest and come across a monastray sitting on top of a cliff, breaking out of the morning fog. Meteora is a place that is often overlooked, but as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it shouldn’t be. The monastreries were built sometime during the 14th century. During times of political or religious conflict, the monasteries were used to keep people safe.
Make sure to bring your drone to take epic videos and photos. It truly looks unreal! Meteora is also a great place for hiking and history.
I recommend staying at Petrino Guesthouse. It’s located near the base of the Meteora rocks so you’ll have views of the monasteries. It’s a small guest house with homemade Greek breakfast and a lovely terrace.
Meteora is the longest trip from Athens, taking about 4.5 hours to reach by car but it’s absolutely worth it.
Chania
Chania, located on the stunning island of Crete, makes for an ideal day trip from Athens. Direct flights from Athens International Airport to Chania International Airport take approximately 50 minutes, making it a quick escape. Once you arrive, head to the Old Venetian Harbor,to see the lighthouse and charming cafes and restaurants.
Visit the Maritime Museum of Crete to delve into the island’s rich naval history, and don’t miss the Archaeological Museum housed in a former Venetian monastery. For nature lovers, a short drive from Chania takes you to the lush Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk amidst diverse flora.
If you prefer a beach day, head to Seitan Limania or Balos Lagoon for a dip in the sea.
Hotel Recommendation: Palazzo di Irene
Don’t stick to Athens your entire trip. Try some of these cities for a unique glimpse into Greece’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re wandering through ancient temples, tanning on a beach, or enjoying amazing Greek food, cuisine, these day trips from Athens are sure to leave a lasting impact on you.
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