The tour starts in Piraeus, which is 9 miles/15 km from Athens. Outside the picturesque Aegina Town, the Temple of Aphaia, which is among the countrys top ancient sites, and the villages of Agia Marina and Perdika are also worth a visit. Required fields are marked *. Travel time is around threehours. While you can DIY this trip, there are also many agencies that offer day tours from Athens to Corinth. Read Next: My (super-informative) Day Trip to Delphi. The park is criss-crossed by hiking trails, with two large, full-featured hiking lodges. On the tour, you can try white wines like Assyrtiko, Malagousia, and Savatiano. (Who am I kidding, how could anyone get tired of island hopping in Greece?!) . With ancient sites, relaxing coves, and picturesque seaside villages, Aegina is a good choice for an island day trip from Athens. After spending about 2 days in Athens or so, itd be wise to get yourself outta the city! The village of Chrisso is full of super cute cobblestoned streets to wander, with shops and small cafes you can duck into for a quick bite. On a hilltop backed by powerful mountains stand the sombre and mighty ruins of Ancient Mycenae, home of the legendary Agamemnon. Its walls climb in zig-zags up a hill and measure almost 2 kilometers in length! From ancient ruins to island beaches, these day trips from Athens are well worth considering. Suddenly the land converges on all sides and the boat is squeezed into a narrow strait from which there is no egress. One could maintain that not much has changed since then. The picturesque island of Aegina gets packed with Athenians on summer weekends leoks / Shutterstock, The 9 best day trips from Athens for beaches, ruins and culture. Book yourself a tour to. Always seek local advice before setting out. While the city itself has tons of restaurants and shops, your visit will truly feel special because of the ancient history that surrounds you! During my recent trip to Greece, I visited Delphi on a. as well), so thats something to keep in mind as well if youve got 2 days to spare in Athens. I wont go too far in depth about Aegina, (since its covered it in the other section), but basically, its home to one of the most famous temples in Greece: the Temple of Aphaia. Havent had enough history just yet? We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences, and savor the journey. Once youve experienced the best things to see and do in Athens and the best food to try, come with me as I explore the Saronic Islands and more to showcase the best island day trips for you. Or, head to Arachova, the hilly little town with red-roofed homes thats one of the most beloved winter getaways from Athens because of its amazing ski resorts. Northeast of Athens, Marathon is the site of one of the greatest battles in history and the place where the modern Athens Marathon commences, following the steps of Pheidippides, the legendary ancient courier who first ran the glorious route. If youve never heard of these places, theyre home to some of the most impressive temples in Greece, like the Lionesses Gate and the Ancient Treasure of Atreus. There are plenty of historic and natural gems to explore on Aegina, and since its the longest stop, you should be able to hit the most iconic spots. Please and thank you! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, Im Jess. ), definitely check out a sailing trip or two from Athens. Its famous for not allowing any motorized vehicles on the island except the fire and refuse trucks. Why worry about driving, transportation, or logistics when you dont have to? Aegina is one of the most important and famous islands for Greek ruins and history (oh so much history everywhere in this country!). The ruins hold many remains of temples, homes, and government buildings, but quite possibly the most important is the Temple of Apollo, which still has a handful of standing columns. We start with Salamis, the nearest island to Athens at just 12 miles away from the small Port of Perama, very near the main Athenian Port of Piraeus. However, if youd rather have your transportation organized or go with a local driver/guide, you can, book this half-day sunset tour from Athens. Book half day sunset tour to Cape Sounio hereor check out the additional options below: Filed Under: europe Tagged With: athens, greece, Your email address will not be published. Set out on one of the following Athens day trips and I promise you, you wont regret it. Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece, is one of the prettiest towns in the country, with splendid Venetian and neoclassical architecture and fortresses like the hilltop Palamidi (a famous 999-step climb) or Bourtzi (a small fortified islet in the harbor). How to get to Ancient Mycenae: Daily KTEL intercity buses depart from Athens to Fichti, the nearest town to Ancient Mycenae, on the Nafplio route. Mid trip, a hearty Greek lunch will be provided, so make sure to eat your weight in grape leaves and traditional Greek cake (I sure did). We recommend booking this day tour to save the hassle of getting back and forth from Athens. Without a visit to the ancient areas of Corinth, its hard to understand the fascinating story of this place. This is the canal that separates the Peloponnese Peninsula from the Greek mainland and is an incredibly picturesque spot, where the sparkling blue seawater juts between two vertical cliffs. Lined with high-end resorts, Cape Sounio is a hotspot for vacationers looking for a break from Athens. Theres no need to book in advance as departures are frequent. Rebecca is a British travel writer and author who lives in Greece, gaining inspiration from the beauty of the country and the people and gastronomy. Though not strictly in the Saronic chain of islands, it is still possible to spend a day here. Located at the entrance to the Peloponnese Peninsula, youll find ancient marvels located next to the shine and sparkle of modern-day Corinth. A mix of influences from the Middle East, Italy, Turkey and beyond, Greek cuisine is one of the richest in the world. Lastly, we look at the Greek island of Kea. Skala also has a clean, organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, making it a popular spot to hop off the ferry and spend the day relaxing before taking the evening ferry back to Athens. The harbors been rebuilt to resemble the architecture of its heyday in the 1800s when it was ruled by the Venetians, and you dont need to have a vast knowledge of architecture to appreciate the uniqueness of the houses and mansions here. Nevertheless, its a pleasant seaside town worth visiting if only for a relaxing break from a hectic city-sightseeing itinerary and for a taste of Greek small-town life. I know, they sound like amazing, faraway lands from some kind of storybook, but these are actual places that you can visit on a day trip to the Argolis area! If youre keen to explore more of the island, the beaches are served by a small bus service that regularly circles around. This forested island has a ton of wildlife and is perfect for a tranquil, midday siesta. Pro Tip: The high-speed ferry from Piraeus takes about 3 hours and about five ferries run each day. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. , you can try white wines like Assyrtiko, Malagousia, and Savatiano. Cape Sounion, at the southernmost tip of Attica, is where the splendid Temple of Poseidon is located this is one of the best spots around Athens to savor a gorgeous sunset. Since youll be drinking alllll the wines and enjoying your life to the fullest (it is Greece afterall! I cant stress this enough if you dont have time to make it south to the popular islands (. , Read Next: The Perfect 2-Day Athens Itinerary for the First Time Visitor. If its rainy or youd simply like to learn more, there are also two history museums the Archaeological Museum of Delphi and the Museum of Delphic Festivals to learn even more about the history and traditions of the area. There are many caves and much wildlife, including red deer. Cape Sounio is also known for epic sunsets (which, not gonna lie, is what sold me on adding the cape to my never-ending bucket list!). Numerous small museums, art galleries and boutique hotels, together with the ever-present yachts docked in the harbor, contribute to its classy aura and more than make up for the lack of beaches. Poros Town is built amphitheatrically around the port curved and rising from the ground up, surrounded by lush green pine forests. Walking and hiking along the old paths that cut across the island side to side past old chapels and small settlements is another popular activity, especially in the spring and fall when the weathers cooler. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Take a bike tour around some of the beaches on the island (then relax later on). Theres a reason why Aegina is on the itinerary of many sailing day trips from Athens (psst its gorgeous). Further south is the posh resort of Porto Heli, where Greek and international jetsetters own luxurious villas and mansions. All rights reserved. Damn right, affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. Greeks and foreign tourists alike come to Aegina for day trips and weekend breaks and its lack of all-inclusive resorts makes it a popular destination for relaxing, sightseeing, and drinking a coffee along the waterfront. Learn about the logistics here! width=750 height=500>, Plus, many of these day trips from Athens will be much quieter and less touristy than the city itself, giving you a chance to escape the crowds and observe a more authentic version of local Greek life. The tour will end at a locally-owned seafood tavern, While you can DIY this trip, there are also many agencies that offer day tours from Athens to Corinth. Psst I like to join organized trips in order to leave the driving to someone else, especially when traveling solo. , Ios, and Crete ring a bell, correct? This idyllic island full of picturesque red tiled houses and narrow stone-paved streets is one Ill gladly revisit on my next trip to Greece. Since youll be drinking alllll the wines and enjoying your life to the fullest (it is Greece afterall! Both will take you to the main sites in the Argolis area, but the first tour actually comes with an actual archaeologist as your guide, who can tell you all of the cool stories and theories surrounding these ruins. This delicious tour takes you to a few local wineries near Athens, and includes lunch in a delicious seaside tavern. Pro Tip: There are regular connections from the Port of Piraeus in Athens with journey times of 1 to 2 hours depending on which ferry service you take. How to get to Nafplio:Take the intercity bus from Athens Kifissos station to Nafplio. , the guide will take you to a dedicated swimming spot where you can watch the sunset (swoooooon x 23436234). If you DIY this trip, you may have a harder time finding a spot to swim, but there are plenty of seaside restaurants where you can take in the sunset views! In either place, you can stop at a locally-owned Greek taverna to sample traditional Greek dishes that will make your mouth water with joy. This cruise explores the nearby Saronic Islands, and is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing and adventurous day tours from Athens all in one. Book tour hereor check out the additional options below: Quite possibly one of the most famous sites in Greece (and one of the most popular day trips from Athens), Meteora is an area home to isolated, ancient monasteries that sit atop the most eerie rock formations ever vertical columns that seem to spring out of nowhere! The archaeological museum, the tomb of Athenians fallen in the battle, and the lake with its dam are the main attractions of the area. The region also has some agreeable sandy beaches and numerous local wineries, many open to the public. (straight from Athens), but you can also get to Delphi by bus or car if youd rather DIY your own trip. Pro Tip: High-speed services to Hydra operate from the Port of Piraeus, and there are about five a day with journey times of just under 2 hours. 17+ Incredible Things to do in Oia, Santorini: Iconic Blue Domes and Lots More! Youll also get to try some of the local red wines, like Agiorgitiko, as well as international varieties grown in Greece, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. :). For a quiet trip and a chance to spend time on the beach during a day away from the city, you cant go wrong with this tiny Saronic island. With so many islands to choose from, its often thought that to enjoy a Greek island experience one has to travel far from Athens by plane. But in the 1870s the amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann (182290), despite derision from professionals, struck gold, first at Troy then at Mycenae. For this reason, an overnight stay is well worth it on this beautiful, verdant island. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. It can be combined with lunch or dinner at one of the many fish taverns in the nearby working-class town of Lavrio. To say they are quite famous here is a massive understatement! How to get to Cape Sounion: Both places are accessible by intercity bus (KTEL) from Pedion Areos terminal station. During a trip to Cape Sounio, you can lounge by the beach and frolic in the water, and also make a stop at the famed Temple of Poseidon, which is one of the most well-known temples in all of Greece. During my recent trip to Greece, I visited Delphi on a 2-day trip to Northern Greece (which included the monasteries of Meteora as well), so thats something to keep in mind as well if youve got 2 days to spare in Athens. Head to Ancient Corinth to catch a breathtaking glimpse of one of the most influential Classical cities, which was taken over by the Romans in 146 BC. The capital is Ioulida, a place that bans cars, and the Medieval castle standing guard over the quaint village makes for an interesting visit. During your visit to Cape Sounio, you can stop at the nearby Temple of Poseidon, which is still fairly intact even though it was built in 444-440 BC. Book 2 day tour to both Delphi and Meteora here. Then, youll head to the former capital of Greece, Nafplio, where youll get to see the blend of Venetian, Greek, Ottoman, and Byzantine architecture and history. But a number of other outstanding destinations are located within easy reach whether you travel by boat, public transport or with your own wheels. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips. Here, you can hang out by the water or explore the town, where youll find cobblestoned streets and adorable shops and Greek tavernas. ), I strongly recommend booking that tour. It also includes a local guide who can tell you all about the history of the places youre seeing (better than any guidebook or travel blog can, I promise! The town is built on the hillside around a stunning harbor; it has a tranquil allure like no other Greek island as its completely car-free. , which is reasonably priced and organizes everything for you (and lets you have a glimpse of the gorgeous sunsets I mentioned before!). Book sailing trip to 3 islands hereor check out the additional options below: As one of the popular Athens day trips, a visit to Nafplio, Mycenae, and Epidaurus (also known as the Argolis) offers a nice mix of history and charming villages. Nature lovers will love it here as there are several rare plant species as well as wild birds and reptiles.
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